#send help i won't survive this :3

[boorrger]

WE'RE GETTING THE fight📢📢📢📣📣📣❗❗❗

OKAY OKAY HERE☝🏼 HEAR ME OUT. THEY'RE TRYING TO LOCATE JINX, THEY FIND HER AND VI IS THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN REACH HER. THAT'S WHY SHE'S ALONE HERE

this will break us. we won't survive guys 😔🌷

SHE DIDN'T GIVE UP TO HER THIS IS A LIE. SHE'S IN DENIAL 😭😭😭😭 HELPMEJSHS

[starfall-dream]

Yandere Baldur's Gate x Isekai Reader Concept

I wanted to expand on my concept in hopes that people would be more interested in it. This won't get into every single character I want to write for, in fact this will pretty broad, so please feel free to ask me to expand on any ideas I didn't get into concept.

Also, for this concept, I'm including default (whitedragon, storm Sorcery) Durge, who is the Tav in my concept. I'll be using they/them pronouns for them and reader.

This mainly goes over act one, and if people are interested, I'll explore more of act 2 and 3, so please tell me what you think.

Again please send in any ideas or things you want me to expand on.

---

You didn't remember how you arrived here, nor do you know how the tadpole entered your head, but there was no use lamenting your situation now. All you did remember was going to sleep one night, your head banging in your head, but that wasn't unusual. When you awoke, you weren't on your bed, but instead on a beach, sand covering your body. 

It was lonely, being in this strange new world. From the moment you woke up on that beach, you knew you didn't belong, and you could feel every essence of your being rejecting the notion that you should be here. But despite that, you remained, mountains of responsibility placed upon you from the moment you realized where you were. Your companions, if you could even call them that, were cordial at best. You could tell that most of them didn't believe your story, thought you were crazy, spouting nonsense of other worlds. Some were nice, namely the wizard Gale and the more welcoming and kind Wyll, though you knew that their kindness was due to need rather than genuine feelings. 

The others were distrustful of you, but as their companion they had no other choice but to follow you. Astarion was the worst, at best his words were just petty teasing, while at worst he made you feel useless. You knew nothing, had very little survival skills, couldn't find your way around any weapons, in his words "hopeless." You tried your best to get along with him and your other companions, but it was often for not. 

The only companion you really found yourself close to was Tav, the more leader-like of the group. The best way to describe them is spacey, staring off into the world, often alone with their thoughts. It was difficult getting used to them at first, you've never seen someone like them before, but they were the only ones to accept you in the beginning. They taught you how to survive in this world, helping alongside Wyll in teaching you how to fight, at least with a sword. It made you feel at least a bit more prepared for your journey ahead, and you didn't have to listen to Astarion's judgmental words any more. 

While Tav was more of the leader, you were always more inclined to help people. You liked the Tieflings, especially the curious children, so it didn't take much to convince you into helping them. It felt...nice, having people's hope, helping people, though you didn't truly know what it entailed. Having to protect your companions, keep them away from the danger that seemed oh so attracted to them, it was a lot of work. Part of you wondered if helping the grove, saving these people, if it would prove your worth to your companions, and for some, it did. Shadowheart was appreciative of the work you put in, though she seemed unable to express it. 

In fact, you felt as though you were growing closer to your companions, at least partially. Gale would show off his magic, he loved it. After finding Karlach and learning more about Wyll, he seemed very obsessed with making sure you knew how to protect yourself. It was easy to befriend Halsin, he was so nice and understanding, as well as understanding as he could be. You even started to help the other companions with their personal issues as their trust in you started to get better. You caught Astarion mending some of your clothes one night, you think Lae'zel complimented you fighting style once, but you really couldn't tell, and Karlach was always encouraging. It felt nice, even if it was all very small acts of kindness. 

Though, throughout your journey, you found yourself worried over Tav. They were always more inclined towards violence, they were intimidating, quiet, but they were a friend to you, and so when they confided in you about their violent urges, something they strived to overcome, you vowed to help them. You could tell your words meant a lot to them, and as they promised to protect you on your journey, despite what path they take, the choice of words slightly worries you, but you trust them, and you were happy to have a friend. 

Meeting Halsin was a breath of fresh air, he seemed to genuinely notice the work you were putting in, offering to help you with your tadpole problem and travel with you on your journey. Your companions seemed to like the fact that a confident healer was finally amongst the party, and for once, after saving the grove and helping the Tieflings, you felt at peace. During their celebratory party, you spend most of your time alone, occasionally being checked up on by the animal companions you've found along the way. Zevlor offered you a drink, and in a tipsy daze, you confided in him about your worries and fears, you talked for hours and it was nice and Zevlor seems sympathetic, even claiming to miss you while they were traveling, and made you promise to find him in Baldur's Gate. 

You promised him, and as the Tieflings left, you found a small amount of dread sinking in. Your companions were still wary of you, and now you were traveling into a more dangerous land. You wondered if it would always be this way, but you knew you would have to keep brave, even if you knew you would never belong despite all your efforts. All you could hope for was hope for change, and keep a strong facade for your companions and yourself.

---

A/n: Again, I wasn't able to go into characters like Zevlor or Raphael as much as I wanted to, so please feel free to send in any ideas or headcanons you have about them or any other characters, I'd love to here them :)

[vixen7243]

Wrong Chat: 2

Johnny X AFAB!Reader | TF141 X AFAB!Reader

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

MDNI !!!

You watched as Johnny and the guys huddled by the door, well except for Kyle, you weren't sure if he knew of what was happening, had you really sent that video to the chat? Tugging the blanket up to your chin slightly you couldn't help the blush that covered your cheeks when you noticed that Simon wasn't even participating in the talk that was happening between your boyfriend and John. Grabbing your phone to try and distract yourself, you stopped the video that you had started and deleted it, curiously you opened the chat and sure enough, it was right there and so was the responses from the guys, squeezing your eyes shut you covered your face, it wasn't completely your fault, Johnny was just so damn impatient and wanted you to keep sending them all to him right away. "Bonnie," Looking up, you watched as Johnny walked around the bed, resting his hand on your knee sitting by you, he had thrown on a pair of his boxers but his erection was still noticeable, even to you. Looking up to him you notice a lingering hesitancy, "how would you feel bout the lads havin a little taste of ye?"

You felt like a fish out of water, gaping at him jaw hung open slightly as you quickly looked to the door when hearing the front door slam shut and rapid foot steps coming up the stairs before Kyle slouched at the door frame, "You rat bastards. I see thankfully nothing started yet." You tuned them out as small bantered lifted the air between Simon and Kyle, you looked back at Johnny, you two had more than once thrown in a random partner in your sex lives, sometimes he encourage a one night fling with someone he would set up for you on tinder, only if you recorded it and sent it to him, and the talk of even letting his closest mates maybe having a shot with you was a constant reoccurring conversation. That's all it was though, conversation before he taunted you with filthy details of how they would use you and then the both of you screwing like bunnies all the way to your bed, Johnny loved overstimulating himself and you till the both of you were pussydrunk/cockdrunk.

Nervous though of how the teams bond would survive after sharing one of the teams girlfriend, the non promising flirting clearing meaning more if you said you didn't mind. You knew they were all very close, brothers in arms, friends, family, would everything really be okay if they were openly intimate with the same girl, seeing such vulnerable sides to each other? Nibbling on your lip, you wondered if Johnny would be fine with you after, you only had one night stands with men you never, ever saw again, those men never coming up to thought in either your or Johnny's mind. This would be so different though, Johnny would be seeing them all the time, you as well, would he be able to properly handle that? "Are YOU sure you're okay with them, 'having a taste'?" The bickering silenced at your inquiry, "You're not just fine with this because they showed up? This won't bother you later down the road? You work with them, you're all so close. We've made small talk every now and then of... you know... them maybe joining in, but I never thought that those could actually be holding any real weight with you. Did they?"

Johnny squeezed your knee, smiling softly at you, pulling you into his arms, kissing the top of your head, "Oh bonnie, I will be completely fine with this, we had talked about it a lot before, on my end, I did think that we were on the same page of them, that is my fault, probably too light hearted on it before fogging your mind up on my dick, eh?" Pulling back from him you playfully smacked his arm.

"Johnny." Chuckling with him you met him half way in a soft kiss, "So you're really, truly, 100% okay with..." Looking over to the others who were attentively listening and inched closer at your glance, "sharing?"

Taking the blanket from your hands, he slowly started pulling it down and away from your body, shuffling towards the bed you looked to the men, Johnny pulling your ankle to the side, your sopping cunny presented to them. Gasping at the cool air hitting your folds, your eyes followed as fingers nimbly undid buttons, zippers and belts, "You just sit back and relax eh bonnie, we'll move and handle your every need." Sighing, you looked up to Kyle who snuck around Simon and reached your side, guiding your face closer kissing you deeply, tasting you and groaning when you pushed closer with him. Feeling another pair of hands on your legs and hips, you tried to open your eyes and look, but Kyle was insistent on not breaking the kiss as his hand slid into your hair holding you still. You gasping into the kiss as you felt someone's calloused fingers rubbed into your clit, roughly toying with it making your hips attempt to rut against the fingers, only to be stopped by another pair of hands pushing your hips into the bed. Huffing, you pulled back gasping for air as you shot your eyes down and watched as John pushed your other knee down before pinching your clit and giving a short twist, crying slightly you jolted, grunting when Simon leaned into you and bite your nipple.

So lost and overwhelmed with all the stimulation to your body you looked over to Johnny, he was holding his cock back in his hand leaning in to suck at your neck, looking back at Kyle you helped him fish out his dick, licking your lips at the length, "Pretty." Looking up at him when he chuckled you realize you had said that out loud, giving him a few strokes before you shifted to move closer opening your mouth, he met you the rest of the way, groaning when your wet tongue slid over the slit of his cockhead. Sucking him into your mouth, you gave a few bobs of your head, using your hand to pump what you couldn't fit into your mouth.

"Impatient as ever huh, Gaz?" John said as he leaned down, pushing Simon's hands from your hips, shifting you forward slightly, Kyle's cock slipping a little further down your throat making you gag, "Sorry darling, need little more space." Whimpering around Kyle's dick you bucked forward when you felt John's lips against your clit, his fingers sliding down to your dripping slit, pushing the remaining bit of Johnny's spunk right back into your clenching hole. You reached out your other hand, before it was guided to a fat cock, your nimble fingers barely grazing each other as you wrapped them around the shaft, feeling the big hand around yours, you started pumping the appendage. Shifting your eyes slight from the movement behind you on the bed you saw as Johnny removed your hand from Kyle and sat up on his knees, your hand making quick work back on his shaft. Letting you get your pace, Johnny bunched up your hair in his fist pushing you a little further down onto Kyle, a gargled whimper getting stuck in your throat at the action. "Shit, keep that up MacTavish, she's sucking my damn fingers in deeper." Clenching again around John's fingers you felt tears prickling your eyes as Johnny listened and made you move fast.

Choking slightly you tried your best to keep your hands moving, faltering making Simon keep his hold on your hand tight as he helped you drag up and down his thick shaft. Blinking, tears started slipping down your cheeks when Kyle's grunt continued to get louder, his hips making quick deep thrusts against Johnny's guided movements. Gargling you started shifting, hips moving against John's assault on you cunny, you felt close to cumming but darted your eyes to Johnny who let you momentarily abandon his cock, your hand darting up to Kyle's hip, tugging on his pants before both his hands grabbed either side of your head, also grasping Johnny's hand, shoving his dick deep into your throat, his shaven pelvic pushed to your nose, all air halted. You could feel his cum shooting down your throat, forced to try and swallow it down or continue to choke around him as he stayed still, head thrown back, eyes rolled back, his groans filling the room.

As soon as his hands and Johnny's left your head, you pulled back, strings of his cum and your spit connecting your lips to his twitching dick, coughing and gasping you whined turning your head down to look at John, "Stop, no, I'm goin to..." Stopping when Johnny pulled your hand back from pushing John's head away, you rutted your hips into John's face cumming against him, still struggling to regain control of your breathing, your hand around Simon's shaft tighten and pushed down making him grunt.

Once John had licked up your essence, dutifully also sucking up Johnny's cum from your cunt, he gently used his palm to rub fully against your mound. "Damn good job darling." Sniffling you leaned back, Johnny moving a pillow under your head, kissing your temple as John removed his shirt and tugging his pants off before climbing back between your legs, his beard was wet as he leaned into you kissing you, you could taste yourself and Johnny on his tongue, he'd eaten you out while filled with another man's cum like it was nothing and the thought that since it was so easy he probably would even mind sucking from the source to get a taste. Wondering if he was enjoying that he could too also taste Kyle on your tongue you combed your fingers up through his beard to his scalp, moaning when you could feel his tip nudging your entrance. "Sexy little minx, you ready?"

Nodding your head you bent your legs shifting them a little more for him, you arched into him moaning when he slowly started pushing into you, completely overstimulated and spent as soon as he was fully into you to the hilt of his dick, you cried into his mouth cumming already. Twitching beneath him, you sniffled as he leaned up looking down at you, the look in his eyes full of humor and fondness, "Sweat heart, cumming already like that, fuck, almost had me cumming in these tight walls." Pushing the hair stuck to your forehead back he rested on his forearms rolling his hips into you, "You'll let me fill up this poor little cunt won't you?"

Wrapping your weak arms around his shoulders you nodded your head, taking slow thrusts at first, John built you back up, grunting each time your gummy walls squished around him, your cum and still some left over spend from Johnny that was buried deep in your frothing around the base of his cock. He was slowly loosing himself as he hooked your knees up to his chest bending you into a mating press, "I'm going to fuck my cum right into your womb darling, making you right and full of me." Moaning you grabbed his shoulders pulling him down, drooling at the thought that you could very well get pregnant from tonight, Johnny had such a big breeding kink that he had you addicted to the thought of being round and carrying his baby you agreed to stop taking your birth control. You never worried about not being married yet, with how much the two of you love each other you guys knew that it would happen eventually whether you've had kids yet or not. Of course, when you would have one night stands your were more than persistent to make sure they wore a condom and that you took a plan B pill just incase, but the mere thought that John could be possibly responsible for breeding you like a whore in front of your boyfriend made you gush around him again, "You love that huh? Fucking a baby right into this pretty cunt, you won't even put up a fight huh? You would raise it like we had been together for years huh?"

