#really speaks to the truth of brotherhood

[charcoaldustonmyfingers]

Little Shadow 2/2

[ 1\2 ]

When I was little I thought my brother was the coolest person in the world. I wanted to be just like him!

Now that I’m older though, I’ve grown into my own person. Now, my brother and I can stand on equal footing, side by side. Whenever he asks for my help or advice, I will always remember how much he helped me when I was young, and I am immensely grateful to be able to do the same for him.

I don’t know if he misses having a little shadow, but I know he’s proud of me :)

[cherikyassss]

Cataloguing my top ten Cherik fics in order of popularity, in case anyone fancies some new reading material 😉

https://archiveofourown.org/users/FuryRed/works

Five Nights in Nuremberg

When Charles escapes from the mutant prison he has been held in for the last two years he knows that he’s going to need help to avoid being recaptured.

What he doesn’t expect is that help will come in the form of a mysterious German man who rescues Charles and takes him to his home; a handsome stranger who, frustratingly, doesn’t speak a single word of English…

Bound

Is there anything worse than someone else’s wedding? Well, perhaps your sister’s wedding- where the groom just has to invite his boss and that man just happens to be your ex-boyfriend; a person you had an extremely passionate and tumultuous relationship with that ended badly.

Charles hadn’t seen Erik for a year by the time Raven had told him about the wedding. He wasn’t looking forward to the occasion, particularly when Raven explained that they would be celebrating the event with a two-week extravaganza at a luxury hotel, meaning that Charles would be forced to spend a whole fortnight with the man who he’d given everything to; the man who had ultimately broken his heart…

Can You Feel My Heart

Erik Lehnsherr hates Charles Xavier.

It’s as true as the words written on the wall in the bathroom at the university that Erik attends. Erik sees them one day- accompanied by a crude drawing of Erik and Charles glaring at each other- and recognises the truth of the sentence, and smiles.

He hates Charles.

Probably…

The Best You Never Had

By the time Erik is in his late twenties he has grown tired of his mother meddling in his love life- always setting him up on numerous dates with various suitors.

But then Erik’s mother offers to set him up with someone he used to know- the gorgeous blue-eyed boy Erik had a crush on in school, the boy Erik desperately wishes he had been nicer to.

How Erik ends up entering into a fake relationship with the man in order to keep his mother happy is anyone’s guess…

Forgotten

Charles is having a really bad day. Not only has he woken up in the middle of the afternoon with no idea where he is or how he got there, but when he returns home he’s confronted by a stranger with intense eyes, who insists that he knows Charles rather more intimately than Charles remembers…

In Service of the King

Co-authored by the wonderful @pinkoptics

The people of Britannia have been saved from an unbearable fate at the hands of Emperor Shaw. In order to express their immense gratitude, they offer the ultimate tribute- Charles Xavier, the beloved son of their leader.

Far from naive, and even before agreeing to be made a gift, Charles is only too aware of what such an arrangement will entail- a life spent on his knees for more reasons than one... But upon arriving on Genosha’s shores, it soon becomes clear that sexual submission may not be all that is desired of Charles, and that King Erik may have some notions of how he wishes to be serviced that are not at all what Charles expected...

Power and Control

Charles had done a number of stupid things in his lifetime, but this was probably the worst.

Deciding to piss off the leader of The Brotherhood of Mutants was a recipe for disaster, particularly when said leader had a reputation for swift and bloody vengeance. But, as it turned out, being murdered wasn’t what Charles would need to worry about. Apparently there’s a great many things you can do to exert your power over someone, rather than simply killing them…

Enemies With Benefits

Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr are the leaders of two opposing mutant factions; their rivalry played out over televised debates and in the articles of tabloid newspapers.

The tension between them is so palpable that, naturally, everyone assumes they're fucking- which they are, not that Erik is particularly happy about it... But he is content to console himself with the idea that it's just sex and nothing else, and that he is in no way interested in the spoilt little rich boy he can't seem to stay away from.

But then an attempt is made on both their lives and they are relocated to a safe house- a secluded cabin in the middle of the woods. At first Erik hates being forced into such close quarters with Charles, but gradually he begins to realise that 'hate' might not be the emotion driving him after all...

I Know

Charles had always considered himself quite a moral person, so he was as surprised as anyone to one day find himself with his mother’s boyfriend between his legs…

The Right King of Wrong

When Erik accepts a job working as a mechanic for the Xavier family he thinks it will be the solution to all his problems; a way for him to get inside the Xavier mansion without raising suspicion, so he can find out more about the labs rumoured to be hidden in the basement- a location where numerous mutant experiments are said to have taken place.

The mission is only supposed to take a few weeks, but then Erik meets Charles- the nineteen-year-old heir to the Xavier family fortune, who is back from Oxford University for the summer. Rather suddenly all of Erik’s carefully made plans fall spectacularly to pieces as the two of them embark on a love affair that has the potential to alter both of their futures, and their lives, forever…

[honey-minded-hivemind]

Ooooooo

I have come, with something!

So, imagine reader is a young adult instead of the teen. They already gone through the system, was never adopted, so they have a lot of resentment to parents and such. And they actually work in the school as an assistant teacher. The team thing happens and when reader realizes they were being used, they quit, and after, cut out anything showing they’re a mutant. Maybe filling the claws way down to look like normal nails, or if it’s like wolverine’s, they use a rock to break it.

How would everyone react to seeing reader after that, either fresh from their self mutilation, or some days after?

Thanks for reading my rant!

🌂

Oooooo... Okay, okay, that's interesting! I still plan to have Reader as a teen in the main au, but Reader as a young adult? Not bad, if I say so. I'm going to count this as an au of the Smilodon AU, because I have an idea for how Reader finding all of this out goes, but... I really like this ask. So good job! Let's do it-

If the others, the X-Men and Brotherhood, saw Reader like that... I think they'd feel nauseous. Light-headed. Sick. Because their... whatever Reader is to them, is missing parts of their mutation, the parts that were part of them. Their claws... they're filed down, hardly there anymore.. Their fangs... not near as long or sharp as they used to be. And the small bits of fur or fluff that used to dot their arms and legs... they're gone, leaving the skin underneath. This isn't what they wanted. They wanted Reader as their, well... okay, they had used Reader. They didn't want to, in the end, and the teens wanted to stop it, but- They just couldn't. They tried. The adults... they feel remorse. A bit scared. Because now they know Reader can and will harm themself (and likely had before). When Xavier looks deeper into Reader's thoughts, he sees their inner-self, and it isn't a monster or a beast or an evil person... it's a scared, lonely, hurt child, who wants love, but has been denied it so long that they don't trust anyone. And after what all they've done... Reader doesn't even trust them anymore...

Xavier, Scott, and Jean would try to speak rationally with Reader (their version of rational). It goes out the window real quick when Reader's thoughts turn darker, sadder, spiraling. Scott wants to know why Reader did what they did, because he's sorry, and wants them to know they care. He wants them to see it their way. But he mostly wants to make things better between them. Jean wants to help Reader, and comfort them, but now there's a literal mental wall between them, full of bitterness. She wants to reach them,, to stop them from doing this to themself... Xavier wants to convince Reader they meant no harm, and to give them and the X-Men a proper chance to make it up to them. He knows that Reader will be hard to convince. But they have to hold out hope. If worse came to worse... they can try and move Reader in with them, albeit unwillingly. It might be the only way to keep an eye on them and their health...

