#so basically this one is under the working title 'Guardian of the Mountains' and it's the part 2 for 'The Myth of König'

[histoires-en-bouteille]

[ID: screenshot of a Word document, cropped to show only the number of pages and wordcount. It reads "Page 9 sur 9, 2696 mots" in French. In English, it means "9 pages out of 9, 2696 words". END ID.]

[of-elves-and-mad-hatters]

"The Azure Sky" - Chapter 11

Masterlist 

Request Guidelines

Shadows to the Brightest Flame: Series

- The legacy of Lumia’s influence is scarred eternally into the lands of Elvendale. Burdened by a prophecy foretelling her demise and need for a successor, she watches for one capable of such power. Yet her enemies are working steadily to undo all she’s labored so long for, and it is millenia too late to make peace. 

Emily Jones, heir to Eimileen, is a bold girl dedicated to protecting Elvendale, but the world she has grown so fond of is not so black and white as it seems, and the titles of Guardian of Portal and Guardian of Light may hold darker legacies some ancient elves have worked tirelessly to hide

In conjunction with the extended version of the Guardian of Light prophecy I wrote previously

Basically a rewrite of all of the Lego Elves & Secrets of Elvendale storylines with an additional arc beyond the Season 4: Into the Shadows. There will be a varying degree of deviation from canon.

Technically a crossover with Lord of the Rings/Hobbit/Silmarillion in terms of worldbuidling, as I set Elvendale as being north of Middle-Earth, cause this is fanfic and I can. So there will be mentions of the Noldor, Sindar, Silvan, and some Tolkien characters, but they will be mostly background. Definitely not an issue if you aren’t familiar with the Middle-Earth fandom; everything will still be easy to understand.

Book 1: The Azure Sky

Grieving over the unexpected death of her grandmother, Emily Jones is accidentally trapped in another world. Befriending a few young elves in an attempt to find her way home, Emily discovers many secrets about her grandmother’s past, but for every truth she learns two more questions take its place, leaving her vulnerable to darker force inhabiting this realm. 

A rewrite of Unite the Magic

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10 

_________________________________

Chapter 11

Eimileen must have loved this place. 

The small, open-air market of Urisil is like something out of a painting, surreal in the way light shines down through the silk canopies, crystals and lanterns illuminating the stalls, the structures surrounded by trees.

Emily’s gaze is darting around, trying to absorb it all, a grin helplessly plastered on her face. She doesn’t even hear Naida’s voice at first; the water elf has to tap her on the shoulder. “Emily, are you sure this will be enough? Do you need anything else?”

She looks down at the small pile of clothes Naida’s about to pay for, absorbing the question. Enough? She’s relying on the water elf’s expertise for what the mountain weather will be like, only Emily isn’t an elf, and humans seem to be frail in comparison. 

“Another coat? Just to be on the safe side?” 

Naida nods, and the shopkeeper suggests a fur-lined one in a dark, muted blue. 

Emily reaches a hand absentmindedly to her amulet. It feels cold again, prickly with static. Unpleasant. 

An intense spark jolts her finger. She recoils. 

A rush of half-faded images, a memory, impress upon her mind. Her eight-year-old self trembling under a quilt on her grandmother’s couch, crying because there was a wailing thunderstorm that night and she hated the way the world looked when it was lit up by lightning. 

They illuminated the dark faces in the trees, the ones too melded with the night to see any other time. And she begged her grandmother to make them go away. 

Her grandmother smiled pityingly, and whispered that she was too old to be hunting spirits anymore, but not to worry, that the dark things were farther away than they appeared, and that there were barriers that kept them locked away. Because that’s how the light deals with darkness, by casting it far away. 

Of course there were the few who dealt with things by swallowing the shadows, but her grandmother told her never to pay them much mind. That you should just tell them white lies because they tended to be grumpy and might not otherwise help anyone with the darkness. 

Little Emily objected. Her parents said that lying was always wrong. 

Her grandmother only smiled gently, tucked a strand of hair behind the child’s ear. Whispered, “Sometimes the only way to love is to lie”. 

And lie, Eimileen most certainly did, only Emily isn’t sure she can see the love in that particular choice. How was concealing her own heritage, the world she’d grown up in and loved, necessary to love her human family? 

“Something on your mind?”

Emily’s eyes flicker over to Naida. “Nothing…everything. I don’t know,” and she shrugs her shoulders. 

“I did not mean to upset you.”

The human shakes her head. “You didn’t. Sometimes, I just feel overwhelmed, still.” She hesitates. “…and I guess it doesn’t help that this amulet continues to surprise me.” 

Naida frowns. “How so?”

“Just little things. Like feeling as though it were charged with static electricity. Like sparking an old memory of my grandmother that I had forgotten…” Emily shakes her head. “I don’t know. It drew me to this realm. It wanted me to come here. But somehow I have this feeling it doesn’t like me very much. Does that sound stupid? I mean, it’s an amulet, not a person.”

Naida reaches out, just grazing the stone with her fingertips. “It is an artifact of great power. I’d be surprised if it did not behave strangely.” She tilts her head, thoughtful. “It was given to you by Eimileen. It should be loyal to you, but perhaps it is not fully confident in its new owner. Sometimes trust must be earned.” She takes a deep breath then, as if washing away her contemplations. “Come. We need to be on our way if we are to still stop by the bakery and return to the others by nightfall.”

________________________________________

After regrouping that night, and a restful sleep, the five travelers began their trek up the mountain paths. They hike in single file; Aira leading with the map, Farran just over her shoulder, Emily securely in the middle of the entourage, and Naida and Azari bringing up the rear. 

The human pulls her cloak tighter over her shoulders, shivers. The spots of green grass along the path are tinged with frost; she can see her breath in the crisp air. The higher they climb, the sky shifts from lavender to a crystal clear blue, unmarred by cloud and occasionally broken by birds flying in the distance. 

Emily feels Naida’s eyes on her, and hears the water elf shout, “It’s time for a rest!”. 

Aira jerks her head back, confused until her gaze falls on the human girl. “The path widens just around the next bend. Plenty of space to set up camp.” Emily can barely hide her sigh of relief. 

The narrows path does end up widening suddenly into a clearing that had been intentionally carved into the side of the mountain. Out on the edge of outcropping, to their left, stands a dilapidated windmill. The sky is quickly dimming to dusk, and Azari builds a fire close to the face of the mountain. Emily drops to her knees, stretching out her hands to warm them. She nods in Aira’s direction,“So, how much farther to the next key?” 

Azari shrugs. 

Aira, overhearing, trills, “Just a few more miles!”

“And what are we looking for, exactly?” inquires Farran. 

The wind elf finally seats herself around the fire, spreading the map on the ground, and reads, 

“Under the wings of those who rule the skies

Buried in the dark with all they find precious

An ancient hold for a beast long dead

Forgotten by those who knew not the days of malice”

Farran’s eyes widen. “A dragon cave.”

Dragon? “Wait, do you mean like an actual fire-breathing dragon, or is that a metaphor for something?” Emily questions. 

“Well, not all dragons breathe fire, but yes,” Naida confirms, “The riddle clearly points to the actual lair of one of those creatures. One long deceased.”

Azari scrunches her face, “But what on earth does the line ‘Forgotten by those who knew not the days of malice’ mean?”

Aira frowns. “Maybe it’s referring to a melkorian dragon.”

Naida mirrors her frown. “Let’s hope not. Their treasure hoards are rumored to be cursed, inciting delirium in those who linger too long.”

Emily winces at the thought. “So, what’s the difference between a melkorian dragon and other dragons?”

“Dragons are native to these lands, present at the time of creation, and friends of the northernmost elves. Melkor, an evil and powerful spirit to the south, captured a dragon and transformed it. Twisted its mind and body into a weapon of war. Its descendants we call melkorian dragons. They range from apathetic to completely wicked. Devouring sentient peoples like cattle, and hoarding gold with a compulsive greed far outweighing the natural dragons’ appreciation for beautiful gems.

It’s easy to tell the two races apart. Melkorian dragons grow to be far larger, and more powerful. Unlike other dragons, who are colorful and shimmer in the light, the scales of melkorian dragons are dull and muted in hue. They dwell along our southern borders, a frequent threat to the cities there. Though some have claimed that in rare cases, elves have been able to befriend these drakes, and redeem their natures. 

The last time melkorian dragons came this far north was before elves had established permanent towns up here, just scattered settlements. A treasure hoard of their kind would be very ancient indeed, at least by our reckoning,” the water elf explains. 

Emily absorbs this, picking a croissant out of the bakery bag being passed around the campfire. She pulls the bread apart, only realizing how hungry she is once she takes a bite. “If the cave was made by a dragon, which can fly, how do we know if it’s even accessible on foot?”

“We don’t,” Aira chirps. “But don’t worry, I’ve invented dozens of different ways to get around the problem of flight!” 

Azari makes a nauseated expression. “Flight is a problem, all right. And something to be avoided, not solved.” 

“Nonsense! Once you get over your fear of plummeting to your death…”

“Aira, stop,” Naida cuts her off. “We’re about to go to sleep, and you’re going to give Azari nightmares over a hypothetical situation.” 

“Fine. But a few pegasi-sky-diving sessions would really do her a world of good.”

_________________________________

Emily opens her eyes. She blinks, slowly, the world around her seeming blurred. The air around her is heavy with fog; she can barely distinguish the forms of her sleeping friends around the remnants of their campfire. 

The mist is dark, but as she peers into the night, she sees even deeper, darker shapes in the distance. They’re indistinct, fluid, with glowing blue eyes. Shadows. 

Emily sits up, wary, pulling her legs to her chest. The shadows are whistling, a high-pitched almost-white noise that makes her ears ache. There are whispers, too, in her head. Overlapping, wispy phrases, aggressive, rambling on and on about mortals and the passageway. 

Electric blue lightning crackles through the fog. Emily’s amulet begins to glow, shining like the shadows’ eyes. It levitates, lifting itself from the girl’s chest until the chain bites into the back of her neck. 

It’s leading her.

Shaking with apprehension, Emily allows herself to be pulled to her feet. She stumbles forward, the heavy fog obscuring anything more than a couple yards ahead. She’s lead further up the narrow mountain trail, winding endlessly towards a sky she can’t see. 

At some point, she’s turned sharply to the left. The girl continues walking forward, but realizes the ground feels different, absent. She looks down to see a gaping chasm beneath her. 

Emily considers, for the first time, that this might be a dream.

As though air were as solid as stone, the girl is lead on. She trips when her feet meet rock again, scraping her shins on a jagged outcropping. There’s a rough-hewn path with deep gauges that perhaps could have been carved from talons, if it was ever possible for a creature to have claws as wide as a school bus. 

The rock is damp from the mist, and Emily ends up sliding down the tumultuous path. Now with a scratched-up arms to match her bloody legs, she barely has time to catch her breath before the amulet drags her forward again, and enters the mouth of a monstrous cave. 

The blue glow of the amulet is her only source of light, and even that is quickly swallowed up by the darkness. Every step she takes sends small, clinking objects scattering. Gold, gems, she can’t tell what kind of treasure she’s stumbling through, but the deeper she’s lead, the more her legs sink into the hoard. 

Emily’s standing knee-deep when the amulet stops. Glow softening, it drops back against her chest with a soft thud, the surface crackling with static electricity. As its light dims, another light, deeper in the cave, moves towards her. It grows rapidly in size as it approaches, a dark, shadowy shape forming in its center, evolving into a humanoid shape. 