God, yes, yes you would, Johnny even groaned to the left of you, knowing he was agreeing you rode out your orgasm while John's hips lost their rhythm his cock pushing right into your cervix, twitching as his cum filling every crevasse in you. The both of you, held still, John letting his balls drain into you, slotting your fingers up into his beard, dazed you gently pulled him down to you, the kiss a slow burning heat, tongues more gently gliding over each other, lips barely parted as you guys shifted deepening the kiss, the world tuned out as you two soaked in the other. Having collected your self's, John slowly pulled back, and the look in his eyes made your walls reflutter around his softening shaft, pulling out of you he gave you another quick soft kiss. Your legs lowered to the bed, dazed and pliant, you waited for Simon to reach down to you, he started shifting you, he had turned you around and laid you down on your stomach.

As rough as his hands looked, they were gentle as he handled you, pulling your hips up before folding a pillow and pushing it under them, you felt his finger nails, blunt, drag from your arched ass, down and up your spine, goosebumps following the trail, "I'm not much one for being too gentle lovie, I'll hold back starting off for you, but I will use this filthy cunt till you've drained everything I have for you." His voice made your walls flutter around nothing, his harsh promise of possibly absolutely ruining your pussy more than it already was had you drooling and nodding at the promise fisting the bed sheet in your hands. Feeling his rough hands spread your legs, he shifted in between your legs, shoving his pants down half way down his thighs, you could feel the metal bit of his belt dig into your thigh when he start easing himself inside, John's cum a natural lubricant for his girthy fat cock, pushing your face into the pillow you grunted, whining at the stretch, feeling as either hand grabbed the pillow you were gripping, a sharp thrust forward buried him the rest of the way into you, the air in your lungs feeling like it had been punched right out of you. Simon grunted as he held still a moment, giving you as much time as his body would allow before drawing back half way and then shoving back in, lifting your head slightly sucking in air you moaned. Pulling back again, this time the tip of his weighty cock sitting at your entrance, before he yet again ploughed right back in a sob falling from your lips, pushing back into him, at that, Simon followed up onto his harsh promise and fell into a harsh pace, no doubt bruising your walls. Feeling raw under him you couldn't do anything more then feel like jelly under him taking each each thrust.

After 3 more numbing orgasms around his dick, Simon fisted your hair yanking your head up from the pillow, tears sliding down your cheeks, mixing with the drool that was coming from your mouth, your whines and moans forced into the room, body shaking from the blows Simon was pushing into your cunny. "All fucked out, come on, little more love." As sweet dripped from his forehead onto your hot back, you felt as his hand slapped down across your ass cheek, "Say my name love, come on, Simon, say it." An incoherent sound sputtered from your mouth, stuttering, trying again you cried as another smack landed on the other cheek, "Simon, say it." You really were trying, but you just couldn't get your brain to work, the last orgasm had you squirting around him, soaking his pants and the bed sheets under you, absolutely ruining them. "Say it lovie."

Huffing out, feeling his grip tighten in your head smacking down hard, a clean hand print reddening on your cheek, sobbing out, you stuttered, "S-s-s-Si..." Grunting as he shift your hips more, your back arching painfully as he tugged your head back, the thrusts more rough somehow.

"Louder."

"S-S-S-SS-SIMON!!!"

"AGAIN"

Crying out you felt his hips faltering, his cock twitching, he was close, "SIMON!!" His hips slamming against your ass, holding as his cum shot right into your cervix, you squirted, a painful orgasm shooting through your body as you screamed out, crying as he rotated his hips, his balls sliding against your aching clit. You went weightless, eyes shutting, shallow breathing under him, you had officially passed out. Lowering your head into the pillow, Simon carefully laid your body into the drenched pillow and sheets, huffing as he littered your back, shoulders, neck and cheek with soft kisses.

"Jesus Ghost, that was some of the hottest shit I'd seen." Gaz said, his limp, pumped cock resting in his hand, his cum dripping down onto the bed, the other men fisting themselves, unable to hold out to the show.

"Pick her up yeah?" Johnny asked as he went into the hall opening the closest grabbing a spare bed sheet, blanket and a few towels. Walking back in, he handed the towels to Kyle, "Clean her up will ye." John had already removed the soaked bed sheet, also throwing the pillow you soaked into the hamper with the sheet before assisting Johnny spreading out the new sheet, tucking the corners. Johnny laid out the pillows, helping Simon lay you into the middle, Kyle coming back with a couple damp towels, laying the dry ones at the foot of the bed, each one taking a towel to carefully drag along each limb and between your thighs before taking the dry towels to wipe your damp body down.

"Right." John was gruff as Johnny started getting situated beside you, an arm tugging you into him spooning you.

The lads started making to getting dressed about to leave till Johnny looked at them bewildered, "Where are the lot of ye goin?"

Shocked they looked to each other before Kyle spoke, "Well, home, give ya'll space?"

Johnny looked confused, "For what? Ye think she'll be happy to wake up an the lot of ye just left after getting a good rump in?" Shrugging his shoulders he shift into you, "Alri, if that so suites you guys, thought ye would at least want to stay after that."

Little taken aback, Kyle restriped his pants and laid on the other side of you, wrapping you up, an arm slightly over Johnny's ribs. John and Simon glanced at each other, pushing their clothes off, before also going to the bed and climbing in, flicking the lights off. John slid in behind Kyle, big arms going over his waist to grip yours, Simon doing the same behind Johnny, his hand snaking up cupping your breast comfortably. Snuggly tucked in under the blanket you all rested holding each other.

Part 3

---

Viola 😍😘 Part of me wonders if I'll do more parts to this, I slightly feel like there could be potential for little drabbles of before, you know, when Johnny had you sending him videos of you riding other guys, ruining them, then him showing you exactly who you belong to😵‍💫. Or the after bits or the lads truly and properly confessing controversial feelings for you?🤔 IDK?!?!?😉 Anyways, hope ya'll enjoyed.💕

[xxmayxx05]

I won't let go, if you don't let go

pairing: Eric x Fem! reader

Contents: blood, weird aliens, Fluff (involves a cute man with puppy eyes). 18+ in the next chapter!

a/n: Hi everyone! I hope you like my first Eric imagine! Joseph Quinn did such an amazing job as Eric. If you haven't watched A quiet place day one, I highly recommend it. I am going to make this a small series, and I want to make more Eric content. So please please send requests. Reblogs and comments are highly appreciated. - May<3

Day 5

Closing your eyes, you sighed softly and stood infront of the window of your apartment. You were still trying to process and understand what day happened just five days ago. It was a regular day for you, you were coming back from Law school. You were in the subway to go back to your apartment after a very stressful day. All you wanted was to go back home to your apartment, cry your eyes out, order some take out and drink your favorite wine. 

You never would of guessed that the world was practically going to end. At your last stop, you were about to step off the train when you heard screaming all around. Your heart dropped to the pit of your stomach when you felt the floor shake hard, and the sounds of bombs deathened your ears. Not knowing what to do, you stood there frightened. Out of nowhere you saw, what seemed to be a monster. The monster was killing people, with every victim, the walls were splattered with blood all around and people were running around. 

“Y/N!” you heard some scream out your name and felt someone wrap their arms around your waist. 

The unknown person pulled you back into the train and threw you both onto the ground. Finally getting out of your frightened daze, you had realized that it was Eric. He was one of your classmates in law school, the british man had worked with you in one project last semester. Both of you would meet up after school, would go to each others places to work on the project. You had grown really fond of being with Eric in such a short amount of time and it scared you because you would feel butterflies in your stomach when you would see him. It sounded unbelievable but you had a crush on Eric but always tried to push it aside so you could focus on law school. 

“Love!, look at me. Look at me please” Eric begged quietly as he softly caressed your cheek. The train started being flooded with water and very quickly. He helped you get up slowly as he looked around to see if the unknown creature was around, but it had gone all the way down of the subway. Eric could only think was about getting you out of your state of shock. All you did was blink and look at him. You started breathing heavily as you started gain more consciousness of what your just had seen. 

“E-eric” you cried softly and realized that what had just happened. 

“You have to be quiet” he whispered as he quickly covered your mouth and nodded his head. The water had now risen up to his waist. “We need to find the way out quickly and quietly” he said and gave you a small smile when you had nodded your head and tried to calm your breathing. 

“Follow me” you whispered and grabbed his hand. You were thankful that this was your stop and you knew your way around the subway. Finally being able to calm yourself down, you carefully stepped out of the train and gasped softly when you saw the amount of bodies that were floating in the water. 

“We have to keep going Y/n” he whispered in your ear as the water had risen mid stomach. Eric felt you begin to softly cry at the sight of the floating bodies. He was scared at the sight as well but he needed to survive and you as well. “Please, the water is rising” he plead in a hushed tone. 

Making yourself knock out of the shock, you practically began to flutter kick in the water softly. The water was rising faster but it didn’t stop you from almost getting to the entrance.

“Take a deep breath and swim y/n” Eric breathed heavily. The water had risen up all the way to his neck now, and he had his arm wrapped around your waist to keep you upfloat. 

“Please don’t let go” you cried softly, thinking that this could be the end of you both. He shook his head immediately. 

“I won’t, if you won’t” he said and panicked softly as the water had risen up to his chin. “Now” he said and took a deep breath. 

After taking your final deep breath, you saw at the semi dark water. You and Eric had your hands intertwined tightly. Looking around in a panic you saw light. Swimming close to the light, you tried touching the floor but you recognized that there were steps. You swam practically half up the steps with Eric. Finally getting close to the surface you, gasped for air when you were out of the water. Immediate relief filled your chest when you were gasping for air and realized that you were alive. Turning around, you immediately wrapped your arms around Eric and hugged him. 

“It’s a-alright love, we are a-alright” he said quietly and still trying to catch up on his breathing. Eric was about to slip into a state of shock himself, he was about to die down there in the subway. His soft cries took over, feeling too over whelmed about everything that was going on around him. All he wanted was to have a regular day at law school, hoping that he could grow the courage to talk to you in the hallway but he would retreat everytime. Now he was here in what seemed to be the end of the world in his eyes, all he wanted to do is hide and try to survive with you. 

“We h-have to go” you whispered and caressed Eric’s cheek. He had began to worry you as his eyes were wide opened and his body shook in fear. “Eric please” you begged silently and made him look at you. “Look at me” you whispered and smiled softly when started blinking rapidly. 

“Good job” you reassured him and kept caressing his cheek. “My apartment is down the block, we have to be quick and careful” you said quietly and looked around. The streets were quiet, cars flipped and wrecked, some building were on fire. Relief came over you when you didn’t see any of the scary creatures. “We have to go now” you whispered and intertwined your fingers with Eric’s. 

Both of you had walked carefully and quietly down the block. His grip tightened, scared that he was going to loose you at any second. Walking up the steps of your building, you caught your breath that you didn’t know you were holding in. You lead Eric up to the sixth floor and walked to your door. Crouching down, you looked underneath the door mat. Feeling relief that your apartment key was there, you always kept it there for any type of emergency. Grabbing it, you unlocked your door carefully and opened the door. Trying to open the door softly, you both walked in and you locked the door behind. 

—-

Sighing softly you kept looking out the window and smiled softly when you felt a hand on your shoulder. You felt comfort with the thunderstorm that had just started and knowing that you weren’t alone and had Eric. Both of you were afraid to step outside after what you guys witnessed, all you both did was cuddle in your bed, try to draw, play tic tac toe, and finding out that Eric was a very good magician. 

“Are you okay?” he asked softly and wrapped both of his arms around your waist. Eric knew that you were still trying to get yourself out of the state of shock, he was also trying to do the same but he knew that it was going to stay with you both for a very long time. 

“Yes” you whispered and leaned your head back on his chest and closed your eyes. Being with Eric made your anxiety and nerves calm down. Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, you were falling more and more for him. 

“What are you thinking about?” he asked and hugged you. Leaning his chin on top of your head, he loved how you both became so close with each other. He didn’t feel embarrassed, that he would follow you around the apartment like a lost puppy because he was afraid that with a blink of an eye you would be gone. 

“We need to leave soon, Eric” you said and turned around. Looking up your eyes teared up at the feeling of fear began to rise. “We only have food for two more days and then it’s gone. We have to get to those boats” you said, crying softly. “I don’t want to loose you” you admitted and gasped softly when Eric immediately kissed you.

Eric couldn’t help himself anymore and kissed you. He was happy that you felt this way towards him, he was afraid that he was going to loose you too. Eric knew that he had to man up and get you both to those boats. Mostly you, he had to get you to safety but he promised himself that he was going to protect you until the very end. 

Feeling relief that you kissed him back with as much passion made him feeling butterflies in his stomach. Loving how your soft hand caressed his cheek and your other arm wrapped around his neck. Leaning back softly and leaning his forehead against yours. 

“You aren’t going to loose me, I promise you that” he said with a small smile. “In two days, we will head to the boats first thing in the morning. Once we get to safety, it’s just you and me” he reassured you and pecked your lips. “I’m not letting you go if you don’t let me go” he said. 

“I won’t” you promised and pecked his lips. Gasping softly when he picked you up and wrapped your legs around his waist. 

“I want you” he said and searched your eyes for permission. 

“I’m all yours” you smiled softly and kissed him. Giggling softly when he began walking to your bed, he was going to worship your body. The way that he had wished to do since he met you the first time in class. 

[dazzle-art]

Doodles for Donations - Updated!

My friend Finley @the-fab-fox is in need of financial help!

Finley's in some serious trouble, he needs as much money as he can to make sure he and his animals can survive!

If you donate to Finley's Paypal (eriklovescats@gmail.com) with the message "For Doodles" and send me a screenshot of it and the proof in my dms, I'll draw you something!

Feel free to hop into my dms on this blog to discuss what you want before payment, but I won't begin until you've shown proof of donation. Rbs on this post will be helpful! Post subject to be edited

Alternatively, if you're looking for fanfiction commissions instead, I do those too! $1 per hundred words [art wills and won't still apply - feel free to discuss in dms]

Comm art tag

Notes:

Doodles will also be posted by me on tumblr. Please do not reupload to other social media sites without permission, please clear it with me first.

This applies to traditional art only! I am NOT a digital artist!

You can donate an infinite amount of times to get infinite doodles, at least until Doodles for Donations closes

Lighting WILL vary

+$1.50 for each additional character, up top 3 per doodle

+$2 for light nsfw/nudity

Wills

Your OCs, art of you, character headcanons (race, features, etc), ships (poly too!), characters I don't know, mild blood/gore, light nsfw (nudity), heavily leaded

Wonts

Smut/nsfw/fetish, real people (characters that streamers may play also count), fanart of your fanfiction, mechs, furries, heavily detailed armor (will still do armor), incest ships, adult x minor, animals, excessive blood/gore

Tier 1 - Chibi - $2 and up

Tier 2 - Bust/Scribble - $5 and up

Tier 3 - Thigh/Waist Up - $10 and up

Tier 4 - Ref Sheet ? - $15 and up

Oc & canon! Wills and Wonts still apply, handwriting will vary [example is my totk oc Sola]

Alternatively...

