#secret-enigma

[moonbells-draws]

birthday gift i drew of @secret-engima's Fairy Tail OC Wren (from her fic Amongst Untrodden Ways) last year

5.9.2022

[crumschipp]

My secret santa gifts for @tfh-arts! Made me enjoy each character even more actually

also this is from a @r1999secretsanta event, glad to have joined!! <3

[unithepersonandthing]

🎈: “i always feel like.. somebody’s watching me!”

No it’s not actually there… looey has an.. overactive.. imagination

yeah I got bored again…

edit: HELP THIS IS POPULAR????

[pinkrosealice]

Before I forget, Happy Winter solstice / Yule!!!!!!

Be sure to make prayers and supplications to The Mare, Snow, The Madrugad & Sun in Rags!!!

The White waits West of the World..............

[courtofcrescent]

💗 GROWING HEART - if they have a crush, is it noticable? what changes when they’re in love?

Hi again, Emoji Ask Anon!

If they have crush, is it noticeable? Oh ho!

MALLORY : If someone manages to be his crush, there won't be any noticeable changes, I'm afraid. Unless... if you're somehow manage to spy on him—a very dedicated spying. Then you might notice how he likely spends some of his free time in a place where a certain someone is always present.

VIVIAN : Even if you spy on her much more intensely than on Mallory, you'll see nothing amiss. Her routine remains as usual as ever. Her manners are as impeccable as ever. Her behavior is as proper as ever. You'll see nothing strange. Nothing at all. She's very good at concealing her emotions regarding this matter of heart, it seems.

ELLIS : You'll see him flirting a lot—but this is not unusual. You'll see him show off—this is not unusual either. You'll see him showering gifts—wait, this is also not unusual... Hmm, are there any noticeable changes then? Ah, perhaps you'll catch him serenading? Which is not exactly unusual, but it's also not exactly usual because he's very much aware that his voice is not his strong suit lol. But hey, it's the intention that counts, right?

SORIN : Well... many people have their eyes on her, and it's not just mere people—her suitors. People notice who receives her dazzling smiles, who she laughs at jokes with, and who she always chooses as a conversation partner. People will gossip. A lot.

E̴N̵I̶G̵M̸A̷ : Wi̶l̶l b̴e̸ ̶ve̴r̵y̴ very̵ ̴n̷o̴t̵ic̷ea̴b̴le to̷ ̶t̵he̴ pe̷o̶pl̷e̷ c̶lo̴se̸ to̸ ̵t̸h̷e̷m.̵ ̴It'̴s no̶——̵

----

What changes when they're in love? Now, why don't you find out for yourself? 👀

Thank you for the ask! 🩶

[ilovedthestars]

12. Name an OC that isn’t yours but who you like a lot

17. Any OC OTPs?

18. Any OC crackships?

28. Your most dangerous OC?

(OC ask game)

12. Name an OC that isn’t yours but who you like a lot

Well, there is this one called Blank that i think is cool :)

I have also REALLY enjoyed hearing about @specialagentartemis's SecUnit (and other assorted tmbd-universe) OCs recently! The stories they're in are sooooo compelling, I love Sky and SecUnit A and i want to hear so much more about them.

(Honestly this could also include anyone i drew for artfight or an OC-tober swap! All your OCs are so cool and once i've put in the effort to draw a character i'm Invested)

17. Any OC OTPs?

I don't really do shipping, like, in general, so romantically speaking i got nothing. My OCs are all functionally aro because i simply cannot be bothered to write romance.

If we're counting besties and dynamic duos, though, either Yuma & Crowbar or Niri & Aybee :) Y&C are just delightfully inseparable, they're functionally life partners but in a "of course i'm going where you're going, what is there to even discus at this point?" kind of way. And Niri & Aybee are just so fun to write as Best FriendUnits! They're art buddies! They spend a bunch of time together but miss each other so so much!

18. Any OC crackships?

See above, re: shipping. I honestly can't even think of a platonic example either. I imagine my version of this is just "which two characters would have the craziest vibe if you put them in a room together" and I'm genuinely not sure. I feel like OldUnit has the most potential because of the sheer friction of any attempt at social interaction with it.