Emily’s heart drops. It’s them, the presence she felt in the forest. She’s sure of it, even though a part of her mind reminds her that this could just be a dream, a nightmare. 

“Who are you?” she asks, trying to still the tremor in her voice. 

“Who?” the shadowy figure repeats, tilting its head. The voice is warped, but it sounds vaguely female. “Who I am never really mattered to your grandmother. She held her own assumptions as gospel. So why do you inquire? Or did she not warn her own descendant of the dangers of this realm?”

“She must have had her reasons,” Emily spits back, defensive. “And it’s too late for me to ask her now. But I can ask you why you’ve been stalking me, and how you’re somehow connected to her amulet.”

“It was a gift, and a foolish mistake.”

Emily lifts her hand, letting it hover over the jewel, feeling the sharp pricks of electricity jumping to her skin. “Is that why it hurts me? Because you regret giving my grandmother the amulet?”

“Because I made it, and Eimileen used it for something I never condoned. As long as its purpose is being abused, it will always try to find its way back to me.” The shadow’s voice grows in volume, the cave beginning to shake. “It may be yours, little half-blood, but don’t mistake ownership for loyalty. For your own sake, give the amulet to the guardian of the castle. She has sworn to safeguard it till I return to these lands.”

The shadowy figure vanishes into a wreath of blue and green light, as the ground opens up underneath Emily, crumbling away. She falls, jewels and coins pouring in after her. And far beneath, in the darkness, are hundreds of glowing blue eyes, waiting. 

_______________

A/N: I can't believe it's been two years since I've updated this story, and a full year since I shared a segment of this chapter as a WIP. I'm so sorry to have made everyone wait so long! Hopefully, now that I'm over the hurdle that was this clunky chapter, I can finish the Azure Sky this year? Crossing my fingers.

[ivorys-back]

TWOF Overview

Okay, so since I've kinda been hyper-focusing on Angels and Demons for a while, I think it's about time I just let this whole thing out.

TWOF stands for 'The World of Fantasia', which is the crossover AU I've been working on for years. It tells the story of Alex Blackwood and Cassie Springfield, two teenage girls who travel to the the fantasy world (named Fantasia), and find out that they're destined to get rid of an evil as old as time itself.

In this post, I'll be going through the synopsis of each book and a basic plot of what the girls go through. I don't have the whole series figured out quite yet, but I'm getting there! I'll also put parenthesis beside each title to give you an idea of who they meet along the way.

(This is long so I'll put it under a cut)

Book 1: The Journey Begins (first trip in Fantasia) Alex Blackwood and Cassie Springfield's world is about to change. When an old friend of the girls' gives them a treasured storybook, they have no idea they’re about to enter a land beyond all imagining: Fantasia, where mythical creatures live separated from the humans, yearning to be reunited. But as Alex and Cassie soon discover, the stories of creatures they know and love aren't as they seem in this magical land—there's more than one god, Drachenfels is a kingdom of dragons, and they have a guardian angel! The girls want to get back home. But with a legendary prophecy to fulfill and entire legions of monsters on their trail, will they ever find their way?

Book 2: The Wrath of Krane (second trip) After decades of hiding, the evil that has haunted Fantasia for centuries is back with a vengeance—but not without help. Alex Blackwood and Cassie Springfield have not been back to the magical world of Fantasia since their adventures in The Journey Begins ended. But one night, they learn that an evil dragon has kidnapped Alex's mother! Against the will of their godfather Yinlong, the girls must and their own way into Fantasia to rescue Mrs. Blackwood and save Fantasia from the greatest threat it's ever faced.

Book 3: The Blazing Light (Lion King) Cassie Springfield thinks her fantasy adventures are behind her—until she discovers a mysterious clue left by the famous Dante Alighieri. With help from her classmate Audrey and Yinlong's sister Yue, Cassie sets off on a mission across Italy to crack the seven-hundred-year-old of the spirit world. Meanwhile, Alex Blackwood is training to become the next Protector of Fantasia…but her attempts at being a leader don't go as she planned. Will she ever be truly ready to lead the Mystic Council? When all signs point to disaster for Fantasia, Cassie and Alex must join forces with their friends and enemies to save the day. But nothing can prepare them for the coming battle…or for the secret that will change the girls' lives forever.

Book 4: The Great Unknown (HTTYD, LEGO Elves, Undertale, Warrior Cats) This is just the beginning. Scarface and his army are on the loose in Fantasia, and it’s up to Alex and Cassie to stop him…except Alex has been thrown off the Council, and no one will believe they’re in danger. With only the help of the ragtag group of Snow, Jake, Nikko, Ruby, Drago, and Majikku, the girls discover one of Fantasia's biggest mysteries: on the other side of a massive mountain range is a land filled with wonders, but Scarface is there, planning recruiting an army of Fantasia’s greatest evils! So begins a race through the wondrous Underground, the fantastical Forest of the Clans, the vast kingdom of Draconia, and beyond. Can Alex and Cassie catch up to Scarface, or will they be one step behind until it’s too late?

Book 5: Beyond the Mainland (Cuphead, BATIM) Scarface has captured all the royal families from Fantasia with the help of his army of villains. With his sinister plan finally in motion, he is eager to destroy the families and take his place as emperor. Alex and Cassie know they are no match against Scarface’s legion of monsters, but they realize that they may be in possession of the greatest weapon of all: a place beyond the Mainland! So begins the girls' journey across the sea to Inkwell Isles to gather an army of demons, object-people, and ink-monsters as they band together for the ultimate fight against Scarface. Meanwhile, an even more dangerous plan is brewing—one that could change the fates of both mythics and humans forever.

Book 6: Battle for the Afterlife (Hazbin Hotel/Helluva Boss/SCP Foundation) After allying themselves with the Devil himself, the archangel Raphael comes down to assist them on their journey, and brings them all to Heaven to ask for help from the gods. However, not all goes as planned, as a traitor lurks among the clouds and pearly gates. A wicked demons sends Alex and Cassie away from Fantasia into alternate universes. Alex awakes in a facility filled with cryptids and monsters; Cassie wakes in a version of Hell and is surrounded by sinners and imps, battling horned angels who are bent on eradicating all of Hell. Can the girls navigate through these strange worlds and find a way back to each other before it's too late?

Book 7: ???

[fieryhonesty]

The life of You

[AO3]

Words: 3619

You and the traveler accompanied by his floating friend were nearly close to your final destination. Passing through the entire Liyue, taking a short stop to relax a bit here and now. Enjoying the view at the marvelous land. It never stops to amaze you how beautiful the sunsets are when you can observe how the sun is disappearing behind the mountains.

Liking more Monds as it was a more free and easy going country. The green everywhere was easy on your eyes and overall didn't remind you all that stress tied to business. However you have to admit some parts of Liyue are way too pretty. Perhaps one day you could visit those pretty spots with your friends.

Having a nice walk and observing the never stop to amaze you lands. Some special kinds of flowers and herbs grow only here. Animals you can't see in the anemo Archon domain. Simply put, this is an experience one has to feel and see at least once in their life. 

You made sure not to wander too far away from the main road. Being pressed by time and distance was one thing. Being lost in the middle of somewhere was another. You sure knew your way in Liyue but mostly around habited areas. Not really have spare time to explore the land in detail.

Sometimes you had a short trip around here and there, in presence of other people. Those trips were mostly to bring you and your employees closer and take a break from all of that exhaustion. 

It's really sad how people in Liyue are different from people in Mondstadt. They are always in a rush, stressed out and business is always on their minds. However they are also willing to help with anything related to their field of expertise. 

Can't choose between this and that? Or not sure if this would be a good deal? Well you can be sure they will shower you with advices. However be aware of smooth talkers. They know a lot and know how to make one agree and probably buy more than they were willing at the start.

After all it is all just a part of the never ending flow of contracts. Tied to mora exchange and customer's satisfaction. You were sometimes thinking if Liyue being mostly yellow has something to do with currency. This color is so dominant here, everywhere. One would think leaves and grass is dying but it was healthy just like everywhere else. 

Mora is yellow, Liyue is land of contracts. Money is flowing in and out. This surely can't be coincidence, Morax must have been really smart back then.

You guys were close to Harbor's gates, a few more steps and you could see the entire city. One side enveloping it with azure blue sea, ships being docked in harbor. Supplies being carried out or in, depends on the ship's purpose and destination. Also there were smaller boats as well. Those were personal ones, more than for transport they were for amusement of their owners. 

You often heard about wedding proposals being made at those cute boats. Also there were people who used those boats for business, they transported people between north and south Liyue. It was sort of a trip one could say.

Hearing amazed 'wow' from your companions, turning to them with a smile on your lips.

"Just wait for the night. Then it gets super pretty but also really hectic. As that's the time where citizens are really free from their responsibilities and can enjoy free time." 

"Paimon can't wait to see all those stalls with delicious food!"

You chuckled at her remarks. Not needing to spend too much time with them to know the floating girl is easily manipulated when it comes to food. Just a mention of it and she is all yours. When you said about local specialities her eyes were beaming with excitement. 

By the look at Aether's expression, that was just a normal thing he got used to. As he had to get used to Paimon's big mouth. On your way here, to be more precise when you passed the middle part of Liyue. You came across some beggars. Asking for spare coins. You are still unsure about being glad for what Paimon said or not.

If it weren't for her you two might have got robbed. It turned out to be a bunch of treasure hoarders, not poor beggars barely living. When they found out both of you are carrying weapons and can channel elemental energy. They rather backed out of the trouble.

"Well then, let's head down. Shall we?" 

And so all of you slowly descended down, crossed the city's gate. Passing through streets and making sure the two are following you. Getting lost here is quite easy. 

As you arrived with one day spare, you could have just breathe out and rest for today. The rite will be held tomorrow. The question is what now? Turning to your companions.

"I'm hungry, fancy to get some food?" 

You didn't have to ask twice. Especially when it came to Paimon who was just excited flying around. Checking on stalls and observing various things. The street you were in was mostly for small merchants, selling their handmade goods. Be it art, jewelry, porcelain or those cute paperweight things. Often having sea and boats inside of them.

Moving to the next street which was purely dedicated to kid's enjoyment. Various toys shops and things which sometimes were too inviting even for yourself. You can just silently applaud those toys makers. If an adult like you has a hard time then what about the kids?

Quickly making your way to the small square which was dividing enjoyment shops from more practical ones. Such as herbalists, perfumes, food shops and also some kid's forbidden places. Starting with bars and ending with places you rather not want to think of ever entering. Otherwise you'd die in shame. 

Leading the way to your favorite shop. Knowing your friends probably won't know how to use chopsticks, it will be better to grab some finger food. Sweet dumplings, regular dumplings filled with various things, fried meat. Heck they even sell fries here which you thought it would be only in Mondstadt. 

Once you have all of your food, you have moved to a quieter place. A park with a lot of ponds, lotuses in, fish literally swimming under your feet as you were crossing via the small bridge. Sitting in the least busy place. It was just afternoon and there were already enough people to make you feel uncomfortable. Luckily you are used to crowds now.

With stuffed bellies you guys were barely able to move so you decided to sit around for a bit more. You explain them basics about the city. Like where to go if they'd need this or that. How to avoid being scammed. Liyue might be the land of contracts, one still has to negotiate about prices. People will always try to nudge prices in their profit.

