#please . talk to me about the art i am absorbing and the art you are absorbing

[deep-space-lines]

okay but like. I just had the weirdest thought about that ‘don’t look I’m naked’ comic. Which is that that’s essentially the same thing Adam and Eve did after they ate the fruit of knowledge of good&evil. So I feel like the theological implications of that could kneecap Gabe if he doesn’t think V1 is a being with free will.

yeah ok. i dunno man. is this anything

((side note. this isn’t necessarily meant to be in-character or story-accurate or take place at any particular point in time, just a way to explore some Thoughts. i was also imagining more that V1’s words aren't actually spoken, more like Gabriel’s more articulate interpretation of whatever garbled mechanical noise V1 is using to communicate. I think an angel could do that.))

and then they fucked nasty the end

[siegecraft]

january 2025 media diary

am always trying to figure out how to more frequently share what i have read and played and enjoyed recently so i can talk about it with other people. and i always end up overly formalizing this and then it feels like a chore i have to keep up with so i stop.

so i think what i am going to try to do this year is list what i remember each month and talk about what stuck out to me and if you have engaged with these things also and want to talk to me about any of them please do.

books

Dear Senthuran: A Black Spirit Memoir by Akwaeke Emezi

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood

would recommend all of these except the lockwood book. i am a huge emezi fan and am trying to finish reading through their present corpus before Somadina comes out in April. i'm not big on memoirs but i really enjoyed Dear Senthuran, they talk about a lot of vulnerable things in a gorgeously articulated and self-honest way that i appreciated. i read We Have Always Lived in the Castle specifically because @haunthouse talked about it awhile back and had a great time with Merricat. My Sister... was not really it for me storywise but i was really taken with how efficient the storytelling was and it was a great craft reminder for me about how you can really just do what you need to in a scene and move on. tightly written + tense book.

am currently midway through a Neuromancer book club / re-read, The Priory of the Orange Tree, and Disability Visibility so february may just be mostly a finishing books month for me. am also going to read The Intuitionist for my one-on-one book clubs where our jan book was Priory if i get through that one.

board games

Star Realms: Frontiers

Shards of Infinity

Calico

Slay the Spire

Morels

big deckbuilding month for me but when isnt it. Star Realms, Calico, and Slay the Spire are replays. I am still so taken with the Slay the Spire board game as a satisfying translation of the video game, truly my only criticism is that the card sleeves are so low quality compared to the rest of the components. still need to get better card sleeves for them Shards of Infinity is an out-of-print deckbuilder with absolutely abysmal manufacturing quality that liz got me for Hanukkah. it's a blast even though i think some of the decks combos are busted. liz was given Morels as a belated christmas gift (two player hand management / drafting game) and i am surprised by how much i'm enjoying it even when it's frustrating. i do wish you weren't constantly moving cards though, i feel like we spend more time moving cards than making play decisions.

ttrpgs

Beam Saber (campaign)

played sessions four, five, and six of a weekly "oops, all gms" beam saber campaign and that was about it for ttrpgs this month. our gm and my two co-players are such gems. i do want to find a way to try out more different games this year but i find i really only enjoy one-shots with the right group. that said i am running a Realis one-shot tomorrow that i'm excited for. idly also thinking about trying to run Lady Blackbird again or finally cracking my Yazeba's box set. and i need to get back to The Prince of Nothing Good so anticipate some games of that, though realistically not before march.

music

always listen to a lot of different stuff but new stuff i've been enjoying is the Carl Allen album Tippin’ that came out this month, "Rule #44 - Badger" from the recent Fish in a Birdcage album Mentors, and liz got me into the TWICE EP With YOU-th as my dishes / chores upbeat album.

am also really sad that Murder by Death announced their farewell tour: will definitely see them twice this year but am trying to decide if i can swing the cave show (which they will keep doing) and/or folding that concert into a trip. i am still listening to "True Dark" multiple times every day.

live performance

Gauntlet at the Garden: Dimension 20 Live

Mike DiRubbo Quartet at Smalls Jazz Club

the only shows i saw were when i was in new york which is fine! that was the big fun spendy thing i did this month. D20 live was a blast especially with the friend group i went with, and i think they did a solid job given the format adaptation. i do not need to give dramaturgical notes on a one-off event where the players clearly were having a starstruck time. i did need my earplugs the entire time though and so apparently missed some kind comments about my season 2 pete closet costume. seeing live jazz again was a magical experience and i want to do this more often. Ugonna Okegwo on bass was the standout for me.

i want to make a concerted effort to see live theatre this month but haven't decided what, i think i'm still holding the specialness of Stereophonic to myself and wanting everything to feel that electric. but not everything can or should be Stereophonic.

[ihopeinevergetsoberr]

do you fancy a quickie? word count: 2,5k cw: shameless smut, viktor is a tease (everybody act surprised), no use of y/n, reader is reffered to as spouse. what else? ah yes. semi-public sex.

art cr: @arcanescribbles. saw her viktor in formal wear and instanly knew i had to write something mentioning it. *standard 'english is not my first language please don't be mean to me' bullshit*

It felt immaculate. The languid wince of bright eyes, the smirk you were wearing — chiselled just perfectly precisely for a moment like this, as if you were an inborn heartthrob rejecting unfortunate suitors left and right — a natural, if you will. 

“I appreciate the compliment,” you started from a far, making sure — patently by total accident — to casually snake a dextrous hand up your chest, resting it right above your cleavage — just where that fool’s eyes were devouring you. “But I am simply not interested. I’m married.”

You’re savoring the drop of his face when he notices the ring. You just wiped a grin off a man’s face with class — surely, that must’ve felt spectacular, and you rejoiced when he hummed — suddenly all clumsy and simply pitiful — and, with a rather impolite mumble of a sharp ‘excuse me’, walked away, leaving you all proud and unapproachable. Yeah, that’s right. Don’t ask me for a hand in a dance, gentlemen — because someone has already put a ring on it. 

You got back to chugging on your champagne, lips tightly closed around the rim of that ridiculously fancy glass, although it matched the ridiculously fancy gown you were impressing the so-called select society with tonight. And it actually worked (or so it seems),  since you managed to strike the fancy of the mentioned earlier tipsy sir, who were now pouting his lips like an offended child, turning his subtle drunkenness into a full-blown intoxication; squinting, and ranting, and swallowing yet another drink as he kept whining about your flawless rejection to a bunch of sympathetic peers. 

But you couldn’t care less — not when you were just minutes away from leaving this bougie ballroom behind, with all its curious glances and endless mingling; so many faces, when you only wanted to stare into the sharpness of one — with two moles piercing the pale canvas of skin and cheekbones hollow enough to stroke a soft finger over the lines of them, demanding a kiss. You sigh — almost dreamily in the way your head wearily leans its weight onto the back of your palm. So cliché, but who are they to blame you? Not when your husband is such a sight, and certainly not when your husband is such a sound — raspy, low, and, frankly – simply hot, and you giggle at the thought, sinking two front teeth into the pad of your thumb. 

You barely understand a word when Viktor tells the inquisitive Upsiders about the Hexclaw glove, yet still absorb each moment of his speech with tender thoroughness, because listening to him talk — about anything, really — is a privilege, one you cherished dearly and with genuine care. You were an admirer, watching him — all intelligent and so pensive, in that suit, with that raw passion in the depth of copper eyes, on that stage. And comprehension is not necessary — not when you see how talking about his inventions lights him up; so bright, that he could easily outshine the golden boy. In your loving eyes, at the very least. 

He notices when you join the round of enthusiastic applause, quietly thanking his audience for the attention — pensive and polite, so uniquely pretty in his demureness. It feels like showing him off, and that grin stretches even further across your face when he goes down the stage to walk up in your direction. 

You’re not subtle with that kiss. Pulling on his tie, shamelessly pushing your tongue into his mouth, knowing that they stare, and when Viktor — all wide-eyed and smitten — reciprocates, humming into the heat of your lips, you’re gone. He’s breathless when it’s over, arches a thick eyebrow in a curious manner, sinking your proud expression in. 

“What was that for?” he chuckles, feeling the damage done to his bottom lip with your teeth. 

“Can’t I kiss my husband simply because I felt like it?” you purr in response, greedily eyeing him. 

He laughs. You stroke a hand over the rise of his chest, and he clutches his cane — the pretty one for special occasions, with elegant carving and gilding. 

A thin arm wrapped around your waist coaxes you to jump off the stool, allowing him to steal an embrace. Can’t resist Viktor in a suit. In his other attire too, of course, but god does he look spectacular all dressed up. It’s almost like he was made for all the blazers, vests, and ironed shirts — an inborn gentleman, sickeningly handsome.  

His gaze travels down, to the oh so taunting cut of the silky dress: a peek of garter holding the elegant stocking, and you notice just how he relentlessly fails not to drool over you too shamelessly.

“How was my, er, speech?” he asks, practically forcing himself to rip those eyes off your hip. “I suppose it went rather well — very laconically, if I do say so myself. However, I’m afraid that Jayce is much more natural when it comes to keeping the audience entertained.”

“I was too busy listening to you to pay much attention to the golden boy,” you confess, straightening his vest for him — another excuse to touch him, but Viktor decides to touch you instead.

“That is rather disrespectful,” he scoffs, gently capturing your wrist into the warmth of his hand, and before you can react — presses a chaste kiss to the back of your palm. Damn him and his gentlemanly tricks. 

“Perhaps,” you shrug, giggling when his breath tickles your knuckles. “But you did amazing. Truly.”

“I am flattered,” he acknowledges, letting go of your wrist. His touch lingers there — warm and domestic, a wordless way of returning the courtesy. “I hope that my brief absence didn’t bore you too much?”

“Not in the slightest,” you assured him with a wry smile, and he met your words with another inquisitive hum. “Some very persistent gentleman kept trying to convince me that I need an interlocutor.”

“Is that so?” the inventor asked, evidently amused by your revelation. “And just how did that go for him, may I ask?”

“He was heartbroken to hear that I was married, you see,” you sigh, and your lips protrude into a pout — one of fake, rather comical sympathy.

“What a pity,” Viktor retorted, blessing your ears with that low, raspy laugh of his. “I hope the news didn’t crush him.” 

“Ah, don’t even bother. You hope they did.”

“What an accusation,” he exclaims, and your hands ache to strangle him with that pretty tie. “Though not an entirely unreasonable one, I must admit.”

“My point exactly,” you bite back, and your arms rush to be wrapped around the bastard's neck, chest pressed flush to his, heartbeats mingling into a mess of thuds. 

Sinewy fingers don’t hesitate to slip into the cut of your dress. They also don’t falter to cautiously crawl into the band of your stocking, almost forcing you to whimper his name into the crook of his neck — an indirect plea to proceed in private. 