Kurt, Kitty, Ororo, and Beast regret getting Reader's hopes up, only for the truth to come out about why they started trying to befriend them in the first place. Seeing Reader remove parts of their mutation, leaving them almost defenseless... Kurt feels scared. He has a visible mutation as well, and while he hid his with the holo watch, Reader didn't have something like that. And they got rid of parts of themself! It's... it's so hard to look at... Kitty wants to hug Reader, wants forgiveness. She's so sorry about what happened, she wants them to know that! But... why would Reader hurt themself? Are they hiding any other wounds? What If they hurt themself again?... Storm is doing her best to stay calm and motherly, which sadly doesn't get her very far. She knows they've hurt Reader, and it doesn't feel good, for Reader or for them. But they need to own up to it. The best they can do is apologize, and hope Reader forgives them, or at least doesn't hurt themself further. Perhaps getting Hank to talk with them would be better... Hank would try and help them, would try to talk with Reader. He wants to provide therapy, or at least get them to have a medical exam. He needs to know how bad they hurt themself. But they're not budging. He doesn't want Charles to force Reader. No. But if they want to help them, they need them under their care. And sadly, Reader does not want to be under their care or protection after everything...

Rogue, Evan, and Logan feel guilty. They know they didn't trust Reader at first. That they didn't want to give them the benefit of the doubt. But seeing how bad it's hurt them, that they'd rather hurt themself than them... It's a tough pill to swallow. Reader already had trust issues. They already didn't have a high opinion of themself. And they just made those a whole lot worse. Rogue is truly sorry, wanting to have Reader stay with them so they don't hurt themself or disappear. She's scared that if they look away from them, they'll be gone. That Reader will leave, or worse, be dead. Evan wants to apologize, but he also wants Reader to give them a second chance. Even his aunt is in on it, and maybe Reader would believe two of them over just one? He really wants them to not give up on them... Logan knows he hasn't handled knowing Reader very well. He knew about some of their past, and wrote them off as a bad influence. And they weren't. They're the cub of his "brother" (he doesn't know if that fuzzy maniac is his brother or not), but they've never even met the guy, let alone know who he was. It wasn't fair of him to get mad with them, to treat them as a potential threat. Seeing them harm themself though... It makes him realize that they had every chance to go after all of them, but instead they turned on themself. And for that... he realizes he shouldn't have been been hard. So cold.

The Brotherhood teens want to throw up. Their favorite assistant teacher, the one who tended to see the best in them, is missing parts of themself, or has cut them down. And it scares the cr*p out of them. This is their favorite teacher! Their go-to adult in school when things go wrong or people won't leave them alone! And they've. Hurt. Themself. They didn't want to use them! They swear! But... they're not sure this is an easy fix. This isn't as simple as saying sorry. This had consequences, and they've (mostly) learned that one has to own up to them, no matter what they be. Lance doesn't want to imagine Reader leaving them. They're the one adult he trusts. And now they're scared, or at least wary, of all of them. The X-Teens are in the same boat, so while he hates to say it, he might have to work with them to get Reader to stay, and hopefully heal and regrow their claws and fangs and fuzz. Todd feels sick. He didn't realize they could do that. They could actually remove parts of their mutation? Just like that? Thinking about it gives him shivers. Who would give their powers up? Who'd willingly hurt themself? He understands why they'd do it, he just wishes they hadn't. Fred wants to hug Reader and cry. His favorite adult (who's only a few years older than all of them) just hurt themself. And is upset with them. And is sad. He doesn't want them to be upset! Or hurt! He's trying to apologize, and is on the same boat as Lance to get the X-Teens help in apologizing, if it means Reader might forgive them. Pietro knows what they did. He knows it was wrong. Is he sorry?... Yes. But he still wants Reader with them. Seeing them they way they are... he still thinks they should be with them, even more now. They need help. His dad can get help, okay? H*ck, if they have to, they can pull Sabretooth in, okay?! He just... he doesn't want Reader to hurt themself even more. They're nice, and pay attention to him and his sister, good attention. How can they let them hurt? Wanda is asking Reader why they did it. She wants to know Reader's perspective on this, on why they did it, how they feel about them all. She doesn't want to hurt them, and she won't, but Reader needs help. She will not have her favorite adult die on her or hurt themself, so they'd better hurry up and go to her father or Xavier and get them involved, otherwise, they're going to have a problem. Mystique feels for Reader. Being distrusted by everyone. Having mutations that single them out. It hurts. It hurts her even more knowing she has hurt Reader with her actions. But this proves to her Reader needs a team. A group. She's grateful Reader hasn't taken their anger or hurt out on them, like their father might have. She knows they deserve it. But... she isn't sure if they should turn to... the X-Men... blegh... or to Magneto... who she's mad with... And unfortunately, those are her two options. The joys of being an adult, being responsible... Hopefully they can reach Reader before it could be too late...

[cherllyio]

Why the Newer Villians in Lego Monkie are more scarier

So we all know that in the start of Season 4 MK said:

MK: "What if this is the part in our hero's journeys where things get a little bit darker."

And yea, im pretty sure we can all agree witht that-

But then, while i was writing an analysis/theory video on the villians of lmk, i reailzed something.

The newer villians are more "scarier and darker" because of two things:

How they interact with our heroes

Their colour symbolism and its influence on feel of the show

How they intereact with our heros

Now when im talking about "newer villians" im specifically talking about:

LBD and the mayor

The ink demons

The Brotherhood

The hooded guy from the underworld

First of all theese villians are much more smarter with how they plan things out.

While past villians like DBK and Spider Queen are hurrying to do anything to defeat our main characthers, our newer threaths plan things out more.

They are built up more slowly, but that also means that they can suddenly come out of the shadows and attack our heroes where they thought they were safe, and end up terryifing both for the characthers and us watching.

Hell, we havent even truly met the hooded guy yet, but he has already managed to give MK and idenity chrisis, kill Wukong for a period of time and introduce us to the ink demons, who are scary enough of themselves.

And in that scene where LBD was tormenting MK for the first time, she was moving slower, but she still scared the living shit out of everyone. This is probaly because she put herself so much apart from the normally high paste show we are used to, which just felt so wrong.

That they also have time to grow in the shadows, means they can also learn a lot about our main characthers, which leads to one of their best but scairest skills, manipulation.

For an example, LBD may be dead, but she still haunts the show because of her genius but terrifying manipulation she planted like a diseasce in MK and the rest of the show.

Their colour symbolism and its influence on the feel of the show

Villians like DBK, Spider Queen and even Macaque, though meant to be evil, they still match very well with the feel of the show.

This is because, like the rest of the show, they still are shown in bright colours.

But again with our newer villians, they have more blue, grey and/ or a more monotone look, again putting them apart from the rest.

The colour symbolism, both positive and negative, and influence speaks enough for itself

Blue: Melancholy, sad, visdom, truth, effectiv

Grey: Mysteries, lonlieness, death, deressing

Conlusion

Im really scared for season 5

2.

3. I have more way more things to say about these antagonists, more specifically LBD and that hooded guy. So i am currently, as i mentioned earlier, writing an analysis/ theory video about them. Its acutally about a quiestion thats been bugging me for a while:

If LBD's goal is destiny, while the guy from the underworlds goal is chaos, two very the most opposite goals, why are they both evil?