"Paimon wonders. We have been around every major street and miss y/n told us about important places but..." 

She scratched her head.

"Where's your business?" Tilting her head to the side while making 'hmm' noise. Which immediately Aether joined in. 

You didn't plan to show them the building where your now middle sized company was residing in. For some reason you felt uneasy about showing your friends. You still didn't like the fact of inheriting it but at least it's in better shape than before.

As the previous owner was barely able to sign contracts and fulfill her duties. It was slowly fading, many employees had left the company. Also there was a debt written in its name. 

You didn't know why exactly you just didn't turn away and leave. It was none of your business. It was her mess. But somehow you decided to stay and help. It was awkward, especially meeting the dying woman. But you hold back your grudge and remarks. 

You knew it won't be an easy task especially after seeing what has happened in a very short period of time. First of all you needed to gain some trust from the remaining employees. To them you were nobody. Well. It wasn't far away from reality.

You were just a teenager who wanted to train and become a guardian of the city. Perhaps later on find somebody to get laid with and have a happy family. More happier than you had. But that all was taken away or so you thought.

However as the time passed you realized something. One can still be a guardian without having the title. When the debt collector came everyone was scared and shaken. There was no doubt about it might end up pretty bad for everyone present including you. But you played it smart, managing to convince the debt collector about giving you a bit more time.

It was the last chance you will get, he said before leaving. You were shaking and felt like vomiting. But at the same time proud of your smooth talk to get your through it. One thing you could thank to a certain bluenette. 

Since that day you got more trust from employees. It no longer being just the assistant who stood by you, willing to help. With a young mind and great ideas you managed to slowly but surely get the company back to functioning. Guided by your assistant who happens to have enough experience to actually lead the company. But for whatever reason she was not named as the next successor. 

You never felt any hateful feelings from her or desire to take the post from you. If anything she is keeping everything under control and is really modest. Admitting just half for her effort no matter what you said. 

It took over three years to fully recover for the company and be able to compete with others. Or at least partially. No longer being in debt and haunted by the Fatui agents. However to prove the company's worth you had to make a bigger showcase. Everyone was able to attend and observe. Enjoy the food and drinks. The event cost quite a bit but in the long run it turned out to be very worth it.

Eventually getting more offers for material, more interest from not only people from Liyue but also from Inazuma. However that didn't last long as it one day became completely locked away from the world. You really liked the direction where everything was going, nearly forgetting about your life in Mondstadt.

Warming up to people, growing fond of them. It was no surprise to see you spend time after work with some of your employees. Going to a tea house or dinner. Despite you being overly busy you still found some free time to hone your swordsmanship. You still wanted to be able to protect the weak. 

One night after a very long and tiresome week you found yourself staring at the clear night sky. You just finished one of your training. The sky was so nice, the stars being so bright. You wondered if they are looking at the sky right now. If you do see the same thing.

You were one of those people who were forced to grow up and become an adult quickly. Acting like a grown up despite being still pretty young and inexperienced. If it weren't for Mrs. Yue you'd be doomed. Also many others who often offered help. You liked those people but never admitted it aloud. 

When one day supplies didn't arrive in time, nor any message about delay. You got worried about what could have happened. The road which you chose was relatively safe and there were loaned guards for the cart. Something inside of you was telling you to take a look at it. 

Taking your trustworthy sword, leaving a message for Yue who happened not being present at that moment. So when she arrives at the office she would know. There was also stated if you don't return until noon, she will have to alert Millelith.

Just as if you knew. It didn't take long until you found a damaged cart and unconscious guards. However your people were missing, supplies being destroyed. Looking around and noticing tracks. 

The further you follow the more you know you are being lured into a trap. When you entered a place covered by an obvious illusion, you knew there's something really wrong and you just couldn't leave it be. Finding your way around, coming across cocoons. Hearing silent cries coming out of them.

Just when you tore through one of them and saw one of your employees. You realized what made those cocoons. Freeing them out. They were exhausted and pale. However fear allowed them to push forward and retreat from that place. But you did not. 

You knew the thing might attack again. Somebody else who won't be that lucky as your people. Giving them a reassuring smile, saying that you will be alright and they should have enough time to get back to cart. With some luck Millelith will be there already, taking care of them. 

Turning back and running deeper into the weird hive. Just then you realized how much naive and stupid you were. Risking your life just like this. Could it be bravery? Or just being a complete fool? Probably the latter. Your sword skills were impressive however facing the beast proved you were not strong enough. 

You could feel how your life energy was leaving your body during the encounter. You will die here. But you didn't care. You were devoted and wanted to protect. You got poisoned in the middle of the fight. As the poison was slowly spreading across your system. Fingers becoming numb.

You were half accepting the truth of never making it back. To never see any of the people who you consider close to you. To never see your employees' faces. Or never held a party to celebrate somebody's birthday. Or never be able to chase your dreams.

Just when you thought 'that's it I die here' you felt intense energy surging through your body. You could feel how it was encouraging and empowering you enough to rise up, avoid the fatal hit. It was like just all the fatigue has left your body. The poison was no longer effective. 

Swinging your sword, a wave of elemental energy being released. It cut through the beast's thick shell. It surprised you to see what happened but not letting it take over. You thought of channeling more of this weird yet powerful energy. It felt cold but at the same time warm. It might be because your body is getting confused over all of this elemental power, flowing through you.

As you rushed forward with cry, your blade met with the beast's arm. Cutting it off like it was a butter, following to its face. You cut through the entire thing, leaving a crystal like pattern behind. Was it ice? The beast has fallen with a loud and dull noise. 

Looking around, the place was covered in icy fragments. Surely the place didn't look like this before. Glancing down at your hand as you felt something appeared in it. A turquoise orb with a snowflake symbol, socketed into a silver frame with a pair of small wings on bottom at each side.

You knew what it was. Taking a hold on it and looking up. You never thought of ever receiving your own vision. Never feeling worthy to have one. Yet the cryo Archon thought otherwise. 

You did not remember how you got out of that place or what followed. Your body was exhausted and all you know is you will live to tell the tale. Whatever happened you just pushed it away, thinking it was the remaining strength you had, carrying you to safety.

Finger snapping brought you back to reality. Making you realize you had spaced out. Giving apologetic smiles to your already worried companions.

"Gosh. We thought you got possessed by something! We kept calling for you but you didn't respond!" 

Poor boy. His voice was worried and by the expression Paimon was making she was not feeling any better.

"Ah yes. I uh... Something crossed my mind, sorry about that, haha!"

Your eyes dropped down as you nervously fiddled with your fingers. They really want to see your workplace. Letting out a sigh. This had to come eventually. It's not like being ashamed or something, just feeling nervous.

"Alright then. I'll show you, with some luck we might catch up with my assistant so I could introduce you.~"

meeting with yue, talking about the stormterror, skip, rite and inspection, later the day meet traveler talking with tart and be not so nice cuz he fatui have some not really warm talk between you two, offering aether new clothes, then leaving after yue cuz you were going to tea house lol

The building was quite far away from the center. Hidden between two bigger ones, making it look smaller than it actually was. The receptionist was already gone. However people from security who were counting their last minutes for today greeted you with a bow. You motioned to them and kept walking with your friends right behind you.

"So this is the main hall where clothings get sewed together, the opposite doors are where all the fabric cutting happens. And the last door at the end of the corridor is the warehouse. We have another one on the upper floor, but that's for cleaning items only." 

Leading them around, letting them inside to check stuff from close distance. You even met somebody who was going home late, wishing them a nice evening. 

As the building seemed to be quite small from outside, there were many rooms inside. And even more things stuffed in.

"What's this room for?"

The blonde asked while he stood in front of the nameless door. Whilst you just chuckled.

"Some call it a relaxing room, others a sleepy room. It's just to assure nobody gets overly overworked. I know some people stay here until evening despite their work hours ends in mid afternoon." 

Both Aether and Paimon's lips are curling into an 'o'. Probably they did not expect to come across such a room like this. They followed you to your office. Well the office you shared with your assistant.

When you opened the door you found the lady sitting behind the table. She looked up and her eyes sparkled with joy. Getting up and coming closer to embrace you as always.

"Welcome back Lady y/n! I did not expect you to come this week!" 

You returned the embrace as it was something you always do with her. She was like a close friend to you despite the age difference between the two of you. She might have two kids around age of 10 but she is still looking so young and pretty. Also she loves to spoil you like you are one of hers.

"Mrs. Yue this is Aether and his friend Paimon I told you about during my last visit. Aether, Paimon this is Mrs. Yuefeng, my assistant and probably the main pillar of this company."

It was hilarious to observe how the two of them didn't know the greeting here. Trying to mimic what Yue did. 

"Welcome at Qingshan Clothing! You are indeed very cute as Lady y/n said, hmm maybe too much."

Your eyes glancing between her and Aether, mouth partially opened to say something. Coughing away the awkwardness. 

"Please don't mind it. Everyone's cute in her eyes. At least everyone who is younger, which is practically all of us."

"Mmmh! Indeed! You are cute kiddies. I can't believe you are the ones who saved Mondstadt from the Stormterror. You look so innocent but you know what they say. Don't judge a book by its cover."

Yue giggled at her own remark. She was always like this, it was hard to believe such a nice lady like herself can deal with rough business so flawlessly. You glanced over at the table, noticing the mountain of paperwork.

"Well it's getting late. How about you go home my friend? I told you several times not to stay overtime." 

It felt weird to actually lecture a woman who could be acting as your mother but you had no choice. She smiled at you with a tired face.

"I hate to break it to you but this is urgent and has to be done by tomorrow morning. We were stressing about finishing the order in ti-"

"And that's exactly why I order you now to pack your stuff and go home. Relax. Enjoy kiddies and your husband. I'll finish it."

You gave up on having the entire evening free but oh boy you hated people working overtime. Why people can't just chill out. Always in stress and rush.

"But Lady..." She didn't finish her sentence. Your expression was more than serious. 

"Very well. Thank you, I'll treat you tomorrow for some tea. Oh! The rite! We could go there together and after it ends we will crash at our usual spot!" 

Well not like you had something against it. You came here mainly because of the rite. Everything else was just convenient enough, happening along the way. Entrusting Aether with Paimon to Yue's care. As she could take them to an inn. Observing how they disappeared behind a corner. 'I hate this work so much... I wonder if Diluc also has to deal with stuff like this or has people for it.’

Previous ✨ Next

[shikantazaart]

Shikantaza Creativity Interview III - SPARTALIEN

At Shikantaza we are not content to just create art. We want to understand art. We want to understand the people who make art. Into the act of creation. Who are the people behind the art work? What motivates them? Where do they find their inspiration?

No two people think and act alike, so it is even less likely to find two artists who think and act alike. Yet, there will be crossovers, shared thoughts and shared experiences. Where do we adjoin and where do we diverge?

Our series of interviews with artists and creators aims to answer these questions.

In interview number three we speak to multimedia experimenter SPARTALIEN. You can find his creations here https://spartalien.com/visual as well as a collection of his work in the Shikantaza gallery.

1 - Starting with the most important question - Who is Memoria?

Memoria is Latin and means, when translated, memory / remembrance.

I named the merchandise for the album "2358" Memoria instead of Memory, because the main track titles are also translated into Latin.