28. Your most dangerous OC?

Ooh, good question. You know, out of Polaris, it's quite possibly Enigma. I think it has the roughest background out of all the SecUnits—I've been thinking "guard on a prison colony," which means its probably seen its share of riots. Plus all the hacking skills it built up from being rogue but still on contract for like 7 years.

Which is fun because I also write Enigma as the shyest, least aggressive of the group. It would try to hide or flee before it'd try to fight. So as far as the actual most dangerous person to cross...maybe Hope? Violence isn't xyr first resort, but xe also doesn't have any of the hangups about it that the SecUnits do. So you probably don't want to find yourself in a position where xyr diplomacy fails.

[mintyaquagreen1675]

I've got great plans for these two. Great great plans. Don't worry, This isn't some crossover thing, I'm still;l keeping the story focused on Hello Neighbor. But this is just an idea on what one of the characters is going to look like.

[landoffreaksandfrogs]

I wonder if disaster and things going "wrong" is just part of sburb works. taking advantage of the games mechanics, a civilization being allowed to leave their planet and hijack another session., like maybe all normal sessions are supposed to go completely bonkers, because the only way to actually test if a species is worthy of continuing their existence is to see how they manage against seemingly unnatural and chaotic trials.

oh ABSOLUTELY i agree with this.

i feel that sburb is a game DESIGNED to be fucking BUSTED to all hell and being basically unwinnable without using exploits, bugs, and cheats.

its why a scratch construct is necessary for any viable session, because theres a very high likelihood that your session will be one of the many null sessions floating around the incisiphere, and if you fuck it up irrecoverably you have to try again.

a lot of it correlates back to The Ultimate Riddle and the nature of SBURB being sustained by self-fulfilling paradox time loops and predestination, and any game with a busted physics engine, including the laws of physics, is bound to be full of bugs.

honestly, the bullshit trials the players face kind of parallel the battle on skaia. the forces of prospit are unable to win the war without intervention from the players, and likewise, the players in homestuck are unable to beat the game without the intervention of another session.

[black-arcana]

A beginner’s guide to symphonic metal in 5 albums

Few genres do grandiose like symphonic metal. As the name suggests, it marries the scope and ambition of classical music to the power of metal. The result is orchestral, opulent and sometimes OTT, but it’s a hard heart that is completely resistant to it.

The seeds of the sound were sown in the 80s, when diverse trailblazers such as Celtic Frost and Savatage began incorporating orchestral instruments into their music. But it began to accelerate in the late 1990s, with bands such as Therion, Nightwish, Within Temptation and cult favourites Haggard began to properly fuse the two genres.

Today, symphonic metal has become an unlikely commercial force. Nightwish and Within Temptation are festival headliners, while a constant stream of newer bands have emerged in their wake. For anyone who is new to this grandest of genres, these are the five albums to start with.   

Therion – Secret Of The Runes (2001)

Therion remain the original and – the purists would have you believe – the best of all the symphonic metal acts. Named in honour of Celtic Frost’s second album To Mega Therion, the Swedes have been led by multi-instrumentalist Christofer Johnsson since 1987. While others have prospered by ‘sexing-up’ the genre’s principles, the Therion experience remains a pure one – sackcloth and ashes, almost. Take our word, it’s a beautiful thing.

After Forever – Decipher (2001)

The second album from this pioneering and much-missed Dutch outfit, who ran from 1995 to 2009, Decipher employed live classical instruments and a full choir to complement the stirring soprano delivery of Floor Jansen (now, of course, with Nightwish). Soon afterwards Mark Jansen quit, taking his growled co-vocals along to the guitarist’s next band of note, Epica. The album’s grandiose arrangements still sound masterful today.

Within Temptation – The Silent Force (2004)

Although you’re likely to be distracted by the captivating strength of Sharon den Adel’s upfront vocal dynamism, Within Temptation’s symphonic aspirations reached their most querulously romantic apex on this goosebump-inducing masterwork of the form. Although the guitars were louder and crunchier than on 2000’s Mother Earth, and the open- hearted pop savvy was at full widescreen pelt, this 2004 follow-up confirmed the band’s special affinity for wizardly orchestral bombast, here performed by the Ego Works Session Orchestra, under the noted Russian conductor Felix Korobov.