I plan to have this video uploaded on Youtube at some point in the next week, since its sunday today, so look out for that if you are interested. I will make a post about it, when i upload it.

Update: ITS UP!!! (here)

[offtorivendell]

So,..I’ve read two different books that are elriel coded: NALINI SINGH’S Archangel’s Storm and Black Dagger Brotherhood, Lover Awakened. Books that if I’m not mistaken are one SJM’s favorites… Have you read it? It’s interesting that the both MMC are talented singers, scarred, killer and doesnt speak much. Jason, the angel who is a spymaster, shadow daddy and “hears secrets whispered in the winds” is so Azriel. Zsadist, the vampire with PTSD, similar personality as Jason. I saw a mixed of Jason and Zsadist in Azriel.

Their love interests are princess or aristocrat, very beautiful and well etiquette. Princess Mahiya, the angel (Jason’s mate), helped Jason with spying and she has puma eyes. She loves animal and can create a glowing ball of light. Bella, the vampire aristocrat that killed her kidnapper who is obsessed with her. I felt like I was reading Elriel in both books.

If SJM keeps the inspiration from Archangel’s Storm then it would make sense with the “fanged beast” on Elain’s part. I really think Elain may become a shape-shifter like faes from TOG and could create “a ball of light”, like Yrene or because of the starborn ability? (Oh btw, I was wondering if there’s a possibility that Yrene’s powers are connected to Starborn?)

Do you think Elain’s book will be more of beast themed? Something that is connected to Dusk Court… Anyway, what do you know of the first faes on Prythian? Are Starborn faes the oldest group that founded the Dusk Court, possibly migrating from the Erilea? It sounds like TOG faes are the first generation fae and they sort of evolved in Prythian and Lunathion? SJM made Lunathion connected to Prythian and Erilea. So, I’m wondering how Erilea is connected to Prythian? I know Aelin saw Rhys and Pregnant Feyre in KOA, but that’s it.

Ugh.. sorry for so many questions.. 🫣

Hi anon, and thanks for stopping by!

Disclaimer: the following is all theoretical; while I hope at least some of it will come true, we have to wait for SJM to let us know for sure.

Spoilers for the entire Maasverse, as well as parts of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, are below.

I haven't read any Nalini Singh, though friends have recommended her to me a few times, so I really should fix that. I obviously cannot comment on any similarities - though I have heard similar rumours that SJM loves the books (but have never tried to corroborate them) - but @shitwillnotbegiven has posted a comparison of Elriel scenes with passages from 'Archangel's Storm' that is very compelling. I definitely recommend giving it a read. Of course we can't say for sure whether or not it was intentional, but yeah. There are similarities.

That being said, I have read the first five or so 'Black Dagger Brotherhood' books, and yeah. Read them for yourself of course, but there is a lot to notice. It was a couple of years ago now, so they're not fresh in my mind, but I remember being very 👀👀👀 at a lot of the similarities, especially between Zsadist, Bella and Phury with Azriel, Elain and Lucien. The lovely @silverdreamscapes has posted about many of the parallels existing between each trio, though imo it goes even further than shipping.

But first, I would like to state for the record that I do not think having an inner beast or monster makes someone bad or evil. I do think lightsingers could be a race of faeries that A) are related in some way to the shadowsingers - witches? - with whom we are all hunky dory (so no hate from me until proven otherwise), B) may in fact be facing persecution over some sort of un/intentional misunderstanding and/or rewritten history, and C) that the library actually acts as a sanctuary for these persecuted beings, in addition to any other battered women, who are both vilified and attacked for nothing but their species. Of course I could always be wrong, but I am expecting a twist that diverges from the "truth" about lightsingers that Cassian gave us in ACOSF.

But I digress. I've forgotten a lot, but I do remember that there was a character with teal eyes, who had been cursed by a goddess to carry a monster within him... if lightsingers have an inner beast* - and two of our teal-eyed priestesses have been lightsingers - you can see where I'm going (and for some fabulous rundowns on the lightsinger theory, please see posts by @silverlinedeyes and @merymoonbeam).

As I have said before, I suspect that shadowsingers and lightsingers could be more similar than we know. I wouldn't be surprised if they both have the ability to lure, and both have a beast form/some sort of inner monster or being. Because the teal-eyed character, Rhage, carries his beast in a sort of living tattoo... and whose shadows have been described as appearing like twins to the tattoos on his chest? You betcha. It's Azriel, our favourite shadowsinger.

A corner of Azriel’s mouth curled up, the shadows about him sliding over his neck like living tattoos, twins to the Illyrian ones marked beneath his leathers. Shadows different from anything my powers summoned, spoke to. Born in a lightless, airless prison meant to break him. Instead, he had learned its language. - ACOFAS, chapter 7

As for Elain's potential powers, I'm all aboard the shapeshifter train (please see @wingedblooms for some brilliant theories), and I cannot wait to see what sort of light she can wield (if any, of course, but I do think she has been tied to it in a lot of ways). Can she Sing light and dark (light) to See what she must? Or to travel someplace very far away? I also wouldn't be surprised if Elain and her light/s act as an executioner for whatever Valg-type being exists in Prythian, as Yrene did with Erawan in KOA. I suspect that the King of Hybern may have been possessed in some way, and that Elain's role in assassinating him could have purified him such that he could die, thus beginning her parallels with Yrene.

As for which Fae are the oldest, I personally suspect that the Starborn Fae did found the land that would have become the Dusk Court, and that some may have travelled to Erilea, but I haven't looked into it enough to have quotes at the ready so I'll tag in @wingedblooms and @silverlinedeyes - or anyone else who wants to join in - because they have had more thoughts on this than I have. It seems that the Starborn faeries are different to the shifter faeries from Erilea, and that both ended up in Midgard thanks to Rigelus and his machinations (but as to which is the original fae species, if any, it hasn't been explicitly stated).

Rigelus chuckled again. “We shall get to that in a moment.” He went on, “Danika realized that the shifters are Fae.” Bryce blinked. “What?” “Not your kind of Fae, of course—your breed dwelled in a lovely, verdant land, rich with magic. If it’s of any interest to you, your Starborn bloodline specifically hailed from a small isle a few miles from the mainland. And while the mainland had all manner of climes, the isle existed in beautiful, near-permanent twilight. But only a select few in the entirety of your world could shift from their humanoid forms to animal ones. The Midgard shifters were Fae from a different planet. All the Fae in that world shared their form with an animal. The mer descended from them, too. Perhaps they once shared a world with your breed of Fae, but they had been alone on their planet for long enough to develop their own gifts.” “They don’t have pointed ears.” “Oh, we bred that out of them. It was gone within a few generations.” An isle of near-permanent twilight, the home world of her breed of Fae … A land of Dusk. - HOSAB, chapter 73

A few of my friends and I - @psychologynerd, @elrieldreamer and @ladynightcourt3 - think/hope that IF we get a crossover of sorts in Elain's book it may be to Erilea, in the past. @psychologynerd has previously pointed out that a pretty faerie with raw magic (which Elain has as a Made faerie - here and here) once visited Mistward before being invited to meet Maeve in Doranelle, never to be heard from again. It's also possibly significant that Elain has been linked with owls - check out @wingedblooms Blodeuwedd and Suriel theories for starters - and Maeve had a healer trapped in owl form at her beck and call (thanks @ladynightcourt3 for your help with the quotes).