I see my merchandise as small memories/artefacts. Not only because they are very rare, but because I can never go back to that time.

“Memory is the treasury and guardian of all things” - Cicero

2 - You work across different mediums. Do you have any preference for a specific form? When did you first find the format that was “you”?

I became really infected with the digital virus around in the late 90s when I built my first computer. A year or two later I started taking photos and manipulating them digitally. I also had a few printed, which allowed me to bring the digital into the real world. Then I discovered IRC and started learning a little bit of TCL. Since I had fun coding, I decided to learn the basics of web development because I needed a website to show my pictures to other people. In general, I was fascinated by the flow of information on the Internet. That distance is no longer a real hurdle when it comes to data transmission.

I've always loved music as a listener and small collector. I was then and still am one of those people who never go out of the house for long periods of time without a Walkman. Music production came into play when a couple of friends set up a small studio where they produced Techno/Psy. When I was there for the first time, I knew immediately that I wanted to try it too. A few old tracks from back then are still available on my website.

From then on, many of my projects have developed in the direction of music.  The input for a program was often music metadata or it was a website that was about music in some way or another. But since I was still at the very beginning of my learning process, I kept discarding practically everything in order to improve it or to learn new things. Around 2001, I started a web radio with friends, which was online for several years. The music was mainly Downtempo, Trip-Hop, IDM and Ambient. Promos from unknown artists from around the world were also broadcasted.

The atmosphere, the feeling I got from this time - how the music finds me and not the other way around, how it can change people's thoughts - has never left me since then.

3 - Do you feel that each medium allows you to express yourself differently from the others? How do you choose which medium you work in any given moment?

Yes. But I think you can convey the same feelings with any medium. The question is how direct it is. For example, pain can be expressed with fire but also with a chair in an empty room. At the end of the day, in my opinion, it's not about the artist's intention but about the perception of the viewer and his or her subsequent thoughts and actions. For example, imagine you make a dark ambient track that you experience as sad and heavy, but someone else tells you that it helped to relax and develop thoughts.

In addition to all of this, each medium also has advantages and disadvantages when it comes to technical implementation. So, sometimes the choice can also purely depend on skill or resources.

We all have ideas and often out ambitions outweigh our resources. Sometimes we need more resources, but more often than not we need to chip away at our ideas until our ambitions and resources align.

4 - Do you seek different sources of inspiration for your music than you would for your visual creations?

It's everything in the world around me that inspires me. Everything I perceive and feel, so to speak. Most of the time I don't have a melody or a picture in my head. It is more of a feeling and then I look for the right tone or shape for it, so to speak.

5 - How closely are your creations connected to each other?

Very close one could say - through my thoughts that I have wrapped in it. I always had a bit of a problem putting my thoughts into words. I tend to stray through various topics when I talk about something. With music and visuals, it feels lighter and more natural to get to the point. The "message" doesn't always get through, but being able to do so is liberating and invaluable to me.

6 - If you were to direct people to a specific piece of work that you feel really nails what you are aiming for with your creations, which would it be?

This is a hard question. Maybe I would ask you to sit down and listen to the album "FLOATING HIGH" in one sitting. Since it felt like coming home to me while making it. The music is less intrusive and not as precise in its message as the previous releases. Like its cover art, where the clouds could be seen as opening or closing. I wanted to create tracks that leave more room for thought while still telling a story.

7 - You have “X minutes of peace” on your site. Why is this needed? Was this made for you or for others?

For others but also for myself. For me it is self-reflection that allows me to understand myself better. But since I have problems with "just switching off my head", the moments in which I just sit quietly and let the recording device do its work are very valuable. In moments like these I can really switch off and think about something very carefully. Asking questions even though I feel like I don't have an answer. Or simply enjoying the precious fresh air and sounds of nature.

Unfortunately, too many people don't have time for that kind of peace. Too much pressure is on them. They either get this or that, or they can't survive. It's so sad how the system works. I simply think that if everyone would have more inner-peace, the world would be a better place. But then again, what do I know living under a rock between mountains?

The videos should allow us to find peace for a few minutes, no matter where we are. So that new and hopefully useful thoughts can develop.

The series  Let It All Go is actually the same thing, just with music.

For the really dark hours there is BRAIN I/O. From time to time I prefer to embrace the pressure. Difficult to describe. The concept is basically: don't think, just feel and record it. It's about things that I personally want to leave behind or at least want to learn to accept (not necessarily being okay with) them if I can't change them.

Peace is an issue for me. When I briefly find it only points the way to the next act. This is fantastic but self defeating. Why can’t we just stay in peace?

8 - When inspiration has left the building where do you look to find it?

I'm not really actively looking for inspiration. Somehow it doesn't work that way for me. So variety is important to me. That is why I usually have several side projects going on in the areas that I do not much publicize. Much of it never leaves my hard drive and is mainly intended to free my mind and get on to new ideas in the process. Coding, graphics, drawing, etc. But the music production is and remains the main focus.

9 - These are the questions I am asking all the interviewees. Why do you create? What is it that pushes you to keep creating?

The inner child is just too strong. I've been living for a while and I know exactly nothing. It kind of feels like that. So many things that you can create with the computer alone. I'm stuck in that loop where you just love to create things and learn - and use the new knowledge to create new things. Things!

10 - What would most assist you to create more works? Is there an ultimate goal for your creations?

More time and resources for sure. but most important to me is the feeling that my loved ones are safe. When I have to worry about their future because the system is going the way it is, it feels like a pile of stones in my head.

The creative / social goal of my art is relatively simple and based on my own experience. Art has helped me tremendously when I felt lost - or when I was just "bored". Taking time to really listen to or look at something can be very liberating.

My short-term financial goal is to generate a more or less regular income through art. But since I never released anything commercially before 2016, this world is still new to me.

My dream goal is to hear my music in film and games and to generate an income that supports my family.

Nonetheless, I think goals are here to create an initial path, not necessarily motivation.

I do not know of a single soul who has not been lost. Some never find their way back. Some don’t need to find their way back, they are happier in the place they found.

11 - If you were to offer a creator any advice what would it be?

Based on my own experience in no particular order:

Stay curious and open minded for different viewpoints.

Tutorials can limit your creativity. Sure, learn the basics, but explore as much as you can on your own and never be afraid to fail. It's a process, not a game.

On projects that take longer than a day to complete, set yourself a deadline when you want to have it completed. Not important if it takes longer, but in general that helps to stay more focused.

Very few things are easy when you start.

Limitations are not necessarily bad.

Don't wait for motivation to create. It will kick in usually a few minutes after you've started. Therefore keep your tools ready and organized so you can start creating at any time.

You can always turn off the internet.

Be open for constructive criticism.

Especially for the digital crowd, backup your stuff!

(All images and works by SPARTALIEN)

[dahniwitchoflight]

A Pokemon Cosmology

Trying to have positive pokemon thoughts so I went and created a sort of map of emanations of the various mythical/legendary/ultra beast pokemon from larger concepts like Space and Time emanating down into more specific concepts like Guardians of Specific Islands

This mostly does follow canon groupings/leaderships etc but some groups were put near other groups, or in some cases given a leader or pairs associated with other pairs etc depending on if I decided I liked it or not

it’s not meant to be like “This Pokemon created this Pokemon” or etc, just that the things they have dominion over, are lesser than the things the Pokemon higher up the foodchain has dominion over

Also, sometimes some legendaries were sort of given designations that they may not have canonly have, but I think would be a good idea for them to have dominion over/represent

I made a chart and then explanations will follow:

First we got Arceus, Ultimate Creator

then he’s surrounded by all the Unowns as his “Thousand Arms of Creation”

then the big three concepts he made were Dialga (Time), Palkia (Space) and Giratina (Antimatter)

First, Dialga

Since Dialga represents Time, I’d figure he’d have dominion over the Pokemon that represent the things we use to recognize Time, The Sun(Solgaleo), the Moon(Lunala) and Light/Darkness as a concept itself (Necrozma) which are all essentially concepts of Light and Energy in the Universe

Also with Dialga is Celebi, a being able to move freely throughout any Time, so possibly representing the Currents of Time, or specifically Past, Present and Future

Undereath Lunala (The Full Moon) we have Cresselia (Crescent Moon) and Darkrai (New Moon), the three of them representing the Night and possibly Dreams

Under Solgaleo (The Sun) we have Meltan(Metal) and Melmetal(Fusion), and where Lunala and friends represented things of a metaphysical nature, Solgaleo and friends represent Light’s more physical side, with Meltan and Melmetal representing the idea of a Star’s molten metal core as a representation of the byproduct of Nuclear Fusion and the natural origin of all Metal

Lastly under Zekrom (Light) are Jirachi(Meteors/Stars) and Deoxys(Auroras) the other natural phenomenons that symbolize Light other than the Sun and Moon

Then Cosmog/Cosmoem represent Nebulas/Cosmos/Shiny Stardust and put under Lunala/Solgaleo as their natural parents

Next, Palkia.

Palkia represents Physical Space, and therefore, the next in line are those that created the pieces of our Physical Planet, Kyogre (Ocean), Groudon (Land) and Rayqauza (Atmosphere)

Also with Palkia is Hoopa, a being with a relationship to Palkia similar to the one Celebi has with Dialga, being able to freely move throughout Space, teleporting as it pleases, representing the idea of Teleportation and Location. 

Celebi and Hoopa are not higher than Dialga or Palkia, they merely have the total freedom to explore the ideas under their dominion, theyre like Palkia and Dialga’s kids. Manaphy had the title “Prince of the Sea” under Kyogre, maybe Celebi and Hoopa can be the Princes of Time and Space?

Under Kyogre (Ocean) we have Phione (Warm Seas) and Manaphy (Cold Seas). 

then also we have Lugia (Beast of Underwater Currents) and under Lugia the three legendary birds.

Now, the three birds don’t really all have an association with some form of water, but you could stretch them into either Weather Patterns (Which are determined by the ocean and it’s currents) as Snow/Rain/Sun OR as representing different States of Water, Frozen Ice (Articuno), Liquid Rain (Zapdos) and Gaseous Vapor (Moltres), which, kinda makes sense, idk theyre ruled by the ocean currents and all live on islands surrounded by water its the best I can come up with

either works, but, since there is a “Weather Trio” later on, the states of water probably work best

Nest we have Rayquaza (Atmosphere) which has the underlings Latios (Cold Air Currents) and Latias (Warm Air Currents) and from them spawn the actual Weather Trio, Thundurus (Humidity), Tornadus (Wind) and Landorus (Heat), rather than just saying rain/storm etc I figured making it the three factors that control all the weather patterns that can happen to make the most sense here

Finally we have Groudon (Land) which has the underlings Heatran (Earth’s Molten Core) and Diancie (Earth’s Crust) and I like this because it matches the pattern of each Planet Trio member having two underlings representing the hot and cold versions of each trio. Also under Groudon (Land) we have Regigigas (Continents) who rules landmasses in general, then under Regigigas we have the various types of solid landmasses possible Regice (Ice/Snow/Tundra), Regirock (Stone/Earth/Mountain) and Registeel (Cities/Steel/Construction). 

Then separately under Regigigas, but lower then the other 3 Regi’s, we have the rulers of specific small particular landmasses, various Island Guardians, the 4 Tapu’s. I’d say Regigigas is their direct ruler, because what are islands except Tiny Continents, but theyre lower in priority than the 3 Regi’s since those guys represent 3 basic types of landmasses, similar but different.