You can support Finley in another way with this GoFundMe!

THANK YOU!!!

[pupmkincake2000]

So, I played Baldur's Gate 3 four times (as Gale rpmancing Astarion, as Astarion romancing Gale, as Durge romancing Halsin, as Durge romancing Gale) and here are the conclusions I came to:

Gale is soooo main character/leader coded. I enjoyed playing as Durge, but playing as Gale and watching him through all 4 playthroughs I realized he is better for this role than anyone else. He's smart, intelligent, kind, he has seen some shit in his life, and won't die on the first day after the nautiloid's crash. Yes, physically he may be weaker than many other characters, but with the amount of knowledge and magic power he is capable of a lot things, and he is also sweet and helps those in need (I consider canon the route when the hero does a lot of good things, including saving the Grove, saving prisoners in Moonrise Towers, etc. ) and is ready to give up god powers for the one he loves. He would be a great leader. You may disagree, but I think hes perfect as a main character.

Despite my dislike of Astarion as a character (and my sudden love for Durge x Gale ship), I think Gale's romance with him is the best and most... uncliched? And I just love it so much! It is precisely because they are two halves of the same coin, they have a lot in common and are able to make each other better. Considering that Astarion's best ending is the one in which he, remaining a vampire spawn, becomes either a traveler or happily married to Gale. Just imagine: Astarion will finally have a loving family, a home, a loving husband (and I’m not even surprised that Gale is the only one who proposes marriage to his lover), he will have a happy, well-fed life, he can choose a profession he enjoys or he can travel with Gale when Gale, as a professor, gets his vacation. After all, every Academy has summer holidays, and Gale himself says that sometimes he misses adventure. And I wouldn't mind reading a story about them travelling the world together again.

Ascended Astarion is the worst version of Astarion, no matter what anyone says (I decided to ascend him in my last playthough and oh gods he's so disgusting!). He doesn't love his consort, I will never believe he does, not to mention his consort is nothing but a pet to him. He is also even more narcissistic and manipulative and is just another Cazador, just a bit worse. This is exactly the impression I got. Plus, he is an evil that needs to be eradicated.

I really enjoyed playing as Durge. Moreover, I really like his redemption. This is that very case when redemption actually works and the character can actually start their life anew. But to be honest, I missed Gale's reaction to Durge's revival after Bhaal drained him of all his blood and after Jergal brought him back to life. But probably any romantic character has no reaction to this.

Wild Magic. The best magic ever.

Karlach and Wyll are made for each other. In my first two playthroughs, Karlach either died or became an illithid, but then I managed to send her with Wyll to Averno. The way he asks her to go with him so that she won’t be lonely, the way he later talks at a party about their joint adventures, the way Karlach says that if it weren’t for Wyll, she would never have returned there... all these moments are the best. It's even more than enemies to lovers, it's a full-fledged healthy relationship built on friendship, trust, support… it's amazing. Just think about it: Wyll did this for her sake, he literally agreed to go with her to hell, where the conditions of survival for a human being are very difficult, just so that she would not be lonely and so that she would not die. I want to believe that they will still be able to repair Karlach’s heart and return to Faerun together.

[lucozadehulahoop]

Star-crossed. Lo'ak x fem!human!reader

This was originally posted on my side blog @thankeywa. It's a brand new blog and tumblr thinks it's a bot so it's not giving it visibility. Please go give it some love, I want all my avatar!related stuff to be on there.

PART 2 HERE PART 3 HERE PART 4 HERE

I know that literally nobody asked for this, but I've noticed a disturbing lack of Lo'ak fics out there, so I've decided to give my input. I've had a story in mind for a while now, and I needed to get it out there. It will be a reader insert to make it more accessible, but it's somewhat based around an original f!character, so I apologize for that in advance if it gets too specific.

WARNINGS: Lo'ak is 20 years old in this and so is the reader, I do not write about minor characters. There will be eventual mature themes in this so MINORS DO NOT INTERACT WITH THIS WORK.

For everyone else, if you like my writing, please let me know if you want to be on the tag list for future installments and SEND ME REQUESTS (head canons, imagines, sfw/nsfw, ecc.) ! I love that shit.

words: around 1.200

summary: reader is a human left behind on pandora, she grew up with the remaining humans who'd been aloud to stay on the planet after the war and has been friends with the Sully clan her entire life. She and Lo'ak were best friends until he began to pull away from her in their teen years for seemingly no reason. This story is about them reconnecting on the day of her twentieth birthday, and dealing with the feelings they have for each other and the obstacles that come with them being from two different worlds.

TW for this chapter: angst, smoking (don't do it, ever), brief mentions of alcohol, brief mention of war and death, brief mention of child birth, reader can breathe on pandora.

Y/n looked at the 'birthday cake' made out of cookie rations that Norm and Max had made for her. No matter how many years would pass, her dads always knew how to get creative.

"I'm twenty years old, you guys don't have to keep throwing me a birthday party." She reprimanded them softly, though her heart was filled with joy. Y/n was so thankful to have people in her life who cared enough to make her day special every single year.

"Considering you spent most of your early existence tied to test tubes to stay alive, we're merely celebrating the scientific marvel your continued survival has been." Norm joked, raising a beer, and y/n shoved him, before blowing out the single candle that had been meticulously re-used each year. It was a wonder how there was any wax still left on it.

"What did the birthday girl wish for?" Max asked, reaching for a dried-up cookie and cringing slightly at the taste as he chewed on it slowly. "The whole point of a birthday wish is to keep it to myself... or it won't come true. Honestly, I question your two's knowledge of Earth's traditions." y/n shook her head, before taking a celebratory sip of alcohol.

Norm and Max left eventually, back to the main base. They were more than capable of piloting a helicopter those days, and y/n was all grown up. More than capable of living by herself. What once had been an avatar lab, smack dab in the middle of the forests of Pandora, had been converted into her home. Pandora's rapidly repopulating fauna had surprisingly left her residence alone, well... mostly. There were still some creatures who couldn't help but keep themselves away. And by creatures, she meant Spider. Y/n was also friends with actual people like Neteyam, Kiri, Tuk, and... Lo'ak. Truth be told, she didn't know whether or not she and Lo'ak were even friends anymore. They'd been thick as thieves for as long as she could remember, always getting him out of trouble and fixing him up after a scuffle with his siblings. But then, around her sixteenth birthday, he'd started pulling away, and y/n had never understood why. They'd had a big fight about it, bottom line, he hadn't wanted to be around her anymore and y/n had to accept it.

"Open up! It's fucking freezing out here!" Came Spider's loud voice followed by an incessant banging on the door that immediately pulled y/n out of her reverie. "Alright, alright..." she laughed a little as she went to let them all inside. The Sullys were always insisting on spending birthdays together, even though some of them were now getting too big to even fit inside her 'home'. Neteyam had to walk around with his back bent forward, and Kiri knocked over quite a few things before they made it to y/n's main living space, which was more or less Na've-proof. "Happy birthday!" Tuk hugged her and y/n struggled not to feel crushed by the embrace. Even the littlest Sully was now nearly as tall as her.

Y/n let them all inside, already giving them dirty looks at the sight of gifts. "I told you guys not to..."

She stayed on the doorstep a little longer, gazing out into the night, desperately hoping one last uninvited guest would turn up. She felt Neteyam's hand on her shoulder. "He's not coming. I tried to talk to him but he was being a skxawng as usual..." Y/n blushed, not really wanting Neteyam to know she was pining for his younger brother. "Oh, right! I was—just checking you were all here..." she closed the door and they both went back to join the others.

___

"Alright come on, your mom is going to kill me if you get back late and I don't have enough space in here for all of you. Spider would have to sleep outside." Y/n teased, trying to let Tuk understand it was time to go. "Hey!" Spider protested at her lighthearted jab, but knew it was time for them to get going. Nobody wanted to get on Neytiri's bad side. Y/n hugged them all goodbye and thanked them for the presents: Tuk had made her a lovely drawing, and the others had collectively made her a rather beautiful necklace, which she immediately wore. Y/n waited on her doorstep till she could no longer hear the sounds of her friends chatting, and then proceeded to do two incredibly dangerous things: she sat outside of the protection of her bunker, all alone in the cold Pandora night air, and lit up a cigarette.

She'd discovered a terrifyingly endless supply of cigarette cartoons back at the base almost a year prior, and as soon as she'd tried her first one, she'd gotten addicted. Y/n hadn't told Norm or Max, of course, as it would have broken their hearts, especially because of how fragile she was. Y/n's mother had gone into labor in the aftermath of the battle for Pandora between the Na'vi and the Sky people. The soldier had lost her life giving birth, but her baby had survived, taking her first breath in the inhospitable Pandora air. Norm was convinced Eywa herself had kept her alive, had given her the ability to take in the air that hadn't previously failed to kill any other human. Sure, it had come at the price of being particularly fragile her entire life. And how was y/n repaying that gift? By cutting her miraculous existence short more and more each day. Thankfully, it was a while since she'd been used as a test rat, or had check ups of any sort. As far as the Sullys were concerned... they were way better off not even knowing what she was doing to herself.

A sudden rustling in the trees instantly made y/n alert and she didn't waste any time getting back inside. She showered, and shamefully hid her smokes somewhere her dads or the Sullys wouldn't look. When she had nothing else left to do, y/n forced herself to crawl into bed, placing a hand over her necklace. Her wish to see Lo'ak hadn't come true in the end, and while not surprising, it still hurt like hell.

"A pack of viperwolves? Seriously, Lo'ak?" Y/n groaned in frustration as she cleared her table for her best friend to lie on.

"I thought I could take them." He hissed as she doused him with disinfectant. "Yeah, well, you know human medical treatment hurts like a bitch, so it's either my way, or you're going to have to fess up to your parents about what you did." Y/n tried to sound cold, but she'd always been too soft on him.

When they were younger, and Lo'ak still hadn't grown to be double her size, they would often fall asleep together in her bed. "You don't have to keep doing this shit to prove something, you know?" She whispered to him one night, turning over to look at him and gently touch his face. "Your parents love you. And so do Neteyam, Kiri, Tuk and Spider. Lo'ak, I— we— don't want to lose you."

Y/n was almost asleep when a loud 'thud' coming from outside woke her. Something was moving on her roof, or rather, someone... Y/n didn't show whether she was dreaming or not as she looked out the window and locked eyes with Lo'ak, because the second she did, he seemed to slide off the top of her bucker, falling down into the grass below with a loud groan.

He'd probably just woken up half of the animals on Pandora.

[pancake-breakfast]

(Edit: For the full discussion with this post, go here.)

So after reading this thread by @mydetheturk and @shastafirecracker, I got to thinking about Vash as a gun in Trigun Stampede. (I would have responded in thread, but the thread is Trigun Book Club and I'm about to get into spoilers for Stampede here. Which reminds me....)

Spoilers for Trigun Stampede Ahead

The series is called Trigun because Vash has three guns: 1) the one he carries, 2) the one in his prosthetic left arm, and 3) his angel arm. The thread linked above gets into how, throughout Trigun (every iteration, TBH), Vash doesn't simply wield weapons, but because of his angel arm he very literally is a weapon, and that's an identity he resists as much as he can. He doesn't want to be used for violence. He just wants to help people, but his very nature makes pursuing that path a rather difficult one.

In particular, once he's aware of its presence, Vash wants to take every precaution he can to stop from releasing the power that channels through his angel arm, which is understandable since it can literally level cities. That destructive power the antithesis of what Vash wants to be, but it's also an irremovable part of himself... and it's something that Knives covets enough to severely violate Vash in attempt to gain control of it. The power itself might be Vash's, but it's Knives who activates it, forces it into being, and thus compels Vash to both channel it into his angel arm and to pull the trigger on that insanely powerful gun.

However, in Stampede, it's not just the weight of the angel arm that Knives forces on Vash. Knives is literally responsible for Vash having the other two guns, as well.

These can both be traced to episode 9. First, Knives thrusts the handgun into Vash's arms, calling it, "An evil weapon of the Sinners, taking lives easily from afar with the twitch of a finger...."

Nominally, he's doing this to protect Vash. Vash won't raise his hand to take down the humans that literally just overclocked their sisters to death, to protect them or to protect himself, so Knives provides him with a weapon he labels a coward's tool for evil (gun #1). In doing that, he very much implies his brother is both a coward and someone who needs to embrace doing evil in order to survive.

It's only a few minutes later that Knives makes way for the second gun.

Knives slices off Vash's arm to protect him from the power Vash (accidentally) summoned to try to protect Luida from Knives, thus making way for Vash's prosthetic arm (gun #2).

Thus, every shot fired by Vash from either the handgun or the prosthetic is the result of Knives' actions, even when Knives isn't actively sending people to harass Vash.

"But wait," you hypothetically say. "In TriStamp, Vash's prosthetic arm has a grappling gun, not a gun that fires bullets."

You're right.

Interesting that the one gun Vash has the option to choose for himself in Stampede isn't designed for killing. Instead, Vash uses it to try and save himself, and to save Meryl.

(Though all things considered, I wouldn't be surprised if whatever upgrade he has in Season 2 is more in line with what fans of previous Trigun series are used to in his prosthetic arm.)

There's one other thing I'll note before wrapping this up. Going back to Episode 9 of Stampede... Vash is actually very quick to try and use that handgun Knives gives him. But he doesn't use it to defend himself from humans (or anyone else, really) the way Knives wants him to. Instead, he grits his teeth, does his best to steady an unsteady hand, and uses it to try and protect one of the only two humans left standing around them, Luida, from Knives.

[phoenixcatch7]

Tips and tricks to survive Eden even less

Seeing a lot of people struggling with the fourth quest of Revival, aka the 'die and come back for one (1) heart pretty please' quest, and I thought some helpful hints and tricks I've found over the years might be helpful! (Feat: spoilers, obviously)

Step 1: Overcome your fear of death and accept your fate.

I'm serious! People are very cautious in Eden, and often to their detriment! Panic and rush will only make you clumsy and make the whole thing far more stressful than it needs to be! And take longer too!