“Such a mouthy thing,” Viktor whispers, and you’re done with him, almost ready to demand he bends you over in front of those very Topsiders. “Just what shall I do with you, hm?” 

He’s hard against your thigh, even a hint of friction has him jolting, hissing a quiet curse into your mouth when he occupies it with a kiss again — one too lewd to be appropriate for public eyes. 

“You should steal me away,” you suggest, staring into the madness of heavy eyes piercing yours. “For some fresh air, of course.”

“Fresh air?” he mocks, shaking his head in fake disapproval. “Is that the only reason? Not that I’m reluctant to be alone with you — quite the opposite, actually. I simply doubt that it’s the real, eh… purpose of the encounter you’re suggesting.”

Fuck’s sake. He’s utterly incorrigible. Thanks Janna you love this man. 

You sigh, struggling to suppress the urge to slap him. 

“Do you fancy a quickie?” you finally surrender, knowing damn well that out-smartassing Viktor is simply impossible. Besides — the way his lips stretch into a thin handsome line feels greater than any meaningless pleasure a well-aimed smart comment could ever bring.

It feels even better when his mouth hovers above your ear, purring a sweet, “I most certainly do.”

***

You squeak when he presses you against the cool bathroom wall, and a cautious hand cradles the back of your head, preventing it from repeating the dreary fate of his cane, which had just hit the floor with a loud thud. You, on the other hand — no pun intended, of course — are not that careful with your limbs, fingers already tangled into his hair, messing up its unusually neat style. He’s kissing you with desperation: rush didn’t leave him any time for hesitation, but you’ll gladly take him like this — all frantic, cock an aching swell inside his finest dress pants. 

“Darling,” he keens, licking at the fresh proof of his lust after you, as if trying to soothe the pain from his teeth needling into the softness of your neck. 

“Yes?” you breathe out, thoughts a mush of smutty images, but the limited privacy of this bathroom is not enough for a full-course debauchery. They call it a quickie for a reason. 

His hand slips under your gown, shamelessly kneading the plumpness of ass, ready to free you of the lace underwear. 

“No,” you pull away, shaking your head with a sharp inhale. “We don’t have time for this.” Your outfit is too impractical to allow him the pleasure of undressing you even partially, even though you’d love to let him have his way with you.

“But, beloved, isn’t that what we’re here for?” he protests, but you shut him up with another kiss, and, while he suffocates against your mouth, smoothly turn him around, firmly capturing between the wall and your softly pushed between his legs knee.

“I had other plans,” you reply, kissing down his jugular — some brief foreplay before abruptly sinking down.

“Oh,” he lets out a shaky laugh, leaning that bright head against the wall, but his eyes never leave yours — they attentively follow your every motion, carnal need thickly seeping out of them. “You’ll get on your knees for me? In that dress? My, I might’ve done something good in my past life.” 

“Will you please shut up?” you snarl, fighting with the buttons of his pants, and he nods, figuratively zipping his mouth with one dextrous move of a hand, informing you that his lips are sealed. Viktor knows better than to talk back to a person who’s about to suck him off. Teeth are a rather dangerous weapon.

He tenses up when you tease the head of his cock — slightly swollen flesh a pretty shade of pink, so sensitive that it twitches against the warmth of your fingers when you wrap them around the hilt.

He goes quiet, but not purely for the sake of not getting caught. He watches you in fascination: mouth forms a silent ‘ah’ the second you dip your tongue into the slit, and precum coats its tip, all sticky and bitterish. You both know he won’t last long — your next ministration proves it, relentlessly riding him of his wits. 

You kiss at his shaft with tenderness, to the point when it becomes barely palpable, so he squirms, demanding the resumption, and you can’t help but smile against the velvety skin of his tip. Pearly liquid clings to your bottom lip, forming a translucent trail — a mixture of him mingled with your saliva; just enough lubrication to slip lower, licking at the sensitive frenulum. Viktor lets out an illegible sound — you recognise a keen of your name in it, and it earns him one languid stroke — just the tiniest mercy. 

“Don’t you just love to torture me?” he sighs, looking down — all vulnerable and pretty, weak knees threatening to start trembling any second. 

“I’m only using your weapons against you,” a sweet reproach rolls of the very tongue you’re tormenting him with, and he swallows the most delicious whimper when you swirl it around the tip — once, twice, but thrice is what finally has him slapping a palm over his open mouth to muffle a dirty moan. 

He abstains from grabbing a handful of your hair, reluctant to ruin its whimsical style — because at least one of the spouses has to be an actually considerate lover. His long legs are struggling to keep in place, relentlessly spreading apart with each bob of your head — but he’s leaned against the wall securely enough not to fall. 

You swallow around him in a rather messy rhythm, but it still manages to reduce Viktor to a mush of babbles and incoherent praises. You have him by the balls — quite literally, because your free from squeezing his width hand is cruel enough to knead them, dragging more throaty sounds of pleasure out the thrusting into your mouth man. 

You’re fucking him with skill, painfully aware of just what goes through his head in this exact moment: that orgasm will be intense enough to hurt, making him wish you’d rather proceeded with those teasing licks and fleeting kisses. His hips jerk when you suppress the gag, taking him whole, not a single inch left without your thorough attention. Even the hand shoving those moans back into his lungs doesn’t stop him from letting out the most embarrassingly high-pitched keen — it breaks free when he coats your tongue in warm spurts of thick cum. You stick it out, allowing him a pornographic view of exactly what he’d just done to you, and he almost sobs, completely forgetting about his initial intentions of keeping quiet. 

“Gods a-above,” he stutters, suffocating like he’s the one whose mouth was just frantically fucked, wiping his release off your lips with his trembling thumb — a gesture of gratitude, tender in comparison to the curses he was panting just seconds ago. 

The air is thick with the smell of sex, raunchy enough for anyone who decides to walk into this bathroom to meticulously define what the two of you had just committed in it. Even getting off your knees and tucking him back into his pants wouldn’t help your condition — the pure way Viktor looks at you right now makes it all appallingly obvious. One doesn’t need to become a witness of the intercourse itself to confidently state “They’ve just fucked, Your Honor.” It’s written on both of your faces, on the mess of his hair, and, of course — on the burning under the thin material of stockings redness of your knees. 

You accept his touch, swallowing the remnants of his climax still covering your tired tongue, and he sighs, engraving the sight into his mind — probably to get off to the thought of it someday. But you decide not to tease him about it. You’re not that evil after all. 

You’ve never stormed out of the bathroom so fast before, all trembling limbs and nasty giggles —  the afterglow of your shared secret, dirty enough to banish Viktor from the Academy. 

He’ll recall it later, most definitely next Progress Day, when you’ll wrap those impatient arms around his neck, whispering a famous “Do you fancy a quickie?” into his ear again. 

Except for this time, your outfit will be easily removable. 

[yourmomsawh0r3]

Benedict Bridgerton with wife reader. With stop being so pretty/handsome.” “You stop being so pretty/handsome!” Thanks!! :))

beautiful

benedict bridgerton x fem wife reader

Benedict Bridgerton was in the drawing room, a mess of papers scattered across the mahogany table. His easel stood nearby, a canvas half covered in the beginnings of a vibrant landscape. He had been at it for hours, completely absorbed in his art, when the door creaked open and Y/N stepped in, carrying a tray with tea and biscuits.

"You’ve been in here all morning," Y/N chided gently, setting the tray down on a clear corner of the table. "You must be famished."

Benedict looked up, a smile spreading across his face at the sight of his wife. "I hadn't realized the time," he admitted, rising from his chair and stretching his stiff limbs. "But now that you mention it, I am quite hungry."

As he approached, Y/N couldn't help but notice the way his eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. His dark curls were tousled, and there was a smudge of paint on his cheek, adding to his roguish charm. She felt her heart skip a beat, as it often did when she looked at him.

"You have paint on your face," she said, reaching up to wipe it away with her thumb. "And you still manage to look devastatingly handsome."

Benedict caught her hand, his fingers wrapping around hers. "You stop being so pretty," he murmured, his voice low and teasing. "It's terribly distracting."

Y/N laughed, the sound light and musical. "You stop being so handsome," she retorted. "It's not fair."

They stood there for a moment, simply enjoying each other's presence. Benedict's thumb brushed over her knuckles, his touch warm and reassuring. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I suppose we're both cursed, then," he whispered.

"Cursed with beauty," Y/N agreed, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "What a dreadful fate."

Benedict chuckled, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "Indeed. Now, tell me about your morning. What mischief have you been up to while I’ve been locked away with my paints?"

"Oh, the usual," Y/N said airily, resting her head against his chest. "A bit of reading, a walk in the garden. I did have an interesting conversation with Eloise about her latest literary endeavor."

"Ah, Eloise and her books," Benedict mused. "She’s always up to something, isn’t she?"

"Yes, she is," Y/N said fondly. "But enough about my morning. I want to hear about your painting. Show me what you’ve been working on."

Benedict led her to the easel, where the canvas stood proudly displaying the beginnings of a lush countryside scene. The colors were vibrant, the strokes confident and expressive. Y/N marveled at the way he captured the essence of nature with such skill.

"It’s beautiful," she breathed. "You have such a talent, Benedict."

He shrugged modestly, though her praise clearly pleased him. "It’s still a work in progress. But I’m glad you like it."

"I love it," she corrected, her eyes meeting his. "Just as I love you."

Benedict’s expression softened, and he cupped her face in his hands. "And I love you, Y/N. More than words can say."

Their lips met in a tender kiss, the world around them fading away. In that moment, there was only the two of them, wrapped in the warmth of their love and the promise of countless beautiful moments yet to come.

When they finally pulled apart, Benedict pressed his forehead against hers, his breath mingling with hers. "Stay with me," he murmured. "Let’s enjoy this day together."

"Of course," Y/N whispered, her heart full. "There’s nowhere else I’d rather be."

And so they spent the rest of the day side by side, painting, talking, and simply being together. The hours slipped by unnoticed, filled with laughter and light. In the comfort of each other's presence, they found a joy that was as boundless as their love, and the world outside seemed a little brighter, a little more beautiful.

As the afternoon sun cast a golden glow through the windows, they decided to take a break and stroll through the garden. The summer flowers were in full bloom, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. Benedict held Y/N’s hand as they walked, his thumb gently stroking her palm.

"Do you remember our first walk in this garden?" Y/N asked, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips.

"How could I forget?" Benedict replied. "I was utterly captivated by you. Still am, in fact."

"You were so nervous," Y/N teased. "You could barely string a sentence together."

"Well, you were and still are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen," Benedict said earnestly. "It was quite overwhelming."

Y/N laughed, the sound like music to Benedict’s ears. "And now look at us," she said. "Walking hand in hand, perfectly at ease."

