#please note that some of this is partly my interpretation

[lee-hakhyun]

representative kim dokja shows lee hakhyun everything. on the theater screen, the stories of him and the readers play out. it's not all of the stories though, as he notices some scenes have been exaggerated or cut. he asks if this is what repkdj has been showing the kkomas, and he agrees. this is to write a new story.

and a new story requires a new protagonist.

he continues with a video of what lhh has done so far. not everything is recorded there, there are memories missing between scenes that only lhh know, but even with scenes missing, what the kkomas saw wasn't a lie. repkdj says that lhh is the best person to end their story. whose story..? the characters who have died here, or--?

rep kdj goes on. showing memories that lee hakhyun didn't know about. han sooyoung confronting 49, his doubts, the 1865th episode, his final thoughts, and his reincarnation. seeing himself in his parent's arms, he can't deny anything. rep kdj continues to push him. is this not kimcom's fault? does he not deseve his own story? prove that you are real. defeat kimcom, and free this worldline from it's predetermined story. create a space for these extras that he has been with all this time. repkdj tells him to stop yoo joonghyuk.

in this worldline, yjh uses the absolute throne, and sends sys back. everything here happened, but it was never recorded. it could just end by branching this worldline off into parallel universes.. but what if it doesn't? what if shin yoosung was never sent back. the worldlines of twsa and orv may be destroyed.

is this why hsy tried to stop him before?

rep kdj tells him to destroy kimcom's universe, break the ending that only the 'real' kim dokja knew. with yoo joonghyuk still incapacitated on the ground, rep kdj offers him a full-powered four yin demonic beheading sword.

tells lhh to end their story with his own hands.

[ambrosiagourmet]

Rin Masterpost

Rin! Rinsha Fana! Beloved side character I think about far too much (or maybe not enough?)

I decided that it might be nice to put together an informational post about Rin, since she has some of my favorite background details of any character in Dungeon Meshi. This is partly as reference for myself, and partly for anyone else who might be interested in her but not know where to chase down the tidbits we we get of her, both in canon & extra materials. There’s also a little bit of theorizing and analysis sprinkled in for fun.

If anyone spots something I missed, please let me know and I will add it in!

Alright. Time for ultimate #rinposting

History and Timeline:

We don't have an official timeline for Rin (even in the expanded Adventurer's Bible, sadly), but we can put a lot of pieces together based on Kabru's timeline & their respective ages.

Rin is 2 years older than Kabru, and they met when he was 9. Assuming that he met her soon after she was taken to the elven capital, that means that the elves took her when she was 11.

Before that, she lived on the Northern Continent. Interestingly, when Mickbell asks about Shuro, Rin says she was born "here."

Since "here" doesn't mean the actual Island itself, it must mean simply "not the east." She is described in the Adventurer's Bible as having "no real knowledge of or attachment to the East," so maybe that's why she draws a "there" verses "here" line.

I'd also like to add a note here that the elves don't seem uh... they don't seem great about respecting the value of other cultures, especially those of short-life species. Milsiril seems to have discouraged Kabru from eating or remembering food from his hometown, at least, and that's even as an adoptive parent who cares (at least in some way) for her child. As I will touch on later, the "care" that Rin was under probably had even less respect for her history or ties to either Eastern or Northern culture.

That is all to say, considering that Rin spent many years with the elves, I'd take her having "[no] attachment to the East" as more of a comment on how she feels now, and less as a definite choice she made. She may genuinely have chosen that approach and opinion for herself, she may have been pushed towards it by the elves, and she may have had little choice at all in the matter - all are valid interpretations, though I personally lean towards the thought that it's unlikely the elves didn't have at least some hand in it.

Anyway, Rin does seem to know at least a bit about her heritage - she can presumably name and identify the specific island her parents are from, and she recognizes that "Shuro" isn't a name used there. She also knows that different places from the Eastern archipelago speak different languages, so she knows at least a little about the other islands as well.

Some additional extrapolations I'll make based on these facts: she never mentions, and probably isn't in contact with, any family from her island. This may be because her extended family died, because her parents didn't (or weren't able to) maintain contact, or because she lost contact when she was taken by the elves. Somewhat relatedly, she also prooobably doesn't speak the language, at least not fluently, though her being able to comment on the state of language in the archipelago makes me think that she at least learned a little as a kid.

Anyway, Rin's parents were refugees from the archipelago, though we don't know what specifically caused them to leave. There is this little tidbit of info we get (from the cover of chapter 48, of all places), though:

So yeah, that seems like it would be the backdrop of Rin's parents fleeing. As I said earlier, it's unclear if Rin might have any living family left back on her island. The listing she has for “family” in the Adventurer's Bible is just a dash, but so is Izutsumi's, for instance, and we know that she was taken from her family with no knowledge of who might still be out there. It's possible everyone else was killed, it's possible they were separated... it's possible that Rin's parents didn't even know.

As an additional note, and this is speculation on my part, but I think there is an argument to be made, with this tidbit from the cover as well as the Nakamoto clan's specialty in espionage and use of ninjas, that the politics of the archipelago are partially based on Sengoku era Japan. Not necessarily super relevant here, but I think it's interesting context for all... of the archipelago characters, honestly.

(Especially considering it seems like the Nakamoto clan is in a relatively comfortable position, and yet clearly are involved, or at least prepared to be involved in larger conflict. How stable is their position, really? How is Shuro's father viewed by the wider region and archipelago as a whole? What about his lord? NOT THE POINT THIS IS A POST ABOUT RIN. BUT IT'S VERY INTERESTING TO THINK ABOUT.)

Okay, back to Rin's parents.

Whatever caused them to leave, they made their way to the north, where they made their living with their magic for a time. There are no specifics about what kind of magic they used, but we know at least some examples of jobs that magic can get you, based on the flashback to Laios and Falin's childhood in chapter 26. Laios proposes that Fain could use her magic to be a priest, gravekeeper, or wandering exorcist. Though these are specific to Falin's affinity with spirits, they give some idea of the shape of the work that might be available. It's important, but it is also on the outskirts of society - not necessarily admired or appreciated by the average person.

And Rin’s parents were killed by vigilantes for that magic. It's not entirely news that superstitious villages in the area would sometimes kill magic users - we see a small drawing of people being burned at the stake in a panel towards the end of the manga:

Nonetheless, Rin is the only person in the main cast who has experienced this brutality firsthand. And she did experience it firsthand, having been found by the elves as the sole survivor within the burnt ruins of her home.

It is unknown exactly how she survived, or what happened to her parents before and during the fire. Rin lived, and they did not.

The elves came some time after the fire, intending to investigate reports of ancient magic. They (and we) don't know if Rin's parents actually did use ancient magic, or if the reports and murders were simply spurred by general fear and superstition. Rin was the only piece of "evidence" that remained, and so she was taken back to the west with the elves when they left.

We don't know much about her time on the Northern Central Continent (where the elves/Canaries are based), but it doesn't seem like she was adopted or taken in by anyone the way that Kabru was. According to the Adventurer's Bible, after being taken into custody, "under their care she was treated as a captive animal would be." I would guess that means very basic food and shelter, little to no education. Probably the most social contact she got was from Kabru, as well as maybe, occasionally, from elves treating her as a curiosity, such as in this bit in the Adventurer’s Bible:

Assuming she left with Kabru (which seems like it is the case, there's no info about them having separated during that time), she spent 9 years with the elves, and has been with Kabru on the Island in the 4 years since then.

She also stays in the Golden Country after the end of the story, apparently working as an apothecary.

Additional Details (& Speculation):

What does she remember of her family and home?

I'd like to take a moment here to explore a little of what Rin might remember of her parents and home.

For reference, we can look at Kabru. The canaries came to Utaya when Kabru was 6, and he arrived in the capital when he was 7. He remembers the events of the tragedy in his home, and has some memories of his mother and life in Utaya, including memories of local dishes.

Rin lost her parents and home at 11, so she presumably has much clearer memories of the events that lead to her being taken by the elves... or she might, assuming that they haven't been completely blocked by her trauma from the event.

Yeah, I am fairly damn sure that she's got some memory issues from trauma and PTSD. For one, this is the state she was found in:

As already mentioned, she was also treated like something of an animal by the elves. She probably didn't have a lot of contact with other people, which would further perpetuate that sense of isolation and dehumanization. What I'm getting at here is that Rin probably didn't have much to help pull her out of this place, or heal these wounds. She had Kabru, who was also a kid and even younger than her, and she had herself.

Obviously trauma leaves different scars on everyone, and everyone responds and copes in different ways. But I do think it is interesting that we never hear anything about Rin's parents or life before the elves, and there are no real details about it given in the Adventurer's Bible the way we have for Kabru. What's presented is more surface level facts: they were refugees, they made a living with magic, they were killed.

I'm inclined to believe that things are laid out this way because that's how Rin holds on to these things. She knows things about them, but possibly remembers them more as things she was told/knows to be true, rather than actual memories she can picture herself experiencing.

Rin's Magic

In an interesting counterpoint to her potentially spotty memory, I do actually think Rin may have learned magic from her parents (or started learning, and was self-taught from there). She never attended a magic academy, and actually has a bit of grudge against people who did - owing to the social protection afforded to "upper-class mages," which her parents did not have. She also almost certainly wouldn't have been taught by the elves, who not only treated her as an animal but also knew her parents may have been involved with ancient magic.

Falin began to show signs of magical talent at 8, and was sent to the Magic Academy at 10, and that was as someone who had absolutely no guidance about or exposure to magic in her home town. Raised by two mage parents, I think Rin absolutely could have been learning some things by the time she was 11.

In terms of continued learning, I'll add that Rin is able to identify Marcille's magic as being A) from an Academy student, and B) cast by an elf:

This makes me think that she continued to study magic on her own while held by the elves, and probably even more so after leaving with Kabru. They didn't form the party until two years after they left the elves, which would give Rin plenty of time to try and learn from other adventurers on the Island, or to study up on her own. She'd probably be able to pick up some dungeon-crawling basics (like the water walk spell), as well as become familiar with the skill level and expression of skill common in different people with different backgrounds (hence why she is able to comment on the "textbook" academy wards).

Much like Marcille, Rin also seems to rely on a 'one size fits all' Big Boom method of dealing with monsters: lightning. We see the best example of its power in the fight with Chimera Falin:

But we also see her cast it pretty recklessly in a few other places, including the end credits of the new anime ED, which I think provides a good example of the downsides to such an approach...

Yeah, it is very much a 'get out of the way or get zapped' spell.

Especially since Marcille's offensive magic is self-taught and works very similarly, this definitely reinforces the idea that Rin figured most of this stuff out herself.

Outfit and Character Design

Dear sweet Rin of the Red And Black... how I love her design.