Epica – The Quantum Enigma (2014)

Formed by former After Forever guitarist Mark Jansen, Epica played a crucial part in the development of symphonic metal via a string of consistently impressive releases, but with The Quantum Enigma – their sixth studio record – the Dutch band raised the bar to a whole different level, hiring a live chamber choir and a string orchestra to enhance a collection of tunes that is uniformly strong. Throw in the soaring vocals of flame-haired mezzo-soprano  Simone Simons and the results are seismic.

Nightwish – Endless Forms Most Beautiful (2015)

You could pick anything from 2000’s Wishmaster onwards, but the Finns’ first album with Floor Jansen represents Peak Nightwish in terms of a grandiosity. A high-concept exploration of evolutionary science, featuring narration from scientist Richard Dawkins, it’s an absolute triumph. From the full-pelt throttle of Shudder Before The Beautiful and cinematic bombast of Weak Fantasy to the  life affirming anthemia of Alpenglow, it’s a constant stream of brilliance. Then there’s The Greatest Show On Earth, a 25-minute show-stopper most bands could only dream of writing. It’s no surprise this was the record that turned Nightwish into festival and arena headliners.

[feralportalmaster]

Thinking about how Lizzie’s Enigma persona from AfterLife would actually fit pretty well with SecretLife, what with the secrets and mysterious stuff she had going on.

[briefle]

etho calling cleo, bdubs, grian and himself a foursome was NOT on my bingo card

[re1999confessions]

why is everyone saying that pavia's sports outfit twinkified him when he was always a twink? he's been a smooth hairless italian twink this whole time. just look at his base portrait and his i2 art. in his i2 art he's literally wearing a bdsm choker with silver chains attached, presumably, to nipple clamps or something. NOT saying hunks and bears etc cannot enjoy nipple clamps and chokers or be bottoms (i, personally, am a huge fan of seeing large and hairy bottoms) but pavia is not one of them. he never has been anyway don't be shocked by him not having armpit hair in his sports skin when he probably waxes his asshole on the regular is what i'm saying. i need fandom to open their hearts to this reality. now enigma on the other hand when he comes out, well, haha...that's a man who cannot be assed to shave anywhere aside from his face, and even then it's only when he has special work meetings, i'm sure. and shamane is right there. full beard beautiful broad tall as fuck 45 years old etc etc. he and enigma are right there if you don't want a guy who rolls up wearing skinny leather pants from the get-go

✉

[lucaanis]

it's just so funny to me how lleyth is like "treviso <3 my city <3 it feels so good to be home <3 have i mentioned this is My City. i will say it 3 more times" and then illario is like "ah rook! touring the city with my cousin? i could show you around 😏" AFSGDJFJFJFLF.

live lleyth reaction:

[livinthebookshelf]

“I hate it here so I will go to secret gardens in my mind. People need a key to get to. The only one is mine.” - Taylor Swift

I’ve been masking myself for 7 days straight, I just need to recharge my energy for a few days before getting back on my work and research 😔

[froottalks]

Enigmatic Desires - Natasha Romanoff x fem! reader

[summary: natasha is a vampire and the ceo of a large tech company and reader is her new personal assistant.]

Masterlist

The towering skyscrapers of New York City cast long shadows as (Y/n) (L/n) hurried through the bustling streets, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She had just landed a prestigious job as a personal assistant to the enigmatic CEO of a prominent tech company—Natasha Romanoff.

As she walked, (Y/n) couldn't help but gush to her sister over the phone. "I can't believe it, Emma! I'm going to be working for Natasha Romanoff herself! She's a legend in the tech world."

Her sister's voice held a hint of amusement. "Sounds like you've hit the jackpot, sis. Just remember, stay calm and be yourself."

Arriving at the gleaming glass building that housed the tech company, (Y/n) felt a mixture of awe and trepidation. She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and entered the bustling lobby. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the hum of activity that signaled innovation and success.

With her heart in her throat, (Y/n) made her way to the elevator and pressed the button for the topmost floor. The ride up felt like an eternity, and she found herself rehearsing her introduction in her mind.

The elevator doors finally opened, revealing a sleek and modern office floor. (Y/n) stepped out, her eyes wide with wonder. The employees she passed nodded in acknowledgment, some giving her friendly smiles. She returned the gestures, eager to make a good impression.