"Perfectly in love," Benedict added, bringing her hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

They continued their stroll, enjoying the serenity of the garden and the simple pleasure of each other's company. As they rounded a corner, they came upon a secluded bench beneath a large oak tree. Benedict led Y/N to it, and they sat down, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves above them.

"You’ve always been my muse, you know," Benedict said softly, gazing at Y/N. "Every brushstroke, every color, every canvas it’s all inspired by you."

"That’s a lot of pressure," Y/N joked, but her eyes were shining with affection.

"Not at all," Benedict said. "You make it effortless. You bring so much joy and light into my life. I couldn’t imagine my art, or my life, without you."

Y/N felt a lump form in her throat at his words. She reached out, cupping his face in her hands. "And you, Benedict, have filled my life with such beauty and love. Every day with you is a blessing."

They leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. It was a kiss that spoke of love, of commitment, and of the future they would continue to build together.

As the day turned to dusk, they made their way back to the house, hand in hand. The drawing room, once filled with the solitary pursuit of art, now felt warmer, more alive. They settled on the settee, sharing the tea and biscuits Y/N had brought earlier.

"Shall we make this a tradition?" Y/N suggested. "A day dedicated to us, to spending time together, no matter what."

"I’d like that very much," Benedict agreed. "A day just for us, every week."

"Good," Y/N said, resting her head on his shoulder. "Because I love our moments together. They’re my favorite part of every day."

"And mine," Benedict said, wrapping his arm around her. "Always and forever, Y/N."

They sat there in comfortable silence, watching as the stars began to twinkle in the night sky. Their hearts were full, their spirits content. In each other, they had found a love that was not only beautiful but also enduring a love that would see them through all of life’s challenges and triumphs.

And as they drifted off to sleep that night, wrapped in each other’s arms, they knew that they were not just blessed with beauty, but with something far more precious: a deep, abiding love that would last a lifetime

[strxnged]

KAVEH: # perennial.

word count. 0.8k. genre. platonic, painter!gn!reader.

warnings. alcohol, love confession gone wrong (… right?).

“I think I’m in love with you.”

Kaveh’s voice was loud, forceful, and impatient. It was as if he’d been turning the words over in his mind for a few minutes and finally decided to spit it out and bear the consequences. His face contorted imploringly. “Please don’t kill me,” he added.

“Kav, you interrupted me!” You realized you were probably scowling at him.

“I—I know, I’m… sorry.”

You huffed and shut down your still-screaming thoughts about the inflation of paint prices. How were you supposed to make a living from your art if you couldn’t afford deep blue paint? You would have to change your entire style. How could you paint the sea, the sky, the— No, you had to focus. 

You grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the crowds of the city street to stand under a tree. “Kaveh,” you said in a more hushed voice, “where is this coming from?” 

His eyes darted around your face, anywhere but your eyes. His cheeks were aflame. As much as you took pleasure in seeing him embarrassed, this needed to be resolved immediately. 

“You can’t just say things like that when we’re out in public.”

He frowned. “What?”

“People are going to think…”

“That I mean it? I do!”

Up until now, you’d been sure there was another explanation. But now you saw his crimson cheeks, furrowed eyebrows, and red eyes settling on yours, and you let yourself absorb it.

“Oh,” you said.

Your chest tightened and your throat closed. Archons, were you really about to lose your best friend? Did everything have to change, now?

“I’m sorry,” he said again. “I just— I’ve never felt for anyone the way I do for you. God, it sounds so stupid. I just love you. A lot. I don’t want to be apart from you.”

“It does sound stupid,” you said bluntly. “Because I feel the same way.”

“You do?”

“Kaveh…”

He looked pained, mouth opening and closing with no words coming out.

“Kaveh,” you said, more firmly. “It’s not about whether or not I love you. It’s about what you want, and what I want. So instead of saying words that are so plainly obvious, why don’t you give me something to go off of so I know what you mean.”

Kaveh sighed. “I don’t know…”

“Fine. Let me get a drink or two into you. Then you’ll talk.” You took to the street again, and beckoned to him. “Don’t linger, loverboy.”

Sure enough, in Lambad’s Tavern, Kaveh’s tense expression melted after a drink. He pursed his lips, gazing a bit more calmly into the bottom of his empty glass.

“Well?” you urged him.

“I want to understand my feelings. Alhaitham told me I should talk to you about it instead of bothering him so much.”

You sputtered. “You want to understand your feelings, so you confessed your love for me?”

He sighed. “Yes.” His eyes met yours defiantly. “It’s not like I knew what else to say. I do love you.”

“Yes, you’ve mentioned that. That’s a great word that means a whole lot of nothing new to me unless you want things between us to change.”

“Change how?” he asked. 

“Kaveh, I should kick you.” You swung back your glass and emptied it. “My best friend’s a fool. That’s up to you. I’m content with how we are.”

“Well, so am I. I just love what we have. You’re everything to me.” He huffed and ordered another drink from the bartender. “You know, you just put me in my place and knock senses into me. You’re like—Alhaitham, but you don’t have terrible taste and worse opinions.”

You laughed. “Is that a compliment?”

“That’s how I love you.”

“Hmm…” You kicked your feet back and forth. “How else?”

“Like, I like being close to you. Hanging out. Lying around with you while we’re doing seperate art. I like your smell. I really… really like making you laugh.” Kaveh looked almost defeated, but his tone was tender and meaningful. “That’s how.” He looked at you again, and his expression turned angry. “You’re enjoying this! You prick.”

“Of course I am, Kaveh. I don’t know why you’ve held back these feelings. Is there anything else?”

He rolled his eyes and propped his head up in his hand, elbow on the bar counter. “I’m just in love with you. Like I love a new design.”

“And I love you like I love painting.” You smiled and let out a relieved sigh. “So nothing has to change?”

“No. God, no.”

“Good. I have enough to deal with, with paint prices these days.”

author’s note. i wrote this in like 20 minutes and did not proofread don’t come for me. i love queerplatonic affection and kaveh. ♥

[zedecksiew]

TO PUT AWAY A SWORD

David Blandy + Daniel Locke's post-apocalyptic hopepunk TTRPG ECO MOFOS is back from the printers. Meaning it will soon be in our hands.

Am fairly hyped for it, because I wrote an adventure!

To Put Away A Sword is about the woes of building a home on poisoned earth. The terrible powers that hurtled us to the end of the world continue to bear bitter fruit in your garden.

You are villagers living under the shadow of a fallen giant mecha. Its reactors and warheads leak into your groundwater, poison your goats. What will you do about it? What can you do?

+

Mechanically it is a pointcrawl around your local valley. Not super complex, design-wise; but I was pleased with my gimmick solution for mapping both the adventure's dungeons:

Grab a mecha figure, pose it, place it on the game table; each part of the figure corresponds to a location in the dungeon key. Solves for stuff like relative orientation.

Easy!

+

To Put Away A Sword is me making a mecha adventure.

Disclaimer: I am not a mecha nerd. I am unfamiliar with most of the genre. Anything I know about Gundam I've absorbed by osmosis.

I was mainly into giant robots in childhood. Receiving a Macross figure for my birthday. Pouring over the manual for The Crescent Hawks' Revenge, which my brother left behind:

While I was not much a fan of mecha, I was very much a fan of Evangelion. I spent my middle teens obsessed with it. The biomechanical, pseudo-mystical stuff; the teen angst. I wanted to be Shinji. I thought trauma was so cool.

So cringe. Anyway:

One of the inspirations for To Put Away A Sword is the survivors-rebuilding-a-town-and-planting-rice sequence in Thrice Upon A Time; probably my favourite part of the whole franchise, now.

The joy and difficulties of trying to build your paradise in the weird ruins of the old world:

Yeah, the adventure has a lot of Evangelion in it. There's a Nerv HQ analogue to explore. There's a content warning for child soldiers.

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The other inspiration for To Put Away A Sword is this piece of box art, an accessory set for Macross's iconic Stonewell Bellcom VF-1 Variable Fighter:

I don't know what this kind of arrange-your-missiles-in-front-of-your-fighter-jet photo is technically called. Hardware porn parade?

You see it often enough. Here's a real-life photo of the Lockheed Martin F35 Joint Strike Fighter:

Fairly or not, in my head I associate mecha with seeing copies of Jane's Defence in airport magazine racks. The genre feels like such a natural way to riff on the hyper-charged corpo-military-industrial complex.

After the brush war ends, and the natural resources extracted, and the ethnic cleansing concluded, and the profits announced, who gets to clean up after a Raytheon missile?

In To Put Away A Sword---you do.

+

Ultimately, as always, I am writing and designing from my lived experiences.

See that? The gas flare from the Hengyuan Refining Company? It is about 200 metres from my living room.

That gas flare surfaces constantly in the stuff I make. As I write this post I am breathing its acrid chemical smell. My nose itches. I was asthmatic as a child; I seriously worry about cancer, nowadays.

At night it lights up the sky like Barad-dur.

The plant obviously and continuously flaunts regulations. We've tried lodging complaints: with its corporate management; with the Department of Environment. Nothing has worked so far.

"A home on poisoned earth" is a visceral fact of my life.

+

To Put Away A Sword is wish-fulfilment, I guess? In the world of the adventure, at least, the forces that are poisoning your home are post-peak oil.

It is nice to imagine a reality where a kind of survival and flourishing is still possible. My partner Sharon and I talk a lot about imagining hope.

Last month she bought this small mecha-looking thing. A wireless camera! She built a little hut for it on our garden wall. It is trained, 24-7, at the gas flare.

Environmental activists we've met say video evidence of emissions is important. We'll see. We imagine it helping.

+

Anyway. David just sent me this photo of my adventure, in print:

Looking good. I hope folks play it and enjoy it.

Preorder ECO MOFOS and its adventure bundle >>>HERE<<<

[sucuretcannelle]

hi! i briefly remember you saying that you're into if's, so i was wondering what your favorites are

Sighs and shakes a red cup full of ice

Nobody thinks I'm a nerd till they hear the way I talk about interactive fiction...no one knows...

Anyway I started playing IF's in like December. Time flies

This is kind of in order? Of like enjoyment. HOWEVER take this with a grain of salt because I was sitting here trying to rearrange them (except the top 3) for 40 minutes. If it was mentioned, it's good 🙂‍↕️

1. The six that thrive by @the-six-that-thrive-if —

the way I was playing this bro. I wouldn't let myself sleep until I was done with the demo and not because it felt like I had to, but I knew I would be PISSED if I went to bed without absorbing all the content (Dante give me a chance PLEASE 🙏🙏🙏). Anyway the hierarchy system reminds me of the one that I have for the way I wrote hell and I was like 🫵 OMG THATS SO COOL.