Step 2: Carry a source of light, or bring a friend! Assembly guide sells a torch, I believe, but in an emergency the rememberance guide sells a teapot on a brazier that does the same... At a Very slow rate. If you bring a friend, you can carry friendship candles that work really well! Unfortunately they're also sort of fragile, so it's best when someone who is being carried holds it.

This will go a long way both to being useful and easing any stress! Just... Make sure not to place it anywhere in the way of krill or rocks.

Step 3: Don't rush after lost wings! If you're already losing light, you're not in a situation to be chasing the metaphorical ball into the busy road! Your first priority is yourself, get to safety and recharge. Lights that land nearby or in safe places sure, but don't jump into the path of rocks just to try and get one back!

I know it's counter instinctive, but you're going to be losing those lights anyway in a few minutes. Even if you have low numbers to begin with, you want to focus on keeping the ones you do have!

Step 4: Jumping vs skipping, also sliding. They're your best friends.

To jump, you press the jump button. Easy. To skip, you want to take your finger off the move circle so it fades, and then flick the screen in the direction you want to go, so your sky kid skips in that direction! The best part is, it has tracking abilities, which is invaluable in helping you land precise jumps (such as that freaking candle bridge in valley). Cool, but why is this important?

Skipping isn't affected by the winds like jumping. Well - it is a little, but it won't send you backwards the way a bad jump will. Not to mention the homing ability will make things easier! It's a bit weaker than a jump, but mix it in to make the journey easier!

Similarly, sliding can be achieved on almost any surface flat enough to walk on. It's not affected as much by the winds either, so try to slide where possible for some speed! Especially if you can move it into a skip, to get a good boost! (This is because you can slide without actively moving your sky kid.)

Step 5: Did you know? Emotes affect not only your hitbox, but also your knock back? If you're unfortunate enough to get caught by a short ledge, try using an emote to duck behind it! When you're in a standing emote (ie, one you have to stop manually and can't move until it's finished. Think the point emote vs the wave emote) you also become a lot harder to knock over! (Warning: this does not work on krill! They are bigger and beefier than you in every way!)

I recommend an emote that's fast to get in and out of, like the first stage faint emote! It's saved my hide many a time.

Also, most people run on Sunday, so if you're looking for a kindly guide, that's your best time!

Now. The route.

At the very start of Eden, there's a thin stone bridge with rushing rocks blowing left to right.

That bridge is optional.

For more experienced players with enough wedges, you can fly right across to the door with a little skill. (There's lots of video tutorials on youtube if you're curious!)

For people with less wedges or skills, hop right on down into the gap. Follow the bridge to where it meets the other side, and there's a slope you can climb back up to skip the rocks entirely!

The second area loads all at the same time. To be precise, in roughly the time it takes to open the door and trigger the cutscene with the krill, you'll usually hear the sound signalling a wave of falling rocks after the second horn note. You can still move in this cutscene! Also that krill can't see you, thank goodness, so don't worry about it.

For taller players (I'm serious lol) there's a big chip in the wall on the far left of the room. It's about in the middle, it's part of a seam, but if you can't find it get your candle out. Walk into the crack. Jump forward a couple times. Escape to oob. Make sure you got the door cutscene, though, because it will get you if you don't!

Climb the clouds as high as you can, following the path. You want to be ridiculously high up to avoid the invisible wall and the winds. You will get softlocked. Not 'I think I'm high enough', not 'I gotta be high enough now', you want 'I'm going to faceplant the sun' high. 'This feels like I shouldn't be here' kind of high. Right by the giant red pillar at the end! Then dive down. Straight down. Straight towards the entrance to the hall of lights. Avoid flying above the krill!! You should land without bother, but run to safety!

^^^ it looks cool, but don't land here! Land in the actual area down there, by the krill!

For shorter players or less experienced ones, run out and as far left as you can to make it to a safe spot to ride out the first wave of rocks! When the camera returns to you, I recommend keeping left and then running right to the tunnel: keeps you in the path of the rocks as little as possible. RUN.

You have a few seconds between the signal noise (which sounds like a match striking, or a carbonated bottle decompressing) and the surge of rocks (which sounds like strong winds and crunching). There's always particles flying, they're just decorative! It's safe to run when the rocks have stopped!

If you're close to safety, don't stop running!! Don't divert to somewhere that looks safer, get there as fast as you can. Because of the angle of the rocks, at the tunnel/pipe entrance, there's actually a little bit of area in front of it they don't hit. You're closer to safety than you think.

The next phase: pipes. Now, this area is either very easy or very hard, depending on if you get seen by a krill. There's two.

These guys work on a timer. They loop. You can hang around in the pipe between phases and watch them to get an eye on what they're doing, but they move pretty slowly lol. This is the phase you want to rush LEAST. If a krill is coming, hide under the girder. It has a zigzag pattern to help spot, and it's on the switchback leading up to the giant pipe. Don't try and rush it, there's very few places to hide quickly here.

However, the winds are very weak here! You can fly and run, if you're careful! Should a krill spot you on that ledge around the pipe, you can simply fly around it to the other side! Be aware, though, that you might fall into the sludge water below, so check you don't fall in! It's an annoying climb back up lol, but krill don't check down there unless they've been disrupted, so you're safe if you fall.

Do not jump over the girder bridge! Just run! I know it's faster but the girder is thin and slippy! If you get spotted there, just keep running, there's a rock you can hide behind on the other side.

Inside the pipe, you can take a break. There's a brazier of light and some crabs in a ditch you can take your anger out on. You'll see krill lights, but they can't get you as you climb out, they just pass very close. You can safely ignore that one!

Emerging, you'll see the giant red crystal. That's the goal. Again, keep left, use emotes and hiding spots. Listen for the signal sound. Do not be fooled by the placement of braziers! Some spots can still be hit with rocks if you're anything but a chibi!

There will be black, calcified bodies starting to appear. Do not worry. You can't interact with them. You can't save them. They will not protect you from rocks.

When you see a miraculously intact stone arch, you're close! Don't hide behind it, though! You want the ledge just under it. The arch won't keep you from rocks or the krill just ahead.

The krill moves in a very tight circle, for a krill. I'd recommend following its path from a distance, because it moved faster than we can, right now. Spots that will protect you from the krill won't save you from the rocks, either! This is a very tough spot to move through, so take your time choosing the right moment!

Also, there's a child of light, just to the left. This is a trap. Reach the safety of the corridor first, then once you've caught your breath drop back down and grab it. Grabbing the child on your way up risks slowing you enough for the krill to spot you.

And you're in the hall of lights! Lighting all the statues won't do anything, unfortunately. But this is also the first time you'll see children of light in any position other than standing looking up... It's a bit eerie. They're still the same thing, though.

At the end of the corridor, READ THE WARNING that pops up. This is your last chance to avoid death, if you're here to help a friend, or there's lights you want to get first, now is your last chance. Returning home after this point will take you to a scary, empty home, where thunder rumbles and the portals have been returned to rubble. The only way out is through eden.

The final phase: the eye of Eden.

There is no flying. Don't even bother. You'll need to conserve your light. Your goal is to light every calcified body you can - you can see them by the blue lines, if you're struggling. They also look unlit from the front, which can be very annoying, but if they're on fire or glowing, you've already got them. Eden can only be run once a week, and that's why. They don't reset until the Sunday/Monday daily reset, I'm pretty sure. You can still die and light ones you missed the first time, but it's usually not worth it. You'll need all your courage and recklessness here to move quickly.

There are no krill here. There is no clever skip. The only problems are the rocks and the sludge water (though that's not nearly as much of an issue lol. It's never more than ankle deep). Also the rocks to hide behind aren't very good. Sometimes you'll get hit despite being in a 'safe' spot. Don't linger.

Now, the rocks. You have more time than you think between waves, but as there's no noise to signal their stop, it can be hard to tell.

What you want to be listening for is the signal, of course, but also the sound of crashing. The signal is early. You have a few seconds. The crashing only starts when the rocks hit the floor.

What you want to be looking for is the bright neon red of rocks breaking on objects. It comes in waves, starting from the eye and washing to the entrance. These are the only rocks that will hit you, and if you see it coming, you can move out of the way! When they fade, start moving again immediately for the maximum safe time!

Watch for the blue or black of lights! They cost one light each, and each one will become roughly 1/3 of an ascended candle later. Get as many as you can!

Light every statue you go by and refill your light. If you're experienced, it might feel inefficient, but YOU WILL get hit at least once later and you don't want to crawl all the way back to the start to re light lmao.

The waves will come faster and harder as you get closer to the eye, and the angle the rocks fall from will also change, so watch out for that! If you get too close to the sides, they'll change direction SPECIFICALLY to spite you, so be aware of that too lol.

The very final stretch starts when the ground flattens into broken tiles. It's a straight line to the eye, and that's where we're going! Rocks fall all the time, there's little to no cover or light.

You just gotta run. You can't jump, don't try, it'll knock you down fast. You gotta take the hits. There's no two ways about it.

Well... There's kind of a way.

You see, the rocks fall in a pattern. Of you look up, you see them spawn in zigzag lines, and then fall at about 40° from horizontal. If you're very lucky, or very skilled, you can use that to predict where the rocks will fall. And avoid them.

Unfortunately, you can't move very fast. Especially once (not if!) you get knocked to a crawl. Sometimes you're just going to watch a rock spawn and then fall directly onto you lol. Don't try and zigzag to avoid, it'll just slow you down and you'll get hit.

Because of the rocks and the sludge water, any lights you lose will disappear the second they touch the ground. They are no longer your concern. Don't bother trying to focus on reaching the eye, just return the lights you do have to as many crystallised bodies as possible.

And then you die.

You gotta wait ages, at this point. For some reason. It can take about five minutes, longer if there's people there with you, but EVENTUALLY a pop up will appear asking if you want to move on without waiting for people. Click yes, or you'll be waiting even longer. Don't worry, your friends will come with you if they've also died.

Hug your own light, your bright reflection. It's always the exact same height as you. Fly up through the torrent.

There's one last shortcut, funnily enough. I'll include a picture.

See that pale window on the left of the giant doors? That I'm flying away from? That's intangible. You can fly straight through it to oob.

Go through. Go up.

Follow the clouds, just keep flapping up, as high as you can, even when you get lost. Aim for the space at the top.

And then you're headed for orbit, and there may be a giant slug whale sharing your personal space. Don't worry! It won't hurt you!

And that's Eden!

[bean-bean2000]

The Maid - Part 3

Pairing: Loki x reader (on going series)

Warnings: Angst, abuse, mental health (depression, mentions of suicidal thoughts). Eventual loki x reader pairing. Reader is a maid.

Please read at your own risk. Your own media consumption is not my responsibility. Please read and review the warnings before proceeding.

Thank you and enjoy!

Part 2 Series masterlist Main Masterlist

You return to the maid's quarters, shaking in disbelief at your interaction with the king.

I just lied to his face. I'm such an idiot. Will he change his mind and punish me? Why was he so nice to me if he sends his guards to beat me almost daily? Why did he look concerned when he saw my injuries? Is this some cruel manipulative twisted joke so he can trap me into trusting him, just so he can rip my trust for him into pieces? To finally break me like the guards say they will?

Your mind is racing; confused, angry, hurt. You say nothing to the other maids when you return to your cot. If they are to know you spoke to the king, rumours will spread.

You decide you can't risk it, you have to request a change of duties.

You rush to the man in charge of separating the help's duties amongst the castle.

You bow your head and curtsy when you approach him "Good evening, sir. I am here to place a request, if possible." you say quietly, staring at the floor.

He says nothing so you decide to continue "I would like to change duties. I believe the king is no longer fond of my work, nor my presence and think a change would be best to appease his anger."

"Very well. I doubt he will notice the change anyway. You are quiet and forgettable. You will be placed on the rotation team. You will work multiple different duties at my discretion. You may leave now." he says to you coldly.

You thank him quckly and return to your chambers.

He's right. He won't even notice I'm gone. This is for the best, I must avoid him at all costs to stay alive. Stay quiet, do as they say and stay small. It's the only way I'll survive.

Over the next two weeks you successfully avoid all contact with the king. You're continuously rotating duties from maid, to kitchen staff, to laundry and you're body is aching from the physical exertion. The abuse from the guards subdued but did not stop from the Snake. He would search for you exclusively and insist it was at kings personal request. He did everything he could to try to break you, but you repeated the same words "Never". Sometimes you would fight back and other times you would simply take it so it could be over with faster, but one thing you made sure of is that he never touched you. You would go feral at the mention of it.

Yesterday, the Snake went too far and tried holding you down to 'teach you a lesson', you screamed and swung your hands as you scratched his face from his eyebrow to his lip so deeply he was bleeding profusely all over his bedroom floor. You took your upper hand to your advantage and threatened him " I can take your abuse, you will not break me and I will die before I let you touch me. Next time, I will scratch your eyes out." you hissed at him. He screamed for the other guards as he swung at you but you side stepped and tried running out but was caught by the other guards.

"Now, you will see what the king truly thinks of you once he discovers what you've done, witch. He will not be as merciful as I was. Bring her to the dungeons." he spits at you as you're dragged away.

You're thrown to the damp stone floor covered in hay, scratching your palms and knees as you roll on the floor.

"This is where you belong, witch." One of them says as the door locks behind you.

You hear their laughter fade as they walk away. The cell is disgustingly dirty, there is only a small space with bars that acts as a window. Besides the moonlight, you're left in complete darkness, the only sound to occupy your mind is the squeaks of the mice running around. You bring your knees to your chest and begin crying "What have I done? Why didn't I just let him do what he wanted? I wouldn't be here... At least I would have a chance at life... now I'm as good as dead" you cry to yourself.

The next day you're woken abruptly and dragged outside. Your hand are tied to a post and they rip open the back of your shirt.

Your heart races as you realize what is happening. You hear the Snake laugh and then the searing pain of the whip across your back.

You scream out in pain and dig your nails into the post to ground yourself.

"So the whore can scream afterall. Let's see how loud she can be. You've been holding out on me." the Snake mocks you.

This continued 10 times. For everyday the nurse said he would need to heal from the wound you created in his eye.

They drag you away and throw you back onto the dungeon floor. Bleeding profusely from your back, unable to move from the pain, you curly yourself into a ball and beg for death to take you.

You awake to a nurse tending to your back. You both stay quiet as she puts the familiar balm to your back and wraps your wounds to prevent infection.

Two days pass, no guards have come to bring you food or water. You're famished and parched. Your back is in continuous searing pain, your breathing has become more shallow every day. You're in such pain, you try to force yourself to sleep to avoid the pain. Eventually, you pass out. You're awakened by the sound of a crow squawking and the sun shining on you.