“But,” Luca chattered on, “no one here has any exciting or rare abilities. Like shape-shifting into whatever form they want, or controlling fire”—her stomach clenched at that—“or oracular sight. We did have a female wander in with raw magic two years ago—she could do anything she wanted, summon any element, and she was here a week before Maeve called her to Doranelle and we never heard from her again. A shame—she was so pretty, too. But it’s the same here as it is everywhere else: a few people with a pathetic trace of elemental powers that are really only fun for farmers.” - HOF, chapter 11

“It also explains why Aelin reported an owl at Maeve’s side when they first met,” Nesryn said, gesturing to Yrene, whose brows bunched. Then Yrene blurted, “The owl must be the Fae form of a healer. Some healer of hers that she keeps close—as a bodyguard. Has let everyone believe to be some pet …” - TOD, chapter 65

“Speak freely, Connall,” Maeve said, her faint smile remaining. The barn owl perched on the back of her throne watched with solemn, unblinking eyes. “Let your brother know these words are your own and not of my command.” - KOA, chapter 8

Some pet... as Hunt suggested he was for Bryce?

“I’m sorry,” Hunt interrupted, “but are you implying that I was made by you two assholes? As some sort of pet?” He pointed to Thanatos, then to Apollion. “Not a pet,” Apollion said darkly. “A weapon.” He nodded to Bryce. “For her, whenever she might come along.” - HOFAS, chapter 61

A weapon, just like Elain becoming "the knife in the dark" to assassinate - and potentially purify the Valg from - the King of Hybern?

I've theorised before that Elain might have plant/earth related powers - which ties in well with her reaction to the Hewn City in ACOSF, and what we learnt about Sathia/Flynn's reaction to being on Avallen in HOFAS - and many of us have long thought she may have some sort of healing magic (here and here). So was the pretty faerie Elain?

I would combust.

Anyway, I hope I answered everything, and I'm SO sorry for this response taking literal months. If you do see this, my bad.

[kristea9ay]

YIPPPEEEE! A NEW UPDATE! YOU ARE GIVING ME SO MUCH DOPAMINE!

You said you didn't mind questions or thoughts, so... hope you really meant it:

First and foremost... I am THRIVING off of your Celestial Family(?) AU, I love family dynamics so much, and for Macaque to be the overly protective one fits so well. How I see it, Macaque wants to be in ARMS reach of his child and nowhere farther. It's not about seeing him. It's about being able to get to him - and otherwise save him - from any threats with how potent his energy is.

But how's Wukong? Is he more leanent? Does he want to train him himself? (Obviously, Wukong is still protective but still)

Though it might be a bit too early for training, depending on how old Xiaotian is. Actually, yeah, how old is he during this ark?

It's understandable that Xiaotian is a little frustrated at their protectiveness, but it speaks wonders how he does still comply, worrying that something else is going on. I hope he tries to bring it up to his parents because their are so many ways that would play out, being telling the truth, an argument, a brush off, a break down- no matter how it would go it would be fantastic.

I also love how the Brotherhood is still close, despite everything, and I wonder how much progress they've made, as they succeeded on the first attack on Heaven (or a second one cause Mei is alive, but screw timeline stuff) so he might be weaker, unable to help the world like he wanted to because of the strength needed.

Basically, that's what I think is happening, Azure is losing strength to keep the whole world together. AND based on the Lore Notes, Xiaotian will be the one to fix that. Azure is having a net loss of energy as he's not strong enough to hold the power of the emperor and is slowly turning to stone or might actually just start cracking and die how he did in the show.

The state of Heven itself is fascinating to me, like, what about Nezah?! Or his father?! I assume neither would be in any sort of power because... Azure.

With that being said, has the dynamic changed in the Brotherhood, even if they are all close, with Azure being the emperor, Macaque and Wukong being together, DBK being the husband of a Celestial, and Peng's whole dislike to Macaque (who hasn't shown up yet hmmmmmmm), Yellow Tusk's hesitancy in the show for Azure being emperor, things are bound to have changed at least a little.

Speaking of DBK, It seems like Redson might still have the Samadhi Fire just with the same thing they did to Xiaotian cause JTTW people didn't get Wukong on their side, but they were there to potentially help him I suppose. Anyway- Mai might not have a ring inside her, yaaaay!

Oh, and speaking of Mai, how did she and Xiaotian even meet? Redson and Xiaotian probably met cause their parents are friends, but Mai doesn't live on FFM, at least in the show.

Oh jeez, what about the Lady Bone Demon?! She wouldn't have to revive Macaque, so he wouldn't be her pawn necessarily, but in the need of power or energy for Azure, DBK could go and free her - that would be fun.

ANYWAY- Thank you for giving me an unhealthy amount of dopamine and a gourmet meal with this delicious art\story. Don't worry about the infrequent posting or even the quality of writing. The determination to make a good story seems to do wonders for many people. Know you'll have at least one fan reading no matter how the AU goes <3.

Okay byeeeeee~

Oh my goooosh 😭💕 ok first of all THANK YOU SO MUCH

This message filled me with so much joy that I literally had to call my sister and tell her about it XD

It genuinely makes me feel so happy when I see people enjoy what I make and to see how much you analyze and wonder how things work in this AU just-jdjdkdkskjee

It makes me so happy 😭

I will explain a few things, because I don't think I'll get into much detail about some things in the comic.

1. Yes, Wukong is still very protective, but he has a different coping mechanism. I wanted make him more closed off, because even in the OG series, he keeps to himself and tries to hide whatever is wrong (example: when he went on a "vacation" when he found out about LBD)

2. MK is training with Red under the guidance of Nezha, but it's more about the energy training and focus. But he does train with them some basic fighting

3. CELESTIAL REALM. OOOH boy I sure did change this one a lot. Ok so in this AU, Mac actually is successful in convincing the brotherhood to NOT attack the celestial realm and take down the Emperor.

In the OG, as far as I understand, they were unhappy with The Emperor because he didn't care about the unjuctice and didn't want to help those in need.

So Macaque convinced them not to try and take down the Emperor, but you instead try and help those in need as much as they can themselves. By this time, Mac and Wukong are already together.

DBK and PIF met in this AU because Nezha and her were sent to check in the brotherhood from time to time (Nezha and PIF are siblings in this AU)

So then Xiaotian, Red Son and Mei are born around the same time (not exactly in the same day but yk) and heaven has a BIG problem with that. They are scared, because these children are a mix of one of the most powerful beings AND their being raised by the brotherhood, their enemy. So they proclaim, that they will either give their children up and let heaven raise them (and own them) or there will be war. And ofc, there was war and the Brotherhood won and Azure became the new Emperor.

Nezha is still their friend and ally, because he did not agree with heaven and ultimately decided to side with the brotherhood. He also guarded the children and made sure they were safe when the fight began, that's one of the main reasons why he is their God-father to all 3 of them.

3. And about Mei, her father in this AU is Ao Lie and he and the rest of the pilgrims and Tripitaka ARE the brotherhood friends.

The JTTW happened, but very differently. Wukong wasn't really a part of the group, but they did come across Wukong and the Brotherhood. Tripitaka helped with the ceremony to help RedSon contain the Samadhi fire, which is how he earned their trust. He and the Pilgrims also helped them during the war against heaven.