First of all, her clothes are damaged. Despite the fact that Rin looks relatively well put together overall, her outfit is worn out. I have some theories on why this is that I'll get to in a bit, but for now I'll just touch on what this design communicates in general about it.

I think, just like with Kabru's horribly messy room, it creates a sense that there is something more complicated underneath the surface. Something that isn't being addressed or seen to, just as the dress hasn't been mended or replaced.

It also reflects her not caring a ton about her appearance. She's neat, but she's not concerned about being pretty, so she doesn't bother with fixing up her outfit after her dungeon crawls. This also fits with her perpetual scowl (which I will talk more about in a bit), and slightly disheveled hair.

Next: the gloves. At first I thought they might be a sort of uncomfortable-with-touch thing, but after skimming through the manga and some bonus content, I have another theory. Rin takes the gloves off to eat, as well as a few other instances, such as when working on a spell with Holm and Marcille in chapter 36

This one is especially interesting because she has them on in the next chapter, during the fight with Falin. Since she also isn't wearing gloves during some of the Daydream Hour art of her outside of the dungeon, that leads me to believe that they are specifically for combat.

What does she need them for, though? Most other casters we see don't wear gloves. Well... just look at the other half of the page where she attacks Falin with lightning:

She is enveloped by this spell. I said it before was pretty reckless magic, but maybe its not just a problem for her teammates, but for her as well.

So here's my theory: maybe the gloves are rubber, or some other electricity-resistant material? They might help protect her from her own magic. I don't know why a caster would need gloves for combat otherwise.

I also think this might be why her dress is tattered at the bottom, by the way. Especially since the Daydream Hour genderswap design doesn't have a similar problem with his outfit, since the tunic isn't as long.

I will admit this is a bit of stretch/guess, but I think it's a fun one, and I wanted to share. I do think I'm right about the gloves being for dungeons/fighting specifically, at least. That seems pretty consistent throughout all of her appearances.

I also mentioned her scowl, so I'll touch on that briefly as well. The (fairly confirmed) explanation for Rin's expression is that she intentionally wears a frown to prevent her other expressions from showing through. I think it's important to emphasize that it's not just smiling that she is trying to suppress here - it's any strong emotion:

Anyway, because I can, here is the art of Rin smiling.

Rin and Kabru

I have talked a bit about Rin and Kabru's history, but I think it deserves its own section.

I think it's very interesting that Rin is pretty much the ONLY character in all of Dungeon Meshi that has explicit canonical romantic interesting in someone. It's literally part of the main summary sentence in her character profile.

This could be sort of reductive as a way to describe a female character (and in some ways it still is), but I think in part the simplicity and directness of it actually is part of what makes it so interesting. Especially when on the very next page we see the comic about her backstory. "This mage is in love with Kabru" -> one page of a horribly traumatic event and a child frozen in shock with no one to comfort her. What does that do?

Well, in my opinion, it shows how much Rin focuses on Kabru as something to keep her in the present. In contrast with the immense loss she has experienced, her love for Kabru is current and alive. He has presumably been her anchor for years, and I think that her love is part of that anchor.

Adding to this, in contrast with how explicit her feelings are, she never seems to actively pursue Kabru. She complains about his potential interest in other women, but she doesn't really flirt. She doesn't let herself smile around him any more than anyone else, and she doesn't hide her bitterness or anger from him to present a more appealing persona.

As much as she craves Kabru's attention, and has stayed by his side for years, I don't know that she really wants to possess him. He seems to know about her feelings, more or less, and she seems to know that he knows. Maybe she believes he doesn't reciprocate and is respecting that, maybe she's afraid of what she could lose if she tried to change things, or maybe the change itself frightens her. In any case, though she's not exactly happy with the way things are between them, she doesn't seem to be trying to change that status quo.

A specific thing I'd also like to talk about with their relationship, beyond Rin's love for him, is her fear for him. As the Adventurer's Bible puts it, "she worries that his knack for dealing with whatever life throws at him might lead him to get too full of himself and end up in serious trouble."

Rin is an interesting mix of restrained and explosive, herself. Her magic is destructive, her temper seems to run hot (she gets annoyed easily, at least), and her feelings for Kabru are apparent. At the same time, she doesn't let her emotions show on her face, she is the one who bluntly states that the group has hit the limit of their abilities, and she doesn't act on those obvious feelings for Kabru. It's interesting, then, that what she fears for Kabru is that he won't restrain himself.

And a small personal idea about that as well: I wonder if she somewhat blames her parents for getting killed. Again, this is very speculative, but I think it's interesting that her fear for Kabru is that he will get too full of himself. Take up too much space. It's never really stated what Rin thinks of her parents, but it can be easy in grief to search for control, and control often means blame. If they hadn't been so confident, so flashy, would they still be alive...?

I don't know if she's ever thought like that, and it could well be that her fears for Kabru come from a totally different place. But it's an interesting connective thread between her past and present - the idea of "getting in trouble" for taking up too much space and being too confident in one's own abilities.

Miscellaneous Tidbits:

On that note, I'd like to wrap up the main part of this post, and move on to a few extra things that I couldn't find another place for.

Rin plays with her hair when she's stressed

Using stressed as a pretty big umbrella here, because I think it's hard to perfectly pin down all the emotions at play, but it is a habit of hers. Best displayed in chapter 32, but it shows up in other places, too.

Her design contrasts with Marcille

This is a small thing, but I just love how much they are visual opposites.

Rin wears red and black and has dark hair, Marcille wears blue and white and has light hair. Marcille cares a great deal for her hair and puts it up in elaborate hairstyles, and Rin's is mostly loose and a bit messy. Marcille was even educated at the Magic Academy, which Rin dislikes. They both have little capelets. Also they both look very cute in each other's clothes.

Rin knows Flamela (and they meet again in canon)

Nothing much is done with this in canon, but I think it’s super interesting that Flamela's squad are the ones that find Rin as a child and take her away to the west, and then they end up stuck in the dungeon together for a bit.

Two days??? I'm so very curious what things were like between these three.

Aaaand I think that's all I have to say about Rin! For the time being at least. There's a lot more analysis that could be done about her and Kabru especially, but for this post I wanted to keep things at least somewhat anchored to canon facts, with only a layer or two of speculation on top.

If it isn't already obvious, I think Rin is a super interesting character with a ton of potential depth to explore. She mostly interacts with Kabru in canon, but has ties to a bunch of other characters: she and Marcille fill similar roles in their parties but have differing personalities and histories, she and Falin (and Laios) have been tremendously shaped by xenophobia and fear of magic common in the Northern Continent, her parents fled from conflict in the same region Shuro and his retainers are from, and she has history with Flamela and some of the second canary squad.

Her temper, her fear, her love... her repression and passion - they all inform her character, even in small ways, even with as little time as she spends on the page.

[springwitch26]

hots for teacher (part 2) (melissa schemmenti x fem!reader)

part 1

summary: you've been infatuated with melissa schemmenti ever since you worked under her as a student teacher. what will happen when you meet again a few years later? (part 2: what happens)

warnings: smut, intensely NSFW, praise kink, age gap, squirting, d/s vibes, inexperienced!reader, minors and men please don't touch this post

notes: ask and you shall receive, beauties! thank you for all the love on part 1, it's kinda surreal to be writing my own fics but also super liberating. any feedback is welcome. idk when i'll write again but i may or may not have another little nsfw draft with a more... punishing... interpretation of mel so we'll see! also, feel free to send me asks because i'm lonely. this one goes out to whoever said melissa schemmenti loves sluts, 'cause yeah she does.

the car ride back to melissa's place felt like it would never end. you crossed your legs when you first got into the passenger seat--partly out of habit and partly to get some friction on your aching core--and were quickly reprimanded.

"tsk tsk, baby. guess i'll have to teach you manners, too. keep those pretty thighs apart for me, all the way home. you're gonna wait patiently until i get my hands on you," melissa scolded.

you whined incoherently, and she responded with a dangerous laugh. the trip was short but unbearable. she had one hand on the steering wheel, while the other drew lazy patterns on your inner thigh. you squirmed and writhed, even moaned quietly, but she remained nonchalant.

at one point, when her fingers drew oh-so close to where you needed them most, your thighs snapped shut of their own accord.

"c'mon, legs open," was all she said in response. she tried to act casual, but you could tell from her excited half-smile that she was enjoying this game more than she let on.

as soon as you got in the door, she was on you. you barely had the focus to take in your surroundings as she lavished you with kisses, working her way across your lips and face before burying herself in your neck. her house was cozy and tastefully decorated with gentle lighting. in the soft glow, her slightly disheveled hair and lustful eyes were a sight you'd never forget.

"is there anyone--oh!" you squealed as her fingers began to trace circles on your nipples through your dress. "is there anyone else here?"

"sensitive, huh?" she teased, smirking down at you. "and no, it's just me tonight."

before you had time to consider what that last word implied, she picked you up and effortlessly whisked you to her bedroom. you were dazzled by the sight of her private space--it was simple yet beautiful, adorned with shades of green and twinkling lights. you didn't expect this level of whimsy from her, and it somehow made her even sexier.

she laid you on the bed carefully, reverently. "god, look at you." she whispered, sending shivers down your spine as she positioned herself on top of you and returned to your lips.

by now you were painfully needy from all her teasing, and you just needed her to fuck you senseless. you tried to convey that with your impatient noises, but it seemed the older woman had other plans. she pulled away from your lips to take in your flushed, desperate face.

"soon, sweetheart, soon. i know you're so worked up, but i plan to make this last."

you hummed in acknowledgment, turning your attention to the buttons of her shirt. you thought maybe if you got her a bit more riled up, she would be less inclined to take her time.

melissa groaned, feeling your delicate fingers ghost over her chest, but shook her head in disapproval. she removed your hands from her shirt, grabbing your wrists with surprising force. "i'm not taking my clothes off yet. i'm in charge, and you need to learn patience."

you gave her your best pout, but you knew she wouldn't budge. this was about power, not patience. she wanted to be clothed, composed and in control while you lay naked and vulnerable underneath her.

she started to pull at the fabric of your dress. you lifted your hips, and in one fluid motion, she slipped it over your head and off of you. it was an expert move, and you shivered at the idea that she had done this many times before.

when she saw your body, she paused for a moment, her mouth slightly open and her pupils dilated. "no bra?" she asked under her breath, not looking for an answer. "you're so soft in my hands..." she mused as her hands massaged your breasts. her fingers moved to pinch and rub over your nipples.

you moaned, bucking your hips upward and seeking more contact. she took the hint and directed her attention to your core.

"nice panties, by the way," she said with a cocky laugh, tugging playfully at the soaked pink lace. "who knew little miss gothic had a colorful side?"