You look up and see the bird standing at the makeshift window, in between the bars. It crows a few times before turning around and flying away.

Even the birds don't want to be near me.

You hear heavy footsteps approach your cell when the Snake opens the door "Learned you lesson yet, witch? Get up, you reek. Bathe and get ready for work tomorrow. Maybe this will make you think twice before fighting me." he sneers at you.

You struggle to get up so he grabs you by the arm and yanks you to your feet making you shriek in pain from the deep cuts in your back.

"Shut up, harlot. Get out of my face." he spits at you.

You slowly walk out of the dungeons and back to the maids quarters. You're so weak, you collapse on your cot and pass out when you arrive.

🧹🧹🧹

You awoke before dawn, bathing to ease the pain. The nurse helps apply the balm to your back and wrap the wounds once more. You look at yourself in the mirror. Your left eye is severely bruised, you look exhausted and in pain.

Today you're placed on kitchen duty. You're slowly walking to the kitchen, when you see a crow fly overhead and land nearby on a statue.

A crow, again? ... Is it staring at me?

You shake your head in dismissal and you near the kitchen. You were to prep everything for the breakfast run before the cooks arrived.

You were deep in thought and humming to yourself while cutting vegetables and boiling some water to make yourself a coffee that you didn't notice somebody walk in behind you.

"Where have you been?" a familiar voice cuts through the silence. You yelp in surprise and cut your finger with the knife. You hiss in pain and rush to place a towel over it to stop the bleeding.

"Sorry darling, l keep frightening you." He approaches you but you back up in fear, your back hitting the kitchen counter. You groan out loud at the pain from your back hitting the counter. He stops and looks at you with hurt and confusion.

You keep your down "It's okay your highness. I'm fine." you say quietly.

He sighs "I've been looking for you."

Your eyes widen at that statement. Oh my god, he's going to kill me, just like the Snake said he would.

"Why were you replaced as my maid? I made no such request. I was very content with your work. Are you avoiding your king?" he presses on.

"Your highness, please. I will do as he says. I will not fight him next time. I beg you to please forgive me and spare my life. I was stupid, it was done in fear. I will never do it again!" you beg, your eyes brimming with tears. You're shaking, straining to breathe properly with the pain coursing through your entire body.

"What none sense do you speak of? Where were you?." he asks again, more urgently. It sounded more like a command than a question.

You bite your lip hard, making it bleed.

"My king...I don't... you ordered the guards..." you're unable to form a sentence through the fear shaking through you.

His eyes narrow and he inspects you and tries to make sense of the words you're hiccuping out.

"Who did I order to do what?" he asks you, his voice rising with anger.

I can't tell him. This is a trick. It was his orders. He knows, he wants to see if I will question his orders.

You take in a deep breath and steady yourself, stopping the tears from falling down your face.

If I avoid his question about the guards, I won't be lying to him.

"I requested a change of duties, your highness." you blurt out.

He looks taken aback "Why? Did I make you uncomfortable? Do you fear me?"

You're confused by his line of questions "No, your highness... I -"

"You're lying. I will give you one last chance." he says sternly.

You swallow thickly, your anger and frustration from the past months of mistreatment bubbles up inside. A sudden burst of confidence, you look up at stare at him. You notice his shock when he sees the damage to your face.

"No, your highness you did not make me uncomfortable. I have received your messages daily from the guards, and the whipping you ordered I received. I have heard the rumours and they ring true. You cannot blame me for fearing you."

"Whipping? Rumours? What -" Loki begins but is interrupted by the cooks entering the kitchen to start the day. His eyes fall to the bandages he can see at the bottom of your shirt, wrapping up and around your back. You see his eyes darken and his fists clench at his sides.

They freeze when they see the king speaking to you.

"Sorry your highness, we will -" one of the cooks begins.

"No. I will be taking my leave. There is something I must tend to."

He quickly exits the kitchen and the cooks stare at you in confusion. You dismiss their looks and return to your duties.

🧹🧹🧹

Part 4

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Feedback is always welcome. Feel free to send me suggestions for scenes/drabbles that I could add into the stroy :)

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[seriiousgiirl]

𝕭𝖑𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝕴𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖎𝖓𝖊.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ݁𝓛𝓸𝓻𝓭!𝓐𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻��𝓸𝓷 𝔁 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 — 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝐼𝐼⊹ ₊ ݁.

❛ You lied to me! I did. You poisoned me! I did. You said you loved me! I do. ❜ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ݁𝔠𝔬𝔫𝔱𝔢𝔫𝔱. ⊹ ₊ ݁. regency!au, strangers to lovers, slow burn, tension, mutual pining, angst, smut will happen later, age difference, forced marriage, gothic setting.

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ݁Part 1 / Part 3 / Part 4 .. ⊹ ₊ ݁.

You knew you were dreaming, but the biting cold felt all too real. 

The snow was thick, blanketing the ground in an endless expanse of white that stretched out before you, daunting and unforgiving. Each step you took, your bare feet sank into the frigid snow, sending shocks of icy pain through your body. The stark contrast of red blood seeping into the pristine white snow created an unsettling sight, a trail of crimson marking your path.

Your heart pounded with fear and desperation as you looked down at the hand you were holding. The grip was weak, the skin pale and clammy. You couldn't see the person's face clearly, but his laboured breathing and the way he leaned heavily against you told you he was gravely wounded. The snow around his legs was stained dark with blood, and each step seemed to take more effort than the last.

"Hold on," you whispered, your voice trembling as you tried to keep your own panic at bay. "We have to keep moving, my love. Just a little further."

The cold bit into your skin, gnawing at your resolve, but the urgency of survival drove you forward. You could feel the person's strength waning with every step, and a deep sense of dread settled in your chest. If you didn't find shelter or help soon, it would be too late.

The snow seemed to grow thicker, the drifts higher, and your progress slower. You stumbled, nearly falling as you struggled to support both your weight and that of your injured companion. The blood continued to seep through the snow, a grim reminder of the life slipping away beside you.

"Stay with me," you urged, your voice breaking. "Please, stay with me."

The person's grip tightened momentarily, a small sign of their determination to keep going. But you knew it was a losing battle. The cold was relentless, the blood loss too great. Each step became a monumental effort, each breath a struggle.

"You'll be okay," you lied, your voice thick with emotion. "I won't let anything happen to you."

The person's hand clung weakly to yours, his grip fading. Tears mingled with the snow on your cheeks as you fought to keep him conscious, to keep him alive. “Please…” You pleaded. 

“Astarion…”

Suddenly, you were jolted awake by the harsh sound of your mother's voice, slicing through the remnants of the dream like a knife. Disoriented and still caught in the grip of the fading dream, you blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of your surroundings.

Your mother stood over you, her face twisted with anger and concern. "What in the blazes do you think you're doing, sneaking out at all hours of the night?" she demanded, her voice sharp with reproach.

As reality slowly seeped back in, you realised that you were no longer in the snow-covered wilderness of your dreams, but safe and warm in the confines of your own bed. The events of the night rushed back to you—the encounter in the alley, the mysterious gentleman and his delightful scent. 

"I-I..." you stammered, unable to form a coherent response. Guilt gnawed at you as you remembered the worry and fear you must have caused your mother.

"Do you have any idea how dangerous it is?"

"I'm sorry," you murmured, feeling a flush of guilt creeping into your cheeks. "I just... I needed some fresh air."

Your mother's expression softened, replaced by a mix of frustration and worry. "Fresh air?" she repeated, her tone incredulous. "You could have been hurt, or worse. You need to be more careful, darling. You're all I have left." The weight of her words settled heavily on your shoulders, as she left.

You nodded, a silent promise to be more careful.

You rose from bed, still shaken by the dream and the encounter from the previous night—But you couldn't remember the contents, but it felt like a *warning.* The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over your room. 

You tried to shake off the lingering unease as your maid entered the room with her usual efficient grace.

"Good morning, miss," she greeted you, her eyes warm and concerned. "Let's get you ready for the day."

You nodded, giving her a small, grateful smile. As she helped you into your morning dress, her skilled hands worked quickly, brushing and arranging your hair with practised ease. The routine was comforting, grounding you after the tumultuous events of the night.

As Eliza reached for the last few hairpins, your gaze fell on the handkerchief you had left on the dressing table the night before. The delicate fabric caught the light, and you noticed for the first time the finely embroidered initials in one corner: "A.A." You traced the stitching with your fingertip, the memory of the gentleman's touch sending a shiver down your spine. 

Who was he, this mysterious saviour with the scent of bergamot, brandy, and rosemary?

"Miss? " Your maid’s voice broke through your reverie. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes. Thank you," you replied, tucking the handkerchief carefully into your sleeve. "I'm ready."

You made your way downstairs, the familiar creak of the floorboards and the scent of breakfast filling the air. Your mother was already seated at the dining table, her posture rigid and her expression composed as always. She looked up as you entered, her eyes scanning you with a mixture of relief and residual frustration.

"Good morning, Mother," you greeted her, taking your seat.

"Good morning," she replied, her tone brisk but not unkind. "I trust you slept well?"

"Yes, thank you," you said, though the truth was far from it. The dream and  the encounter—they both swirled in your mind, a tantalising puzzle you couldn't yet solve.

Your mother watched you closely, her eyes narrowed slightly as if she could sense the turmoil beneath your composed exterior. "Remember your promise," she said softly, her voice carrying a weight of unspoken worry.

"I will, Mother," you assured her, hoping to ease her fears. 

As breakfast continued in a subdued silence, you noticed your mother occasionally glancing at you, her expression a mixture of contemplation and resolve. Finally, she set down her teacup with a decisive clink and turned her full attention to you.

"I've been thinking," she began, her voice unusually soft. "About my decisions regarding your confinement to the house."

You looked up, surprised. This was a side of your mother you rarely saw—one that admitted to reconsideration, to potential mistakes.

"I recognize now that locking you up in the house may not have been the wisest decision," she continued, her gaze steady but kinder than usual. "I wanted to protect you, especially after losing your father. But I see now that it has only fueled your desire for adventure, perhaps even recklessness."

You felt a flicker of hope and gratitude. The acknowledgment of your needs and desires was a rare gift from your mother.

"That's why," she said, taking a deep breath as if preparing herself for a difficult task, "to quench your desire for adventure and to involve you in matters of importance, I have decided to take you with me to meet the potential suitors interested in buying our vineyard lands."

The news took a moment to sink in. You had expected more restrictions, more lectures on propriety, but this was something entirely different. "Really, Mother?" you asked, barely able to contain your surprise and excitement.

She nodded, a faint smile touching her lips. "Yes, really. I think it's time you had a taste of the world beyond these walls, and what better way than to engage you in the business that your father worked so hard to build? The suitors we will meet are not only potential buyers but also innovators, geniuses and potential partners, who will ensure the legacy of Thornfield wines."

You felt a rush of emotion, a mix of relief, excitement, and gratitude. "Thank you, Mother. I promise I'll do my best."

"I know you will," she said, her voice carrying a rare note of affection. "We will be leaving shortly, so make sure you're ready."

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

The carriage ride to the meeting spot was filled with a blend of anticipation and nervousness. You gazed out the window, watching the bustling streets of Baldur's Gate pass by, the city's energy a stark contrast to the tranquil countryside you had once called home. Your mother sat beside you, her posture as impeccable as ever, though you sensed a subtle shift in her demeanour—a hint of anxiety beneath her cold face. 

As the carriage drew to a halt in front of a lively building, your heart quickened. The place was abuzz with activity, a hub of meetings and negotiations. The building itself was grand, with large windows and intricate carvings adorning its façade. It was clear this was a place of significant business dealings.

The carriage door opened, and a well-dressed man extended his hand to help you down. He was tall and distinguished, with silver hair and a kind smile that put you somewhat at ease. Your mother greeted him warmly, their familiarity evident in their exchange.

"Lord Davon," she said, inclining her head. "Thank you for arranging these meetings."

"It is my pleasure, Lady Thornfield," he replied, his voice smooth and courteous. He then turned to you, his eyes twinkling with genuine interest. "And this must be your daughter."

"Yes," your mother said, her hand gently resting on your shoulder. "This is Y/N. She will be joining us today to learn more about our potential investors."

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss," Lord Davon said, offering a slight bow. "I am certain you will find today's proceedings quite enlightening."

You managed a polite smile, feeling the weight of both excitement and responsibility. "Thank you, Lord Davon. I look forward to it."

With that, he led you both inside the building. The interior was just as grand as the exterior, with high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and richly decorated walls. The air was filled with the murmur of voices and the occasional clink of glassware. It was a place of business, but also of social importance, where alliances were forged and futures decided.

Lord Davon guided you through the throng of well-dressed individuals, stopping occasionally to introduce you to various people. Each introduction was accompanied by polite smiles and courteous nods, though you couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of names and faces.

Finally, you were led into a large, elegant room where several men and women were seated around a long table. Papers and ledgers were spread out before them, and the atmosphere was one of serious negotiation. Lord Davon gestured for you and your mother to take your seats at the head of the table.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, drawing everyone's attention. "May I present Lady Thornfield and her daughter, Miss Y/N. They are here to discuss the potential sale of the Thornfield vineyards."

The meeting was a whirlwind of activity. People from all walks of life—wealthy merchants, eccentric inventors, and seasoned businessmen—came forward, each with their own vision for the Thornfield vineyards. Some flaunted their wealth, promising lavish investments and grandiose plans. Others showcased peculiar inventions, machines they claimed would revolutionise winemaking and propel the vineyards into a new era of prosperity. It was a dizzying array of possibilities, each more elaborate than the last.

You listened attentively, weighing the merits of each proposal, while your mother maintained her composed and discerning demeanour. Despite the diversity of ideas, one investor in particular caught both your and your mother's attention. Lord Blackwood, presented a well-thought-out plan that combined innovation with respect for tradition. 

Just as the discussions were reaching a critical point, the door to the room swung open, the heavy wood creaking softly on its hinges. The sudden interruption drew the attention of everyone in the room, their voices tapering off into a hushed silence. All eyes turned towards the figure who had just entered, his presence commanding attention in an instant.

As he stepped further into the room, the flickering candlelight danced across his features, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow. His tall frame seemed to fill the space effortlessly, his movements graceful and purposeful.  "I apologise for my tardiness," he spoke, his voice smooth and measured, cutting through the stillness like a blade. His gaze swept over the assembled crowd, and then lingering on you.