Key factor that I appreciate: Dialogue, descriptions, and transitions. Dante is deadass so funny I'm not even playing bro. Buddy how do you write like that, lmk. Also the official art has me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure

2. College Tennis: Origin Story by @collegetennisoriginstory — I ACTUALLY HAVE A FUCKING PROBLEM BRO. LOOK. IN MY HEAD, I WAS IGNORING THAT THEY WERE PLAYING TENNIS SO I WAS VISUALIZING VOLLEYBALL. SO AT SOME POINT I READ THE WORD RACKET AND I WAS LIKE WHAT ARE WE PLAYING???

Key factor that I appreciate: Skill checks, attention to side characters, amazing use of character tropes. Idk how to describe it but the writing felt so CLEAN. Like so organized and orderly. Plus I wanna study all of the characters under a microscope

3. Superstition (omg first IF I ever played) by @13leaguestories — I played this while I was sick and that's literally all I did for 2 days besides eating and sleeping. Am I okay? Yeah cuz it happened in December but like I was OBSESSED. And ashamed. My friend told me i would be into Zillah and she was right. I haven't recovered. I promise I'm in therapy.

Key factor that I appreciate: The fact that there was always something going on. Literally at least 3 things were happening at the same time, all the time, and it kept my lil depressed ass stimulated. Who could ask for more

4. Infamous by @infamous-if — this game makes me scared of commitment cuz I can't have Orion and Griffin😐 I might be biased because. I sing! So I was just really connected to this story immediately. Either way, one of my favs cuz the writing is saurrrr good, makes ya feel

Key factor that I appreciate — Infamous is generally well rounded, so I don't feel like it's LACKING in anything. Me gusta.

5. Mind blind by @mindblindbard — I have a problem so I'm a stereotypical Rosie fan. But anyway I personally loved this one because of the world building, even tho I'm a character-focused girlie. Plus the game is so funny for no reason

Key factor that I appreciate— I actually really like the MC in general. Which is funny to say, because they're supposed to be you, but MC's are different from game to game, and I like this one

6. Soulmates Inc by @soulmatesinc-if — idk with some games, it's just the vibe. Like the vibe is right so I'll read it (which like...it's hard for me to find games where the vibe is what drags me along. Tis really good)

Key factor I appreciate — Wyatt. omg who said that...I also love this game's take on soulmates. It's simple, but original, and I fw it

7. Nine Blood Dances by @nineblooddances-if— I'm boutta cry, how did you end up here twice without me noticing bro. Idk this one and TSTT have like, vibes that are connected by a small string, and I did play this one first if that matters.

Key factor that I enjoyed: It felt very structured, and again, clean. I really don't know what this feeling is

8. When Twilight Strikes by @evertidings — I love ALL the characters because damn near all of them pissed me off once. That's actually impressive /pos. Anyway Rylan hit my line

Key factor that I enjoyed: watching my relationship descriptions change. Some left me devastated stop... Like sorry A you're driving me nuts...

Honorable mentions:

Apartment 502 by @apt502-if — I can't wait to see the future parts cuz like I like it but I cant analyze any of the characters yet. But trust me I'm ready 📝

The Kings Hound by @the-kingshound — Same typa situation was Apartment 502... I'm waiting...patiently 📝

[blazescompendium]

Blaze's Compendium Entry #10: The Khyah (Cyak, Kack, Khya)

Warning: Faith and religion are important real life topics, that tackles the culture and way of life of millions of real life people. It is a cultural expression, and must be respected by all means. Here, we use a video-game ( some times) and other media series only to ignite the flame of learning about the matter, using its art when well depicted, but we do this with all due respect to the cultures we talk here, grounded by real life sources, cultures and people. And i mean this with respect. Hope you all enjoy.

Also, please note that the Sources for this one will be a bit tricky, since we are talking about a regional and always developing urban legend and cosmology, which is not very well documented in traditional books. In this case we have to turn our attention to personal stories and every day people who lives in this culture.

The Khyah (ख्या) is a mythical creature that is part of the greater Nepali folklore and cosmology. Specifically from the Newar people from the Kathmandu Valley.

Some sources will say that its name means literally ''Ghost'' or ''Haunt'', ''Phantasm'', etc... However i was not able to confirm this. The language spoken by Newar people is the Nepal Bhasa, which is also written in the Devanagari script, just like Hindi. I do not speak this language, so please if you do, reach me out! But in any case, it seems that the word for ''Ghost'' in Newar is ''गुफा'' or ''gupha''. It may be the case that the name: ''Kyah'' got so used to general supernatural occurrences, that it got mixed up. Just like we talked about the Saci in my other post. -This is not uncommon to happen- I used regular online translators to reach this conclusion, but feel free to correct me if i am wrong because i could not consult any native to talk about this matter during my research.

For a bit of context, The Newar are people that historically inhabited the Kathmandu Valley, and the regions around Nepal. As we said before, they speak Newari (Nepal Bhasa). They have 3 major cities, those being Kathmandu, Patan and Bhatgaon. [1] The academic research on the Newar people just started at the early 20th century, the french anthropologist Sylvain, wrote a very famous and complete work called Le Nepal, that was one of the first western written works about the region, and its people. Their religion are mostly Hinduism, Buddhism and there are minorities from other beliefs.

The Newar live in this region since ancient times, way longer before Nepal even existed as a Estate. According to most history books, the Newar would live alone in the region, being sovereigns of the Kathmandu valley up until the Gorgkha Kingdom in 1769. It is very hard to know much about the Newar before that in details, since they are in the region for so long, and mixed so much with other people from around the Nepal, that even their history ends up blending with mythology.

For example: according to the sacred Swayambhu Purana, a Buddhist scripture, the Kathmandu Valley was once a huge lake, Inhabited by Nagas*. That is, until one day the Bodhisattva Manjusri with the help of a powerful sacred sword, sliced the surrounding hills, which in turn made the water flow away. This information is even on Kathmandu government official site!

This myth was later confirmed to have a basis, since NASA themselves found out clues that Kathmandu was in fact, once a huge lake. NASA did not reply me about the Naga thought. Bummer...

*The Swayambhu Purana is a Buddhist text essential to Newar Buddhism. However i sadly could not find a copy online, but there are some summarized versions translated to English, which i am using as guide. For instance the US Wikipedia article, sources books that i also could not find, but i could verify the authors! So... That's something, i guess.

This goes to show how the Newar people are rooted in their mythology, and how this is completely absorbed by even their space and surroundings. Even something as the very foundation of their lands is a hierophany.

This brings us to the Kyah, that we will see can show us a lot about this society.

About the Khyah

The Khyah are supernatural creatures that are hairy, looks like apes, sometimes extremely chubby and have their bodies are totally covered in hair. This description is corroborated my multiple sources, like ''Dietrich, Angela (1998). Tantric healing in the Kathmandu Valley: A comparative study of Hindu and Buddhist spiritual healing traditions in urban Nepalese society. Book Faith India.'' But not only that, the Khyah are also represented in multitudes of paintings and also in costumes for the Yenya Festival. The only thing that can sometimes be different, is that if it will be treated like a Ghost or a more physical creature.

The wealth goddess Lakshmi and two Khyah serving her, in a painting on a Kathmandu temple.

About this painting and sourcing the Khyah appearance:

I have made tireless efforts to pin down the origin of this painting. And many others! This one is present in most of the articles about the Khyah in the internet, even local articles from Nepal itself. However i was not able to pinpoint where it came from. All the sources i found either say this is from a ''temple'' or that it was taken by an individual named: Karrattul. This is not the photographer's name, but instead the name of the profile who uploaded it on the Wikipedia, where it was uploaded in 2012! I tried to reach to Nepali communities and other enthusiasts of History and Mythology, but no one could help me. If you know anything about this painting, please contact me!

For the same reason, it is almost impossible to find sourced materials about the khyah appearance. We know that there are traits like the hair, that keep intact from place to place, but i could not find a central work detailing the creature. We have those paintings from so called temples to trust, and the ceremonial suits used in the Khyah dance.

I will link here a video of a Khyah Dance performance, so you can see the physical traits of this creature are well agreed between the locals.

The Khyah is popular among children, or at least were at one point. This can be seen in a popular children song sang in Nepal. It depicts the Khyah as a cute and hungry little critter, as the kid in the song is encouraged to give food to it. The Kyah seems never to be satisfied sadly...

A banger...

The Khyah is indeed often treated like a type of ghost. In my personal opinion they are simmilar to Djinn, some kinds of yokai and can be classified generically as a type of monster or apparition, in my view at least. (This means a supernatural creature, that is in between a human and a god like being.) The Newar believe that the Khyah has active participation in events of their daily lives. But they also are not all bad or good, they are multiple entities, some good and some bad. Usually there are white colored Khyah who are good, and black colored Khyah who are bad.

They have their own lives, families, and friends. There are a lot of tales and works related to this creature, not counting personal tales of every day people and their encouters with this little devil. That's how ingrained in the Newar culture the Khyah is.

I was able to track the writings of a Kathmandu Valley denizen, which happened to write about the Kyahk! [3] This person was kind enough to provide a lot of personal information about the regional culture, in their personal website. According to the locals, the Khyah would often live in houses, squares, public spaces, and would regularly interfere with their existence. Not all Khyah are bad, some can protect the households they inhabit, they can bring fortune and good luck. Although, the Khyah fears light, so they have to live in dark corners of the house, like the attic or some empty room.

The Unitedstatian Wikipedia page for Khyah shares some unusual information, that we can not trace to any sources. For instance, they mention that this creature supposedly fears electricity. As interesting as it may seen, the source from this particular information goes to a book called: '' Asian folklore studies, Volume 55. Nanzan University Institute of Anthropology'' Which i was unable to find to read online, and was also unable to find it by its ISBN trackers: 9057890984, 9789057890987. Those took me to another book, called: ''Caturmāsa. Celebrations of Death in Kathmandu, Nepal’'

This one seems to exist, but i also could not find it anywhere online. Google Books has some samples, and it guarantees that the word ''Khyak'' or any variations of sorts, are not on it, which means this is a misinformation. Someone probably interpreted that the fact that Khyah fear light, can also apply to electricity as an energy source. I think you won't be letting your homie Khyah uncomfortable having electricity at your house, don't worry.

Again, according to locals [3] There are two variable Khyah: Black and White. The white are the ones who bring luck, and the Black ones gives you trouble. No matter what kind of this creature you have in your house, you should respect it. They are often revered and well treated. They have their own cozy dark place to hide, like the bhandar and dhkuti. Those are places of the house used to store grains and valuables.