"please, mel, no more teasing, i need you so bad," was all you could manage.

"okay, baby, let's get these off ya." she hooked her fingers through your panties and you lifted your hips, allowing her to drag them off. she folded them neatly and tucked them into her front pocket. something cutesy to remind her of you, wet and pliant under her touch.

"mmm, such a messy girl. you must feel so embarrassed, all spread out and naked for me while i'm fully clothed, playin' with you."

you could only whimper and whine, helplessly turned on by her words but pinned to the bed and unable to move. she cooed at you and took pity, moving down your body to get closer to your core.

she placed her hands once again on the insides of your thighs, gently pulling them apart and revealing your glistening pussy. her breath stuttered upon seeing the wetness covering your core and thighs.

"jesus, hon, you're dripping. you're just aching for me, aren't ya? need me to make you feel good?"

"yes!" you finally exclaimed, regaining your voice. "yes, please, melissa, please touch me, i need you," you begged.

"well, since you asked so nicely..." she gave you a smirk and trailed a finger between your puffy lips, gathering the wetness there.

by this point you were writhing all over the bed, so she had to pin your legs down with her knees. neither of you minded, though. you enjoyed feeling completely at her mercy, and she enjoyed watching you squirm under her.

finally, after an eternity of torture, she gave in, slipping a finger into you with ease and rubbing gentle circles over your clit.

"so tight, fuck," she muttered to herself as she began to move inside you, transfixed by the feeling of you around her.

"feels so good, ohhh..." you mewled as her finger quickly found a rhythm, pumping forcefully and curling at your most sensitive spots.

"you're taking me so well, baby, my brave girl," she soothed, relishing in her ability to draw such pathetic sounds from you. "can you handle one more?"

you nodded frantically, almost too lost in the haze of pleasure to hear her.

she grinned and pushed another finger inside you, making you cry out. you were relatively inexperienced, so the stretch was a bit painful at first, but you were soon overcome by the bliss of feeling so full.

"that's new, huh? poor baby, can barely take two fingers," her thrusts got rougher, as if she was trying to break you. "don't whine now, you wanted this."

you were overwhelmed with pleasure and the slight pain of the intrusion. her fingers were long, nimble and skilled, and she seemed to know all the right spots and rhythms to make you see stars. her fingers stroked your clit with more pressure now, making you shake and moan uncontrollably. it was almost too much. you wanted to scream, but you could only produce pathetic little whimpers of "ah, ah, ah!"

she was clearly aware of what she was doing, and she revelled in your pleasure. she would ease up, return to a gentler pace, and then thrust hard into your g-spot just to hear your cries and gasps. she longed to see you lose control.

"that's a good girl, keep takin' my fingers just like that. you're close, aren't you baby? let's see how long you can last against me," she said, her voice deep and her smile mischievous. there was a competitive edge to her words, like making you fall apart was some kind of victory to her.

suddenly she pulled away completely, and you nearly sobbed. your hips bucked up into nothing. your helpless whimpers were music to the older woman's ears, and she snickered to herself as she moved down your body.

for a moment, there was silence. you stared at her, silently pleading for her touch. she cocked her head at you and raised an eyebrow, silently asking you: are you ready? you nodded intently. you weren't sure what she was going to do to you, but you sure as hell wanted to find out.

before you even had the chance to brace yourself, she was thrusting two fingers roughly inside you again, rubbing hard at that spongy spot. for the final blow, melissa leaned down and attached her lips to your clit, sucking harshly.

"not yet, sweetheart. stay with me," she said, grinning from ear to ear as she felt your walls flutter and clench around her.

with her free hand, she reached up and pressed softly on your lower abdomen. between that, the punishing thrusts, and the hot pressure on your clit, you couldn't take it anymore. the sensations overwhelmed you. the world went blank, and all you could feel was warmth. you swam through oceans of white-hot ecstasy, riding wave after wave of pleasure. and melissa was right there, coaxing you through heaven's gates.

melissa's thumbs rubbed soothing circles into your outer thighs, bringing you back down to earth. "come back to me," she whispered sweetly. you opened your eyes.

"there she is," she said, her eyes sparkling with relief.

she gave you a giddy smile and you noticed the wetness all over her face... and fingers... and sheets. you couldn't help but feel embarrassed.

melissa must have picked up on this, as she took hold of your hand and reassured you. "don't be embarrassed, angel. that was probably the hottest thing i've ever seen." she laid down next to you as she spoke.

you hummed and buried your face in the crook of her neck. she was warm and smelled like cinnamon.

"did you know you could do that, hon?" she asked.

"yeah," you giggled, still dazed. "but i didn't know you could do that."

"i'm fulla surprises, kid," she laughed, stroking your hair. "let me run us a bath, and then we'll see what kind of surprises you've got in you."

she carried you bridal-style to the bathtub, and you relaxed into the bliss. feeling the warmth of her arms around your frame. drowning in her.

[yinyuedijun]

NIGHT FLOWER: part i — additional end notes

tw: omegaverse, slavery, sexual abuse, racism, gendered violence

hi everyone! if you're here then that means that you read the first chapter of my abomination of an omegaverse fic (thank you and I'm sorry). I understand that slave aventurine fics are very heavily criticised and perceived in a certain way in this fandom because they touch on very sensitive topics. as such, I wanted to explain the intent of this fic in its exploration of these themes, to avoid being misread.

the main reason I chose to make this an omegaverse fic and frame it in the context of slavery is because I wanted to explore how gender-based violence (gbv) intersects with racism, particularly for a character like aventurine (whose canon arc is already couched within ethnic violence and slavery). I did not write these themes for the purpose of eroticising them.

speaking of sexual violence + racism, canon already does actually have some basis for it that may escape EN players. sparkle, during her racist tirade against aventurine, explicitly calls sigonians “交际花” — which can mean “courtesan”, and also doubles as a derogatory term for women who “socialise” to gain wealth/status. so when this fic depicted fetishization of the avgin people, that was partly done out of connection to what is already implied by canon.

one thing that people may find unusual about the interpretation of omegaverse in this fic is that the reader is also subject to gbv as an alpha. while alphas are still alluded to as a privileged, oppressive class here (per omegaverse genre conventions lol), I find it hard to believe that alphas as a class would completely escape gendered violence, especially within fundamentally abusive systems such as slavery (just as how men do not escape gbv in these contexts in real life). I did not create this backstory for the purpose of eroticising these themes; I did it as an exploration of both the genre and real life oppression.

wrt the relationship between aventurine and the mc: while the overall arc for them is going to be a healing and loving one, I want to acknowledge that their sexual relationship is extremely bleak and unhealthy in this chapter. I would not condone a dynamic like this in real life by any means, but in the context of fiction, in the context of this narrative, I really do think their relationship needed to be executed this way.

I shall also say this. while I am not going to eroticize the unhealthy parts of their sexual relationship, I am absolutely going eroticize the hell out of the healthy parts of their sexual relationship 👍👍👍 so aventurine fuckers please be strong… we will someday get to the unrepentant corn in this fic (probably next chapter lol)

[asherlockstudy]

I am really glad that I am not the only one seeing Wonderhole for what it actually is.

How many of us are there? How many people are really seeing the obvious the hidden layers of meaning in it? How many understand it for what it's truly meant to be?

I want to talk about episode 2 in the specific.

Episode 2 as a concept captures the essence of what I personally always thought was the whole point of putting hidden stories in scripted content for them.

(with hidden stories I am referring, of course, to the secret romance focused overarching narratives infused in the scripted content that came out before Wonderhole).

I always thought that the purpose was an artistic and ceremonial expression of something that was important to them but they couldn't show the world explicitly.

Something that had intrinsic value simply because they had created it together, to celebrate their love and creaivity even if it's true meaning remained buried and undiscovered for years and years, possibly forever.

Like in the episode, by making Wonderhole and previous scripted videos, they built a treasure hunt with clues and that led to ... no real final reward.

There is no reward for them or (anyone) at the end for deciphering the clues, finding the metaphorical treasure chest and opening it.

Like in the episode, the treasure chest is empty, and nothing comes out of it, because the treasure and inherent value, is in the treasure hunt itself and the experience that they have created for themselves (and us). Which they allude to when they talk about the reason for not putting anything in there.

It's interesting to note that even Rhett and Link, themselves have to keep that in mind not to get to saddened and disappointed by it. It's about the journey rather than the destination.

There clearly is one big reward though, even if some might say it's a bittersweet ending.

By doing all of this, they have become timeless.

(The picture of them that is placed on the box at the very end is taken by that background character while talking about Rhett and Link being timeless for a reason).

Because there is something that does end up in that box, and it's the real reward. In fiction their combined essences/ minds (a symbol for their thoughts, feelings and creativity) are resting in that box together, fused, and unlike their bodies they will never age and continue living forever. That's their reward. They are "timeless", and they have become timeless together. By choice, and there is nothing more romantic than that. And this is a great metaphor for what is happening irl as a result of them making all of this and putting it into the world.

It's even more powerful than "Unitl death do us part". Because like in the episode, not even after death, they will ever truly be apart. Their love is timeless. Preserved in this time capsule they have created and put on the internet (I'm talking about Wonderhole and their creative projects). They have become timeless together by making art that celebrates their love and they are aware of it. It's really poetic and I wish people knew about this!

That's beautiful Anon. And wow, like we say in my country, you're gonna live many years because I was just about to post my next Wonderhole analysis within the next few hours, so my detailed take will be there! I am adding a screenshot of my draft here just so one won't think I am bullshiting and taking other people's ideas

(please ignore that I started writing this at 3:30 AM)

Of course we are very close, maybe not a 100% match because I am always on the look out for specific One Story parallels, however your interpretation is either partly or completely what Rhett and Link must have conceptualized. It does not make sense any other way.

How many understand it...well... not many, I fear.

[chatonarya]

Gnosis Musings About The Manga

Original thread on twitter.

I think one of the things the manga makes clear is that Gnosis is Just Like That, and he's always been Like That even before BI. While focus is given to how Enciodes has not always been the smug chessmaster we know and love today but rather became that way through experience...

...we see that Gnosis by contrast has always been shameless, fearless, and committed. No shame faking drunk; no fear of radical actions; ready to do whatever it takes. It instantly hearkens back to his public "humiliation" in BI.

It also lends a whole new life to this line; I always thought it referred to the fact that he was blamed for the deaths of the Silverashes, but now I wonder if he meant it in a more literal sense, too.

We also get another view of Gnosis in general, and how he behaves around two of the people he arguably trusts most (though for half of it he doesn't fully trust Degen yet), and I find it absolutely fascinating, and how it demonstrates how tsundere he can be.