I hope this explains some things ^^ feel free to ask if yall have any more questions or want to clarify something. If I can answer it without spoiling the comic, I will 100% answer 🫶

[cienie-isengardu]

After digging deeper into Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns and how everyone was portrayed there, I wish NRS went with the original mention of Cyrax as absolutely loyal to Bi-Han. The NRS’ storyline choices would still be frustrating in regard to the brotherhood of Kuai Liang and Bi-Han, but at least it would make everyone from the Lin Kuei-Shirai Ryu group look much smarter. 

Blindly devoted Cyrax still could have the change of heart - especially when first-handy experiencing the threat of Havik and seeing how Lin Kuei was vital to Earthrealm's safety, while I would not have to wonder WTF was wrong with Scorpion to claim Cyrax is so loyal to Bi-Han in MK1, when literally the first thing we learned about her is how she is disrespectful toward her teacher and Grandmaster (rolling her eyes when Bi-Han praised Sektor for objectively speaking a good job done for example). Not only that, but despite being Lin Kuei her whole life, she has zero idea that even as the good guys Lin Kuei were not there for honorable fight but to exterminate any threat in any way? Bi-Han, Kuai Liang and Tomas did not have any objection to sneak into Shang Tsung’s fortress to capture kill him nor with attacking from behind the guard(s) or ambushing the enemy. How can one be trained since childhood to be Fire Lord’s ninja and be disconnected so much from the reality of the job at the same time?

The way Cyrax was written in Khaos Reigns really makes me question why would Sektor or Bi-Han ever be interested in her? Beside the fact she is one of the main protagonists in the story mode and needed to be there, I mean. Not to mention how Kuai Liang's choice to not confront Lin Kuei during MK1's events is weakened by the fact that Cyrax is not blindly loyal like he claimed and if he bothered to contact her or tell his folks the truth, the schism could be stopped or at least lessened. Like… MK1 and Khaos really can’t even agree on its own, common established lore, can they? Cyrax is absolutely loyal to Sub-Zero and would support him no matter what but not Kuai Liang, except nope. Bi-Han lied to the clan and corrupted Lin Kuei! Except it seems only Kuai Liang, Tomas and Cyrax have any problem with his choices, as the rest of clan like, doesn't give a fuck about Liu Kang or their "duty" to Earhrealm. Which is frustrating. I simply wish the NRS made up their mind about the inner workings of Lin Kuei and how characters fit into the new worldbuilding (without giving each character a serious damage to intelligence).

Also, not that I hate Cyrax, but she came off as... meek compared to alternative timeline's Cyrax and I wish her choice to leave Lin Kuei was more about her as person than about Kuai Liang. But I guess this is curse of being turned into female character.

[unironicallytes]

Also like, my reason for making Domitius' Vow is because I wanted to explore why vampires in the Dark Brotherhood are accepted, but on conditions. Why is it ok for Vicente Valtiere to be a vampire and share the gift, but not for Greywyn Blenwyth? Why is it ok for immortals themselves to exist within a faith that values mortality?

To be immortal is in itself an act that goes against my explanation of the Brotherhood's belief system in Dear Brother: they believe death is the natural state of the world, and life is but a brief anomaly. Pursuing immortality is disrespecting your Father, it's running away from home when all he does is try and provide for you! How dare you? To want the immortality itself seen as a selfish and naive blasphemy.

However, when approached from the angle of extending your service to the Brotherhood, it's regarded in the totally opposite light. Now, it's selfless of you to leave home on such a longer mission trip than the rest of us, because you've proven that you're using it towards our duty, rather than to gallivant. You caught a glimpse of the Void and can reaffirm the faith of those around you by speaking its truth louder.

But that contradiction is why The Black Hand wouldn't tolerate the formation of the Crimson Scars. From a player perspective, we're like "yeah why WOULDN'T they all be vampires? that makes their job easier. that's why I'm always a vampire archer assassin bro", but in the setting, the reason can be two-fold. To have too many immortals in the Brotherhood 1) threatens the powers-that-be and 2) goes against their very teachings. It disrupts the hierarchy and scripture all in one.

I wanted to have an in-universe fable to emphasize how seriously they regard this. It's something I would see people like Vicente, who was around through the Crimson Scar Purification mind you, holding close to help guide his behavior as a vampire. It's why he would be so particular about who he shares his Dark Gift with ... which, to be honest, he would probably need permission to share it in the first place. 3E433 Brotherhood is only 12 years out of the Second Purification, and its ruling council is probably really touchy about who gets vampirism. They will uplift a few who are pious and worthy of receiving the Gift (Vicente's route), but it's not something they can afford to give to just any and every Dark Sibling they find (Greywyn's route).

Anyways. Yeah. Tldr; Brotherhood vampires are only conditionally accepted and held up with respect, the condition being that they devote themselves to Brotherhood service and faith like an evil cult monk.

[aleiiii]

Hi there! Just wondering, since everybody has speculations, how would Mac(ncheese) and Wukong react to Ná dead or dying? Sorry if this makes you uncomfortable! (Also were you the person who said you'd block people who didn't have ages in their bio?) Thats all, thank you!

Hiya!

Going off the idea that they both get attached quite closely with her and are very deep in attraction, of course it wouldn’t be fun for anyone. In a way, Nà is the glue that brought Mac and Wukong back together to be somewhat friendly to each other. They were in a sworn brotherhood before, but of course Mac was still very upset at what he did. I digress, so once she passes, all emotions are heightened- they’re sad, angry and just overall all over the place. The two would start bickering and getting into some nasty arguments.

It would dawn on them that arguing is pointless, it’s not going to bring her back from the dead. They would distance themselves for a while, both being able to just grieve on their own. After a while they will come to terms and reconnect again, speaking about Nà in a reminiscent manner, perhaps even continuing to speak about her to the new babies that are born on the FFM. Maybe even dedicate a small shrine to her that they will visit every so often.

Those would be some somber monkeys…..

((Oopsies I forgot to mention too, I hadn’t said anything about people having ages in their bio, but it is appreciated if you do 😭 I do plan on having this a 16+, maybe 18+ space, just because I would feel more comfortable that way, and if I ever really need to I use the mature filter and hope yall are being truthful when yall put your ages into the settings. I haven’t done anything too explicit but there is content that I wouldn’t be comfortable having a minor around 💀))

[fanaiceach]

I honestly think Geoffrey is a nerd by birth and is only a jock by circumstance:

The vampire panic room at the Pembroke. I know it's not canon that he had any involvement in its development but like... come on. He knows exactly how it works. Maybe you could argue that he beat the info out of Edgar in the time before Jonathan got to the hospital, but why would he have bothered asking about the technical specs and not just basic operation instructions? At the very least, at some point he had a very in depth conversation with Edgar about all the details -- but I maintain that the only way he could be so familiar with that room is if he helped design and build it

He says that the room functions via "ultraviolet curtains and Orichalum powder," the latter of which is either a fictitious metal referenced ancient stories or an ancient but real metal alloy, or is just a magical substance in a lot of fantasy / fiction. Either way its existence isn't exactly common knowledge, and considering Geoffrey has initial confidence that it'll work, I think that indicates that he's more than passingly familiar with it.