The more specific you get the more things fractal outwards

Next we have Giratina who represents Antimatter, and under him most nonphysical/spiritual concepts that are misunderstood and foreign and hard to grasp, since they sort of exist on the “other side” of things. Xerneas (Life), Yveltal (Death), Zygarde (Balance/Aura). 

Also with him is Marshadow and Mew. Marshadow is a ghost pokemon that lives in the shadows, but also represents the idea of the “fighting spirit” which often associated with “Aura” in pokemon. Whereas Mew is the genetic physical origin of all living Pokemon. 

So both sort of represent the two halves needed to create a living existing creature. Mew representing the body and the physical form, Marshadow representing the soul, the spirit, or the aura needed to give life to that physical form. Dunno what exact title to give, perhaps Prince of Aura and Prince of DNA or something along those lines. 

Underneath Zygarde, representing Balance/Nature, we have Ho-oh representing Reincarnation or Rebirth

and while you’d think it makes sense to have Ho-oh underneath Xerneas (Life) instead, the idea of Rebirth naturally involves a delicate Balance or natural Cycle of both Life and Death. So under Zygarde they go. 

then of course Ho-oh as Reincarnation has dominion over Suicune (Purifying Water), Raikou (Revitalizing Electricity) and Entei (Transmuting Fire) aka the various ways something can be “reborn”: Purified of any corruption or healing of damage, given new strength or Vitality, or physical remoulding of it’s shape or form, the same things that happened to all three. (also because i like to believe that while Unown’s may have created the Entei in the third pokemon movie, it’s ability to reshape reality at will could have naturally been it’s own as well, maybe, i know not really but still)

This has potential then for future legendary pokemon underneath Yveltal and Xerneas to represent different specific concepts of Destruction/Death/Illness and Creation/Life/Healing. Like Sickness, Old Age, Decay, Growth, Youth, and Vitality. 

Next we have those also directly under Arceus, as an ultimate creator, whereas Dialga, Palkia and Giratina represented Time, Space and Antimatter respectively, Arceus has dominion over the concept of Humanity, with me sort of borrowing the concept of gods creating humanity in their image. 

Now, you can see a sort of empty point here where it looks like a Pokemon should be in this spot, similar to Palkia/Giratina/Dialga, but this is because technically Arceus is both directly fulfilling this spot, and because this spot overlaps with the three beneath it, Reshiram/Zekrom and Kyurem. I kind of see it as both Arceus and “the original dragon” that is Reshiram/Zekrom/Kyurem all fused, which we get close to, but never really fully see. And i like this because it kind of highlights that the question to humanity’s existence and purpose, doesn’t have an answer, just like this spot doesn’t have a ruler.

Here also, we have the two beings who would have supported what this ultimate being of humanity might have represented, and indeed what Arceus may have intended to shape humanity into all along.

Victini, representing Power, Victory, Success and Shaymin, representing Gratitude, Appreciation, Recognition. 

Really does paint a picture of an almost angelic sense of euphoria and love. If we take even more christian mythos as inspiration here, it makes sense that the lack of a figure representing Euphoria and Love as penultimate concepts of humanity, and the fact that it no longer exists, almost points to a “fall of man/why evil exists” kind of situation, where that being of love and euphoria and what it represented was rejected by those it was meant to have dominion over, and was thus shattered from existence as a result. And it makes sense in another way too, to be eternally euphoric kind of demands a lack of free will and choice in order to be true, which humanity would obviously never accept, even if temporary pain and evil was the result. 

So from that, Reshiram represents the human conception of Truth, and Zekrom represents the human conception of Ideals. This is branched out to be a sort of Intellect/Rationality versus Emotion/Freewill kind of idea in my mind. But they also represent different forms of Energy, Reshiram’s Fire and Zekrom’s Electricity. Kyurem as the third is a nullifier of both, due to it’s nature as empty husk of the original. So while Reshiram/Zekrom represent the natural leftover concepts of Humanity and Energy, Kyurem represents unnatural humanity and Entropy (Absolute Zero Ice). 

So from Reshiram (Truth), spawns the idea of Keldeo (Justice), the idea that things can be Right or Wrong, or can be logically determined as such. This gets you Cobalion (Rationality), Terrakion (Reality) and Virizion (Intellect).

A subset of Reshiram’s Fire Energy we also have Volcanion, who represents specifically Steam energy. 

on the other side, you have Zekrom (Ideals), spawns the idea of Meloetta (Expression), the idea of individuality and that each person has their own perspective or priorities. This gets you Azelf (Willpower), Uxie (Knowledge) and Mesprit (Emotion) (also it just feels really aesthetically nice to think of Meloetta as the Lake Trio’s “leader” she has basically the same color scheme and design of being somewhat pixie like, has the fourth color green to the lake trios red/yellow/blue, and is slightly taller more humanshape to denote her status as leader, its a great idea and you should love it like i do)

a subset of Zekrom’s Electric energy we have Zeraora, who represents specifically Plasma Energy.

Underneath Kyurem (Unnatural Humanity) we get all of our man-made legendaries. Starting with Magearna (Manufacturing/Man-Making in general) as the oldest legendary created by man, then branching out to Genesect (Scientific Modification), Type:Null (Scientific Blending) and Mewtwo (Scientific Creation). Then Type:Null gets its evolution in Silvally, possibly representing the concept of Trust or Friendship as a whole, a wholly natural human activity, that also has to be created or nurtured by humanity to continue existing, Naturally Man-Made, a perfect blend of the two. And I like the coincidence that a lot of the manmade pokemon are a direct result result of man’s freewill to be evil or good, just like they were a direct result of Kyurem/Reshiram/Zekrom’s current state of being. 

Lastly the Ultra beasts are kind of, outside of this whole dynamic, I’m not sure if i could solidly put any of them directly tied to Dialga/Palkia/Giratina/Arceus, like there’s some that I thing could kinda work maybe in some cases but overall not really?

Like Xurkitree Kartana and Celesteela looking very man-made (but they aren’t technically) Poipole/Naganadel representing Poison and possibly Illness or Decay, putting it under Yveltal as Death, same as Guzzlord being Destruction

But it’s not, the greatest, so overall I just kinda put them in a circle outside of everything, but closest to the major concepts they sort of have a connection with.

But instead of being tied to anything directly and representing specific concepts, they represent extremely vague ethereal/ephemeral concepts in contrast that are also very alien and inhuman and almost eldritch (when not representing specifically human concepts)

Guzzlord - Represents Destruction in all it’s forms, recycling, transformation, restructuring, but not with any malice, just with the cold unthinking unreasonable processing of a wood chipper eating your leg. 

Poipole/Naganadel - represents poison, illness, sickness, decay, old age, allergies (because theyre bees) basically all things that usher in potential death

Blacephalon - represents Primal Fears/Illusions/The Void/The Ineffable/Unknowable/Eldritch due to the clown association and it’s attack Mind Blown hinting at a more “its all in your head/cannot comprehend the nature of this attack” concept as well.

Celesteela - represents all the ideas of motion, the laws of gravity, propulsion, magnetism, all the forces of the universe that push and pull things together or apart

Pheromosa - represents all concepts of value, beauty, worth, strength, ability, importance, awe, wonder, admiration, love, desire etc the things most humans desire to head towards at full speed

Xurkitree - represents all concepts of machinery, clockwork, computers, circuits, programming and automatons and technology in general, past present future and alien. 

Stakataka - represents ideas of a legion, many being one but all being the same, lack of individuality, a hive mind of samey clones, moving and speaking and being in constant unison, like grains of sand, drops of water, leaves in a forest, it is indistinct, incomprehensible, numerous, countless, innumerable, incalculable, immeasurable, untold, endless etc

Kartana - represents the concept of all physical textures, rough, smooth, sharp, hardness, hairy, coarse, fluffy, slimy etc

Nililego - represents ideas of infiltration, parasitizing, possession, loss of identity, erosion of the self, influencing, puppeteering, invasion, permeation, infection,  an undoing of boundaries, overlapping, linking together, echoing

Buzzwole -  represents all concepts of power, strength, dominance, leeching, violence, force, ferocity, wildness, cruelty, hatred

[vezely-a]

Chapter 3: Of Mordor

Disclaimer: This is a mixture of canon, notion club archives (former merp)/extended Arda/non-canon, and headcanon. Links to various sources provided for my reference. Basically, I am digging into Mordor mechanics to aid my portrayal.

Chapter 1 Chapter 2

Leaving Rhovanion

c. Third Age 2780

Following her betrayal and botched execution in her homeland, Vezely flees southeast to Khand. She hides her identity, calls herself “Vez,” and wears a headscarf (to cloak her undamaged ear). There she seeks clans of Khandish mercenaries for work. These bandit chieftains are independent of the Variag lords (see below) and conscript individuals from all backgrounds and repute. As sell-swords, they fight battles for coin, guard caravan routes, headhunt, etc. While an uncertain start (of proving herself again and again), it was not long until she starts running her own operation.

But as decades pass and appearance fails to age, she begins considering moving on. Unforgotten was the promise made to the cult who saved her to continue to serve the Dark Lord. It was then, fortuitously, that she met a slave-trader from Mordor. With rumblings of Mordor’s refortification continuing to surface, she decides to take her company, those willing to follow her, to lend aid.

*Before continuing with Vezely’s story, I’ll define Mordor’s geography, demographics, and labor systems during this period in the late Third Age.

Mordor’s Geography

Mordor concocts an image of a barren, ash-ridden wasteland with Mount Doom rising in the background. However, this land, locked by three sides of mountains, has a more diverse landscape. Gorgoroth, which lays to the southwest of Barad-dûr is the name of the arid plateau. But in the southern most part of Mordor is Núrn. It is more fertile and farm-worthy with soil enriched by the ash blown from Mount Doom. The inland Sea of Núrn, a saltwater lake, also sits with many settlements at its edge. Tributaries bring in fresh water from various points.

Mordor’s Residents

Variags and Núrnish Men

Núrn consists of two mannish populations: Núrniags, a slave-population descended from the original inhabitants of Mordor and mixed with a generation of slaves of Easterling and Haradrim origins. And Variags, a free warrior class who are the local lords and rulers.

The Núrniags work the plantations alongside Snaga-Orcs. Others are craftsman, technicians, cattle herders, farmers, fishers, and other lower ranks of taskmasters. Several distinct classes of more or less privileged slaves emerge depending on craft. Capable slaves could also respectably rise to become Variags and priestesses.

The Variags of Mordor descended from tribes who migrated in the mid-Second age under the order of Lord Ûvatha, one of the nine mannish kings who accepted a Ring of Power. They conquered the local farmers and made them serve the Dark Lord. (The Variags of Khand (which sits east of Mordor) are the same warrior class crafted a century earlier under Ûvatha’s rule in the lands of Khand).

In each locale, Variag society is divided by a ruling-caste of warriors, mercenaries, a small caste of female Priestesses, and a lower class of Variag-Bastards or slaves. They see themselves as the “chosen people” and care little of other races.

Needless to say, they revere Sauron as a god (who they call “Tûmrakhi” in their language, Varadja).