Ironically, despite his file emphasizing how he doesn’t have energy to spare for emotion, Gnosis is someone who’s very blunt and open with negative emotion: he displays displeasure and anger without hesitation, including towards Enciodes and Degenbrecher.

But Enciodes and Degenbrecher both are comfortable with this aspect of Gnosis: Enciodes doesn't bat an eye when he starts laying into him for some reason or another, probably because he's already used to it. (Look at child Gnosis in that flashback; he's always been Like That.)

While I'm sure we'll see more of this during RS, I feel like an argument can be made that Degenbrecher gets used to his squawking very quickly. She seems almost amused by him throughout the manga (consider as well that she's likely been living with them for 3 months).

Yet despite Gnosis being verbally dismissive or combative, there's a large emphasis placed on the fact that he'll do anything for Enciodes and Karlan Trade, but he'll never say so.

Even to himself in his module story, Gnosis insists that his loyalty is only to his own choices, but his choice is once again Karlan Trade, which is the company he co-founded with Enciodes and is the vehicle for their shared dream.

We also see Gnosis has always cared more about executing things perfectly than deep communication; he values things being understood and grasped wordlessly rather than explaining all, a rapport he shares with his partner. (Note that they likely had to improvise during their plan.)

It may be partly personal interpretation, but I feel like Gnosis bickers with people he cares about, almost in some way of showing affection. He may claim he doesn’t care, but his actions tell a different story. (And I love that Enciodes often bickers right back at him.)

I would also be remiss if I didn't mention his EP, which is absolutely bursting with emotion, love, and dedication. "Please don't leave" "The reason I fall, take my heart and save me from the end" "'Cause when we fall through dreams [...] we'll move beyond together"

Conclusion: Gnosis is a tsundere arson crane who probably has a literal crime record because he just doesn't care about what it takes because he's 110% committed (and doesn't think twice about plucking out his own feathers for brocade). I look forward to more of his antics in RS.

[thefisherqueen]

Sherlock Holmes' The hound of the Baskervilles, chapter XII - Death on the moor

Let's see if I can catch up the three remaining chapters this weekend :) First note - Doyle and titles continue their fraught relationship. A bit of a spoiler, this chapter's title, did you not think so, my good sir? Anyway, let's get started! Whose death will it be?? For a moment or two I sat breathless, hardly able to believe my ears. Then my senses and my voice came back to me, while a crushing weight of responsibility seemed in an instant to be lifted from my soul. That cold, incisive, ironical voice could belong to but one man in all the world. “Holmes!” I cried—“Holmes!” “Come out,” said he, “and please be careful with the revolver.” I stooped under the rude lintel, and there he sat upon a stone outside, his gray eyes dancing with amusement as they fell upon my astonished features. Always delightful to read about Watson being thoroughly astonished by Holmes. Doyle's writing is also so good here - I can hear exactly how that voice must sound, see that sparkle in those gray eyes before me

He was thin and worn, but clear and alert, his keen face bronzed by the sun and roughened by the wind. In his tweed suit and cloth cap he looked like any other tourist upon the moor, and he had contrived, with that cat-like love of personal cleanliness which was one of his characteristics, that his chin should be as smooth and his linen as perfect as if he were in Baker Street. Cat-like Holmes :) :) Holmes' poor errand boy must beside food also been hauling back and forth a whole assortment of dirty/clean clothes, shaving kits and other toiletteries, plus a mirror. No other way Holmes could have stayed that clean in a leaky hut without electricity or plumbing upon the rainy, boggy, chilly moor. Gods he's quite a dandy, isn't he? If you seriously desire to deceive me you must change your tobacconist; for when I see the stub of a cigarette marked Bradley, Oxford Street, I know that my friend Watson is in the neighbourhood. You will see it there beside the path. Smoking is Not Stealthy! Feeling vindicated that Watson was caught that way

“I did not know who you were, but I was determined to find out.” “Excellent, Watson! And how did you localize me? You saw me, perhaps, on the night of the convict hunt, when I was so imprudent as to allow the moon to rise behind me?” I know perfectly well that Holmes here means that he shouldn't have stood between Watson and the moon, of course, but his specific phrasing still made me laugh. Like Holmes could have prevented the moon from rising by simply not allowing it xD

I thought that you were in Baker Street working out that case of blackmailing.” “That was what I wished you to think.” “Then you use me, and yet do not trust me!” I cried with some bitterness. “I think that I have deserved better at your hands, Holmes.” “My dear fellow, you have been invaluable to me in this as in many other cases, and I beg that you will forgive me if I have seemed to play a trick upon you. In truth, it was partly for your own sake that I did it, and it was my appreciation of the danger which you ran which led me to come down and examine the matter for myself. Watson's understandable frustration at not being Told Things by Holmes goes on. "I only lied to you to keep you safe" is still not an ok excuse, Holmes. Treat your Watson better! I'm really curious for interpretations about this continuing source of tension between them. Myself, I think that Holmes acts too controlling out of fear, convinced that it is his responsibility only to keep his dearest ones safe and that telling Watson things would mean to needlessly worry and endanger him. And it's only much later in canon (for example, in The illustrious client) that Holmes becomes better at also letting Watson carry a part of that responsibility. If you look at it from a Doylist standpoint, however, that tendency of Holmes to not tell Watson things serves very well to keep Watson - and thus the reader - partly ignorant

“But why keep me in the dark?” “For you to know could not have helped us, and might possibly have led to my discovery. You would have wished to tell me something, or in your kindness you would have brought me out some comfort or other, and so an unnecessary risk would be run.  Oh, Holmes. You care so much, but man, you need to let go (*having way too many feelings about this*)

Holmes took a bundle of papers from his pocket. “Here are your reports, my dear fellow, and very well thumbed, I assure you. I made excellent arrangements, and they are only delayed one day upon their way. I must compliment you exceedingly upon the zeal and the intelligence which you have shown over an extraordinarily difficult case.” I was still rather raw over the deception which had been practised upon me, but the warmth of Holmes's praise drove my anger from my mind. I felt also in my heart that he was right in what he said and that it was really best for our purpose that I should not have known that he was upon the moor. Oh my, this chapter just keeps hitting me straight in the feels. Here's another example of Watson being just as sensitive to Holmes' praise and approval as the other way around, and I also want to hug him, because that sensitivity (I believe stemming from deep insecurity) also makes him rather too forgiving of some of Holmes' faults. Disaster men, the two of them (I love them so much)

“I am giving you some information now, in return for all that you have given me. The lady who has passed here as Miss Stapleton is in reality his wife.” “Good heavens, Holmes! Are you sure of what you say? How could he have permitted Sir Henry to fall in love with her?” “Sir Henry's falling in love could do no harm to anyone except Sir Henry. He took particular care that Sir Henry did not make love to her, as you have yourself observed.” OMG. That is a marvelous (and much less disturbing) explanation for the incest-like vibes of those two

All my unspoken instincts, my vague suspicions, suddenly took shape and centred upon the naturalist. In that impassive, colourless man, with his straw hat and his butterfly-net, I seemed to see something terrible—a creature of infinite patience and craft, with a smiling face and a murderous heart. “It is he, then, who is our enemy—it is he who dogged us in London?” “So I read the riddle.” “And the warning—it must have come from her!” “Exactly.” So it really is Stapleton. I can't say I'm totally surprised - it was evident that Something was up with him - but still, well played, Doyle. You really succeeded in making that man seem harmless and adorable and at the same time too obvious to be the main villain. So, Stapleton murdered Charles Baskerville (either directly or indirectly) and is plotting something similar, I assume, for sir Henry. My joking suspicion of him hiding a huge hound who obeys him somewhere (in that mire perhaps?) might be true after all. Still wondering about his motive. It's obvious he's in need of money after that school debatacle, but how that money would get to him, I don't understand yet. I'm somewhat dissapointed that his wife seems to vaguely try to conteract her husband's plans. I have a fondness for evil couples - it's a welcome change from the often heavily aromantic-coded villain

He was once a schoolmaster in the north of England. Now, there is no one more easy to trace than a schoolmaster. There are scholastic agencies by which one may identify any man who has been in the profession. A little investigation showed me that a school had come to grief under atrocious circumstances, and that the man who had owned it—the name was different—had disappeared with his wife. The descriptions agreed. When I learned that the missing man was devoted to entomology the identification was complete. This would make a lot of sense, and I'm annoyed at myself for not thinking 'research and check this man's history'. Distracted by the adorable moth-chasing, I guess

“If this woman is in truth his wife, where does Mrs. Laura Lyons come in?” I asked. Watson asking the good questions

Your interview with the lady has cleared the situation very much. I did not know about a projected divorce between herself and her husband. In that case, regarding Stapleton as an unmarried man, she counted no doubt upon becoming his wife.” “And when she is undeceived?” “Why, then we may find the lady of service. Hell yeah, undeceive her. This really clears up a lot - also that her unknown source of support was Stapleton - and I'm so glad that despite the 'faults in her beauty' she seems innocent of the plot

Another day—two at the most—and I have my case complete, but until then guard your charge as closely as ever a fond mother watched her ailing child. Your mission to-day has justified itself, and yet I could almost wish that you had not left his side. Hark!” A terrible scream—a prolonged yell of horror and anguish—burst out of the silence of the moor. That frightful cry turned the blood to ice in my veins. Poor Watson! Everything went so well for him - a succesful investigation, being reunited with Holmes, them almost completely solving the case - and then, bam, this happens. Quick guess before I know who is dead: the convict. Perhaps he was in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Or else Barrymore perhaps? Don't think there are others who would risk to be out on the moor at night

Holmes had sprung to his feet, and I saw his dark, athletic outline at the door of the hut, his shoulders stooping, his head thrust forward, his face peering into the darkness. 'dark, athletic outline' Watson is unable to stop fawning over his returned Holmes even in this moment

“Where is it?” Holmes whispered; and I knew from the thrill of his voice that he, the man of iron, was shaken to the soul. “Where is it, Watson?” Holmes being terrified does things to my heart

“He has beaten us, Watson. We are too late.” “No, no, surely not!” “Fool that I was to hold my hand. And you, Watson, see what comes of abandoning your charge! But, by Heaven, if the worst has happened, we'll avenge him!” Holmes' very cold and rational reaction to tragedy: 1) blame himself 2) blame watson 3) swear revenge Maybe first find out what happened, Holmes? (it IS a very realistic and human reaction. Just amused at yet another counterexample of the Man Without Feelings)

Not a whisper, not a rustle, rose now from the dark figure over which we stooped. Holmes laid his hand upon him, and held it up again, with an exclamation of horror. The gleam of the match which he struck shone upon his clotted fingers and upon the ghastly pool which widened slowly from the crushed skull of the victim. And it shone upon something else which turned our hearts sick and faint within us—the body of Sir Henry Baskerville! Oh dear. Did not expect it would be sir Henry himself. You idiot, you were not supposed to go out, especially not alone in the dark. I suppose he went in search of Watson - which is just tragic