He does however immediately drop the "so much for modern technology" line the minute the room stops working and then resorts to 1v1ing Jonathan ("the tried and true") so again... he's a jock by necessity, but his first inclination is still to try the nerd way.

His interest in new technology and methodology is reflected in his writing too: "We can learn many things from the war in France: new strategy, new equipment, and new weaponry. Grenades, white phosphorus, ultraviolet light, bulletproof vests, and flamethrowers: it is time for the Guard to embrace the twentieth century."

Also in line with the first point: he's on friendly enough terms with Edgar to joke about giving him a head start if he ever turned, and clearly feels comfortable enough to show up in his office to talk about the current state of London. Even if their relationship and background is purely headcanon, that vaguely hinted alliance alone is a huge departure from how Geoffrey's predecessors talk about the Brotherhood. The schism between the groups is something both sides still reference with each thinking the other is stupid, and yet Geoffrey seeks Edgar out in a time of crisis -- in addition to whatever background the two of them might have. Geoffrey clearly sees value in the Brotherhood's knowledge and doesn't dismiss it as dangerous or useless like everyone else in Priwen seems to.

Again, much like with the anti vampire room, he does later shit on the Brotherhood and calls them cowards. Unfortunately life just keeps proving to him that knowledge can't compete with simply hitting things until they stop moving <3

The way he talks is also just very nerd coded to me. I don't necessarily think that language correlates with intelligence, but the game lets other working class characters speak in a way that Geoffrey really. Doesn't. "I've a good nose for machinations" and "you've set the table for a snake and wonder why there's venom in your food" and "it's within me to take your words as truth" are almost annoyingly verbose lines for a character that everyone else views as a brute force dumbass. I think it gives him a very guy who reads a lot and therefore has great vocabulary energy.

[notetaeker]

March 25, 2024 - Sunday  | Ramadan Challenge 15/30

Day 15: islamic lecture series / podcast / book recommendations:

Lecture series: 1, Moments of the Qur'an (Miftaah Institute) - A month-long discussion every Ramadan about each Juz. I love it because the imam and mufti are actual brothers lol and they banter in a way only siblings can. Also It's very very reflective and makes you think of things in ways you haven't before. All the brothers are also great models of brotherhood and treating parents properly. I learn a lot from them. 2. Seerah of the Prophet by Yasir Qadhi - The best thing about this is that he brings out every single opinion that exists from the scholars. You really get to know the prophet as a person as opposed to just learning a bunch of events like you might do from a book. Honestly this series changed my life and gave me such a connection with the prophet. Before this, I had always wondered how ppl felt such personal love toward him. Honestly I also love it because it's like storytime lol I love hearing stories

Book: 3. In the Early Hours (By Khurram Murad) - This book is great honestly. It's not dense like many informational islamic literature tends to be. It wastes no time and speaks directly to you and unveils the truth of life and how to succeed to you lol. This is one of my fave quotes:

"Indeed the one who is unsure of his destiny in life, torn between this world and the next, like one standing with his feet in two separate boats, will be thrown off balance."

It's a great book for people who have decided to begin a journey to improve themselves Islamically. Usually those types of books are full of boring basics but this book is full of so many profound quotable things I def recommend it 10/10.

[merlinmagicitself]

Listening to the song "Amigo" by Ataque 77 on the radio on Friendship's Day (July 20th in my country - the same day that I, not-so-coincidentally, started this blog, since I love the way bbc Merlin portrays the value of friendship, brotherhood and loyalty). It immediately made me think of the show. I think it captures the essence of the characters so well.

Now I really want to make a video edit with it haha! If, by any chance, someone happens to make one, please share the link, I would love to watch it!

Here are the lyrics translated into English:

You are my soul brother, truly a friend,

who is always with me on every path without needing a reason why.

Although you are a man, you still have the soul of a child.

The one who gives me his friendship, respect, and affection.

I remember we went through very tough times together,

and you did not change however strong the winds were.

Your heart is a house with open doors.

You are truly the most reliable in uncertain times.

In certain difficult moments in life,

we look for someone to help us find a way out.

And the words of strength and faith you have given me,

give me the certainty that you were always by my side.

You are my soul friend on every journey.

A smile and a festive hug on every arrival.

You speak such great truths with open phrases.

You are truly the most reliable in uncertain times.

I don't even need to say all this,

but it's good to feel

that you are my great friend.

[poor-ciceros-voring-again]

I don't know how to format sorry. But !! I think I did okay considering I don't typically write things :3

"Are you lost, friend?"

Niveria flinches, breaking her lockpick, "OH! UH-," she quickly stands up and presses her back up against the door she was trying to open, "Just uh- I forgot my- th-the uh, key! I forgot my key!"

The figure in a black robe walks a little closer as she speaks, "Yeah? Well you know. We can always call the guards to help you. I mean, if it's your place and all that then I'm sure they'd love to help you out-"

"-NO," Niveria interrupts, "It's uh, it's super fine don't even worry about it.. I totally have this. We don't need the guards at all!" She has a nervous, almost terrified, look in her eyes.

The figure pulls her hood down, showing her pale freckled face. She has a wide grin, as if this entire situation is just a joke to her. "Yeah? Alright, then tell me the truth. You know.. if you're trying to thieve then-"

"NO! No, I-I'm not! I'm no thief...!"

The girl laughs, "Good, because my people wouldn't take too kindly to a freelancer. My name is Alyx. Who are you?"

Niveria hesitates before mumbling her name nervously, refusing to look up to meet the taller woman's gaze.

"FINALLY! A name to the face I saw sneak onto that docked ship! Was it you that killed that captain?? You do NOT look like a killer. They must hire ANYONE these days, rough economy with the emperor dead and all."

Niveria's face scrunches slightly. Hire? Do people think we're nothing but a bunch of sellswords? Her thoughts are broken by Alyx's laughter.

"I'm kidding! I think it's genius to have a kid going around killing, y'know? Nobody would suspect you!"

"I'm not a kid," Niveria raises her voice a little, "I'm 16! I've trained my entire life for things like this! I won't hesitate to eliminate you and send your soul to the Void if you continue to interrupt me!"

Alyx smirks. "I mean, the Dark Brotherhood's business isn't my business." She sighs, "My business doesn't like it when I kill people. Do you know how hard it is to come across fresh corpses in this city? Hmm. Hey, how long has it been since you've fed?"

Niveria hesitates and begins to eye around for an escape route.

"Oh relax, I know you're a vampire. I can tell. I don't really care, doesn't bother me any. If it makes you feel any better, I'm a necromancer," Alyx reaches her hand out to Niveria, "Now we both know how shunned by society we are. Nice to meet you."

Niveria reaches out and shakes her hand. They're both cold to the touch. "How did you know?" she whispers. "I thought I blended in well."

"You smell of blood and death. I guess that could just be the killing, but combined with your sunken in cheeks and hollow looking eyes, which have a bit of a red tint to them by the way, it was just a good guess. So I ask again, how long has it been since you fed?"

Niveria looks down at the ground, frowning. "A lot longer than I should've."

Alyx grins and grabs both of Niveria's hands excitedly, "Okay! I have an idea that will benefit both of us! I can pick the lock for you, and we can both wait inside for your target. You kill them, and then we can share the blood, and I can have the body. Unless..do you need it?"