There are other variations according to other local sources sources [3] [4] Those Khyah are usually described as:

-Bārāy Khyāh (बाराय् ख्याः) appears in rooms where girls are kept in seclusion during their rite of passage to adulthood (first period). [5] (Very documented, and easy to track on western sources)

-Bhakun Gwārā Khyāh (भकुं ग्वारा ख्याः), literally football, rolls on the ground to move around. (Most common Khyah, probably the one Kaneko tried to draw! Most commonly seen in regional urban legends. Not very documented in translated to English literature)

-Dhāpalān Khyāh (धापलां ख्याः) is a very hairy Khyah. (Very popular because of that children's song, still sang to this day.)

-Lanpan Khyāh (लँपं ख्याः) blocks people’s way on dark streets. (Not much about this one, really. At least not in western sources. It seems that, along with Bhakun Khyah is probably more of a word of mouth thing)

The relationship with Kawancha

The origin legend for the Khyah goes that, in the distant past, two gods had a baby. They fought to see who had the right to hold the baby, but ended up tearing the child apart. The skin peeled off, revealing just flesh and bones that would separate. The flesh became Khyak, and the bones Kawancha, a skeleton that would be the Anthitesis to the Khyak. This relationship is portrayed in paintings and regional dance festivals. [3]

Also known as Kavam, the skeleton monster seems to be the other half of the Khyah. It is extremely hard to find sources about this, not only because it is a very specific regional folk belief passed down orally, but also because the language barriers. One could in theory go there in person to collect sources about this part of the lore, but it is not an option for me. Someone at Reddit pointed out to me that in some regions, they are not related at all, being just monsters from the same sources. So, their lore seem to vary from place to place.

Painting depicting Kwancha/Kavam and Khyah in Kathmandu. Origin Unknown.

As much as I tried for months, I could not come with a source for this information besides literal oral tradition. But for sure these two are indeed connected in some places. You can see them in several paintings at Kathmandu, and they also have their own dance performance telling their story and painting their relationship. As the Reddit user mentioned, their connection will vary from place to place. Being more of a localized and oral tradition.

In the performance you can see Khyah and Kwancha performing together, as they show their relationship. Still according to [3], the instrument played in these performances is the Dhimay. Its made from tree bark, and the legend says the gods later created this tool to help control the beings, and communicate with them. In the author's perspective, this was meant to showcase the duality of our universe. This being the real nature of those beings.

Again, I lack written and traceable sources. While the Dhimay is indeed a real instrument, used on those performances, there are almost no mentions of it being related to Khyah or Kwancha in the western internet. This also falls in the category of facts I could not check because of being probably too of a localized oral tradition.

I could at least find some sourced paintings. Like this one, shared by the Twitter user Sanjib Chaudhary Who is an author himself on Nepalese culture.

Kwancha and Khyah are shown in this painting on Jaya Bageshwori temple, in Gaushala.

Also, while Khyah is very well documented in the west, the same can not be said about Kwancha. It is easy to find dances, masks, his Megami Tennsei design (being the most easy result) and paintings about the skeleton monster, but almost nothing on its nature and lore. This means I highly doubt everything the Megaten games say about it to be factual, although they do in fact exist in Nepalese culture.

One thing i noticed is that Kaneko himself could have watched a dance performance of Kwancha and Khyah, or at least seen pictures. Because his Kwancha design for Devil Summoner has the clothing in colors and shapes very similar to some Kwancha performers:

This specific clothing can be seen here: Kawancha (Skeleton) Dance of Bhaktapur कवांचा प्याखं , तौलाछें, भक्तपुर ll Part of Bharab Dance ll

The final point on this part is their origin: Which gods crated them? This rent a space in my brain for free for the last year or so. While I could not find it for sure, this does not mean it is wrong or not factually a belief in their tradition. Buddhism has many gods and entities, and i suspect the ones who created the Khyah accidentally, are just regular Devas.

Modern mentions?

Khyah tales are in the heart of Kathmandu people, and many other Nepal regions. For centuries they dominated the children's tales and late night scare stories of that region. In 1992, Jim Goodman published a book called ''Tales of Old Bhaktapur'' Which complied some folk tales from Nepal.

Sure enough, Khyah makes an appearance in it. At page 28, there is a story about a Khyah haunting a house, and how a boy deals with it. Sadly the book is not openly available on the internet, but google books have some parts readable:

There is also the book: Tales of Kathmandu: folktales from the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal (1980). This book was published by the authors Karna Sakya, Linda Griffith. This book seems to put together many popular folk tales from Nepal, and in the page 105 we have a story called ''The Khya of Marusata.''

Now, as this seems to be the case with every freaking material in this search, this book is not available online, but google books has many parts available. Sadly, we can only see the title of the story. What we can know by a quick google search, is that Marusata is some kind of square in central Kathmandu. I tried to search this tale online, but I could not find. Will try to keep searching for it eventually.

Also, in the books first pages, around 20 or so, Khyah are mentioned too:

It seems to classify Khyah as demons, just like their neighbors Rakshasas. Which is not exactly on the point here, but its interesting nonetheless.

The Khyah are still recognized today, and are well known in the community. But even if the western internet made a good job of preserving its lore and some of their character, their presence is very scarce. By going on Eirikr Kaneko Crib's notes I found that one of the most recent official appearances of the creature online was on the site Local Nepal Today. This seems to be a site dedicated to portray and preserve Nepalese culture and report on situations at the region. It is however, done by foreigners that went to Nepal afterwards. The site seems to be dead, but they do mention their hearings about the Khyah! Here they call it Kack.

The authors compare it to European elves and trolls, which is not exactly a good match. They are more akin to Brownies, Silkies and some kind of Kikimora.

In any way, their description matches most sources, and oral sources alike: They are shy, prefer dark and isolated places, and hate the light. They also comment on the duality between the white Khyah and the black Khyahk.

Most important thought, they mentions talking to an elderly woman in Kathmandu, who shared her own stories about meeting the creature:

''An elderly woman in Kathmandu who saw several kacks – all white ones. The closest encounter was with a quiet, furry fellow who came and sat on her lap! Many of those who’ve seen a kack will tell you how these “little people” would come and sit on the edge of their bed for a while, keeping them half amazed, half in shock the rest of the night. A white kack is friendly – but it can still be a bit scary.''

They also gathered information from old Kathmandu citizens on why the Khyahk tales are vanishing nowadays:

'''Well, old people who grew up in the heart of kack territory – Kathmandu – will usually tell you a simpler reason: kacks are shy creatures and so, since the capital has become crowded and noisy, many have left. Sure kacks can hide and move about by stealth, but there’s a limit. Either way, now it’s no-longer in Kathmandu but in the villages you’ll hear about kacks the most.''

In my personal view, its interesting to connect the vast and accelerated growth of Kathmandu, to the losing of traditions and oral folk tales, which ended up making the Khyah tales vanish bit by bit, becoming isolated to small nearby villages.

This makes me a bit sad, because if there is no one trying to preserve those traditions, it may very well disappear as the times goes on. The internet has this amazing tool to preserve culture, but we do not seem to be using it enough.

In this regard, I am glad that Kazuma Kaneko imortalized Kyahk in the Shin Megami Tensei series, even if they are not regular monsters on the newer games, many people probably had their first encounter with this critter through that.

And that is it! Everything I could gather! Hope you guys enjoyed!

Beware the Kyhak at the feet of your bed!

Thank you for reading through it all. I actually started this research more than 1 year ago, but postponed it multiple times, since I started doing scientific research at college, and other monsters looked way more easy to research.

Stick with me for more deep dives on critters from around the world.

Sources: [1]- "Elements of Newar Social Structure". Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute. Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland.’’ - Christoph Von Furer- Haimendorf, 1956.

[2]- Dietrich, Angela (1998). Tantric healing in the Kathmandu Valley: A comparative study of Hindu and Buddhist spiritual healing traditions in urban Nepalese society. Book Faith India.

[3]- Himalayancultures.com -Personal blog of a Kathmandu citzen that shares a bit about regional folklore and culture. Extremely interesting to see stuff from a personal point of view.

[4]-Archive My Sansar - Regional website about Nepali culture.

[5]- Growing Up: Hindu and Buddhist Initiation Rituals Among Newar Children in Bhaktapur, Nepal, 2008, Otto Harrassowitz Verlag. (Pag 174)

[6]- Tales of Old Bhaktapur'' - Jim Goodman (1992)

[7]- Tales of Kathmandu: folktales from the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal (1980)

[8]- Local Nepal Today

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Rook Hunt - Platinum Jacket Voice Lines

When Summoned: This museum is teeming with histoire... Très bien! What a wonderful place.

Summon Line: Today, I intend to soak in these art pieces with every fiber of my being. I wish for you to have a lovely time gazing at the beauty as well.

Groooovy!!: A singing voice so lovely that even animals are drawn closer... Aah, how I wish I could also listen to the princess's beautiful voice.

Home: We will celebrate this 100th Anniversary together!

Home Idle 1: It seems Jack-kun is quite taken in by the art depicting wolves. His tail was wagging 5 cm further than usual.

Home Idle 2: If I were brought before the Fairest Queen and was told to paint her portrait, I would fall prostate before her beauty that I would not even be capable of lifting my paint brush.

Home Idle 3: It's astounding how the paint blends and shows intricate color and lighting theory... This delicate and beautiful sight can only be properly experienced in person.

Home Idle - Login: It is amazing that I am able to come visit the Land of Dawning National Art Museum alongside my peers. I am more than ecstatic to be able to witness these spectacular works of art with everyone.

Home Idle - Groovy: While Ortho and I were appreciating the art together, it stirred up some memories of my most hard-working moments. I truly do love talking about art.

Home Tap 1: A key that leads to treasure... The golden scarab itself is as beautiful as a work of art. Ruggie-kun was quite taken by the painting.

Home Tap 2: Urgh... I was so absorbed in admiring the painting that I completely forgot to blink. I should take a moment to use some eye drops now.

Home Tap 3: Sometimes I sketch animals that I see. I find the way to truly bring them to life is to capture their breathing and muscle movements as well.

Home Tap 4: The moray eels that served the Sea Witch had heterochromia... I thought it seemed familiar, and then I remembered that it's just like Floyd and his brother.

Home Tap 5: Are you fascinated by my bowtie? The color changes depending on the angle you view it at. Isn't it fantastic?

Home Tap - Groovy: If it pleases you, I'd love for you to tell me which art piece was your favorite. I wish to know which work of art warmed your heart most.

Duo: [ROOK]: Ortho-kun, go forth with splendor! [ORTHO]: Let's get it started, Rook-san!

Birthday Login Message: What would I like for a birthday present? Fufu, I'm elated enough just knowing you want to celebrate my birthday with me. Well, if you'll indulge my selfish little whim, could I steal a moment of your time, then? I have been hoping to have a chat with you about beauty for some time now. I would love to hear all about what you find beautiful.

Requested by @butterflyremix.