Her destination was a set of double doors at the far end of the floor. Taking a deep breath, (Y/n) knocked softly and then pushed the doors open. The sight that greeted her took her breath away.

Seated behind an imposing desk was Natasha Romanoff, the CEO herself. Natasha's presence was commanding, and her aura exuded power and confidence. The woman's red hair fell in elegant waves around her shoulders, and she wore a crisp white business suit that emphasized her formidable beauty.

"Ah, the new personal assistant," Natasha remarked, her gaze locking onto (Y/n)'s as if she could see right through her.

(Y/n)'s voice was almost a whisper as she addressed her new boss. "Ms. Romanoff, it's an honor to meet you."

Natasha's lips curved into a knowing smile, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Please, call me Natasha."

(Y/n)'s heart raced as Natasha's gaze held hers. There was an intensity in that gaze, a silent understanding that sent shivers down her spine. Natasha's voice was smooth and velvety, a seductive undertone that (Y/n) couldn't ignore.

"Relax, (Y/n). I promise I won't bite," Natasha smirks, "...much."

The corners of (Y/n)'s lips twitched into a shy smile, slightly nervous by the change in the air. "R- Right, of course."

Natasha's laughter was like a melody, filling the room with its warmth. "I couldn't resist. Welcome to my domain."

As (Y/n) settled into her new role, she found herself navigating the intricacies of the company with a mix of determination and eagerness. She interacted with various employees, learning about their projects and contributing her skills to help streamline operations. However, the highlight of her day was her interactions with Natasha.

During their brief encounters, Natasha's demeanor ranged from businesslike to surprisingly playful. She would drop witty remarks that left (Y/n) blushing and stammering for words. Yet, Natasha's presence was magnetic, drawing (Y/n) in even as she attempted to maintain her professional composure.

One day, as (Y/n) entered Natasha's office to deliver a set of documents, Natasha looked up from her work and fixed her with an intense gaze.

"(Y/n), do you believe in fate?"

(Y/n)'s brows furrowed as she considered the question. "I suppose I do, in a way. Everything happens for a reason, right?"

Natasha leaned back in her chair, her fingers steepled as she studied (Y/n). "I believe that too. And sometimes, fate brings unexpected people into our lives."

The weight of Natasha's gaze left Y/N momentarily breathless. She cleared her throat and offered a small smile. "I'm glad fate brought me here, then."

Natasha's lips curved into a genuine smile, and for a fleeting moment, the enigma that was Natasha Romanoff seemed vulnerable. "As am I, (Y/n)."

The bond between (Y/n) and Natasha deepened with each passing day. (Y/n) found herself looking forward to their interactions, her heart racing whenever Natasha's gaze lingered a little too long. Yet, there was a sense of familiarity between them, as if they were two souls destined to cross paths.

As (Y/n) navigated the world of high-powered executives and cutting-edge technology, she couldn't help but wonder about the woman behind the CEO persona. Natasha's strength and playfulness were a captivating combination, and (Y/n) found herself drawn to her in ways she couldn't fully comprehend.

The enigmatic Natasha Romanoff had become more than just a powerful CEO—she had become the object of (Y/n)'s curiosity and desire, a puzzle waiting to be unraveled.

Weeks turned into months, and (Y/n) became an integral part of Natasha's professional world. She juggled schedules, managed appointments, and even joined Natasha in important meetings, all the while finding herself falling deeper under the CEO's charismatic spell.

The tech world respected Natasha Romanoff not only for her groundbreaking innovations but also for her elusive nature. Rumors about her past were like whispers in the wind, tantalizing fragments of a story waiting to be unveiled. Yet, Natasha's attention was focused solely on her company's success, with little time for personal matters.

One evening, as (Y/n) sorted through a pile of documents in her own office, her phone buzzed with a message. She picked it up and saw that it was from Natasha.

Meet me in my office in ten minutes. We have a matter to discuss.

Curiosity piqued, (Y/n) quickly gathered her things and headed to Natasha's office. She knocked softly on the door and entered when she heard Natasha's voice inviting her in.

"(Y/n), please, have a seat."

(Y/n) took the chair across from Natasha's desk and met her gaze. There was a seriousness in Natasha's eyes that she hadn't seen before.