To other nations, Variags are known as a fierce people, skilled warriors, and horseman. Haradric and Rhûnish lands hire them as soldiers and assassins. Mordor employs them as its mercenaries, slave-traders, assassins, and guardians of the caravans and pilgrimage routes. Khand’s loyalty to Sauron brought Khand wealth despite it being a mostly dry and barren land.

Orcs

Various orcs inhabit Gorgoroth including Uruk-hai, common or lesser Orcs, Gûshmurashi (a rare crossbreed of the former two), and Snaga-Orcs. “Snaga” is the Orcish term for “slave” and referred to a smaller orc breed.

The Orcs did not live among the Variags, but the two interact and Variags employ snaga-orcs for amusement.

Other Slaves (not of Núrniag origins)

As Mordor expands its population in preparation for war, there is a need to sustain it. While Núrniags and Snaga-orcs are one source, slaves from Haradric and Easterling origins (war-slaves) are brought in. Slaves clear roads of mass debris from the constant eruptions of Mount Doom; a tremendous and deadly task. Slaves would also be mining ore from the Ephel Dûath mountain range, ploughing fields, harvesting, and later in the third age, rebuilding Barad-dûr.

Nazgûl

In T.A. 1980, the Nine, led by the Witch-king of Angmar, come to Mordor to prepare for Sauron’s return. During this time, Mordor attacks and conquers parts of Gondor including laying siege to Minas Ithil in T.A. 2000. After a two year siege, the tower is taken and transformed into Minas Morgul. As Mordor quietly prepares for its master’s return, Nazgûl help direct and oversee the rebuilding.

Sauron was not in Mordor Yet

Sauron does not reveal himself until he departs Dol Guldur so rather he acts under the guise of the “Necromancer,” a great sorcerer on the hill of Amon Lanc. There he secretly searches for the One Ring, delves passages as breeding pits for orcs and trolls, and quietly rebuilds his armies, sending his new orcs south to the plains of Gorgoroth and Núrn.

The Nazgûl act as his agents, furthering his mission in the east and south by conscripting men to do his bidding. The slow corruption of Greenwood into Mirkwood and the waning of Gondorian power in Rhovanion (where the Wainriders, Balchoth, etc. invaded) are phase one. Phase two is a mass migration of Easterlings into the region causing chaos for Gondor and deterring them from knowing of Mordor’s rebuilding.

Sidenote: For the Balchoth (Vezely’s tribe), their agent was Khamûl, known as the Shadow of the East, the Black Easterling, the second of the nine mannish kings to accept a Ring of Power.

Trade

Mordor has an economy that sustains its populations, feeding and paying them. It relies on trade for the import of goods and fresh slaves to work the mines, clear the roads, and to rebuild the tower of Barad-dûr. Iron ore mined from Ephel Dûath is Mordor’s primary export, though the mines and forges also produce weaponry to be sold to Variag lords who are constantly warring among each other.

Hierarchy

Until Sauron returns, the Nazgûl are in charge of operations, though of course with oversight from Dol Guldur. Caste systems keep the mannish- and orc-slave populations in check (though there hold there own hierarchies) while others are ranked in each occupation. Lieutenants, captains, generals, and so on for armies, masters and apprentices for crafts and trade, lords or chieftains for tribal affiliations, etc. Each ranking system is respective to culture, orc or Variag. There are overseers, advisers, and councils for various sectors.

*okay, I probably could go on but back to Vezely’s story.

Walking into Mordor...on a Road

As a Khandish clan, Vez and her Men are not denied entry, especially when escorted by their contact, the slave-trader met earlier. They use the Caran Road, which, among others, intersects with the Khand Road and ran to the town of Caran on the Sea of Núrnen.  Expectations are for her crew to be given mercenary positions or to be set up as guards for trade caravans. This is almost the case until she was outed a few weeks in by an Orc-overlord who could smell she was not a man. The entry of an elf caused an uproar, leading to the involvement of various overlords on each side. It was then and never after that Vezely evoked her prior name and exploits (see Chapter 2), calling forth inquiry by Khamûl to know her allegiance.

She is given leave to stay, but set to work in the most inhospitable and, for lack of a better word, soul-draining sector of Mordor’s economy; to oversee the slaves in the task of clearing the endless plateau of Gorgoroth. This is needed to make way for the building of roads in preparation for grand hosts . To crack the whip is to lose all empathy. If she could accomplish this task, then, it is believed, she is truly disconnected from her blood.

There are moments when she wanted to quit, but in her stubbornness she could not let anyone prove her incapable. She begins to embrace the cruelness, setting fear into the thralls as is expected to keep them working. Rebellions are dealt with swift and mercilessly.

They call her “corrupted one” in Varadja, and slave-traders spark fear in their fresh hauls by telling tales of a dark elf who could twist their insides out. She begins to forget her name, starts to wear all black to emulate the Nazgûl, and embraces the power this feeds her. Before long, she is overseeing larger and larger parts of the operation, organizing its trade, setting details to numbers, and as a top advisor and trade ambassador, reworks Mordor’s broader economy, making it ready for the Dark Lord’s return 150 years later.  

Sauron’s Return

In Third Age 2951, Sauron openly declares himself and departs Dol Guldur for Mordor. The tower of Barad-dûr is rebuilt, a huge operation requiring even more slaves. His direct power further commands the march towards war. While already an order exists to collect tribute and maintain allegiance of various peoples, emissaries grow in demand. In particular, they are needed to reach even further into the east and south to conscript all the men possible.

In charge of this operation is the Mouth of Sauron, also known as Mordú, who holds the title of Lieutenant of Barad-dûr and is considered the most devote of Sauron’s heralds. This individual is a mortal who is chosen to sacrifice his voice to Sauron and become the vessel for the Dark Lord to voice his will. That is, it is a title, rather than an individual, though the individual selected must be the most devout.

While Vez’s main engagement is trade, her foreign connections lend her to conscripting armies. Under Mordú, she is given lessons in sorcery to be put to work in this task. She, however, is loathed to use the practice believing negotiation skills are enough. Indeed, she helps secure several tribes in the Mistrand region of Rhûn as well as aiding in the upheaval in Dorwinion to force their alliance to Sauron.

For the War of the Ring, Vezely is given the title of Captain under the Lieutenant of Barad-dûr, and she leads a contingent of Variags to fight in the Battle of Pelennor Fields in 3019. The end, for now...

[televinita]

Books Read in 2018: The Why

Third year in a row* of answering the self-imposed question: why did you read this particular book?

(*Although 2017′s is presently flagged by the garbage bot and under appeal -- WHY DO U HATE MY BOOK COVER COLLAGES, MR. ALGORITHM)

I am beginning to deeply regret the extra work involved to split them by category, so next year is probably just gonna be a numbered chronological list after the Quilt of Many Covers, but for now they are still divided into adult fiction, YA, middle grade/children’s books, and nonfiction

FICTION

True Valor - Dee Henderson. 2002. Read because: I went hunting for a military romance in which to cast Dalton and Jaz [The Brave]. This one at least guaranteed me Dalton (and included rescuing a female soldier lost/hurt in combat, so).

These Healing Hills - Ann H. Gabhart. 2017. Had this one in my back pocket for a while as a quality-sounding stock romance (nurse/soldier) waiting for players. When my need for a Barbie/Julia [Under the Dome] story reached a new high, I deemed it a match.

Shane - Jack Schaefer. 1949. This is the book Fourmile is based on, so I thought I could get a two-for-one casting thrill out of it.

The Lake House - Kate Morton. 2015. A gorgeous historic mansion hidden within an abandoned estate. A mystery from the past to be solved in the present. What are "things I am here for always."

Crimson Peak (movie novelization) - Nancy Holder. 2015. I LOVED the movie, and the only thing I love more than amazing movies is when I can have them translated into and enriched by prose.

Chasing Sunsets - Karen Kingsbury. 2015. Brush of Wings - Karen Kingsbury. 2016. I was hunting, desperately, for Ben/Ryan-shaped books [Off the Map], and "Brush of Wings" checked all the boxes (young woman who needs a heart transplant volunteers in a third world country, love interest has to find a way to rush her home when the situation turns dire). I only read C.S. first because I didn't want to miss where the romance started.

Rancher Under Fire - Vickie Donoghue. 2014. I was looking for a different book when I casually stumbled upon this title, and listen. I am not gonna turn down a ready-made Barbie/Julia AU* with bonus "single father" angle. (*cowboy/journalist)

Heart Like Mine - Maggie McGinnis. 2016. "Ben/Ryan, Sexy Hookup AU Version please."

The Mountain Between Us - Charles Martin. 2010. The request list for the movie was too long, so I decided to see if it was based on a book. Upon reading the back cover and finding out one character was a surgeon, I immediately forgot the movie cast as my brain exploded with Shondaland options.

When Crickets Cry - Charles Martin. 2006. "Doctor whose wife died young of a lifelong heart condition" sounded like the best book-shaped Ben/Ryan approximation yet, with bonus "watching out for a little girl who is sick in the same way" cuteness as well.

The Woman in Cabin 10 - Ruth Ware. 2016. A woman at work recommended it to me, and I was like, "a well received general thriller? Sure!"

Listen to Me - Hannah Pittard. 2016. Put "road trip" into the library catalog --> picked 70% because "Gothic thriller" made me think of "The Strangers," and 30% because I was reliving the glory days of Derek And Addison and this marriage sounded similar.

The Lying Game - Ruth Ware. 2017. I enjoyed the other book of hers I read so my friend brought in the next one she had.

Hatter Fox - Marilyn Harris. 1973. Read in high school and forgotten until I reread the Goodreads summary, and "doctor drawn to help 17-year-old" set off my radar. Shippy or merely protective/caretaking, my radar reacts the same.

Vanished - Mary McGary Morris. 1988. The trailer for unreleased Martin Henderson film "Hellbent" whipped me into a frenzy so I did my best to find book-shaped approximations of it. (spoiler alert: this failed miserably, but I grudge-matched it out)

Thunder and Rain - Charles Martin. 2012. Former Texas Ranger who is a single dad. Rescuing & protecting a scared/abused woman and child. At his ranch with cows and horses. By an author who has proven his salt in the hurt/comfort and restrained-romance departments.

Before the Fall - Nick Hawley. 2016. Mostly I came for the dynamic between the young orphan and the passenger who saved him, but I also like witnessing the general aftermath of plane crash survivors.

The Perfect Nanny - Leila Slimani. 2018. My work friend loaned it to me with the statement, "This has such good reviews but I don't know if I 'got' it -- I am really curious to know what you think of it!"

The Girl Before - J.P. Delaney. 2017. She loaned me this one too, with a more glowing recommendation.

Everything You Want Me To Be - Mindy Mejia. 2017. Aaaand one last rec from my seasonal work friend before our projects took us in separate directions.

The Dog Year - Ann Wertz Garvin. 2014. Dog on the cover + synopsis was basically a list of tropes I love: a woman (a doctor to boot!) grieving loss of husband and unborn baby; dogs; a new love interest who is one of my favorite professions to pair with doctor (cop)...

Losing Gemma - Katy Gardner. 2002. "So basically this is the victim backstory to a Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders plot? Dude, sign me UP; I can so see this friendship!"

Uncharted - Tracey Garvis-Graves. 2013. The companion novella to a book I loved.

The English Boys - Julia Thomas. 2016. Mom checked it out of the library, "guy in piney unrequited love with his best friend's fiancee" intrigued me enough to open it, and by 3-5 pages in I was hooked.