[adrealucia]

hiiiiiiii

Can I pls request an art class Sean? Or maybe one night he can't stop drawing you? Super excited for pt 4 of New Beginnings btw!! (you inspired me to start a fic tooo hehe)

omg, I absolutely LOVED writing this, thank you so much for this req <33 and omg I am so happy to hear that I inspired you to write a fic as well! I hope I'll be able to read it hihi

Sean's muse

Art class was Sean Diaz’s sanctuary. The scent of paint and the symphony of pencils scratching against paper were his escape from the tumultuous reality outside. Within these walls, creativity reigned supreme.

Sean sat in his usual spot in the corner of the art studio, where he could observe without being observed. Today, the model posed in the center of the room, perfectly poised, but Sean’s attention was elsewhere. His eyes kept drifting to you, sitting a few seats away, completely absorbed in your work. Your presence had become his new source of inspiration.

You had joined the class a few weeks ago, and Sean found himself captivated by you from the moment you walked in. There was something magnetic about the way you focused on your art, the way you held your pencil with such intent, the way you furrowed your brow in concentration. He couldn’t help but steal glances, his curiosity growing with each passing day.

Today, he couldn’t resist any longer. His sketch of the model was nearly complete, but it lacked the spark that your presence ignited within him. His hands moved almost of their own accord, tracing the lines of your face instead. He captured the way the light danced on your hair, the curve of your lips, and the intensity in your eyes. His gaze flicked up to you, hoping you wouldn’t notice his stolen glances, but you were lost in your own world.

The class ended, and as everyone packed up, Sean hurried to gather his things. He didn’t want you to see his drawing. He wasn’t ready for you to know. He barely knew you, but already, you had stirred something deep within him.

Walking home, Sean's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

He replayed the way you looked in his mind, trying to capture every detail. The way your eyes narrowed slightly when you concentrated, the delicate curve of your smile when you were pleased with your work. There was a serenity about you that he longed to understand, a depth he wanted to explore. He had never felt this way before, this pull towards someone he barely knew.

When he got home, he dropped his bag and immediately sat at his desk, surrounded by sketchbooks and pencils. He had to draw you again, to capture that feeling that you invoked within him. Each stroke of his pencil was a tribute to the fascination he felt. He drew you smiling, lost in thought, and even imagined the sound of your laughter. He wondered what your voice sounded like, what kind of things made you laugh.

Hours passed, and Sean lost himself in the process. His room became a gallery of your images, each sketch a testament to his growing obsession. He knew he had to talk to you, to see if you were as incredible as he imagined. The thought of it both excited and terrified him.

For the next art class, Sean arrived early, his heart pounding with anticipation.

He rehearsed his words over and over, imagining different scenarios in his mind. He feared rejection, but the thought of not knowing you at all was worse. When you walked in, you took your usual seat, completely unaware of the effect you had on him.

Sean took a deep breath and approached you, his heart racing. "Hey," he said, trying to sound casual, though his voice wavered slightly. "Can I see what you're working on?"

You looked up, surprised, but smiled warmly. "Sure," you said, moving aside to give him a better view.

Sean studied your drawing, impressed by the skill and emotion you put into it. "This is amazing," he said sincerely, feeling a pang of admiration.

"Thanks," you replied, a slight blush coloring your cheeks. "I've seen your work too. You're really talented."

Sean’s heart skipped a beat. "Thanks. Actually, I was wondering if you might want to... I don't know, maybe grab a coffee sometime? I'd love to talk about art and, you know, get to know you better."

Your smile widened, and it felt like the sun breaking through the clouds. "I'd like that," you said, your eyes sparkling with interest.

As you both returned to your seats, Sean couldn’t stop smiling. The rest of the class passed in a blur, but he didn’t mind. He had taken the first step, and that was enough for now.

That evening, Sean found himself drawing again, but this time, he was drawing from a place of hope. He sketched the way you smiled when he asked you out, the way your eyes lit up when you talked about art. Each drawing was more vibrant, more alive. He imagined conversations with you, learning about your passions, your dreams, and your fears. He wondered what it would be like to make you laugh, to see you happy.

In his room, surrounded by his drawings of you, Sean felt a sense of contentment he had never known before.

You were his muse, and he was ready to explore whatever this new chapter might bring. He knew that these feelings were just the beginning, and he couldn’t wait to see where they would lead. With every sketch, every thought of you, he felt more connected to you, more inspired. He realized that art had brought him more than just a way to express himself—it had brought him to you.

authors note: this was just such a goood request!! I feel like Sean can get pretty obsessive when it comes to drawing or sketching so I hope I didn't write him too creepy. hope you liked it <33

[askkanataigarashi]

Hey! It's nice to meet you, my name's Kanata Igarashi!

Wait, who am I? Oh I'm a demon slayer 😁 I started a little over a year ago. After finding out the corps existed and all, I just decided to join because...well, why not? Besides, there's more good I can do for the world than my same old life, day in and day out 😊

Oh, what do I look like? Easy!

Heh, pretty cool right? An awesome friend, @larz-barz drew this portrait of me and not to brag but I look pretty good 😉

What else 🤔... I mean, I've got a nice family but I try not to talk about them much cuz of the, well, demons duh. I really love traveling and seeing everything, meeting everyone, but I kinda wish they could come with me sometimes; I definitely try my best to stop in as much as I can to see them :)

Food? Hmm..I like a bit of everything to be honest. Can't stand cooking but if I had to pick a favorite, it's GOT to be my mom's pork cutlets. As for everything else, if it's on my plate I'll eat it basically (but seriously please don't make me cook).

My friends and I sometimes clash cuz they're always riding me to train harder *cough* Amari *cough* but I wanna explore the arts more; painting, writing, dancing, that kind of stuff. Maybe when the demons are gone, you'll see me in the papers someday😉

I think that's it for me though, see ya! 😄

~Character Summary~

Age: 19

Pronouns: he/him

Height: 5'10

Rank: Kinoe

Race: Human

Breathing Technique: Water Breathing (beginning) -> Storm Breathing

First Form: Cyclone- A quick twist of the torso that summons a powerful wind storm and has the power to blast multiple weak demons to pieces. Can be mastered and strengthened to take on a lower level Upper Rank singlehandedly coupled with extreme stamina and battle strategy.

Second Form: Ferocious Winter- Swinging swords across/in front of the user in an ‘X’ form. This summons icy winds and blizzard like conditions to provide cover and hide from the enemy, either for an opportunity to attack or escape.

Third Form: Divine Light- A violent cascade of lightning strikes to attack a group of low level demons. The lightning can also be absorbed and manipulated through the users weapon, which allows the strike of the beheading to be amplified in power; this can be used to fight upper level demons.

Fourth Form: Earthquake- A head on attack that requires the most force behind it. Every step taken towards the demon opens fissures into the earth that any enemy can and will fall into. Straightforward strike but the user can twist their body to dodge enemy attacks.

Fifth Form: Total Devastation- A quick series of lightning flashes followed by a dry forest fire to help trap demons and enemies. Can not be used during any precipitous weather and has limited range.

Sixth Form: Thunderous Eruption- Used in hand with Earthquake, this form produces magma and lava from the open fissures in the ground, creates a much higher risk scenario to defeat demons but much more effective against upper levels.

Seventh Form: Tidal Waves- A flood of wisteria infused water in the form of a tsunami that allows the user to drown or flood out multiple enemies, or condense it to overpower an upper level demon. This weakens the demons for actual combat.

Family: Keiji (Father), Nilou (Mother), Sora (sister, 15); Ryūko (sister, 12); Sulien (brother, 12)

Likes: art and music, dancing, dandelions, shopping

Dislikes: cooking, laundry, reading

Relationship Status: Single/Secret Admirer

Impressions:

[lamemaster]

Maedhros with a Singer S/O

Request: I was wondering if you could write a headcanon/fic for Maedhros with a singer female elf s/o. 💖

Pairing: Maedhros x Reader

Genre: Romance and ANGST

AN: went a little overboard

"Are you, perhaps, Prince Makalaure?" Your first words to Maitimo were uttered at the doorstep of their house in Valinor. He was young back then, a brother to only two others.

You stood there as Makalaure's tutor, a name his mother had mentioned. "Uh, no, I am Nelyafinwe. Laure is inside; please come in," he invited you inside.

"Forgive me, Prince Nelyafinwe," you smiled sheepishly. "I am supposed to instruct Prince Makalaure in music. Could you please call him?"

And so it began, as your fate entangled with Maedhros'.

Months later~

"Are your parents not here to learn more about Prince Kanafinwe's performance?" Your words were plain but they cut Nelyafinwe deeply. They wounded his Finwean pride. How could you ever look at him with pity in your eyes?

He could see the judgment. You pitied him and his brother. You saw them as neglected elflings, perhaps nothing more. "My parents love us very much, but they are masters of their craft. As their sons, Kano and I understand that." Nelyafinwe looked at a tiny Kano sitting by a giant harp, playing it with a small smile.

But he had also seen the excited look in his brother's eyes when he took the stage. Kano had scanned the crowd for any signs of Feanor or Nerndanel, but his eyes had found only Maitimo, his brother, who had rushed here after his own classes at the palace.

"It was important for Kanafinwe today," you did not back down. You had wanted your student to get his recognition today. "He prepared for this very diligently." You paused; your heart ached as you noticed the subtle disappointment in your student's eyes. "I would like to talk to your parents and maybe discuss this…"

Nelyafinwe's heart stopped. You would talk to the crown prince of the Noldor for your student? Why did you care so much? And his parents…they were too absorbed in their own worlds. Would they ever listen to you?

His Atar would not like you. And his Amme was always too tired. What if they fought because of you? No, he couldn't let that happen. Kano and Tyelko got scared so easily. He couldn't let them see that again. He couldn't let you witness this.

"You, a mere tutor, want to talk to our parents? Do you even know who they are? Masters of their craft, their lives are different from yours. Kanafinwe is their son, and he understands his responsibilities." Nelyafinwe allowed his voice to carry the edge of rudeness. "Our parents create art greater than you can ever fathom. It is born out of their souls." Maybe that would scare you off.

But it didn't. Instead, you blinked at him, unfazed. "Forgive me, I do not possess mastery of music as your parents do for their craft. I do not pour my soul into my creations because somehow, to me, creation is not about taking a part of me and the world around and putting it into my art. Instead, it's about the joy of doing it. Creations should lend peace of mind. They should imitate the world around us, not take us away from it."

"Maybe that's why you are just a tutor, not a master," Nelyafinwe's words were sharp, but they served to hide his own shame. A shame you did not cast upon him, but one he had draped himself in. "Come, Kano, I am sure we can find you another tutor who might be more suitable," Nelyafinwe called for his brother, who looked at him with teary eyes. His nose and cheeks were flushed from his efforts to hold back his tears. His lips trembled, but he persevered, fighting the sobs.