“I am more to blame than you, Watson. In order to have my case well rounded and complete, I have thrown away the life of my client. It is the greatest blow which has befallen me in my career. But how could I know—how could l know—that he would risk his life alone upon the moor in the face of all my warnings?” Glad to see some rational thought slipping back in. There's only so much one can do - some people just refuse to be saved, I guess

“We must send for help, Holmes! We cannot carry him all the way to the Hall. Good heavens, are you mad?” He had uttered a cry and bent over the body. Now he was dancing and laughing and wringing my hand. Could this be my stern, self-contained friend? These were hidden fires, indeed! “A beard! A beard! The man has a beard!” “A beard?” “It is not the baronet—it is—why, it is my neighbour, the convict!” Damn, Doyle is about to give me whiplash. So my first guess was correct after all - it was the convict who's dead. Maybe he was given Henry's suit by Barrymore and his wife for his flight? (still a little fucked up of Holmes to laugh but I guess it can be forgiven in these circumstances)

Then in an instant it was all clear to me. I remembered how the baronet had told me that he had handed his old wardrobe to Barrymore. Barrymore had passed it on in order to help Selden in his escape. Boots, shirt, cap—it was all Sir Henry's. Might have told us that detail earlier, Watson

“Then the clothes have been the poor devil's death,” said he. “It is clear enough that the hound has been laid on from some article of Sir Henry's—the boot which was abstracted in the hotel, in all probability—and so ran this man down. And that's another little mystery solved - that of the stolen boots. Not for the footsteps, but for the scent

“Who—who's this?” he stammered. “It is Selden, the man who escaped from Princetown.” Stapleton turned a ghastly face upon us, but by a supreme effort he had overcome his amazement and his disappointment. He looked sharply from Holmes to me. “Dear me! What a very shocking affair! How did he die?” Almost feeling bad for Stapleton here. His murder plan turned out to have murdered the wrong person, and he can't even be properly upset about it, but has to act all shocked and innocent before Holmes and Watson

By the way”—his eyes darted again from my face to Holmes's—“did you hear anything else besides a cry?” “No,” said Holmes; “did you?” “No.” “What do you mean, then?” “Oh, you know the stories that the peasants tell about a phantom hound, and so on. It is said to be heard at night upon the moor. I was wondering if there were any evidence of such a sound to-night. Cracking up at the unsubtle way here that Stapleton is trying to find out how much Holmes and Watson know Resisting Stapleton's offer of hospitality, Holmes and I set off to Baskerville Hall, leaving the naturalist to return alone. Looking back we saw the figure moving slowly away over the broad moor, and behind him that one black smudge on the silvered slope which showed where the man was lying who had come so horribly to his end. Am fascinated sometimes by what is considered a horrible death. I'm sure this man's last minutes must have been hell, running in terror - but at least the actually fall was a quick death, and from my point of view vastly preferable to death by hanging, which was standard death penalty at the time and place this book was written (can you tell I have a fear for choking?)

Well, this sure was a ride! I'm going to take a while to recover and then going on with the next chapter

[mako-neexu]

chapter 5 extra end notes (for after reading the chapter):

The park: 

I like the thought of dantes taking care of whatever is part of her that gets sunken down into the waste pit whenever the remnants would be chill or theres no much of it... 

Its also an HC of mine- more like its practically canon lmao - that guda's memories of their past is now blurred or they dont remember much prior to Chaldea. So things related to guda's home are practically hazy images at best, and at worst, some have fully dissolved in her trash heap. its sad, but thats why my brain is like: maybe the Count would take care of it whenever he had spare time... 

Dantes: 

the dantes i write really isnt the same in my head for each fic i write and combined with JP fandom feeding my brain, its hard not to give in and have just this guy say "my accomplice, i love you." to ritsuka but hes so extra and chuuni so he would be even waaay beyond that and thats just canon fact. 

that said, my favorite dantes would either be from Royst-sensei or tsunamayo/ nap and mostly gurekan (im trying to aim for tatsunami's dantes... hes just so good...) but this time i tried to write with a mix of royst-sensei and gurekan.. still i have my own interpretation so they're just my inspirations adslkfdgfh 

You also know dantes is stronger here considering that canon dantes absolutely crumbles before guda within 2 seconds of a silent stare compared to a 'please' www 

valentines gift: 

if you search for coffee candy in a search engine, youll see stuff like kopiko or werthers so like. this guy canonically cant drink coffee in the waste pit unlike in grand carnival anime so. why not gift him something thats stuff on-the-go? and also partly because i really want to know what kind of chocolate guda canonically gave the Count in the return gift valentines scene considering guda does custom made stuff to suit each Servants' taste... so i'll just use my imagination and conclude that guda makes different kinds of chocolate for him each year. this time being different as she's also visiting the count of her dreamsww

keywords: 

'guide' , taking your hand in mine, close companionship even without outright lovers' intimacy 

reading the entire fgo script that has dantes in it, i feel like exploding so like. the words 'guide' or 'taking your hand' is fucking intimate like bro. prison tower was basically a date and slowly getting married to each other akjdkslaskkl 

still i like an edguda thats not overly so sweet. and just the right amount. it kinda aches in a good way. but i love it. 

just the kind of intimacy where ritsuka would sit beside him, and dantes sitting beside her. and they just talk. that kind of thing is the best.

[jenn-the-butterfly]

Azil Art & Shipping Permissions

This is partly for myself but also in the event of actually getting questions about this, I'm making a lil note about what I'm comfortable with being shown regarding my Azil boys specifically. (I can't tell you what to make in private, just know if it's against any of these preferences I can't guarantee I'll like it).

General:

YES you can draw my OCs with you/your OCs! I don't really care as long as you know it won't affect canon.

That includes ship art as well, go nuts, I think it's cute <3 I'm playing by "Schroedinger's bachelors" rules where everyone is both single AND in a relationship at the same time; canon material is established with the polycule but for funsies, it's "open"/they're considered pre-cule

YES you can draw angst, mild gore, horror, etc, though I enjoy thematic and symbolic varieties of these more than "just because"; my only concern is please don't show me gore of my OCs for the sake of being gross or rude

YES you can interpret their sexualities, genders, preferences and backstories however you want since it won't all be revealed at once, just be mindful that I have them already planned out and noted so if your idea doesn't become canon DON'T CRY TO ME ABOUT IT. Just have fun; it's not a big deal. I don't plan to be super specific with their identities because of the drama that usually brings, but I do have footnotes and lists of their preferences for myself.

YES you can draw smut, they're all classified as adults with the adult ability to consent (Harkness Test let's gooooo) but see below for individual canon-complicit preferences.

Don't worry about body types! Chubby and muscular OCs are equally valid to them as thin ones and yes, they can all lift you like princes/princex/princesses X3

Yes, I'm that bitch who let's the OCs have say (based on their personas) on what they're comfortable with:

Jenn:

Please treat her with respect, she's very dear to me. Unwarranted violence, "haha i killed her" and weirdly traumatic behaviors toward Jenn in particular may result in a block. Also, generally don't do that shit.

YES you can draw smut, etc; she far more fond of robots than of humans, especially ones that are taller than her and fall into either "protector" or "mentally stimulating" categories. (Also "assholes", dunno why.)

Don't make her unnecessarily weak or helpless because she's not; she's also not a teenager or young adult by default and not a damsel. If it's for a meme or has some plausible reason though, go for it.

Nova:

Nova is a lot more sensitive to sexual content than the others. He'd rather not know about explicit images of himself with anyone at this time. Same with gore/violence.

Cute, comfy, sweet art is completely welcome!

Tydal:

Ty doesn't care that much as long as his dignity is preserved.

(Do whatever, silly shit happens to him all the time, don't let his grouchy exterior fool you.)

NO ROMANTIC/SEXUAL SHIPPING BETWEEN TYDAL AND NOVA.

They're brothers. Please.

Event:

Absolutely doesn't care about whether the art is gore or smut or anything else as long as it's badass.

His main caveat is "I'm not gay" and doesn't really want to see art of himself with other male-identifying people. Platonic/filial art is fine though, as are masculine/muscular women (he actually loves muscle mommies a lot).

"Kinky shit is great!" He trends dom/top and is very fighty; god help you if you try to make him a sub. Bottom is negotiable (he likes girl-on-top).

Safewords are a must and he'd never violate consent terms.

Echo:

Food is more interesting than smut to him but he doesn't really care as long as it's noted his model doesn't have genitals so "get creative".

Also very big on boundaries and consent so communication is key; if it's happening, it's because it was explicitly asked for and discussed.

Absolutely more likely to commit homicide than anything else.

But! He still loves physical affection, so kissing, snuggling, etc. Also he bites.

NO ROMANTIC/SEXUAL SHIPPING BETWEEN EVENT AND ECHO.

They're brothers, too.

Xeros & Narii:

As a pair, their relationship is poorly defined (possible OTP but it's a massive slow burn). Right now they don't really like each other.

Xeros is extremely flirtatious in his mannerisms and while he prefers female-presenting/feminine others, he occasionally aims at the male demographic on a whim (he primarily presents top energy). Humans are met with a more business-like approach with emotional detachment ("it's only physical") and robots/synthetics with a bit more investment on a personal level.

Narii is all business and seriousness, keeping work for work time and personal for personal time; she is very private, making it hard to tell if she's interested or not and in what way.

At this time, neither of them have permanent genitals. Xeros has a modular feature that isn't public knowledge, but has limit sensory feedback thus his pleasure is limited with it. Narii has no genital option at all.

Ships of XerosxNarii are heavily "I can't stand you"/soft enemies-to-lovers.

[just-a-little-unionoid]

Okay y'all new soulmate AU just dropped!

disclaimer: realistically I'm probably no the first who came out with this concept, I've just never seen it before and thought about it for quite some time now; that said if you know a story with this concept i'll be delighted to hear about it! (please)

Now that it's said, the AU itself!

I'm calling it "Dreammate AU"

The concept is very simple: people who are soulmates share their dreams in a way or another, it can takes different forms depending of what you, as a writer, decide to do:

soulmates can share dreams "since birth" or only after they meet for the first time

they can dream from the same pov (both the same "character") or from different perspectives (both have their own character, or one dream as a character (main on or not) and the other is just an observer...)

if they need to meet first for the link to form, it could be instantaneous (the next night they can share a dream) or takes some weeks (or more)

or it can be something else entirely, that one only dream of what the other actually do irl if they're not asleep (that's the one I use in one of my original works)

or really anything that you want, like that's the point of creation, right?