Your breath caught in your throat as you recognized him—the gentleman from the previous night. His sudden appearance sent a jolt of recognition coursing through you, a rush of emotions swirling beneath 

For a moment, the room seemed to fade away, the sound of distant voices muffled by the pounding of your own heart. You found yourself locked in a silent exchange, your gaze meeting his with an intensity that left you breathless. In that brief moment, it was as if the world around you had ceased to exist, leaving only the two of you suspended in time.

It was only when Lord Davon broke the spell, addressing the room once more, that you became aware of the weight of the silence that had enveloped. "You are too late, sir. The deal is nearly closed."

But before he could continue, you found your voice. "Please, Lord Davon, let him speak," you interjected, surprising even yourself with the firmness in your tone.

Your mother glanced at you, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes. She gave a small nod, signalling her agreement. "Yes, let us hear what he has to say."

The gentleman stepped forward, his gaze briefly meeting yours with a hint of acknowledgment. He introduced himself with a respectful bow. "I am Viscount Ancunin," he said, his voice resonating with confidence. "I am here under the blessing of Duke Szarr. Our lands are shared for wine production, but we find ourselves in need of more."

There was a murmur of recognition at the mention of Duke Szarr, a figure known for his influence and affluence. Viscount Ancunin continued, his demeanour calm and assured.

"Our vineyards have flourished, but our demand has grown beyond our current capacity," he explained. "We seek to expand, and the Thornfield vineyards are renowned for their quality and heritage. We believe that a partnership would be mutually beneficial."

He then began to outline his vision, weaving together tradition and innovation in a seamless narrative. "We have developed new techniques and inventions that could significantly enhance productivity while maintaining the high standards that Thornfield wines are known for. These include advanced irrigation systems to optimise water usage, fermentation methods to refine the flavours, and sustainable practices to ensure the longevity of the vineyards."

As he spoke, his passion for the craft became evident. His ideas were not just about increasing production but about improving the overall quality and sustainability of the vineyards. His proposals were detailed and well thought out—filled with *passion,* reflecting a deep understanding of the art of winemaking.

"With Duke Szarr's support," he continued, "we have the resources to implement these advancements without compromising the integrity of the Thornfield name. Our goal is to create a partnership where both our estates can thrive, sharing knowledge and expertise to produce wines of unparalleled excellence."

When he finished, the room fell silent, the weight of his proposal hanging in the air. You exchanged a glance with your mother, her expression thoughtful. Lord Davon, too, seemed intrigued, despite his initial hesitation.

"Viscount Ancunin," your mother said finally, her voice measured, "your proposal is indeed intriguing. We appreciate your perspective and the respect you show for our family's legacy."

You nodded in agreement. 

Lord Davon, now fully engaged, addressed the room. "Given the significance of this decision, I believe it is only fair to consider all perspectives thoroughly—What are your thoughts?"

You took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision before you. "I believe Viscount Ancunin's proposal merits serious consideration," you said, meeting your mother's gaze. "His approach aligns with the values my father instilled in us."

Your mother gave a slow nod, her eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and agreement. "Indeed. We shall deliberate further, but I am inclined to agree with my daughter."

Viscount Ancunin inclined his head respectfully. "Thank you. I am honoured by your consideration."

As the meeting drew to a close, the room buzzed with the lingering energy of discussions and negotiations. One by one, the investors and businessmen began to file out, their voices mingling in a cacophony of polite farewells and muted conversations. You watched as your mother exchanged final pleasantries with Lord Davon, feeling a sense of relief that the intense session was finally over.

Your gaze drifted across the room, searching for the familiar figure of Lord Ancunin. Amidst the wave of departing attendees, you spotted him near the doorway, his lean frame and composed demeanour unmistakable. He was moving slowly, engaged in conversation with another gentleman, but the crowd seemed to swallow him up, his presence fading into the sea of bodies.

Determined, you excused yourself from your mother's side and slipped through the parting crowd, weaving your way towards him. You clutched the handkerchief in your hand, the fabric soft and reassuring against your skin. 

As you approached, you called out softly, "Viscount Ancunin!"

He turned at the sound of your voice, his wine eyes meeting yours with a look of mild surprise. Excusing himself from his current conversation, he stepped aside, allowing you a moment of privacy.

"Miss," he greeted, his tone warm yet formal. "What can I do for you?"

Taking a steadying breath, you extended the handkerchief towards him. "I wanted to thank you for your assistance last night," you said, your voice earnest. "And to return this to you."

His eyes softened as he took the handkerchief from your hand, his gloved fingers brushing against yours for a brief moment. "There is no need to thank me," he replied, his voice gentle. "I was glad to be of service."

You felt a blush rise to your cheeks, a mixture of gratitude and lingering embarrassment. "It was reckless of me to venture out alone. I am grateful for your intervention."

He smiled, a subtle but genuine expression that revealed a hint of warmth. "Curiosity and a sense of adventure are not faults, Miss. But caution is always wise, especially in a place like Baldur's Gate."

You nodded, acknowledging his wisdom. "I understand. I will be more careful in the future."

Viscount Ancunin folded the handkerchief neatly, tucking it into his coat pocket. "If you ever find yourself in need of assistance again, do not hesitate to seek me out," he said, his tone reassuring but his wink added a charm to his teasing.

"Thank you," you replied, feeling a sense of comfort in his words. "Your offer is much appreciated." You hesitated for a moment, then continued, "Your proposal today was impressive. I believe your approach truly honours the legacy of Thornfield vineyards."

A faint smile touched his lips, and he inclined his head in a gesture of gratitude. "Your words mean a great deal to me, Miss. I assure you, my intentions are sincere. I hold the traditions of Thornfield in high regard, and I hope to contribute to its continued success."

There was a brief silence as you both stood there, the din of the corridor fading into the background. You felt a strange connection, an unspoken understanding between you. 

"Until we meet again, Miss Thornfield," he said, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longe As you were about to turn to leave, you felt a gentle touch on your arm. Startled, you glanced back to find Lord Ancunin—his expression earnest.

"Miss Thornfield," he began, his voice soft but filled with a quiet confidence, "I know that you and I will most likely find ourselves at the upcoming balls. It would be remiss of me not to extend an invitation to dance, if you would do me the honour."

His words took you by surprise, a hint of warmth flooding your cheeks. You hadn't expected such a direct invitation, especially after the formalities of the meeting. But there was a vulnerability in his voice, a softness in his red eyes that caught you off guard. It was as if, for a fleeting moment, the mask of confidence slipped, revealing a glimpse of the man beneath.

"I... I would be delighted," you replied, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. "Thank you, Lord Ancunin."

He returned your smile, his eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement. "Please, call me Astarion. And I look forward to our dance."

You met his gaze, feeling a warmth spread through you. "And you can call me Y/n," you added, a shy smile gracing your lips.

Astarion's lips curved into a genuine smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Y/n," he repeated, savouring the sound of your name on his tongue. "A beautiful name for a beautiful lady."

Your cheeks flushed at his compliment, and you looked down, feeling suddenly shy under his intense gaze. "Thank you, Astarion," you murmured, heart fluttering at the way he looked at you.

With a graceful bow, Astarion stepped back, his gaze never leaving yours. "Until we meet again, Y/n," he said, his voice soft yet filled with promise.

"Until then, Astarion," you replied, watching him depart with a fluttering heart. The anticipation of the upcoming ball now tinged with a newfound excitement, knowing that you would share a dance with the enigmatic Viscount Ancunin—Astarion.

❛ masterlist ⋅ ao3 ❜

[thurio-edau]

hey everyone! this is my birthday and i'm so happy to celebrate it. yep, june 12th. it was an average day but im still happy that my friends celebrated!

ok blake (half) face reveal

THIS PICTURE IS MONTHS OLD ISTG AND I LOOK 12 Y.O BUT I SWEAR IM 16 😭 BUT ITS THE ONLY ACTUAL PIC I HAVE OF MYSELF CUZ I NEVER TAKE PICS OF MYSELF OK AND I LOOK LIKE A FUCKBOY (idek if i look like a boy) BC I DIDNT KNOW HOW TO TAKE PICS SO MY FRIENDS SAID 'TAKE IT FROM THE MIRROR' AND I WORE A MASK CUZ IM SO FUCKING INSECURE

IM CLOSING THE REBLOGS FOR THIS CAUSE I MIGHT DELETE THE PIC IN THE FUTURE--

anyway.

the reason why this day is so important goes beyond just this. trigger warning for the things ahead, it's okay if you don't read it, i'm just really glad i could celebrate my birthday with such positivity! it's just that there are huge reasons why i'm really glad to be celebrating my birthday.

alright, serious story here.

the reason why it's so special is because i planned it three months ago. i planned my birthday. to end it all today. to end it before even reaching adulthood, i decided i couldn't go on and i was going to take my last breath. i couldn't take it. it was so heavy, it was a burden to live. and i decided my birthday would be such a fun day to end it all. before i graduate, before i become an age with irreversible responsibilities, before i have a chance to grow up. before i can have a life.

but i met life changing people. both on here and other platforms. it's like i have multiple found families :)

and with my friends on another place, we planned my future. yes, i will have a future. if i believe everyone deserves a chance to live, a chance to turn all this around, then that should apply to me too and i should also deserve a second chance. to LIVE. not SURVIVE. i have survived all my life and im so fucking tired of it. i only need to survive for two more years, then i can actually live. i haven't lived in my life. had a fucked up childhood, in a fucked up environment, in a fucked up country under fucked up conditions. and i have to change this if i want to live.

in two years i will immigrate. i will have a safe place, in a safe country, around safe people, and a safe university. i will have a safe family, a found family. i will have a safe future. i will see therapy for ptsd, bpd, sh and i will try to recover from ed. i will transition. i will be alive. i will come back to life as the actual person i am.

i just have to keep on for two more years. then i will take the international english exam to be able to immigrate and hopefully fly to my found family. my biological family will reject me, i know. but my found family won't. thank you so much for being here in my journey. i want to make it through and survive for two more years just so i can live. i have survived for sixteen years. i can survive for two more.

i have that strength.

i am strong.

i deserve to live.

i am worth going on.

i don't deserve to end it all.

no one deserves that. and i can survive.

i have that strength.

so thank you everyone <3 for helping me realize a lot of things. just by existing, just by leaving a single comment, just by sending a single message, you guys helped me save my life. you guys saved my life. and thanks to you, i am alive today. my three months of planning went to 'waste', but now i will have two years to plan a future. a life. a life worth living.

thank you <3

-ya boy, Blake.

[t-lostinworlds]

hello! okay, gosh, i really hate doing this but i honestly have no clue what to do anymore 😭 so when it comes to my work, my salary varies every month depending on how many documents i've summarized. i'm not going to bore u with the details but basically, my monthly salary is not fixed. sometimes i earn a lot in a month, sometimes i barely earn any.

well, last month (sept.) had been extra slow so the money i got rn is enough for JUST rent. i usually have enough saved from the month prior just to get by but i had to use all of it for repairs here in my apartment bc the building doesn't cover it (that's a whole other thing i won't get into). so after i pay my rent off, there's literally nothing left for me to pay for other utilities or even for groceries. (i can't ask help from my parents anymore bc they're covering my tuition fee for this month so they also have nothing left ://) so long story short, i need some financial help just to survive this month.

$250 is more than enough to cover ALL expenses. and i mean groceries, utilities (water, electricity & internet), transportation, all of it. BUT THERE'S NO PRESSURE. any amount will already be such a huge help to me. even a simple reblog to boost will already help me so much <3

here's my kofi and my pypl

again, no pressure! the tiniest bit already helps a lot. and pls do reblog to boost. i'd really appreciate it! hope you guys are having a wonderful day <3 don't forget to take care of yourself too. sending you wonderful people love always ❤️

tagging some mutuals under the cut to boost bc sometimes this doesn't show up in the tags anymore (but also you don't have too!! pls ignore this if u want alskalks)

@selfcarecap @devotion @hollandsmoose @shellshocklove @tanaka-drew @quethekillerqueen @worldoftom @noellez-best-life23 (ily guys, i hope you're all safe and well ❤️)

[lamponellatempesta]

synopsis of Chaos Theory, but as things @gingericywolf said during watch:

- Ben watch the road when driving (and stop throwing PHONES. I will maul you if you do it to ME.)

- darius, darius, darius, darius.

-he is a sassy boy and I like that

-Accidental fire but still a fire and I count that as started by ben

-you live like this man. Really??

-sammy so stressed poor girl

-this

-stop lying pincus no one believes you on That.

-how fucking tall is ben

-DID KENJI JUST MAKE HEART WITH THE STICKERS?? (DELULU BENJI FEELINGS AWOKEN)

-climbing scenes. Respectfully looking. The height is killing me from the screen.

-yaz IS The best adjusted one after all

-someone hug darius pls.

-SOMEONE HUG KENJI FUCK

-Cried in That Kenji scene

-Brooklynn what the fuck did you get into. Omg she had a Bike!! Yess girl slay. But what. What

-NOOO THE VAN. I mean I knew it but Nooo the Van

-also Ben talking in italian!!! Canon!! [explodes] [shame you won't feel that in the Italian dub] [those 3 words will live in my head forever] [I'll dream them] [the new 'what never seen a ghost before' to ME] [ON LOOP] [Daniel is too good at imitating him in that scene and is bullying me with it, send help. I won't survive. If he says it one more time I'll melt]

-Darius. Darius.... my boy. Have you idea of the germs in that tub..? Whatever brothers moment. FUCK DARIUS WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY

- DON'T TOUCH BUMPY AWAAAW.

-Ben does muscles are really useless, you had more strength before

-EGGY. Baby!!

-Ben/kenji looking like parents with the egg. It's super effective, ginger fainted

-Sees more benji crumbs. Dies.

-so is that big eatie after all or is it another rex? Cause Darius said that he doesn't think it's her? but also not the same from nublar? So? Buck?

-GREEN CARNO SPOTTED

-This is actually so cool

-Ok but what is the timeline of this stop fucking my timelines theories!!

-if it post dominion it doesn't match their ages but the dates don't match a pre dominion. Plus a lack of Red also doesn't match a pre dominion but a post dominion fucks everything in my mind

-Oh Ben did get electrocuted in the end uh! How does it feel then? I bet bad. Think how you wanted to do that to Hap and only Lynn stopped you.

-Ben leans on kenji,kenjj holds him tenderly, ginger dies again

-hell ye go to that ship and find out stuff!

-brooklynn you beautiful, problematic, beautiful girl. God she looks soo pissed? So badass and so... evil.

-lots more fucks in the middle of everything and after

[dazzle-art]

DOODLES FOR DONATIONS!