Kano looked at you, pleadingly. You bent down to his level and kissed his forehead. "Why are you so morose? You did so well today, dear," you consoled your student. It seemed as if this entire interaction with Nelyafinwe had terrified him.

You stood back up. "I am sorry to have offended you, my prince," you bowed to him without a trace of resentment in your voice. "I just want the best for my student." You looked down at Kanafinwe, who still held your gown in his tiny fists. "And I am certain that Kanafinwe will soon surpass me," you smiled at him. "I will live to see my dearest student become greater than any."

"You will always be better than me!" Kanafinwe hugged your legs and buried himself in your gown, allowing his tears to flow freely. "I don't want another tutor, Nelyo, please…let her be my tutor, please." You supported your young student and picked him up in your arms, wiping his tears away.

Even decades later, as the entire Valinor praised Kanafinwe for his talent, your student still called you the best, now your brother-in-law. Somehow, your fate was set to stay with Nelyafinwe, who once detested you. You didn't know when the love came, but it arrived, and neither of you could resist.

Your romance started later in the years, first as a friendship, then grew only deeper with your shared affection for Kano, who had now grown too big for both of you to baby.

Nelyo tried to get Tyelko to learn from you, but it was a failed venture when he had to drag his younger brother to you for the second month. That was the sign that the eldest Feanorian had to find another reason to meet with you. It led to a hurried confession next to a sulking Tyelko, one of the liveliest confessions in Valinor's history, especially when you both had to physically carry an uncontrollable Tyelko back home.

Your marriage to Nelyafinwe was beautiful and peaceful. You followed him to Formenos, to Tirion, and to the shores of Alqualonde. In your marriage, you only knew how to follow him. Even when your husband didn't have the courage to face you with his bloodied face, you cradled his face, wiped his tears, and sang him the song of peace. The wavering of your own voice didn't matter. Your screaming morals were shunned. You comforted Maitimo.

You would have followed him on the ships if it weren't for a tiny Idril clutching your gown. Your youngest student needed people around her, and her mother, Elenwe, needed help. So you stayed behind, watching him leave in the bloodied boats. You kissed him goodbye with a promise of a quick reunion.

And you waited to follow him. With Idril in your lap, you sang to her all the songs your husband loved. You could feel him still in your bond. But the ship never returned to get you. All that came was the whisper of smoke. They were gone. You couldn't fathom such an act of betrayal by Maitimo, even with your resentment.

Next to Turgon's host, you sought to find your beloved on the nether shores. Your anger did not vanish, it lived in your heart. You wanted to meet him and ask him about his abandonment of you.

But you never got the chance. You felt your heart stop in the freezing depths of Helcaraxe. Your body was dragged down by all the weight you had been carrying in your bags. The darkness pulled you closer to an unknown end. But you could see him now. His hair flowed effortlessly in the water, his eyes glimmered even in the dark, and he smiled at you. He was calling you. You reached your hand to him. 'Maitimo,' you called out to him.

"What do you mean she is not here?" Is she reborn?"" Maedhros' spirit trembled. The Halls of Mandos had always seemed like a distant beacon of hope the only reunion that he had imagined for him and you, but now they had become a void, a cold emptiness as if the Valar had forsaken them even in their death.

The Maia looked at him with eyes full of pity. "Your wife did not make it to Mandos' Halls. Her soul has been trapped in the depths of Helcaraxe." The words cut through his spirit like shards of ice, and he felt as if he was being consumed by a relentless storm.

He longed for a glimpse of you, for a touch, a word, something to reassure him that you were still there. He had been longing for ages. "Why can I not feel her? Our bond...it's not broken? Why did no one bring her back?" Maedhros demanded, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and anger

The Maia's voice was solemn. "Her fea did not depart her hroa. It is unaware of its death. The freezing depths of Helcaraxe prevent her body from decaying. Without even a sign of rot, the soul cannot leave. To the fea, the hroa is undamaged and, thus, still capable of holding it. Maybe there is another reason we do not know, but this is the best we can tell you."

For so long, you were trapped in those lifeless waters, alone and cold. Maedhros felt an overwhelming sense of guilt, as if he had failed to protect you, to keep you by his side. "Let me go. I will bring her back," he offered without hesitation, his voice unwavering. "My healing, my past, my present, my future, the laws of the Valar can all wait. I need to go to her. Please, let me go!"

But the Maia's response was crushing. "You cannot," they said, their tone unyielding. "No quendi can leave Valinor anymore. Your wife is doomed, like the rest. No one can force her to return."

"She did not do anything wrong!" Maedhros' voice rose with desperation, and he knelt in anguish, his spirit trembling. Tears may have eluded him, but his soul wept. "Please, bring her back. Let me go to her. She didn't harm anyone. She just wanted to be with me." Yet only silence met his pleas, and it echoed in the emptiness of Mandos.

In the depths of water surrounding you, you finally had him to yourself. You could sing for hours and Maitimo would still look at you lovingly. Urging you to sing in the solitude.

Your heart was at peace. Next to Maitimo, the world faded into oblivion.

[truearchangel]

𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓

@adflictus / @oblivscere ; my shy friend who writes Gabriel! A very unsure person who doesn’t want to throw themselves out there but absolutely deserves all the attention and adoration that they possibly can. They’re an absolutely incredible person who has put a lot of work into Gabriel, developing him with their original creator and deepening his plot in a truly fascinating way. They have beautiful writing and an even more beautiful personality to talk to. I am having a lot of fun with them and I truly hope everyone goes and gives them a follow! Their Gab deserves the torment!

@thylightbringer: My WIFE--I'm kidding. Bianca is my friend though, someone I have known for about a year now I believe, maybe a little more. We started writing together in another fandom and then I corrupted them to write Lucifer over here. Not even myself apparently VIA my fanfic so clearly it was that good--kidding, kidding, please don't go read that. Bianca is the other half of my blog, the canon part of this blog, the twin to my son, the other half of his star, the physical trauma he's constantly suffering. They're also an incredible writer who has put a lot of work into Lucifer and made so many incredible HCs about him that you should go read. I adore them with all of my heart and I hope to trap them here with me for as long as possible.

@solmxri: One of my best friends and someone I have known for (perhaps now) over a decade. Tordo is an amazing digital artist too who is responsible for Mike's sword design and is very passionate about the sword itself. I love that sword and the work that Tordo put into it right before their PC died on them. My poor friend. They have an incredible long and detailed list of muses that they have developed for years and are very passionate about. Tordo can be rather quiet and is shy, their PC is dead and they can't write right now which is driving them insane, but I love their writing, their art and the world that they have created for their muses. They deserve so much love and respect for the OCs that they have developed into practically real people.

@diistortion: In general. Overall. All around. Amazing ✨✨✨. A talented writer, an amazing artist who has done commissions of Mike for me, who has literally absorbed me into the fandom and kept me from running off. I adore Luke so much and their Alastor, their creative design of him and the depthful backstory that they’ve developed for him. It’s so creative and so impressive. Seriously, they’re so fantastic and they are the person who has helped create Michael design. I've stated it before and I'll do so again. Michael is an OC, I have worked his story and his personality together but his design the credit for his appearence goes to Akari and Luke. Two very talented artists that I appreciate so much for all the work that they have done for me and you can find their commissions info on their kofi on my credits page.

@radioiaci: HI I LOVE YOU. Your art is very pretty but your writing is also incredible. Like I love Alastor so much and I appreicate to the end of the worlds that you followed and engage with me. I know I've been a little slow lately, our time onlike at the same time is rather limited and since I'm at work my activity can fluctate while on here at night but I love our threads so much. Alastor might stress Michael out a lot but he does genuinely enjoy being around him and having him here. He's an absolute delight to torment and despite how clingy my son can be still for some reason puts up with him. I love all the little things Al has going on that fully completes his character, and the detailed art of his back is so interesting to think about in terms of the actual thread. Mike really wants to find a way to fix that. Thank you for existing and putting UP WITH ME.

@toxitrosia: I haven’t gotten to interact with, but that I have had the pleasure of talking to and answering a few asks for! I absolutely am enthralled by their interpretation of Valentino and the plot that they have going for him. The idea of him being a Hellborn and not a sinner is one I find incredibly fascinating and has so much potential. Honestly they have such a beautiful way of writing not to mention their interpretation is spot on to me! Despite the fact we haven't written, I can still very much recognize your name instantly when it scrolls across the dash or randomly appears in my inbox. The silly little asks I've answered for Val have been fun to try and flush out when they haven't engaged. I really have no idea what their dynamic will ever be but the prospects of whatever it could become are interesting. I enjoy reading whatever you throw up onto the dash or the people you engage with.

@chasingrainbcws is very aware of how I feel about them. Though it's been a while since we're written together (I need to throw some memes at you) they very much capture the feeling of Charlie herself from the show. I've only written with their Charlie and Emily (briefly her) but each interaction I got to do with the Princess of Hell very much felt like I could hear her voice or see her actually doing what she was in the show. I could clearly visualize our thread and I loved that. They are an amazing writer who really captures their muse well and I can't wait for the things we might get to do in the future. Either with Charlie or the other wonderful muses they write!

@alteregozowie: My friend, my beautiful friend, who is an incredible artist who does so much for me and feels bad often because it does take them a while for commissioms. But the stuff they bump out, just to cheer me up is so kind. Zowie, as I'm sure everyone knows, is such a ball of joy and sunshine. They're absolutely kind to everyone and stretches themselves so thin that they probably need reminders often to just slow down and care of themselves. (I'm a healthcare worker imma get you). Their Alastor is adorable, a whiny little manipulative brat, but Zowie has put a lot of time, effort and art into them and all of it shows. They're so nice!

[ask-the-critters-survival-au]

Static dances out from the speaker of the monitor... which is probably power by magic now that you think about it-

"I am sorry children... Picky does not seem willing to listen... It hurts me to think she still considers Dogday to have abandoned you all- especially because it was her own words that confirmed my knowledge of where he is. She seems so... scared to believe what I have said. So quit to curl her ears and ignore it. So quick to turn her emotions into rage... I feel like forcing her to confront that truth may break her."

"I hope you have a plan children. One that does not involve making a deal that could permanently disable you or make this situation even worse. As Hoppy explained the rules behind our contracts? I hope so- if only for you not to fall victims to one of my fellows suggesting a deal that will do more harm then good."

"I have been hard at work devising a way to create a deal that could help you all without harming you or making the situation worse... and I believe I have finally found it. I am to assume that much of the food you all have is food either to rotten to eat or stuff your bodies cannot consume? Picky has told us of your carnivore diets... which does not make sense do to what was used to make you. Studying of that strange issue must be dealt with later."