What do I like about this AU particularly? And what kind of things can be explored in it?

wow so glad you asked bc I'd say it anyway

on a personal level (I know this one will not be universal) I love soulmates AUs but I always struggle a little with the idea of a cosmically predeterminated mate (I'm very unconfortable with the concept of predetermination as a whole irl), and this concept as opposed as more "visible" soulmarks can at least let some place to interpretation

I LOVE sharing my dreams with people irl, partly because my dreams are absolute bonkers and super fun to tell, and learn about other people dreams, so obviously this concept appeals to me

interesting ideas to explore in this AU include:

worlbuilding: how does a society in which sharing what you dreamed of could lead you to discover your soulmate(s)?

are dreams standard small talk? because you never know?

or is it the opposite? is "sharing your dream" something very intimate because that means/suppose you see your interlocutor as a potential soulmate and partner?

maybe both option cohexist in the univers you're creating, depending of origin or social backgroung, could be an occasion to explore differences in socialization

probably in this universe it's common to note everything you remember from your dreams as precisely as possible

I can totally see a whole profession (dreamkeeper?) which point is to collect, read, classify and trying to match dreams for people to find their soulmate(s)

modern version of this job could include some kind of Internet site/social media with this purpose, and probably AI

and of course, your fav blorbos finding each other but being absolutely clueless about being soulmates

If you have other ideas, please share!

What do you think about it?

I would probably have some other things to add but the point is also to see what we can all create on this concept, it's not fun to do it alone, so please add your own ideas, tell me for which fandom you would write or read this AU, and how (please), reblog if you like the idea or if you think your followers may like it!

[forgaeven1]

on maria hill and other mcu characters :

to begin : i have long written maria's background to fit with the marvel cinematic universe which includes her involvement with many other mcu characters. please note that,�� while i make these references, that does not mean i am not open to different interpretations should you, writing any of the other characters,   disagree with the content.  these headcanons are strictly applicable to my own portrayal of maria and are open to be diverged / written in alternative settings should new or different information appear.

maria was recruited into SHIELD by phil coulson. he was the one who sorted out her recruitment process, and was apart of the evaluation team to approve her entry.

maria's supervising officer was melinda may. she was under may for about a year, and may was the one who oversaw maria's speedy climb from clearance level 3 to clearance level 5 within six months.

maria's first friend in SHIELD was clint barton. some may argue it might be phil, but in truth, maria never quite got over that phil had access to her whole file : thus knowing reports of her displacement to foster homes and the cause behind that. with clint, though he was still above her in terms of clearance level, maria felt more at an equal. she ended up genuinely cherishing his presence and perspective, and by the time their level clearance matched, she did fondly thought of him as friend.

maria wasn't accepting of natasha romanoff's recruitment into SHIELD, deeming her a terrorist. this caused a huge chasm between her and clint, where they don't speak with each other for a year. ( this was when clint, natasha, and coulson grew closer as a team with coulson as their handler instead. )

eventually, she befriended clint again and even went on a mission with romanoff, who ended up saving her life. this is when their friendship—as close as one could get in SHIELD—grew.

while maria was first wary of steve rogers ( bc she just wasn't into the whole avengers initiative ), she did end up fostering a lot of respect for rogers' work ethic and strong morale. she did also foster a crush, but i also think that's partly because she mistook admiration for that feeling. regardless, i do think she thinks highly of rogers more than she lets on because when steve commanded that SHIELD must go, nick initially didn't want to, but maria was the first to agree with him — despite the fact SHIELD was her whole life.

maria and fury did not have a father-daughter relationship. at best, maria can respect fury for his command of authority and his ability to think outside the box when her style has always been more militant and close to the books. but maria has always been posed as fury's anti-thesis. they have a good working relationship and maria trusts his judgement ( most of the time ) , yes, but that's about it. they do not share any familial value.

[divinekangaroo]

I’m loving your new fic w the pov being from the Doctor’s— to see Tommy’s life from the outside. You mentioned darling Lizzie quite often, and to see her and Ada in parallel pushing Tommy to therapy or whatnot because they are the only two with hope left in him :

“‘My sister,’ Shelby said. ‘And my wife. They encouraged it. I never told them much. The people who love us have a habit of laying on labels that are unwanted and often not true.’”

Him acknowledging Lizzie’s love for him (and Ada’s) i would imagine is a big turning point— however then he mentions that his wife needs to have clothes and jewels worth twice as much as the ones the women wear who step into his foyer. Which makes me think of her more as property, arm candy. But then I see this;

“…and beneath that dress she wore her old boots, like a Cossack on the run.’”

And i think of lizzie and her humble roots and i love her lol. And i think that grounds her to a post with tommy as well.

“I sometimes fuck my wife. I once fucked other women, but I don't fuck other women no more.”

The instance of him saying “no more” twice in the fic is so important to his character.. i feel like he tries to be so posh to a point and this is so not. But on the quote itself, what do you believe was his reasoning behind this, and when did he stop fucking other women? Does he know make love to his wife in his head, or is lizzie to fed up with him to even want to fuck? Or is she in this last stage of trying so hard to “fix” their relationship that it might even feel like making love to him?

Thank you for your feedback! I'm so glad all the little details are being enjoyed and love hearing how they're interpreted.

The language structure Tommy uses in the show absolutely fascinates me as to what it means to his state of mind. I don't know if it's the scriptwriters or CM's layer, but the switching from Tommy's almost-proper English into deep working class grammatical structures, and then whatever the hell was going on in S6 which was almost archaic -- I try so hard to embed that into the writing. The "no more" was from his final conversation in Michael in S6 and it's stuck with me. I use it with very specific intent. So am very pleased this comes across.

Onto the question when did he stop fucking other women?

My rambling headcanon mixed with aspects of canon:

He stopped hiring prostitutes in S4, after his Christmas Eve fail!prostitute (he didn't even take his reading glasses off; he looked at that woman partially naked and shook his head and paid her to leave, and she was all, dude I might even do you for free Xmas special, and he nearly had a traumatic flashback to Lizzie and sent her off and went back to his book).

During the rest of S4 getting prostitutes was noted as difficult (needed vetting to avoid an italian assassin) so I imagine he didn't bother. But meanwhile, he was reaching out (Jessie, Lizzie, May) for some kind of meaningful connection.

End of S4, all the deferred trauma of Grace's death that he couldn't acknowledge because he had to get through S3 and then S4, catches up to him. And this is crushingly compounded by how he never dealt with the war trauma in the first place. And his brother's death. So now he has combined childhood, war, brother and wife trauma.

Post S4 and before S5 is about 4 years after marrying Lizzie. Here I imagine monogomy by default - he was too busy with trauma repression and learning how to be an MP and drinking and opium addiction and actually having a wife ready and available to seek out other women. But also, opium kills libido (desire) and erections (actual physical capability), so even with a wife ready and available they probably had mostly crappy sex. It would have started ok, warm and desperate, as I do think marrying Lizzie was him partly using her to try to address the trauma, and declined over time as his addictions and unstable behaviour increased. Imagine, Tommy swinging between a week of crazy all-night drunken marathons and then weeks where he initiates nothing because he can't even get hard, and Lizzie's quietly burning up next to him, assuming he must be spending it on other women because all that lust doesn't just...go away, right?

I also think he never thinks 'i am monogamous now because I'm married' because 1) he feels he has the right to be non-monogamous and 2) he's confident he'll break monogamy at some point, as his father did, as Arthur did, as John does without care. But, he sort of doesn't want to, because it's just another 'fated to bad things' / 'fated to be bad' sensibility; he won't think 'I am monogamous' because it'll hurt him when he breaks yet another promise, but he behaves monogamously because it's no extra skin off his back to do so, if that makes any sense?

S5 starts, and there he is, monogamous by default or laziness for four years after marriage, while his relationship with Lizzie is deteriorating for other reasons to the point of divorce. He then reconnects with Jessie; he looked like he was trying to work himself up to having sex and got so plastered, similar to how drunk he was with Tatiana. Then he self-sabotaged any sex: deliberately offending Jessie in so many ways, ending with his (hilarious) lurching/looming across the table proposition, and she leaves in disgust. And he went back home to Lizzie and they had that super interesting 'here are my conditions where I will accept your infidelity' / 'i own you but will also let you into my head (give you intimacy) sometimes' scene. I picture him telling Lizzie in anger he was going out that night to fuck Jessie, and when he came home early, Lizzie realised he didn't, therefore offered herself/her conditions for her staying with him.

Then there is S6 which has the S5 trauma load added on: Polly's death, his fear of fascist war, and his failure with Mosley. The failure with Mosley is also a sexualised kind of thing (literally in my AU, but canonically) with how Mosley has attacked Tommy's wife, Tommy's symbols of power and Tommy's territories, making Tommy feel impotent. So it looks like Tommy's honoured his deal to 'let Lizzie in sometimes' because he has a much more intimate relationship with Lizzie in S6, but it's still broken, this broken-carer relationship. He is pouring so much energy into restraining his impulses and addictions, I cannot imagine a very good sex life. Immediately post his detox, I imagine he goes through a period of feeling like he's got to do better, and being better/more intimate with Lizzie is part of this, but I imagine across four years it declines downwards until we reach that point in the season where Lizzie feels like having sex is a box he's ticking off on a list.

During those S6 years, I shift into the headcanon which is: he has Lizzie's conditions where infidelity is acceptable, and yet still doesn't indulge because he's tired from too much self restraint, because maybe abiding by Lizzie's conditions might not hurt her but breaking his marriage vows (behaving like this father) would hurt him, and so. I frequently have him think about fucking other women, including 'fuck this, I'm going to a hotel and getting that escort', because he also has that mentality that it's his absolute right to do that, but just not doing it and not thinking too hard about why he's not.

He does have the prostitute he has sex with in America in S6, but I'm contemplating MAYBE writing what I think happens there, so will pause that thought. It's definitely weighted by what I think was at least four months of a trade mission. So maybe once or twice in America. (In my fic, he's yet to leave for America so he can say he's not fucked other women.)

So, it's always fucking in his head, not making love, but I don't feel like this is derogatory or bad for Lizzie, because in my head she also thinks of it as fucking. I don't think either of them with their pasts put any weight in 'making love'. But I think over time there is an ease to it between them, and sometimes sex is very comforting or very intense, in a way that having someone long term can be; an ability to be more intimate and exposed, to do things like talk about sex (liked that, didn't like that).

I think I remember writing Lizzie thinking most of their sex was like having a mutual wank except with bodies, and that to me is their main married couple mode. Which, alas, is not super interesting to write, which is why I'll write the all-night marathon instead...

[aesethewitch]

Free Tarot Friday!