Note: This is the old commissions post! Check out the new one!

My friend Finley ( @the-fab-fox ) is in need of financial help!

Finley's in some serious trouble, he needs as much money as he can to make sure he and his animals can survive!

If you donate to Finley's Paypal (eriklovescats@gmail.com) with the message "For Doodles" and send me a screenshot of it and the amount in my dms, I'll draw you something!

Notes:

Doodles will also be posted independently by me on tumblr. Please do not reupload to other social media sites without permission, please clear it with me first.

Feel free to hit me up to talk about what you want before you donate, but I won't begin until you show me proof of donation

This applies to traditional art only! I am NOT a digital artist!

You can donate an infinite amount of times to get infinite doodles, at least until Doodles for Donations closes

Lighting WILL vary

+3 for each additional character, up top 3 per doodle

This post is subject to be edited as time goes on, rbs on this post are helpful to get the word out!

$1-5 Donation - Bust/Scribble!

$6-9 - Thigh/Waist Up!

$10+ - Paper character ref sheet ish!

For $10+ plus you can get a (mostly ish?) full body drawing of a character of your choice (OC or Canon!!) along with mini doodles of certain details and text such as their name, personality, and more! (Handwriting readability and paper size will vary, Wills and Wonts still apply)

Wills

Your OCs, character headcanons (race, features, etc), ships (poly too!), characters from fandoms I'm not a part of, mild blood/gore, pretty much anything really

Wonts

Smut/nsfw/fetish, real people (characters that streamers may play also count), fanart of your fanfiction, mechs, furries, heavily detailed armor (will still do armor), incest ships, adult x minor, animals, excessive blood/gore

Alternatively...

You can support Finley in another way with this GoFundMe!

THANK YOU!!!

[laxmiree]

[CN] MLQC’s Lucien - Rebirth Date - English Translation [3/3]

⚠️ SPOILER ALERT!! ⚠️

This post contains a detailed spoiler for a date that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~

No Man's Land Solo SSR Event | Rebirth Date Part 1 | Date Part 2 | Date Part 3 (You're here!) | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7

I can't help but laugh, placing my hand in his as if placing both my life and death in his hand.

I've never felt so free and happy. All the unknowns seem to have transformed into challenges at this moment, and I want to overcomes them.

Translation under the cut!

Previous Part=> [Click Here]

—[Part 4]—

Lucien: Radiation, disasters, and the like are merely puzzles posed by objective reality, and we are the problem solvers.

Lucien: Only in this way do we qualify to step onto a new level.

His voice is exceptionally gentle, accompanied by the buzzing sound of an electric current that sends shivers down my spine.

MC: ...Are you going to kill me?

Lucien: [chuckles] Do you want me to?

He lowers the machine in his hand, bringing the rapidly spinning chainsaw blade dangerously close to my neck.

Lucien: I can dismember your limbs, but that won’t be particularly useful to me right now.

Lucien: I can extract your brain intact and keep it active for a certain period of time. Maybe you would still be considered 'alive' in some biological sense.

Lucien: Of course, the most important thing is your heart and... your Evol 'core'.

Lucien: I've been curious for a long time about how it works, allowing you to withstand any severe radiation threat and survive until now.

Lucien: Maybe when I cut you open, there will be an answer to all this. What do you think?

I can feel the intense wind pressure from the chainsaw pressing down on all my nerves, but at the same time, it seems that an even more majestic and surging force is roaring in my chest.

My mind is almost blank, leaving only some kind of instinct.

MC: ....No, you are wrong.

MC: If I die, you won't get any answers.

At this moment, I seem to see something more clearly.

MC: And... it's not you who is studying me to carry out so-called 'evolution', but rather me using you to complete ‘change’.

The corners of his mouth curve into a more pronounced arc.

Lucien: Is that so? But it seems I have the opportunity to lock you up again at any time.

Lucien: I have many ways to keep you from going anywhere, even... to take away your right to choose death.

MC: Then go ahead and try. Just hope you don't die too soon from my radiation.

MC: Just like right now, you've been around me without any protection for too long.

In this gamble, that ever-surging power now settles in my heart. It feels unfamiliar to me, yet at this moment, it seems to belong to me completely.

His deep eyes fill with more laughter. He elegantly sets the machine aside, squats down, and places his hands on both sides of the bag.

His warm breath hits my face, and he seems like another cage, closing in on me even more.

Lucien: Do you know? Ten years ago, your data readings fluctuated wildly. They thought it was due to your unstable condition, but I suspected back then that it was because of ‘fear’.

Lucien: Humans can feel the existence of life through extreme fear. They will instinctively want to protect themselves, and that drive will generate immense energy.

Lucien: Back then, my knowledge and skills were far from sufficient to fully uncover everything about you, so I concluded... that we both needed some time.

Lucien: [whispers] But later, I regretted it. Actually, I shouldn't have let you go back then.

His gentle voice brushes past my ear like a feather, making me instinctively hold my breath.

Something heavy and complex seems to be shedding its outer shell, revealing a more genuine and indescribable side to me.

Lucien: A lot of time was wasted, so when you appeared before me, I was very happy.

Lucien: And you're slowly starting to trust me, which is good.

MC: So everything over the past six months... was it all your facade?

MC: To make me truly feel fear?

Lucien: [chuckles] No, I want you to always remember the feeling you just had.

His noticeably cold fingertips brush my cheek, meticulously tracing a certain outline.

Lucien: You should have been constantly thinking, striving to survive, and seeing many scenes.

Lucien: Remember how you used that power and then tame it.

Lucien: Only then will you be complete.

A pair of calm abysses engulf me, tempting me to gaze upon what lies hidden deep beneath the surface-

A soul that is pure yet obsessive, mad yet patient.

Lucien: Besides, I have never pretended in front of you. Just because you don’t see it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

Lucien: Our time is running out. I think it's a good idea to use myself as a stepping stone for change.

Lucien: After all, solving the problem is the key to everything, and I don't want to cause you too much pain.

I freeze momentarily, suddenly realizing something, and repeatedly examine his entire body.

The person in front of me has no skin ulcers, looks mentally stable, and everything seems normal…

MC: Could it be that you…

Lucien: I am my own test subject, and the facts prove that I have succeeded.

He lifts his palm, revealing faint flickering motes of light. I can sense a power radiating from within.

Lucien: As I've mentioned before, your body seems to possess a sort of 'core' or 'field'.

Lucien: Your core affects the radiation energy, either absorbing or repelling it; hence, you remain unaffected.

Lucien: And I used the power you unleashed earlier to replicate a similar 'field'.

Flecks of excitement dance in his eyes as he arrogantly retracts his fingertips.

Lucien: [chuckles] If my hypothesis is correct, in a few days, I will be able to create a 'core' with a near-identical operating mechanism in a few days.

Lucien: I might soon be able to research the data from the heavily contaminated areas myself, including... the machines there.

With that, he rises to his feet, carefully placing various organs and components into separate jars before turning his head back.

Lucien: I previously asked you, 'Is death the end?' Do you remember your answer?

MC: ...I remember.

Lucien: I don't think death is the end.

He lets out a soft chuckle tinged with an air of undeniable arrogance.

Lucien: No one here cares about death, because it's too commonplace, and also because they don't understand the value of death.

Watching his retreating figure without turning his head, I instinctively crawl out of the black bag.

I feel as if I've just experienced death and have been reborn with new flesh and blood in this moment.

I want to know what he means and see how far he can go.

✂———————–

Following his figure, I enter a room on the side of the deep pit. Jars of all shapes and sizes are placed in the dimly lit environment.

The wall is covered with a dense jumble of numbers and changing curves, new numbers and symbols overlapping the old marks, layer upon layer.

I look around in surprise, momentarily at a loss for words.

MC: These... are all your doing?

Lucien: Not entirely, I just took over them.

He places the jars on different shelves and writes new numbers in one spot.

Lucien: Someone else conducted experiments here before, leaving behind many things and data. There are always predecessors doing similar things, just like the information you brought back.

Lucien: I just found them, researched and revised their conclusions, and came up with my own answers.

MC: How do you know that someone else will do the same thing…?

Lucien: There will always be.

Lucien: There will always be those who are curious, questioning all the current definitions and conjectures, wanting to know how this world actually works.

Lucien: There are always things that spread wider and longer than diseases and death, leaving their mark on the world in various ways.

I stand there in a daze, Lucien is clearly standing in front of me, yet I feel like he is so far away.

In a world ravaged by wounds, his words sounded like a miracle, but he spoke them as if it were a matter of course.

At this moment, I suddenly have a premonition.

Even if Lucien disappears from the world one day, there will surely be someone who will sweep away the dust of time, pick up the whole box, and continue to climb upwards on this silent boulder.

Lucien: Aside from that, these corpses are also quite nutritious.

Having seemingly finished his preparations, Lucien spoke abruptly, causing my expression to change instantly.

✂———————–

Following his footsteps, I arrive at another dark, large building. I had never thought that the buildings next to the laboratory each had their own purpose.

Amidst the continuous rumbling, Lucien opens each black bag one by one and empties their contents into a deep pit, its contents and depth obscured from view.

Lucien: Corpses can be fermented by bacteria to produce biogas, which is a tremendous source of chemical energy.

Lucien: Moreover, improper handling of these corpses could lead to an outbreak of plague, resulting in even more deaths.

Unable to understand what he's saying, I stare into the depths of the pit for a long moment before turning my gaze towards Lucien.

MC: Have you been experimenting on the people in the city all this time?

Lucien: [chuckles] I don't deny it.

Faced with his somewhat ambiguous answer, I fall silent for a moment.

Lucien is both saving and experimenting. It seems as if the divine and the devil coexist paradoxically within him, making it impossible for me to define him in any way.

Lucien: The more people who survive, the more it proves that my path is the correct one.

Lucien: I deeply regret the loss of those who died, but I will only use their deaths to go further.

As we leave the building, the sky is so dark that no single star can be seen.

Lucien doesn't stop but walks towards the city.

Seeing this, I instinctively halt—I am not wearing my isolation suit, and my presence could harm the city's residents.

Lucien: [gently] It's okay, MC. Trust me.

He stands in the darkness yet extends an invitation to me like a burning flame.

Lucien: Let me show you what this world can be.

In the empty square, not a sliver of light is visible. Lucien takes out a small device, instantly illuminating his face. A small, dome-shaped black hole is also aimed at me.

MC: …!

Instinctively assuming it to be a weapon, I cover my neck and recoil half a step.

Unexpectedly, Lucien laughs and gestures with the device at me for quite a while. I instinctively try to escape his ‘target lock’, but it only makes his laughter more pronounced.

Finally, I can't resist moving closer. After he presses the button, I find myself appearing on the lit-up screen!

The me in the picture frame steps back in fear, nervously runs around, and finally moves closer out of curiosity.

MC: …What is this! So amazing!

Lucien: I don't know either. But since we've found it, it means someone invented it in this world.

Lucien: It has no significance for survival, yet it still exists.

With a gentle shake of the device, specks of light dance exuberantly in his eyes.

Lucien: How boring it would be if the only meaning of this world was survival.

My heart is racing, and the moment I take the device, it feels heavy.

I don't know what I pressed, but Lucien's face appears on the screen.

Lucien looks straight at me through the device.

Lucien: [softly] MC, do you know? From the moment you appeared before me, I realized that this world is actually full of color.

Lucien: So, I really want you to see what the world looks like through my eyes.

An unknown button press triggers a blinding flash of light that erupts in an instant, searing an imprint onto my retinas-

The whole world seems to be glowing.

Multicolored luminescence suffuses every corner of the city. The splendid and brilliant lights are like eternal fireworks, blooming with unparalleled beauty.

Zone X is lit up.

Shadowy figures emerge from the corners, their heads raised and eyes wide open.

??: ...Is this also a radiation tide?

??: It must be... it must be! Run! Otherwise, none of us will survive!

??: It hurts! I feel so much pain!!

??: Wait… City lord is over there!

??: City lord! Save us!!

Countless cries of clamor and anguish rise and fall, eyes full of pleading and struggle are cast in my direction.

Lucien: These are all my doing, they are just some lights that I turned on.

As those words settle, the entire square instantly falls silent.

??: There's no way so many lights would turn on in this world... you must be lying!

??: ...Really? Could it be that City Lord is just that powerful?

??: Run!!

In that fleeting moment, I seem to perceive a myriad of faces. Doubt, curiosity, anger, despair...

In the unfamiliar yet radiant scene of rebirth, something sprouts and grows amidst the ruins.

As someone charges forward with a roar, Lucien remains nonchalant, a smile still gracing his lips.

His eyes hold no trace of them.

Lucien: MC, the future awaiting everyone will never be peaceful; death and struggle will inevitably permeate the entirety of human history.

Lucien: But if, after enduring pain and struggle, one can gain the courage to face the truth, it will surely lead humanity to a further future.

MC: ...What kind of future?

Lucien: For example…

As blood splatters everywhere, I see Lucien proudly raise the corners of his mouth.

Lucien: You can stand in front of everyone just as ordinarily as this.

Lucien: Without restrictions, in a state of freedom.

Lucien: I think this future is just beginning.

Lucien extends his hand to me as he speaks.

I have never seen someone like this, standing before me in such a real and equal way, in the face of me who always brings death to others because of my radiation.

He has calculated everything and cut open everything, inviting me to embark on an unknown and long journey together.

Almost without hesitation, I step forward and grasp that hand, letting the blood stains on it also stain my hand.

Since he has used himself and the future as bait, then I have absolutely no reason to give up.

MC: Lucien, is all of this tonight part of your bigger trap?

Lucien: [chuckles] What if it is?

I stare back at him deeply, the corners of my mouth curling into a smile.

MC: Then I will gladly accept it*.

With a dazzling halo around his arched eyebrows and eyes, he pulls my hand up and we start running together.

Lucien: The isolation membrane I placed on you only lasts for 15 minutes. "Miss Death" is about to come again.

As he speaks, he spreads his palm open with a serious demeanor. Despite being covered in blood, he appears as graceful as the wisest grand wizard from a book.

I can't help but laugh, placing my hand in his as if placing both my life and death in his hand.

MC: Pfft, don't you need to escape from me then?

Lucien: I don't need to.

He laughs casually, and there’s even a hint of anticipation.

Lucien: Death is one of my best nutrients.

The static dark screens served as a backdrop behind him. The neon light outlines his silhouette as if it could illuminate everything.

I subconsciously raise the device in my hand and aim it behind us-

Countless images of Lucien appear on the machines behind me. I excitedly sway it back and forth, and the pictures of the machine sway in real time along with my movements.