"Using the rules established- it should be possible for you to use the rule of equivalent exchange to turn that rotten and uneatable food into something you can eat. Again, it perplexes me that none of you can eat other things- Ah sorry, Lost in my thoughts again. I will warn you now that you may end up with an amount of food a small bit less then what you use for the deal- but that should be made up for in spades by the meat sent back being cooked- allowing your bodies to absorb much more of the nutrients then simple raw meat."

"As of the recording of this message... Crafty has only been revealed to me. For the sake of future proofing I have also prepared a deal for her as well. I am not sure of the nature of her episodes of madness... all I do know is that she may freak out at no having anything to paint with- and even that is faulty knowledge. So, with this extra deal, it should be simple to change any spare art supplies you have around into another color. In the case you don't have any... I will attempt to devise a safe deal for that for out next contact."

"All you must do is gather the proper items listed for the magics to consume and warp and accept the deal as per our rules. I hope this can help you all moving forward. I got suggest rationing what you can and eating slowly, as flooding the body with nutrients during starvation can cause a multitude of issues. Perhaps getting you all glass jars to preserve the food is in order. I'll attempt to keep the spell work up so you may continue to do this at any time... but magic can be finicky."

"Maybe making this deal to Picky in return for stopping her pursuit would work, but I am still unsure any magic can be done away from the monitor. What are your thoughts on this Children?"

"I will also look into this issue of you not being able to eat food stuff other then meat- that should not be so yet it is... what has Playtime done this time- How would one warp the human stomach that way? Possibly an inhibiter to the brain? or possibly an certain change in the enzymes your bodies produce?- Ah sorry- Rambling once again. Talk to you all soon. Please- Be safe."

(Heh- Magic time : ), Hopefully everything here makes sense and seems fair to you mod. No need to have our beloved stars starve no? Of course if not that is always alright! I simply wish to fulfill my promise of doing all I can to aid these young souls! Hope you have a great day!)

YES YES! FOOD! IM SOOO TIRED OF EATING ROTTEN FLESH! WE ARE SO TAKING THAT DEAL.

I’m not surprised about Picky. She’s…always been a little ignorant.

She’d still hunt me down even if she got that deal. Me and her...have history.

And Crafty not having paint isn’t exactly the problem. She doesn’t have hands to paint with anymore.

You can thank CatNap for that.

[Mod note: I hope you have a good day as well! I love getting your asks :)]

[bonecaffeine]

helloo! this for the touchstarved matchups,,,

I go by either sam or amber (have been called samba .), she her he him ... whatever works .. ROMANTIC PLEASE !! I love love

ok got my friend to describe me yay.. hair is dark brown, they said it a wolfcut its just layered and stuff. ends right above the shoulders and I have bangs,,, nose is like. mix between button nose n snub nose and I am white. french😢 5'3 (5'2 and a half but I needed the pity points)

okay iLOVE biology especially when it comes to like viruses and stuff I find that so interesting yes please. drawing, writing, baking (but I have been compared to kuras in that aspect), and occasionally insects and flowers have piqed my interest. I dunno I really like drawing and writing

for dislikes um.... math is my OPP and I hate like. unpredictability I prefer rules and stuff when I have to do something but i confess i do enjoy slacking.OK THANKS SO MUCH

Hii! Thank you so much for your request! You where first to submit one, so congratulations! I've also read through other request people have submitted and I've got to say I am very grateful!!

☆ Romantic matchup for @jellynui !!

☆ tw - none

...

Anyways, I decided to match you with Mhin!

Yours and Mhins differences balance you two out, whilst your mutual similiarities provide a deeper understanding of each other. As a result you two are not only good friends but amazing partners as well. Let me explain:

It's not a secret that Mhin hasn't had the easiest life. It's very obvious from their attitude and general distance they keep from people that they have seen a lot of things they wish they could unsee. But in the midst of the turbulence and the chaos they have to put with with on a daily basis, Mhin has you by their side. You are their peacemaker, someone who provides calmness in their otherwise disarrayed life. And Mhin is so, so thankful for that even if they don't express that often.

In return you get someone who'll always be there to protect you! If you struggle to stand up for yourself Mhin will do just that whether that be with a sharp tongue or a satisfying punch in the face. Mhin does not take any shits when it comes to you.

Mhin struggles with being vulnerable... like a lot. Yet I know you harbor enough patience for this person. Lay their head down on your chest or hold their face between your hands and you'll heal a part of Mhin that they thought would never heal. They like it when you "slack off" because Mhin craves some slowness in their life! And of course, during these moments Mhin can get a lot of attention from you, which is amazing, though they'll never admit that.

Mhin would love to hear you ramble about biology (or about anything, really) because they too are probably knowledgable in this subject since they know anatomy so well. Mhin will keep everything you say in mind and once they're out and about somewhere in nature they'll look at the flowers you talked to Mhin about and the flowers will remind them of you.

As for drawing and writing, Mhin will also try to support this aspect of your life the best way they can. Mhin finds it admirable that you create art and literature just from your hands alone. Reading your writings is like therapy to Mhin since they struggle a lot to express themselves verbally. They're quick to absorb how nicely you knit words into sentences and later Mhin finds themselves using the words you used in your creations in their own conversations with others.

For the baking part... well Mhin will try anything you make (as long as you didn't accidentally make poison) whether it's good or bad! Mhin is an honest personality though so you have to be prepared for that!

If that's what you'd want to do, I imagine you two going on a drawing date! Something like a picnic but you two get to draw. Since Mhin is a hunter I feel like they know where the most safest parts of Eridia are, and know exactly where to take you if you two need some peace and quiet.

Just like you, Mhin hates not sticking to rules and routine. While it may seem that Mhin has a rebellious nature at first, change makes Mhin anxious and frustrated. The freelancer is glad that you are the same and appreciates this trait of yours.

For my final point - and this may sound cheesy so bear with me. I like how different Mhins and yours hair colors are! White and brown go along so nicely, I feel like. It kinda reminds me of white flowers blooming on a tree, you know?

...

Alriiight, I hope you like it, Sam!! This was fun to write ngl^_^ let me know what you think, only if you want to of course.

[putschki1969]

2024/06/10 Blog post by Wakana おしゃべりガーデン第10回目‼︎〜みんなのお父さん話と梅雨対策！横須賀ジブリ編その１〜

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Talk Garden Vol.10‼︎〜Stories About Your Father/Rainy Season Precautions! Yokosuka Ghibli Edition Part 1〜

Vol.#10 of Wakana's Talk Garden has been uploaded~😊We have successfully reached a big milestone, the 10 episode mark‼︎ It's all thanks to everyone who always listens and sends submissions…✨I am very grateful😊 I would like to continue posting my podcast at a leisurely pace, so please look forward to future episodes‼︎‼︎＼＼\٩( 'ω' )و //／／

One of the topics for this episode was "Measures against the rainy season". Here's my favourite umbrella which I talked about in the podcast☂️💕It's very cute. I want to use it a lot during the upcoming rainy season🙄Someone mentioned in their message that "the air pressure during the rainy season is tough." I feel the same. During this time of year, the air pressure and humidity are likely to make you lose your energy. Don't forget to stay hydrated and it's best to do some light exercises to get through the rainy season in good health! 🥺

And since it is also Father's Day, I wanted everyone submit "Stories about your father" as a second topic for the podcast. By the way, I had completely forgotten, but my father was really into magic 😅He liked to do magic tricks with cars ♧♤♡♢Here is his very own card set. He would always bring out playing cards and perform some tricks wherever he was. He would even do little performances in front of my friends 😂He never let me in on the mechanics behind his tricks but he was definitely really good. Now I really want to see my dad's magic again 😊One day when I get to see him again, I'll ask him to show me~💫

So, for the next episode of "Wakana's Talk Garden" on July 10th, there will be no specific talk topic. You are free to submit anything you want me to talk about or you want to ask me･:*+.(( °ω° ))/.:+ The deadline is June 30th!! Please send your submissions!! ＼＼\٩( 'ω' )و //／ Thank you so much to everyone who sent messages this time!!!

Now, I would like to talk some more about my trip to Yokosuka‼️⛱🏄🌊I already talked about it in my podcast so in this blog post I want to share some photos from the first big part of my trip when I visited the "Toshio Suzuki and Ghibli Exhibition" held at Yokosuka Museum of Art! (I'll post about my experience in Sarushima=Monkey Island in a few days!!) Speaking of Ghibli, some people were curious if I had gone to the Ghibli exhibition so yes, you finally have your answer😊 You are greeted by Chihiro at the entrance. My excitement skyrocketed right from the start😊The curtain leads to an exhibition of 8,800 books displayed in a huge bookshelf. Each book is believed to have influenced Suzuki in some way. Another source of inspiration is his collection of movies which contains a whopping 10,000 films. I was surprised at the number of movies, he must have absorbed so much information from all these works. I want to become a part of the Suzuki family. It's cut off, but at the top of the photo there is Teto's beautifully drawn paw. I also really liked the drawing at the bottom center signed with "Miya-SAN on the Cliff by the Sea". Then I I met Totoro and his friends surrounded by a starry sky♡ I should have taken this photo with an umbrella~😭Here I am looking up at The Bathhouse with Chihiro. While I was there, I imagined Haku getting mad at me and telling me to get back right away because I shouldn't have come! Next I got myself one of Yubaba's fortune telling slips. What an impact😂 You pull out a numbered tag from Yubaba's mouth and then take your fortune slip from the drawer according to the number. It looked like I was trying to floss Yubaba's teeth. I got a half-blessing related to tidying up and becoming clutter-free. Last but not least, I enjoyed the wide and open sky on the rooftop 😂

This time, I bought a file, a letter set, a keychain, and postcards at the souvenir shop 😊 I love the keychain of San's mask😍 I will send one of these postcards to everyone whose messages I've read during the podcast😊 ...And with that my Ghibli story comes to an end. Or not!! Actually, my Ghibli adventure isn't over yet😇 I still have a few Ghibli photos and stories left so I will post a Part 2 some time soon!! I also have a story about a crazy stamp rally that felt like a sports competition😂

All right, I'll leave it at that for today!! Until next time~☆( '▽')/

＊＊＊Wakana＊＊＊

2024/06/07 Instagram post by Wakana 2024/06/09 Intagram post by Wakana

Wakana’s Talk Garden #10

❗This is Fan Club EXCLUSIVE content❗ ❗PERSONAL USE ONLY❗ ❗Do NOT SHARE on other sites❗ ❗Join her FAN CLUB! Check out my detailed TUTORIAL ❗

Episode #10 »»—— CLICK ME 🎁 CLICK ME ——««

・Stories about your father ・Measures against the rainy season

For next month’s episode which is scheduled to air on July 10th, the following topic has been chosen:

・Anything you'd like to ask Wakana/Anything you'd like Wakana to talk about

The submission deadline is 06/30.