The Broken Girls - Simone St. James. 2018. Abandoned boarding-school ruins, a murder mystery from the past being solved in the present day, possibly tied to a second murder from the past?? Yeah, give it.

Heart-Shaped Hack - Tracey Garvis-Graves. 2015. White-Hot Hack - Tracey Garvis-Graves. 2016. Proven quality romance writer's latest books feature a professional super-skilled hacker? Sounds right up my Scorpion-obsessed alley. First book was plenty good enough to launch me into Part II.

Shine Shine Shine - Lydia Netzer. 2012. In my continuing quest to find books in which to cast Walter/Paige, I searched the phrase "her genius husband" and this one's summary matched my desires well.

Learning to Stay - Erin Celello. 2013. Ever eager to expand my hurt/comfort scenario stockpile, I went looking for something where a husband suffers a TBI/brain damage that mostly affects their personality. The bonus dog content sold it.

The Fate of Mercy Alban - Wendy Webb. 2013. Came up on my Goodreads timeline. I read as far as "spine-tingling mystery about family secrets set in a big, old haunted house on Lake Superior" and immediately requested it from the library.

Rated PG - Virginia Euwer Wolff. 1981. I was rereading her Make Lemonade trilogy when I saw a quote in her author bio that said, "I did write an adult novel. Thank goodness it went out of print." Curious, I looked it up, and between its age and the fact that it sounded more like YA than a proper adult novel, I was immediately more intrigued by it than her boring-sounding middle grade books.

Someone Else's Love Story - Joshilyn Jackson. 2013. "Young single mom with genius son meeting a possibly-autistic scientist who protects them during a gas station holdup/hostage situation and later bonds with her son" was the exact literary approximation of a Scorpion AU I wanted in my brain. By the time I realized that was not the endgame ship, I had already flipped through it and fallen in love w/ William and his romantic memories of his wife instead.

Driftwood Tides - Gina Holmes. 2014. Cool title + I love the "young adult adoptee bonds with the spouse of their late birth mother" trope.

The Haunting - Alan Titchmarsh. 2011. Title caught my eye at the library near Halloween; I dug the "dual timelines" setup with a mystery from the past to be solved in the present, and hoped for ghosts.

The Lost Hours - Karen White. 2009. I searched "scrapbook" in the library catalog.  A family member's formerly buried old scrapbook, an old house, and unearthing family history/secrets? GIVE IT TO ME.gif.

The Etruscan Smile - Velda Johnston. 1977. Slim (quick read), attractive cover painting, an exotic Italian countryside setting in a bygone era, and a young woman investigating the mystery of her sister's disappearance all appealed to me.

Stay Away, Joe - Dan Cushman. 1953. All I could tell from the book jacket was that it was somehow Western/ranch-themed, possibly full of wacky hijinx and had once been deemed appropriate for a high school library. I just wanted to know what the heck it was about!

-------------------

YOUNG ADULT

(I’m kind of guessing at the line of demarcation between teen and middle grade audiences for some of these, especially the older ones -- another reason that I should give up on categories in the future -- but let’s just go with it)

These Shallow Graves - Jennifer Donnelly. 2015. Seemed like a YA version of What the Dead Leave Behind (which itself I was using as a Crimson Peak AU), from an author whose work has always impressed me.

Snow Bound - Harry Fox Mazer. 1973. Always here for survival stories! Also, this is a good author.

The House - Christina Lauren. 2015. I LOVE evil/haunted mansion stories.

The Masked Truth - Kelley Armstrong. 2015. It looked like Criminal Minds in a YA novel.

Things I'm Seeing Without You - Peter Bognanni. 2017. Went googling for stories that sounded like contemporary variations on Miles & Charlie Matheson [Revolution]. "Teen shows up at estranged father's door" fit the bill.

Even When You Lie to Me - Jessica Alcott. 2015. I always turn out for student/teacher stories, given enough suggestion of it being mostly an emotional connection rather than an illicit hookup.

Too Shattered for Mending - Peter Brown Hoffmeister. 2017. I also dig stories where teenagers have to take care of/fend for themselves in the absence of a parent/guardian.

The Devil You Know - Trish Doller. 2015. I enjoyed a previous book of hers, and I always like road trips and teen thrillers.

The Raft - S.A. Bodeen. Terror at Bottle Creek underwhelmed, so I thought I'd try a YA/female protagonist option for a survival thriller, not least because the girl on the cover reminded me of Under the Dome's Melanie.

Ghost at Kimball Hill - Marie Blizard. 1956. Picked up randomly at an estate sale; the vintage cover and incredibly charming first 2 pages won my heart.

A New Penny - Biana Bradbury. 1971. The rare idea of a teen shotgun marriage in this era -- when it would still be expected, but also more likely to fall apart and end in a young divorce or separation -- fascinated me; I was curious to see how such an adult situation would play out.

Marie Antoinette, Serial Killer - Katie Alender. 2013. I mean...it is really all right there in the title and/or the awesful puns all over the cover. ("Let them eat cake...AND DIE!") Pure unadulterated crack, combining my two fave specialty genres of history and horror? Yes ma'am.

Me And My Mona Lisa Smile - Sheila Hayes. 1981. I was looking up this author of a Little Golden Book to see what else she had, found one that suggested a student/teacher romance, and bolted for it.

To Take a Dare - Crescent Dragonwagon/Paul Zindel. 1982. 50% due to the first author's cracktastic name and my full expectations of it being melodramatic, 50% because I was still on my "Hellbent" high and looking for similar teen runaway stories.

To All My Fans, With Love, From Sylvie - Ellen Conford. 1982. The last one from my attempt-at-a-Hellbent-esque-storyline set -- girl hitchhiking cross-country is picked up by a middle aged man who may or may not have pure intentions, by an established quality author.

Be Good Be Real Be Crazy - Chelsey Philpot. Bright cover called out to me; I was in the mood for a fun road trip novel for spring/early summer.

This is the Story of You - Beth Kephart. Kephart's name always gives me pause due to her fuzzy writing style, but I loved Nothing But Ghosts, so I could not resist the promise of surviving a super-storm disaster.

A Little in Love - Susan Fletcher. "Eponine's story from Les Mis" on a YA novel = immediately awesome; I LOVE HER??? Also it's just my fave musical, generally.

Adrift - Paul Griffin. 2015. I've been really digging survival stories this year, and while stories about survival at sea aren't typically my fave, they keep popping up in my path so I keep poppin' em like candy.

Life in Outer Space - Melissa Keil. 2013. After delighting my brain with concept sketches for a high school AU, I set out to find the equivalent of Scorpion's team dynamics/main relationship in a YA novel, and by god I found it.

Everything Must Go - Fanny Fran Davis. 2017. The brightly colored cover drew me in, and the format of being like a scrapbook of personal documents/paper ephemera lit up the scrap-collecting center of my brain.

Going Geek - Charlotte Huang. 2016.

originally I thought it might be like Life in Outer Space, but once I realized the title geeks were all girls I shrugged and went, "Eh, still a solid contemporary YA novel at a cool setting (boarding school)."

Like Mandarin - Kirsten Hubbard. 2011.

By the author of my beloved Wanderlove, I was drawn in by the title, intriguing cover photo, rural Wyoming setting and the concept of a high school freshman girl latching onto/idolizing a cool senior girl.

Sixteen: Short Stories By Outstanding Writers for Young Adults. ed. Donald R. Gallo. 1984. Tripped over it at the library, and immediately wanted to consume a set of 80s teen book content from a pack of authors I know and love.

A & L Do Summer - Jan Blazanin. 2011. In the summer, sometimes you just want to vicariously relive the feeling of being a largely-responsibility-free teen in a small-town location.

The Assassin Game - Kirsty McKay. 2015. Looked like the (Welsh!) boarding school version of Harper's Island. (spoiler alert: it is rather less stabby than that, but still fun)

We Are Still Tornadoes - Michael Kun/Susan Mullen. 2016. "College freshmen? Writing letters to each other? Sure, looks solid."

Nothing - Annie Barrows. 2017. It looked relatable: like the kind of book that would happen if I tried to turn my high school journals into a book. (spoiler alert: dumber)

The Memory Book - Laura Avery. 2016. Contemporary YA about a girl with a(n unusual) disease, but mostly, the title and promise of it being a collection of entries in different formats.

Kindess for Weakness - Shawn Goodman. 2013. LITERALLY AU RYAN ATWOOD.

Make Lemonade - Virginia Euwer Wolff. 1993. True Believer - Virginia Euwer Wolff. 2001. This Full House - Virginia Euwer Wolff. 2008. I reread the first two so I could give them proper reviews on Goodreads, and then realized I hadn't read the last one at all.

Blue Voyage - Diana Renn. 2015. A hefty teen mystery in a unique exotic location (Turkey) -- with an antiquities smuggling ring! - called out to me.

Girl Online - Zoe Sugg. 2014. I was really in the mood to read something on the younger end of YA, something cute and fun, when I saw this at the library.

Wilderness Peril - Thomas J. Dygard. 1985. Reread of a book I rated 4 stars in high school but couldn't remember, which happened to be lying next to me on a morning where I didn't wanna get out of bed yet.

Survive the Night - Danielle Vega. 2015. The cover had a GLITTERY SKULL. Give me that delightfully packaged horror story for the Halloween season!

The Hired Girl - Laura Amy Schlitz. 2015. I've been digging into my journals and old family photo albums lately, really fascinated by personal historical documents (also recently obsessed over The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt), and when I saw a diary format book set in 1911 -- a housemaid's diary, no less; that must be interesting as far as recording grand house details -- it spoke to me.

Fans of the Impossible Life - Kate Scelsa. 2015. The colored-pencil-sketch cover gave me Rainbow Rowell vibes.

All The Truth That's In Me - Julie Berry. 2013. Someone who favorably reviewed The Hired Girl also recommended this one; the cover caught my eye, and it sounded like a thriller.

Girl In A Bad Place - Kaitlin Ward. 2017. I heart YA thrillers featuring girls.

Facing It - Julian F. Thompson. 1983. I was in desperate need of a book one night and my only option was to buy one off the library sale cart, so I snagged the one that looked like some entertaining 80s melodrama with a fun (summer camp) setting. (Spoiler alert: fun and entertaining it was not.)

A Good Idea - Cristina Moracho. 2017. "Rural literary noir," promised the cover blurb, and as I just mentioned: I heart YA thrillers.

Something Happened - Greg Logsted. 2008. Short/easy read + I was hoping for either a misinterpreted Genuinely Caring Teacher, or scenarios to use in an appropriate age difference context.

In Real Life - Jessica Love. 2016. My shipper radar pretty much looked at the summary and went "THE AU CHRISTIAN/GABBY SETUP OF MY DREAMS."

The Black Spaniel Mystery - Betty Cavanna. 1945.

Adorable cover (and dogs!) from an established quality author.

--------------

CHILDREN’S / MIDDLE GRADE

The Cloud Chamber - Joyce Maynard. 2005. The cover made me think of Under the Dome, and the MC immediately reminded me of Joe McAlister.

Terror at Bottle Creek - Watt Key. 2016. After rereading Fourmile, I got a hankering for more books I might be able to cast with the kids from Under the Dome, and figured more Watt Key + a thrilling survival adventure was the ticket for that.

Swampfire - Patricia Cecil Haas. 1973. One of approximately 100 unread vintage horse books I own at any given time; finally in mood because it was short and sweet.