Alright! It's Friday, I've been fed (late), and it's time to do some free one-card pulls. If you'd like a reading, give the rules below a read through and send an ask. I likely won't do a ton since it's late and I Am Sleepy, but I'll do as many as I can.

Rules for requesting a free tarot reading are simple: 

Send an ask with your question or goal for the reading. Be as clear as you can, and be mindful of the things I won't do, listed below. Only one question per person; partly honor system, since I allow anonymous asks.

Include your initial(s) and the initial(s) of anyone else involved. No zodiacs or anything else necessary. This is to help me organize my notes, since I record all readings, and to direct my thoughts.

Please mention if you are a minor so I know the sort of language to use with you. Advice/interpretation for minors is (and should be!) different than for adults.

(Optional) Include your pronouns and the pronouns of anyone else involved. This is so that I know how to phrase my reading respectfully. If you don’t, I’ll default to they/them. In this house, we respect ALL pronouns!

Things I won’t do:

Yes/No questions, especially ones about love. Instead, try asking “What do I need to know about my love life?” or “How can I improve my situation?” You’ll get better answers that way. (I’ll sometimes accept yes/no asks if I can reword your question to a more open-ended question such as “How can I make this happen?” -- note that these are free readings and I'm not going to bend over backwards to make your ask work because you didn't read these rules.)

Readings about health or legal issues - trust me, you should talk to a professional about these things. This includes mental health! (General advice like "what can I do this season to keep my spirits up?" is okay -- "when will I get better?" is not.)

Sexually explicit readings, including readings about first times, future sex lives, etc. I'd also rather not do "future spouse" readings, but I won't refuse them.

Readings about celebrities, period. Especially ones that involve celebrities falling in love with you or someone else, but nothing about drama or scandals, either.

Readings on behalf of other people. (For example, “What should my friend do about this situation?” or "Will my sibling fall in love?")

More than one card at once. Exceptions for this are extremely rare and only happen if I feel the first card is very incomplete. If you’d like a more in-depth reading, I have offerings over on my Ko-fi page starting as low as $5. (I'm offering special year-ahead spreads until January 15!)

[wishful-seeker]

What is your current life's story?

What are some major aspects and themes of your life lately?

Pile 1 Pile 2

Pile 3 Pile 4

Welcome to my first pick a card reading! If this resonates with you consider leaving a tip, it would really help me out! I'm severely disabled and got denied disability so any penny helps, and if even only one of you tips, I'll make sure to make another one! I can really only keep making these posts if i make money because they really do take all day to make. If you do feel like tipping, there is a tip button at the bottom of this post and on the top of my blog. If you don't tip please consider reblogging! I'm using The Wild Unknown Archetypes deck if your curious. I am absolutely in love with this deck and it resonates with me very well. Keep a look out for more readings in the future!

Edit: i will be making another one now but im severely disabled and cannot say when.

Let's begin :)

Pile 1.

The Shapeshifter, The Bardo, The Stone, Agape

Who?

The Shapeshifter

I see someone who is good at playing the parts required of them in their life. You have the ability to dance across roles. This means you are adaptive to many situations! I think sometimes it can be tiring though? Having to adapt and change often. You have this vibrancy about you, but remember to take breaks after these dances. Your power is a very useful one, and I can see it's helped you in many situations. Some people may see how well you adapt and assume you can take anything and may take advantage of that, so don't let others walk all over you.

Where?

The Bardo

Think of this card as the backdrop for your story. You seem to often be in between spaces. Perhaps you're more connected to liminal spaces and spirits, or can connect to stories, worlds, and characters easily. I see empathy. You can see through the eyes of others. Thats partly why you can adapt so well, you read people, feel what they feel. You have this connection to these liminal spaces, which allows you the ability to see the unseen, understand the misunderstood. Because you have this gift, maybe you're good at forgiveness, or this card is reminding you you have the power to forgive.

With What?

The Stone

Consider this card to tool you must use, find, or give up in order to move forward. When I think of stones I think of stability. A strong stone foundation to hold everything up, something to ground you to this earth, or something heavy weighing you down, which speaks to you more? Do you need to let go of something holding you back? Keeping you in one place? Or does this stone represent something or someone that will help you connect to one world or space, no longer feeling like you are in-between things, no longer needing to shapeshift? Some of the very first tools of mankind were made from stones, so I also see that adaptability again. Perhaps you can shape this stone into the tool you need. Let it adapt like you. I think you know what this stone means to you.

Why?

Agape

The purpose of this Journey you are currently on is one of unconditional love. This path may lead to learning to love yourself, the world around you, or someone else. And this love that you will learn will stick with you forever. I see you learning to appreciate all parts of yourself, learning to shape your own destiny. Becoming your own higher power. There is something very spiritual about this card, another interpretation is that is a sign of a connection to God, or The Universe. I think this is an interesting card to have paired with The Bardo, another card that can be interpreted as spiritual.

Good luck pile 1, I see lots of growth and possibility here.

Some other notes: if you feel stuck, or are waiting for something, I think now is the time to take action.

Pile 2

The Starborn, The Storm, The Mask, Apocalypsis

Who?

The Starborn

Can I just say, I LOVE that the galaxy picture was paired with The Starborn card, what a fitting coincidence! When I see this card i think "dreamer". Someone wandering the cosmos looking for answers. Someone who looks deeply to try and understand how things work, or why things are the way they are. You're curious, you may like to tinker with things! Perhaps you feel like you have a purpose, a dream you've always had, a calling. Think back to when you were a child and that may help you find what you're looking for. At your best I see you trusting the world around you and having direction. I'd you ever feel misaligned, or lose this longing, revisit your childhood, your child self. What were your dreams and wishes then?

Where?

The Storm

This card is the setting of your story.. Storms are wild and untamed, I feel a little bit of that in you. Maybe you feel most like yourself under pressure, or riding out a storm. Perhaps you enjoy the roaring of thunder that wraps around you like a blanket, enveloping you. Do you like chaos? Or find yourself in chaotic times often? Storms are filled with destruction. This destruction can help you make room to build more beautiful things, or it can wreck havoc. Since you have been in the storm, I recommend you take advantage of it. This is a sign to rebuild. I know it can be hard to lose things, but this is the only way to gain something new. Don't try to overpower this storm, let it run its course, it is not good or bad, it's just an event. Go within yourself, take shelter, look deeper. How can you utilize this destruction?

With What?

The Mask

This card is the tool you must use or leave behind to move forward. The mask has two sides, it can shed light on what has been suppressed, or it conceals what is being rejected. Are you rejecting a part of yourself? Now is the time to express that side of you. Give that side of you a voice. Look inward. Perhaps the storm is here to also shed light on this part of you or your life. Don't ignore it, it is valid.

Why?

Apocalypsis

This card represents the purpose of your journey. Seeing as you got the Storm and this card, I see some very powerful energies at play here. This is a time of lifting veils and revealing the hidden. This may be painful, but you will learn the truth. Very similar to the Storm card, this destruction must pass in order to be rejuvenated and revived. A new story is forming for you. Do not be afraid, and trust the process. You will come out of the other side having clarity and oneness with yourself.

Pile 2, I was in this exact same situation recently, when this is over you will be much more at peace! It will feel like a huge weight has been lifted. That light at the end of the tunnel is in view my friend.

Additional notes: lean into chaos, trust the process, hold your head up high. You fucking got this.

Pile 3

The Lover, The Storm, The Mask, Eros

Now THIS is interesting. You, and pile two have two of the same cards in the same position, even after shuffling many times. Looks like you guys have a lot in common.

Who?

The Lover

You are someone who cares deeply, perhaps has an artistic mind. I sense that you either crave or greatly enjoy connection and intimacy. You are someone who enjoys the sweeter things in life and are grateful of those sweet things. To be able to love things, whether it's yourself, someone else, to love the sky or to love books is a great gift. Seeing the beauty around you and appreciating it is a skill. You are someone who is devoted to the things you love, but be careful not to hold too tight. Whats most important about loving something is to keep your individuality intact and to not rely on the things you love for too much. Your gift is a very powerful one and if used correctly you'll have so many wonderful times!

Where?

The Storm

This card represents the backdrop of your story. I see a little chaos, but there is nothing wrong with a little chaos. In chaos is where we find truth and the resources to rebuild after a storm. If things feel a little out of control right now, try to remind yourself you just need to ride out the storm. This is a wonderful opportunity to look within yourself. I think you'll find something useful there. Is there anything you may be ignoring or avoiding? Don't be afraid of it! Now is the time to let things wash away so that balance can be restored. This may be a good time to let go of toxic people or bad habits. The strom is trying to wash away all your blockages so nothing will be in your way. Sometimes this can be painful, but when the sun shines again you will feel better.

With What?

The Mask

This card is the tool you must use or let go of to move forward. The mask is capable of two things: repressing something, or revealing something. What do you need to do in order to find balance? Like i said, the storm is a good time to look inward, ask yourself whats being repressed, what part of you needs the spot light? Learn to love those hidden parts of yourself Lover! You won't regret it. This is a time to open up and be honest, and it will help you greatly.

Why?

Eros

This card represents what your journey is all about. Eros is desire, longing, a yearning. Usually in relation to love and sensuality, but it can be platonic too. Be curious, confident, and express your true desires. This is a time to merge with something or someone, to create unity. This could even represent self love, and unity of your own self. Perhaps once you pass this storm, and shed light on your hidden selves, you can all join to complete yourself. You are starting to enter the labyrinth of love my friend. I know you'll find your way. :)

Pile 3, self love and loving another can be a tough business sometimes, but when we choose to love, we also choose to grow.

Other notes: keep your individuality at all costs, when you love yourself, happiness will always be around the corner. Im so excited for you to experience your journey full of love. :)

Pile 4

The Judge, The Forest, The Prayer, Anima Mundi

Who?

The Judge

I see someone who advocates for the little guy, but may be too harsh on themselves? Do you maybe hold yourself to higher standards than other people? You have this ability to see the truth, you have a good sense of clarity and justice; make sure you do not judge too harshly. I sense this duality in you. Keep fighting for the little guy, we need strong people like you to stand up for others! Having the strength to shed light on the truth is a great one. So many people hide from truths because they can be quite scary, but I feel like you don't. I see you approaching things with grace and logic, and I feel like that strength and grace and logic might have taken a little while to fully manifest in you. It's a skill that you have worked hard building! Just make sure you are kind to yourself in the process.

Where?

The Forest

Consider this card the backdrop of your story. Forests are where we find beautiful secrets and get lost among the trees. If you are within a forest, you are no doubt on an adventure. There is no straight path, the way through is long and winding. It's time to get a little lost in your journey, see what treasures you may find. With any adventure there is a challenge or a struggle, but within those shadowy woods you may find a beautiful grotto! We can only be found if we first become lost. Seek this adventure in your life if you haven't already. You will witness enchanting things in these woods.