Niveria shakes her head, "No, uhm. I don't have to do anything special for this contract, so I guess you can... Have it?" She stares down at their interlocked hands, "Why do you uh.. need it? Like, what do you do with it..?"

Alyx moves to kneel in front of the door, quickly dancing Niveria to the side and letting her hands go. "I'll show you! Give me a few, keep watch for me. I'll be quick."

Alyx quickly picks the lock and pulls Niveria inside before a guard passes by. "Alright, let's go to the basement for a bit. When will your target be here?"

Niveria shrugs. "Tomorrow, I think? Do Skooma addicts have specific schedules? Normally I follow and watch my targets, but I guess not this time."

Alyx grabs her hand and pulls her downstairs, stopping halfway down. "Shh, wait. Do you smell that? There's a body down here."

Niveria sighs. "Well, maybe my target is already dead." She quietly heads down the stairs, drawing her dagger as she steps into the basement.

[yanderes-galore]

Would you be able to do a Yandere General Tullius? He's from Skyrim. Just a general concept is fine, like the usual Romantic/Platonic. Thanks! (I love your work sm btw)

Sure! Takes place after Civil War quest on Imperial side (I did this quest, which is funny as I did Dark Brotherhood before it so... oops!) Thank you for loving my work :D

You are both a Legate and Dragonborn.

Yandere! General Tullius Concept

Pairing: Romantic/Platonic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Manipulation, Slight abuse in power, Dubious feelings, Brief blackmail mention, Brief Imprisonment mention, Dubious yet forced companionship/relationship.

His obsession would not fully have time to solidify until after the death of Ulfric.

Tullius knows you as the Dragonborn.

He is aware of you living through Alduin's first attack, he knows you saved the day by then defeating the beast during the temporary truce...

It's not like he doesn't know about you by the time you enter Castle Dour.

He wasn't expecting the Dragonborn to join him in this fight, he even expected you to stay neutral.

Yet your help is greatly appreciated.

Honestly, he should've known the moment you joined the Stormcloaks had no chance.

You have grown in power since the start, he even heard from Rikke that you commanded a dragon to attack a fort.

You're strong, capable, it's at this point he does show some interest.

As forts fall you rise in rank.

It's an honor to him to give you new ranks as you prove yourself.

Soon, by the end, you become a Legate.

You help the general raid Windhelm to take down the traitor Jarl.

The moment Ulfric was struck down after refusing surrender, Tullius was able to breathe properly.

Ever since then... you've been a loyal Legate to him in Solitude.

You really are just a natural born hero.

It's at this point that the general begins to display interest in you.

Be it just as a loyal Legate by his side... or something more akin to romance.

Tullius is rather accepting of people regardless of race.

Even when he isn't able to study every culture due to moving around often for the Emperor, he still tries to be respectful.

Tullius is a brave and caring leader who is loyal to the Emperor.

As a result I imagine he'd want loyalty from you as his Legate.

After the dragon issue and the war... Tullius is able to know you more.

You two no doubt share a hate for the Thalmor which comes up in discussion at times in private.

Tullius would try to be understanding of you, he cares for you as one of his Legates after all.

You'll notice his obsession is subtle.

He's tactical as a general.

It's things like calling you in for private jobs or keeping you as the castle more often.

You're one of his strongest soldiers due to your shouts and affinity with dragons... which is why it's odd when he insists you stay with him instead of going with Rikke.

He claims he just wants someone to talk to, that the missions don't need someone as strong as you right now.

You can't just use dragons every mission, right?

Tullius insists you relax with him and talk about Imperial matters.

If you really want to talk culture he can try to listen.

Truth is he just likes your presence.

He feels he's lucky to be on such good terms with a hero such as you.

Many around Skyrim applaud your victory.

Perhaps even Tamriel.

At first he allows you on some missions to keep you occupied, yet he'd rather speak with you in the castle.

He appreciates help in planning and paperwork.

Tullius wants to keep you beside him for two reasons.

It shows power, everyone (or most) respects you and him as Imperial heroes.

He also has an attachment to you and your company now, regardless of the reason.

I'd imagine with him there would be an unhealthy power dynamic.

You are a rank under him, which means he can order you around and you can't really disagree.

He's respectful and tries not to force anything.

Yet he'll order you for company in private.

I guess if he felt romantically he could nudge you to bring him comfort physically, but it seems like something he tries not to do.

He's too respectful of you.

If he did wish to show affection, implying he leans into more intimate feelings, then he starts small.

A hand rubbing your back or over your shoulder while planning.

A compliment here or there along with some praising.

Soon he'd try to move from there, slowly manipulating you into feeling the same for your general.

He'd be a subtle yandere trying to manipulate you into listening to his every order.

Although... if you refuse his company... he could frame you enough to jail you.

He isn't all that forceful.

He also isn't the biggest one for crime since he's Imperial... unnecessary murder isn't something he'd do.

That would serve as blackmail to listen to him, plus it would keep you under his command.

Although, I think for the most part Tullius would treat you with respect and patiently plan out his obsession.

He's incredibly caring with you.

If he's learned anything as a general, patience is a required skill...

With enough planning and patience... you can win wars... and get what you want.

[cybernecromancer365]

A Little BG3 Fic

Note: I am super new to BG3 (currently playing) and took some creative liberties here. I haven't dove fully into the lore. I just really like Minthara and wrote something for her and my Drow Tav because I felt inspired. I've also never written 2nd person...so there's that too lol

Here's a couple pics:

(At Camp)

"Meet me at our place tonight."

There's vulnerability in Minthara's eyes that concerns you. But you won’t call it out here. You'll wait until dark, until summoned, out of respect for her.

Night comes and your mind's eye feels her calling for you. You know exactly where to go, the same place you shared your first night together. And she's there, waiting for you under the Absolute's gaze.

Her back is turned to you and her head is hung as she braces the altar of the Absolute. Minthara never turns her back to another warrior. To do so could mean death--her words--which she’s escaped many times.

To avoid her sudden startle and a possible knife to the throat, you reach out to her with your mind. She's doesn't turn around but a faint sigh resonates from her.

"Come."

At her word you venture closer and reach out--tentatively--to touch her. The tip of your finger touches her bare back. She stiffens momentarily, turns an ear over her shoulder, then looks away.

Tonight is different than any other. Sorrow swarms within her and your heart swells with compassion.

The back of your hand strokes her skin tenderly, and you grasp her side, closing the distance between you two.

You press yourself to her and enclose her in your embrace. You kiss her neck and give her a gentle nudge with your face into hers.

Drow to Drow, you both connect. Her scent enriches and you open your mind, sending her comforting reassurances, and more.

Her body warms under your touch, a chemical reaction to the moment. Drow aren't known to be warm-blooded outside of bed chambers.

To taste her again...You hasten to the thought. Your ears twitch. You want to make her yours, to accept your mark so no one else may have her as a mate. But Marking is hasty when you two are still getting to know each other. Marking on one another creates an indebted bond for life, and only extreme circumstance may warrant its destruction due to the consequences of its high cost. Madness.

Minthara chuckles softly and turns to face you. She places her hand on your chest. "Your desire is palpable but calm yourself. There's time for that later."

"What's on your mind?"

"Our homeland."

You eye her silently, knowing the homeland she speaks of is not one you both share. The tattoo on her neck, your conversations with her have never turned to it. However, though you may be from a different collective, you instantly recognize the symbol of Menzoberranzian nobility, as any Drow would.