"I have a proposition for you," Natasha began, her voice steady. "I've been considering expanding our operations into international markets. It's a massive undertaking, and it requires someone I trust implicitly to oversee it."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. "You're entrusting me with that responsibility?"

Natasha nodded. "You've proven yourself capable and dedicated, (Y/n). I believe you have the potential to make this venture successful."

(Y/n) felt a swell of pride and excitement. "I won't let you down, Natasha."

Natasha's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "I know you won't. And, if all goes well, this could mean a significant promotion for you."

(Y/n)'s pulse quickened. "Thank you, Natasha. I'm truly honored."

As they discussed the details of the new project, (Y/n) felt a renewed sense of purpose. Natasha's trust in her abilities was a validation of her hard work and dedication. She left Natasha's office that evening with a sense of determination and excitement, eager to prove herself on this new international stage.

As the days turned into weeks, (Y/n) threw herself into the project with unwavering commitment. Late nights and early mornings became the norm, and (Y/n) found herself immersed in a world of international business negotiations and strategic planning.

Throughout it all, Natasha remained a steadfast presence, offering guidance and support when needed. Their interactions became less playful and more focused, as the demands of their work took precedence.

Yet, despite the professional façade, (Y/n) couldn't help but wonder about the woman behind the title. Natasha's stoic exterior belied a depth of emotion that (Y/n) longed to uncover. And so, one evening after a particularly grueling day, (Y/n) decided to take a chance.

She knocked on Natasha's office door and entered when she heard a soft "come in."

Natasha looked up from her work, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "(Y/n), is everything alright?"

(Y/n)'s heart pounded as she met Natasha's gaze. "I wanted to talk to you about something, Natasha. Something personal."

Natasha looked at her for a moment, then gestured to the chair in front of her desk. "Please, have a seat."

As (Y/n) settled into the chair, she took a deep breath. "Natasha, you've always been a bit of an enigma. I know you as a CEO, a leader, but I want to know more about the person behind the title. What drives you? What are your passions outside of work?"

Natasha regarded (Y/n) with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. "You're perceptive, (Y/n). Most people are content with the CEO persona. But you're different."

(Y/n)'s gaze never wavered. "I want to understand you, Natasha. The real you."

A thoughtful silence settled between them before Natasha spoke again. "Very well, (Y/n). I'll share a piece of myself with you."

As Natasha began to speak, her words carried a weight of vulnerability and honesty that (Y/n) hadn't anticipated. She spoke of her early life, her struggles, and the journey that had led her to become the CEO of a global tech empire. Natasha's voice was filled with a mixture of pride and sadness, and (Y/n) listened with rapt attention.

When Natasha finished her story, she looked at (Y/n) with a rare softness in her eyes. "Thank you for listening, (Y/n)."

(Y/n) reached across the desk and placed her hand over Natasha's. "Thank you for trusting me with your story, Natasha."

In that moment, the distance between them seemed to vanish, replaced by a sense of understanding and intimacy that went beyond their professional roles. (Y/n) felt a surge of affection for the woman before her, a woman who had faced adversity with strength and determination.

As (Y/n) left Natasha's office that evening, she couldn't shake the feeling that their connection had deepened in a profound way. The enigma that had been Natasha Romanoff was slowly unraveling, revealing a woman of substance and complexity.

But even as (Y/n) walked out of Natasha's office room, there was something nagging at her in the back of her mind, something she couldn't quite shake off.

Natasha's words had seemed guarded, she seemed to omit some things in her story, like she was trying to hide something, but (Y/n) pushed away the feeling for the moment, even as a foreboding feeling filled her.

{Part 2} out soon.

[whisperthatruns]

Tracks

2am: moonlight. The train has stopped out in the middle of the plain. Far away, points of light in a town, flickering coldly at the horizon.

As when someone has fallen into a dream so deep he'll never remember having been there when he comes back to his room.

As when someone has fallen into an illness so deep everything his days were becomes a few flickering points, a swarm, cold and tiny on the horizon.

The train is standing quite still. 2am: bright moonlight, few stars.

Tomas Tranströmer, tr. Robin Fulton, Secrets on the Way (Hemligheter på vägen, 1958), The Great Enigma: New Collected Poems (New Directions Publishing, 2006)