With What?

The Prayer

This card represents what tool you need, or need to let go of to move forward. Perhaps you are seeking guidance at this time. Asking the world for a sign, or anything to lead the way. Maybe its time to surrender for a moment, to be humble, to show gratitude. Look at the bigger picture of your life, see what you need in it. Ask for help and it will find you, the universe has a funny way of guiding us exactly where we need to go. Look for people who may be able to help you during this time. A close friend, family member, or lover? Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Why?

Anima Mundi

This card represents what your current journey is all about. Anima Mundi epitomizes the principle "Accept all. Reject none." There's that accepting truth again. Time to accept all truths. Accept who you are, accept your situation, and accept others. THIS is the bigger picture. this card symbolizes something profound shifting in the soul. Your journey may be about realizing even though you are so tiny in this big universe, you are important, and you play a big role in so many peoples lives. Think "universal unity"

Pile 4, I feel like you are undergoing some major shifts within yourself, shifts that will open up your eyes. You will see and understand things you never thought you would.

Additional notes: I feel like teamwork will help you in your adventures!

Thank you all so much for joining me on this reading! Please let me know what you think!

[eponymous-rose]

Talks Machina Highlights - Critical Role C2E127 (March 2, 2021)

Tonight’s guests are, of course, Ashley Johnson and Marisha Ray!

Marisha, on her thought process behind the date: “It was a fascinating study on designing something with another player in trying to navigating how to do that in a way that makes sense and wouldn’t be too metagamey or overly scripted or anything like that. I had a bunch of ideas thought out, then I just typed it out and sent it over to him, and then he interpreted it as such.” Liam had ideas, but Marisha wanted him to keep the details a surprise. The theme of “let’s start over” was the leading motif for the design. Three acts: pre-game cocktails at the Nestled Nook, picnic in a field of Xhorhasian wildflowers, and then close it with after-dinner drinks and hot tub at the Steam’s Respite. And the very last thing was “and all the cats were dogs”. Brian: “What was his response to that?” Marisha: “He texted me and was like, ‘Are you serious or is this dog thing a joke?’”

Ashley is asked what it was like to know it was coming but not know the specifics. “For both of us, I don’t think we thought it was going to be right then. I think because it’s been so long in the relationship between Beau and Yasha and it felt like such a natural progression for the two of them, and they’re both awkward together. I think there was something to just being thrown into it.” She spent time thinking about what things Yasha would talk to Beau about on a date. “We got to maybe one of them. It was just so fun! Exploring romance in D&D can be super weird, especially when you’re streaming. But it felt like that’s where our characters were going. There was that excitement of trying something that is out of my comfort zone, and I think so much of Marisha was part of that, as being the initiator as Beau, where I was like, okay, this is where it’s going it. Let’s do it, let’s see what happens!” She mentions how “fun and freeing” it is to trust your improv partner in something like this.

Marisha: “I just wanted Beau to be a fuckboi!” But she highlights that it’s hard to deny the deeper connections that come up in D&D scenarios. “They’ve been with each other through so much that it’s difficult to deny when those bonds start to happen.” She texted Liam in a panic before the game. “What do I wear? And he said, ‘In the game or in real life?’ Both!”

Marisha was expecting a Sam curveball at some point. “My/Beau’s reaction of ‘I love you!’ was pretty accurate. She does care! She’s not just  a troll trying to ruin our shit.”

Marisha on Yasha liking dogs: “I clocked that shit when you bought a dog figurine.” She keeps notes about all the members of the party when they reveal things like that.

Ashley has started taking more detailed notes, partly to play catch-up for events she may have missed earlier. “Turns out, notes are very helpful and can help you in your RPing!”

Favorite parts? Marisha: “The fade-to-black moment at the very end, and I think it’s because Ashley’s eyes--maybe this is going to get weird--we had this moment where we were in the hot tub at the end, and I looked over and was like, ‘hey’, and you looked over and were like, ‘hey’, and I was just dead. I will never forget the look on Ashley’s face. There was just a pure moment.” Ashley: “That’s so funny, because I was going to talk about this one moment with Marisha. It’s just clicking into the scene and clicking into the moment.” Marisha talks about how the moments associated with the game have real, tangible emotional connections. Brian highlights that the emotional side of things is what you remember the most after the campaign is done.

Character thoughts on Kima? Marisha: “I was like, step on me! Please! Both of you! We’d be friends.” Ashley: “It’s also that nostalgia that feels so good at the table. These characters we know and love are still living and breathing and happy together and just kicking ass. For Yasha it was an amazing example of a relationship that works in this world, and something beautiful that these people who are different but are connecting. It was a lot of-- it was cool. I think Yasha’s a very big fan of Kima and Allura. When she gave over the sword, Travis texted me and was like, it’s the Holy Avenger. Looking it up and talking about it, it was like, holy mackerel, this sword is insane. But there’s going to have to be some conversations had to attune with the sword. But I like that Matt presented that challenge, that this isn’t necessarily in your class, but let’s do some RP and see what happens.”

Where’s Yasha at with the Stormlord right now? “I’m curious to explore that more, but knowing that the Stormlord was the first person to bring her back to her own will, of pulling her out of whatever was happening with Oban and the Laughing Hand for however long. It’s also weird to see the relationship that the clerics have, and I think Yasha’s still figuring out how to be her own person, but also... not serving somebody, but still trying to figure out that relationship with her god. But again, he saved her from a very, very dark place, and I think that’s something she values and holds on to.”

Cosplay of the Week: An amazing Essek! (Blushingvioletcosplay on Instagram)

How is Beau handling the Eyes? “All the theories! It’s hard for it to not feel like a ticking time bomb. I always have to try and separate my theories from Beau’s theories. That’s acting and shit. I, Marisha, am very interested if I can somehow utilize this to our advantage. Beau, also interested but simultaneously terrified that it might be a bad idea and I might just get further initiated. When it comes to Matt, you know there’s always something more lurking underneath all of this. As players it’s kind of our job to navigate that.”

How about Yasha? “I think it’s one of the things that didn’t really come up in the date, which is funny, because it’s something I was thinking about. Me as a player, that’s something I’m extremely stressed about. We don’t know what’s going to happen. We kind of got into it, but I think the fact that Lucien was listening, and the Eyes, I think it made me as a player as Yasha very nervous about interacting with Beau, because I don’t know what they’re picking up on. There’s so much we don’t know, and Lucien is so confusing, and the Eyes, and with Matt... we don’t know! It’s a point of extreme concern for Yasha, especially someone that she has feelings for and cares about, it’s an extra level of I don’t know what this means and I can’t lose this person, but I need to protect at all costs.”

What was it like for Beau to discover that Dairon and the Soul not only listened but took action? “That moment was so deeply powerful. Honestly, I was just as taken aback as Beau was. I never in both mine or Beau’s thought process did I think Matt would take action in that way, or that would ever be handled. And I think that’s what makes it so emotional. You condition yourself to think these things just happen, so much so that they permeate your D&D game. So rarely do abusers get held accountable for their actions. What was powerful about it was that he was, and other people cared. That alone was so emotionally impactful, and I was completely thrown by it. I feel like I had to walk away from that situation kind of unpacking those things. What does that say, what does that mean? Same thing for Beau, where the cycle of abuse has happened repeatedly to her with no repercussions to anyone who’s causing it. It’s why she’s always had a weird tenuous relationship with the Soul. It throws you into these layers of reconciliation and thought. I didn’t think this was going to be addressed. What does that say about society? So many different layers to peel back. It all speaks to so many real-life experiences that happen every damn day to so many people. There’s not many examples in media of abusers getting handled, and especially not in a way that’s not some sort of device to motivate somebody.” She highlights how rare it is that the abuser was handled without pulling the victim into the mess. I’m definitely not doing what she’s saying justice with my speed-typing.

How is Yasha feeling about solidifying her identity as a protector? “Putting together this character and starting to play as her, there was a part of me that wanted-- when I work on characters, you go through the list of questions you have as an actor, what’s your motivation and all that stuff. But I very much wanted to see if I could have a character that doesn’t necessarily know what their purpose is, because I feel like a lot of people feel that way. I think when we see movies or TV shows, there’s always a character who says, I know what my purpose is. I wanted to explore what it meant to not know what that is. I left that open with Yasha, and I didn’t want to set that for her, because I thought that was an interesting thing. I still like that idea, but in the conversation with Beau and knowing the date was coming up, there were a lot of internal conversations I was having of how is Yasha feeling in this moment. At the end of the day, I feel that’s a very solid purpose for Yasha in this moment, of all I can really provide is protection - and of course she can provide more than that. But now I’m just, yeah, I think protection for her is the best way she knows how to describe her purpose.” Brian: “And once we arrive there, the goal is to find a greater purpose, to be of service.” Ashley has tied in Yasha’s protectiveness with her grappling with loss.

Fan art of the week: A second amazing Essek! (by Saturday_sky)

Thoughts on the amulets: set-up or bad luck? Ashley: “I thought they were a set-up!” Marisha: “I think [Astrid’s] an opportunist. But I think it’d be much more convenient if anyone other than her killed Trent. To what end, I don’t know.” Ashley: “Me, personally, how I interpreted her crying in that alleyway, I felt like she was crying because of a betrayal. But I don’t know! I think she definitely cares for Caleb.” Marisha: “I also got betrayal tears. That felt like guilt-crying to me.” Brian: “I don’t like any of this.”

What prompted Beau going full assassin? “If they were to get in and out and I could have jumped over that tower without killing that guy, I would have.” She didn’t have a lot of options as a monk and not a rogue assassin, but needed a quick and quiet way to get him out of the way. “I went through so many ideas in my head. I thought of an idea to dump all of the ball bearings under him, then light fireworks” to try to get him to fall off the edge.

Is Yasha’s hope for Molly still alive? “Yes. I think that because Yasha has been on the other end of doing terrible things under someone else’s influence, she has a lot of forgiveness for people. At this point, of course, it’s hope that he’ll come back or have some type of recognition of his life as Molly. There’s a lot of questions. I don’t think she’ll ever give up on him.” The only moment of hesitation was when Lucien was cool with Gelidon leaving with Beau.

How are they feeling about their odds? Ashley: “I feel really great about the ideas that the group has to get out of tricky situations. This one I’m nervous about.” Marisha: “I agree. We have our little side player thread, minus Matt, and I don’t see how we’re getting out of this without some sort of compromise that’s not necessarily in our favor. I think we’re going to get out of it, but I don’t think we’re going to get out of it completely.”

Ashley didn’t tell Brian about the date after the episode ended, but wound up blurting it out right before he was about to watch the episode for Talks.