"Under the Absolutes influence my memories were a blur. But now...now they return."

"You miss it..."

"Sometimes." Her gaze suddenly pierces through you. "You're not from my city, are you? Your eyes and these markings..."

She finally notices your eyes. You wondered when she would. "Where are you from?" She traces your tattoo with her finger, from beneath your bottom lip to the end of your jaw and down your throat. "Every Drow, whether displaced or not, is a product of Menzoberranzian history." She strokes your face like a necromancer looking upon a newly risen creation. "One of the outer cities? I've not met many Drow with green eyes."

Your eyes weren't always green...

You debate whether to hold your tongue or tell her your truth. She'd kill you once she found out. But you've broken your oath, your tie to the brotherhood is severed. You can't feel them, so they shouldn't be able to feel you. Especially not so far from the Underdark.

The air prickles with her impatience. She wants an answer you can't give. Perhaps a distraction will help quell the moment and soften the warrior in your arms.

A kiss. Your lips pressed to hers. It sends a riling surge all the way to the tips of your ears. Her kiss is calculated and smooth. It's clear she's done this before.

"Don't think I've forgotten..." Her tone is softer than before as she speaks within the kiss. "Soon you will tell me what your purpose is on the surface."

[jamebajules]

Three/six of my Rooks: Talfryn "Mercar", Avera de Riva, and Jamish Ingellvar. My resolution this year was to draw more without trashing/abandoning everything, and to work on my novel. So, hey, it's working sort of. That said, I'm letting myself yap a lot more to get back into writing. So if you wanna know more about these three, there's l o t s of yapping below the cut.

Talfryn was my first Rook; when Veilguard was announced, I knew I was gonna play him first. The "just a guy" vibe is kind of his whole thing unlike his brother, Kenneth, who was an oc I specifically made for my Inquisitor, Julian. Tal came sometime later, but he's easily become one of my favs. I never beat Veilguard with him though, he's too much his own thing for me to really enjoy it (plus I played Ingellvar as my first run, I like the faction, but it only semi-fits him. In truth, he's more likely a Mercar if anything. But the O'hAnluain brothers, having been firstly made as Dragon Age ocs, feels weird to put them anywhere but the Free Marches).

Tal's about 6'4" at 220lbs, a sword and board warrior with a cold-yet-snarky attitude that hides his big heart. He's very bad at expressing feelings, but if he likes you, you'll know it. He's only fluent in the trade tongue, but can cuss at you in Tevene or Orlesian just fine (and hoo boy, does he). Trained as a blacksmith for a while, not a swordsmith, more making nails, trade tools, bridge supports, sconces or statuary fastenings for the local Chantry--the "anything that needs done" kind of stuff. The fighting bit came later out of necessity; Tal, despite his imposing stature, is suited to a quiet life of prayer and craft...But that life's gone now. He knows more, has seen too much. And he's not one to sit back as people suffer.

Next up is Avera! This time she's not originally from Dragon Age and is an oc I made. The first game I made her in though was WoW. She was made as a pair of paladins to play with my brother: Avren and Avera. The names were accidental, and the irony of it sparked her story, which isn't really set in stone at all but the gist of it was some grandiose, cliché prisoner soul-fusing shit that I honestly can't remember and have no idea if it was even any good. But the idea of Avera stuck and I never deleted her despite Avren being shelved and abandoned. That's sorta when she started becoming her own thing, and I think *that* is the essence of who this character is wanting to be, someone finding her own path, finding herself. Emerging from a predefined role, defying odds and familiarity.

And so Avera in Veilguard is a de Riva Rook. And, no, she's not a very sneaky assassin. "They'll die just the same if you turn their head to jelly." She reminds me of Gogron from the Oblivion Dark Brotherhood haha. She stands at about 5'9", 150ish lbs, 2h warrior preferring a mace to an axe or broadsword. Speaks the trade tongue and Antivan.

Despite her brash attitude and blatant disregard for anything resembling decorum, she *is* very efficient, much to Viago's chagrin. The character I made originally in her place was a random punkesque de Riva that I just wanted to play (that wasn't a rogue on nightmare because, maker, I love Silvio but playing rogue early game bores me out of my gourd), but the more I looked at her, the more I was like "wait..." so I changed her up and decided she was Avera. But that gave me all kinds of ideas for a nimble-yet-strong 2h fighting style that's brutal and beautiful, a combination of dance and death and daring. Wouldn't have thought we'd get her here, but she is what she wants to be and I'd have her no other way. I'm excited to learn more about her. Anyway, this is also my first time drawing her, and I used a Cyberpunk reference photo, so I'm not sure how I feel but it's whatever >_>

And last but not least, Jamish. Or my affectionately dubbed, "Jingellvar." (It *is* pronounced Hamish btw, and yeeeaaah ik it looks like I'm trying to be quirky with it, but this character's name was always "J", literally just that, so when I got around to actually naming them and liked "Hamish" I had a bit of a problem, but it was easily solved by choosing to be difficult lmao).

Jamish is truly my "Rook". Of all my playthroughs, theirs I've done 3 times and enjoyed it every single one. It feels right, the personality. Now, to me, Rook has some weird lines. The dialogue in this game took me a while to get used to, but even that aspect of the writing has slowly become a part of this character. Airy but sensitive, go-get-em and upbeat, and that dash of optimistic sarcasm in the face of impossible odds. And I like that; I never usually settle on characters that would go out of their way to save the world (I'm not a fan of heroes, if I'm honest), but Rook made me try it on and it stuck.

Rook just sort of *is* a hero. And that fits Jamish just fine. Save the living, save the dead, save the world; respect, honor, cherish what is, what was, and pave the road in gold for all that will be.

They're real big on ceremony and rituals, a Mourn Watch Exorcist that guides spirits away from places they might cause harm or be harmed, kill demons if necessary. Hella in touch with the fade--not gifted at magic, per say; it's an effort for them but they go out of their way to meditate, learn, still the mind and listen. It gives them a harmony and understanding with spirits that might put less experienced mages at risk of possession. They're ruled deeply by their emotions, can use their skills and experiences as a Watcher to guide them along this path, but they're swept along more so than ruling. What *feels* right, they don't think, just do. They have a hard time connecting to people though; prefer the company of spirits. Afterall, they're honest, they are what they are. People are complicated and never really say what they mean. And despite being so in tune with their own feelings, as a scholar of spirits and thereby emotion, they tend to view other peoples' feelings in terms of "whys". They do so with their own, too, and it helps them protect them in their work, but not everyone likes being dissected and picked at. They have to try extra hard to understand/remember that around other people, which makes making friends a bit exhausting.

S m a l l standing at only 5'2", 130lbs. Trade tongue again, but I'm not sure if Nevarran is an actual language? Google has me believing they speak Orlesian in Nevarra, but if not, they do speak Orlesian plus whatever it is they speak there. Jamish is a nerd though, language is their thing, so they also speak somewhat passable Antivan. Do they ever actually use these languages? Uh, no. The "no friends" thing kinda shoots them in the foot with that one lmfao. But hey! They've got the Veilguard now, at least they can practice with Lucanis.

But that's enough out of me. If anyone even gets this far down, sheesh, you're actually nuts. But thanks :) Hope y'all like my Rooks.