MC: You need to tell me what's happening when you return!

Lucien: I'd be happy to explain it to you.

MC: Then I also want to know the principle behind it and more!

Lucien: In that case, a certain student might need to put in a bit more effort outside of the experiments.

The sky starts to rain at some point, as if a joyful symphony is playing.

MC: Lucien, do you find this world interesting?

Lucien: [chuckles] Incredibly interesting.

MC: I'm starting to find it interesting too!

I've never felt so free and happy. All the unknowns seem to have transformed into challenges at this moment, and I want to overcome them.

MC: With Zone X being so bright, more people are bound to notice it, right?

Lucien: Probably, similar people will understand its significance. Some will come closer, and some will question it—

Lucien: But perhaps more and more areas will light up like this.

Lucien: The data you brought back contains a very special piece of information.

Lucien: It is said that there is a person in this world who can change everything. The recorder referred to her as — 'Queen'.

I was stunned for a moment and slowly stopped walking.

Lucien stands in front of me, still gazing at me with a gentle smile.

I look at our intertwined palms, and after a long while, I raise my head resolutely and hold his hand even tighter.

MC: If there really is someone who can change everything, I will be that person.

MC: I will be the 'Queen'.

Lucien smiles gently.

Lucien: Then I will witness your coronation.

He holds my hand, steps over the line between light and darkness, and merges into the darkness.

Lucien: Welcome to the new world.

—————Fin————–

[T/N]

*: The Chinese idiom 甘之如饴 (gān zhī rú yí) literally translates to "as sweet as syrup." It is used to describe someone who willingly endures hardship or difficulty, often with a sense of satisfaction or joy. Fun fact: it's also a reference to a line from Aquarium date, which EN server translates differently 🤧

-

[Lux's rambles corner]

Post-Apocalypse AU really ends with a BANG with this one date ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ. Suddenly, putting Lucien at the end makes sense because his dates signify the rebirth of the post-apocalyptic world. No matter how dark, bleak, and filthy the world is, there will always be hope, and there will always be people who try to bring everyone toward a better future 🥺

Anyway, let's talk about this date bit by bit, shall we? Although this kind of feels like a compressed main story, some things are different. Essentially, the first half of this date is filled with foreshadowing and world-building, while the other half is filled with revelation.

First of all, the date name 【新生之约】 is a reference to what XM said in S1 chapter 13-8: "However, you must believe that before things reach the worst point, everything can still be reborn and changed.". The words "reborn"/"rebirth" and "change" are essentially what this date is about.

In this post-apocalyptic world, abnormal radiation unleashed by the 1917 comet impact brings death and illness to everyone. Many scientists tried to research this matter and even went as far as to conduct human experiments. In this AU, Lucien is a “city lord” who also researches this matter, and MC is one of his test subjects. Zone X is considered one of the deadliest, where the people who come here are either at their wits' end, seeking death, or refusing to leave their homes.

[Radioactive Butterfly]

MC’s “CORE” power has an interesting twist on this date. Besides having some kind of power that can change the world, it also makes her deadly to others because her core not only repels the radiation but also absorbs it. I think one part from the [No Man’s Land] event perfectly paints MC’s unique situation on this date.

In Lucien's laboratory, I discovered an exceptionally beautiful butterfly with vibrant wings trapped inside a glass dome, gently fluttering its wings. A. Quietly admire it. B. Open the glass cover and release the butterfly.

If you choose A, Lucien appears behind MC and explains that the butterfly's wing color was caused by radiation, so while it was beautiful, it had to live its entire life under the glass dome. If you choose B, the lab radiation alarm blares because the radiation level inside the building has suddenly spiked several hundred times—it turns out that the butterfly is radioactive.

MC is in the same situation as the butterfly. Her ‘vibrant wings’ (core power) prevent her from living freely. She has to isolate herself from others to protect them. Her life has primarily been one of experimentation, treated as a tool for a future envisioned by many lunatic scientists. Most people don't see her as an equal, but rather as a means to an end.

For MC, Lucien is different from them in many ways.

….I asked Lucien why he never referred to me by my experiment number. Lucien also seemed to ponder for a moment, and then he simply said that perhaps I am not just an experimental subject or a creation.

Take note of how her question doesn't grant an immediate answer from Lucien because this habit is not deliberate; Lucien subconsciously regards her as more than just an ‘experiment subject.'

MC believes that he is different from those crazy scientists. He doesn't hurt her too much and even gives her some kind of small freedom by giving her an isolation suit that allows her to explore freely and interact with other people and living creatures without fear of hurting them. Although she doesn't fully trust him, she still sees him as the gentle and generous City Lord who tried his best to save his people.

But during one of their visits, seeing Lucien's unsettling composure as he tends to the horrific illness, MC perhaps begins to see the other side that Lucien hasn't let her see.

[Eros and Thanatos]

Their time is running out as the radiation tide gets worse in Zone X. And as what they call it, desperate times call for desperate measures. In order to push MC to control her power and free her, Lucien bets his own life with a pretty-much-staged reveal of his other side (i mean, come on, he’s been hiding the whole corpse thing for MONTHS, and you told me he clumsily forgot to clean up one day and conveniently leave traces of blood that can lead you to his dark basement thingy???)

Rather than using the dark side™ to explain his other side, I’ll just use Eros and Thanatos dual theory instinct.

Walking into the city, a man with a festering arm rushed out, accusing Lucien of not only failing to cure him but also making him neither human nor a ghost. Meanwhile, another person lying on a stretcher claimed that it was the city lord who had saved them.

If you choose to ask him, Lucien will react like this:

Lucien smiled and said that the truth shouldn't be told by him but depends on which truth I am willing to believe.

In the early 1910s, Sigmund Freud proposed the theory of Eros and Thanatos. This theory suggests two fundamental forces influencing human behavior:

Eros (Life Drive): Represents the instinct to create, bond, and preserve life. It encompasses sexual and social urges, as well as the will to survive.

Thanatos (Death Drive): Represents an unconscious drive towards self-destruction, aggression, and returning to an inanimate state. It manifests in destructive urges and aggression directed inwards or outwards.

It seems as if the divine and the devil coexist paradoxically within him, making it impossible for me to define him in any way.

As a character, Lucien embodies both Eros and Thanatos. His curiosity, thirst for knowledge, scientific pursuits, and care for life reflect Eros, while his willingness to use painful and deadly experiments even toward himself to achieve his goals and his anticipation of his death signify Thanatos. His Thanatos-driven action highlights a ruthless determination to achieve his objectives; essentially, you can call it his Ares’ side. Not only did they coexist, but both Eros and Thanatos instincts can blend as well. For example, through his use of corpses for biogas production, which is an approach to utilizing death for the benefit of life.

A pure, yet obsessive, mad, yet patient soul

His intentions and ideals are inherently good and pure. He is also a patient man, willing to wait for years for his research to bear fruit. Even if it doesn’t yield anything in his lifetime, it doesn’t matter to him, as he believes someone will continue his path. However, his obsession (in this context, 偏执 means ‘inflexible’ obsession/fixation with his ideal and truth of the world. It contains some stubbornness in it ahah) and madness drives him to do anything to achieve his goals. What he said in Season 1 Chapter 16 is proven true during this date—that he won't hesitate to sacrifice anyone, even himself, to advance the world. MC remains the sole exception to this, as she is the only person to whom he grants some freedom and choice in this matter. He won't sacrifice someone important to him.

[Philosophies of Death and Rebirth]

Speaking of death and life- of course Lucien’s date won’t be complete without some kind of philosophical discussion about them-

Lucien: Humans can feel the existence of life through extreme fear. They will instinctively want to protect themselves, and that drive will generate immense energy.

Around 200 years ago, Kierkegaard shared insights about human existence (Kierkegaard, 1983). He explained that humans are unique because we are aware of our existence and can reflect on ourselves. This awareness brings two emotions: awe and dread. We feel awe at the beauty of life and dread at the reality of death, which can come at any moment. Awe inspires us to live fully, seek love, make connections, and find meaning in life. On the other hand, Dread reminds us of death's constant presence and makes us even more aware of our existence.

MC: So everything over the past six months... was it all your facade?

MC: To make me truly feel fear?

Lucien: [chuckles] No, I want you to always remember the feeling you just had.

Lucien: You should have been constantly thinking, striving to survive, and seeing many scenes.

Lucien: Remember how you used that power and then tame it.

Lucien: Only then will you be complete.

Rather than making her feel fear, Lucien's goal is for her to fully control her own power. I think in the end, they're both using each other to complete their own goal; MC uses Lucien to complete her change, and Lucien copies MC's power so that he can research the radiation himself. It's a mutually beneficial cooperation. Which, although extreme (worst case scenario is that Lucien dead and MC be traumatized by the whole thing) it's arguably the least risky way according to Lucien's enigmatic working mind lol. Like, at least in the worst-case scenario, she won't be dead.

Interestingly, this part of Lucien's dialogue can be analyzed through Heidegger's concept of "being-toward-death."

Heidegger (1962) wrote, “If I take death into my life. Acknowledge it, and face it squarely, I will free myself from the anxiety of death and the pettiness of life—and only then will I be free to become myself.”

Heidegger's philosophy exhorts us to accept death and to use it as a means of understanding the purpose of life. According to Heidegger, acknowledging death allows us to enjoy life to the fullest and cherish the time we have. Death, in this view, can be a source of freedom as it liberates us from the limitations of life and enables us to realize our full potential, in this case, MC fully realizing her power.

So, with all being said and done, is death the end? I don’t think so. Death is not the end, as new life and knowledge can be born through understanding death. Death is not the end, because there will always be people who pick up and continue your path even after your passing. Death is not the end when it can provide for new life to grow, even through something as unhinged as using corpses to produce electricity.

Watching his retreating figure without turning his head, I instinctively crawl out of the black bag.

I feel as if I've just experienced death and have been reborn with new flesh and blood in this moment.

I want to know what he means and see how far he can go.

Death and apocalypse don’t necessarily mean the end; they can even mark the beginning of a new future. After all, only after experiencing death can you be reborn from the ashes like a phoenix.

And while at it, they somehow have ‘wholesome’ heart-to-heart talk… isn’t it silly that they can finally talk frankly when both of them are kind of trying to kill the other-

//just kidding, i personally like this talk because it fulfills something that I didn't realize needed lol. It feels like- S2 ch 23 approach to S1 ch 13 conflict if that makes sense? 😂 like instead of a dramatic break-up, we get them just, communicating their feelings because of their instinctive trust in each other ksksksks. Perhaps it's because MC instinctively trusts that Lucien won't kill her, and her curiosity exceeds her fear. And maybe it's because Lucien trusts that MC can unlock her power that he is willing to bet his own life.

[Future in his eyes]

Lucien: Why change the world? I think this world is fine.

Lucien: What I want to seek is 'evolution'.

What is 'evolution' in the post-apocalypse setting? It's more abstract from Lucien's practice of 'evolution' in the main story (like evolving 'everyone' or straight up ascending the world's dimension).

In this AU, 'evolution' is more about to the process of advancing and adapting to overcome extreme challenges like war, illness, and disaster, which will always permeate human history. This concept of evolution is about finding ways to adapt and advance humanity to solve these crises. Some real-life examples would be how wars and pandemics accelerate technological development. When trying to survive, humanity gains immense power to conquer those challenges.

Lucien: Radiation, disasters, and the like are merely puzzles posed by objective reality, and we are the problem solvers.

Lucien: Only in this way do we qualify to step onto a new level.

According to this dialogue, Lucien sees that the world is already undergoing evolution. The ongoing process of 'solving' post-apocalyptic challenges through continuous scientific and technological advancements is a form of evolution itself. Of course, it's a collective effort, and he is just one of many people who try to solve it. Lucien is not interested in fundamentally changing the world but in advancing and adapting it. However, his ultimate objective is still the same as that of the main story.

MC: What's your objective?

Lucien: A better future. -[S1 Chapter 13]

I don't think MC's and Lucien's ideas of change and evolution clash; rather, they can complement each other. Imagine a seed: Lucien wants the seed to be tough enough to survive in a harsh world by making the seed stronger, while MC wants to change the world so it'll be less harsh to the seed; both of them want a better future where the seed to survive and thrive but through a different approach.

Lucien: [softly] MC, do you know? From the moment you appeared before me, I realized that this world is actually full of color.

Lucien: So, I really want you to see what the world looks like through my eyes.

If there's one thing that MC has already changed, it's Lucien. She doesn't change his view on evolution, but she made him realize that the world is not so depressing and actually full of color: it's beautiful and interesting. So, it would be boring if the world were only about survival.

What is the end point of that evolution? We will never know, but for a start, we can see the beginning of the future through his eyes. Through adaptation and innovation, he generates electricity that can light up the entire area, transforming the deadliest area into a beacon of hope.

While lighting up the area doesn't immediately solve the crisis, it is a step towards evolution. Not only does it aid in a better future, but it also possesses the power of 'beauty'. Quoting from Gallery Date, (beautiful things have the power to inspire people and change their hearts) it can lead to more and more areas being illuminated.

That future even contains his selfish wishes... like a future where MC can be ordinary and free or a future where they can hold hands without any worries.

Lastly, compare these two lines:

Strangers speak in tongues I cannot comprehend, their eyes perpetually fixed on the distant future, but all I sense is madness.

Sharp, resolute, and scrutinizing. He seems to be peering through me to a distant place.

Here, you can see how both Lucien and the mad scientists from her past focus on the future. However, while the other scientists see only their own envisioned future and use her to reach it, Lucien sees the future within her. He recognizes her potential, and rather than simply seeing her as a test subject, he sees her as equal and wants her to be an active participant in shaping the future.

So all this time, he’s been patiently waiting for her to come to his side, then reveal everything and invite her to embark on a long and unknown journey together. After that experiment, both of them had already gotten what they wanted from their cooperation. Now that she knows how to control her power, she can be free and protect herself, and he doesn't need her help to research things in the radiated area. Isn't it ironic that the same person who threatened to lock her up is the one giving her freedom? He will simply drift away and continue to move forward the world in the direction that he wants if she chooses not to. However, he hopes that she will continue to accompany him in moving forward.

Luckily, she takes his hand and they run towards the unknown future together. Rather than the joy of survival, it signifies the arrival of freedom and a brand-new world. He also encourages her to become "Queen" and seek the change she wants. “Welcome to the new world.” text with the screen all black is such a BRILLIANT way to end this date. There is always a trend, but the changes in the world will always exceed our imagination.

Thank you for reading!