Baby-sitting Is A Dangerous Job - Willo Davis Roberts. 1985. Reread a childhood favorite in order to give it a proper review on Goodreads.

In The Stone Circle - Elizabeth Cody Kimmel. 1998. Same as above.

Wild Spirits - Rosa Jordan. 2010. Clearly the "Kat & Tommy take Justin under their wing" Power Rangers AU of which I have always dreamed, in my very favorite version of it: the one where Kat surrounds herself with animals.

Claudia - Barbara Wallace. 1969. Picked up cheap at a book sale, standard cute vintage Scholastic about a girl and her school life. Comfort food.

Reasons to be Happy - Katrina Kittle. 2011. The cover and the 5 reasons excerpted in the summary were so cute that I wanted to know what more of the reasons were.

Dark Horse Barnaby - Marjorie Reynolds. 1967. Needed a quick read and I'll p. much read any vintage horse book.

Runaway - Dandi Daley Mackall. 2008. Start of a companion series to my beloved Winnie the Horse Gentler, featuring some favorite themes: foster care + animal rescue.

Wolf Wilder - Katherine Rundell. 2015. Pretty cover, girl protagonist, historical Russian setting, wolves. All good things!

Backwater - Joan Bauer. 1999. Sounded like a beautifully tranquil setting.

The Dingle Ridge Fox and Other Stories - Sam Savitt. 1978. Animal stories + author love = automatic win.

If Wishes Were Horses - Jean Slaughter Doty. 1984. Overdue reread of a childhood favorite because I needed some short books to finish the reading challenge.

-------------

NONFICTION

Junk: Digging Through America's Love Affair with Stuff - Alison Stewart. 2016. I mean, I am definitely an American who has a love affair with stuff.

Keeping Watch: 30 Sheep, 24 Rabbits, 2 Llamas, 1 Alpaca, and a Shepherdess with a Day Job - Kathryn Sletto. 2010.

As soon as I saw my favorite fluffy creature on the cover, I felt an immediate need to transport myself into this (dream) hobby farm setting.

(Side note: this is probably the lowest amount of nonfiction I have read in 1 year for a decade, but I was just so busy hunting down specific types of stories that I could not get distracted by random learning.)

[enigmaticgale]

“what the fuck is houshin engi”

my friend ellis asked me to help explain houshin engi to them because they were having trouble Grocking the worldbuilding of the series. and as we all know i cannot physically shut up ever. maybe more people than ellis will find this useful? 

i’m so sorry if you’re on tumblr mobile. forgive me.

ok so. HOUSHIN ENGI is a manga by fujisaki ryuu, based off an ancient chinese novel/myth called FENGSHEN YANYI. if you’ve heard of journey to the west, fengshen yanyi is like that. except a different story. FY is pretty much completely unknown in the west but it’s apparently decently popular in japan. i lost my source on this but i’ve read that this popularity is due in part to the japanese translator of FY making some fairly drastic changes to the source material, like making the character shen gongbao (shinkouhyou) less of an outright antagonist and more of a neutral party.

anyway being an ancient chinese myth the story takes place in ancient china. being a mythological account there are more than just humans running around in there! there are also SENNIN. what are sennin? they are, put simply, taoist immortals. the basic idea is if you ‘cultivate’ long enough you ascend from your humanhood and become a sennin. if you’ve read any wuxia/xianxia manhua ever it’s basically that. there’s an article entitled “Sennin: The Immortals of Taoism” by janet carpenter and this is a quote from it:

“According to legend, the immortals [sennin] were at one time historical personages who achieved transcendence by refining body and mind. In addition to serving as an inspiration to human souls striving for inner peace or for everlasting life, the immortals functioned as guardians of Taoism.”

those still in the process of becoming sennin are known as DOUSHI. 

sennin can be either human in origin, or they can come from animals or rocks or like. things. sennin who aren’t human are called YOUKAI SENNIN.

so. we have HUMANS, SENNIN (immortals), DOUSHI (sennin in training), and YOUKAI SENNIN. the shorthand term for both “sennin and doushi” is SENDOU, btw.

humans live down on earth in the HUMAN WORLD, and sennin live up in the SENNIN WORLD, which isn’t a separate “world” but is just. floating mountains. rocks in the sky. but humans aren’t allowed up there so it’s separate. there are two major places in the sennin world: KONGRONG MOUNTAIN and KINGOU ISLAND, which are home to human and youkai sennin respectively. neither school is exclusively one race but they are the majority human/youkai. 

there are racial tensions between human and youkai sennin because we can’t have nice things, ever.

ok. the STORY STARTS at the end of the YIN DYNASTY, which was a real dynasty in history. we open at the capital city of the yin, CHOUKA. we are introduced to yin’s emperor, CHUUOH. the emperor is widely described as being a great king with one fatal flaw. you know that Funny Saying about how men have two heads but they can only think with one of them at a time? well any time chuuoh is presented with a choice between thinking with the head on his shoulders or the head between his legs he’s gonna choose his d*ck every time. dude’s horny. it’s an issue. 

it’s especially an issue because his current favourite wife, DAKKI, is twice as smart as she is beautiful and boy is she smokin’. by the time we meet them, dakki has chuuoh wrapped around her finger and is causing him to make some pretty unwise leadership choices because Hehe Booby. taxes are high, morale is down, people are starving. refugees are leaving chouka, the capital, in droves. it’s a bad situation.

so. cut to KONGRONG MOUNTAIN, home of the human half of the sennin world. the leader of kongrong mountain, GENSHI TENSON, summons his disciple, TAIKOUBOU, and tells him about the situation in chouka, with dakki and chuuoh. 

genshi tenson: taikoubou. the emperor’s current wife is actually a YOUKAI SENNIN. she is seducing chuuoh not only with her looks, but with a spell called “temptation” that does what it says on the tin. she is driving the country to ruin taikoubou: that sounds pretty fucked up genshi tenson: yeah it is taikoubou: so what are you going to do about it genshi tenson: i’m making you defeat 365 pre-determined targets to seal their souls in a device i’ve made called the HOUSHINDAI. to seal someone in it is to HOUSHIN them. you will do this to defeat dakki and i will sit here eating dumplings taikoubou:                       okay!

(houshin engi =  封神演義, “封神” “houshin” “ 封”, hou, “seal”; “ 神” shin/kami, “god”. i’m nnnot entirely sure how to translate “ 演義”, engi, but it’s something like.... to write down as a story. so essentially houshin engi is “the story of the sealed gods”. the english translation of fengshen yani translates it as either “creation of the gods” or “investiture of the gods” because in the original myth all the taoists like die and then they get canonized as deities. or something. still working on reading it)

anyway. taikoubou initially rejects leading the HOUSHIN PROJECT, which is what this whole shebang is called, but genshi tenson threatens to kick him out of kongrong and send him back to earth if he doesn’t. ALSO, it’s revealed that this isn’t the first time dakki has made an emperor her sugar daddy. the last time it happened, her orders directly resulted in the deaths of taikoubou’s family. so he’s got some personal beef to pick with dakki as well!

so taikoubou accepts the challenge, and off he goes. a bunch of shit happens.

the important thing here is that dakki’s fucked around so much that simply booting her out isn’t going to do much good any more. chuuoh has lost the trust of the people! they are ready for a new king! even if chuuoh were to shape up completely everyone would still be holding their breath waiting for him to go off the deep end again. change needs to happen. 

under chuuoh’s rule there are four subordinate kings, one for each cardinal direction, that report to him. (they in turn rule a bunch of other guys but that’s not important.) the KING OF THE WEST, KI SHOU, was wrongfully imprisoned at chouka, capital of the yin, for several years. his son ki hakuyuukou came to try and rescue him but dakki ganked him and fed him to ki shou in a hamburger, rip hakuyuukou i hope you tasted nice. after the burger incident KOU HIKO convinces chuuoh to let ki shou go. sorry i kind of skipped over hiko existing. he’s a human member of chuuoh’s court but he isn’t swayed by dakki’s temptation and he has an Honest Heart so he’s a good guy. he’s also a military general which is a fact that will be important later.

anyway ki shou returns to SEIKI, his home town and the capital of the western states. seiki’s like a state capital whereas chouka is washington dc. anyway ki shou is like “hm that was fucked up.”

some more shit happens. i’m like skimming over all of the actual plot to just explain Why it happens. anyway. another member of chuuoh’s court is the sennin BUNCHUU. bunchuu is a human but he was taught at KINGOU ISLAND as opposed to kongrong. bunchuu has a deep personal stake in the existence of the yin empire. he’s ousted dakki a time or two before but she’s POWERED UP since the last time that happened and isn’t gonna quit so easily this time. bunchuu thinks everything will be solved if dakki can just die already.

some more shit happens. chuuoh accidentally causes the deaths of KOU HIKO’S wife and sister, so hiko’s like “fuck THIS, i’m outta here” and decides to leave chouka with his surviving family. 

bunchuu’s like “hey uh you’re the general of the entire fucking military and if you leave chouka the people’s hearts will go with you so you cannot do this thing?” and hiko’s like “bro the people’s hearts are already GONE i know you’re my best friend and also in love with me probably but i can’t stay at the scene of my trauma. bye”

so hiko leaves and bunchuu freaks out and there are assassins and shit but the kou family makes it to seiki safely.

by this point in time taikoubou is ALSO in seiki and has hit up ki shou like “hey you know the hearts of the people are ready for revolution also i think you would make a pretty good emperor?” and kishou is like “yeah man what happened in chouka was pretty fucked up so i can get behind that. i’m going to make a NEW DYNASTY, the ZHOU DYNASTY.”

then he dies because he’s old and traumatized from eating his son as a hamburger so the eldest living son, KI HATSU, assumes the throne and title of BUOU, which is like chuuoh but COOLER. 

so. there is war between the HUMANS, the YIN EMPIRE versus the fledgling ZHOU EMPIRE.

meanwhile bunchuu is having precisely None Of That! so he’s like “taikoubou........ if the sennin of kongrong are involved with this i’m going to drag ALL OF KINGOU ISLAND TO BATTLE, BECAUSE THIS IS A WISE AND INTELLIGENT CHOICE THAT WILL DEFINITELY WORK OUT WELL.”

so. there is war between the SENNIN, in the form of KINGOU ISLAND versus KONGRONG MOUNTAIN. apparently the floating mountains are also battleships? fujiryu likes his scifi. anyway that shit happens.

there is also DAKKI, who is still an enemy! though bunchuu fights against kongrong, he is not on her side! in fact, dakki is up to something SNEAKY AND NEFARIOUS, perhaps involving a MYSTERIOUS UNKNOWN BACKER. after all, she’s really smart! if all she wanted was a luxurious lifestyle, why is she convincing chuuoh to make shitty political decisions? and hey, what else has she been doing to chuuoh while bunchuu hasn’t been looking....?

ok. that is. a lot of words that kind of cuts off abruptly but i didn’t want to spoil any plot elements that you (ellis) haven’t gotten to yet. uh hopefully this makes things less confusing and not more lol. if you have any more questions just ask me?? yeah

[bevioletskies]

everybody wants to rule the world [1/8]

characters: peter/gamora, guardians-centric

summary: peter is the one and only heir to the celestial throne. gamora is expected to successfully lead the titans to conquer the galaxy. a political alliance is in the works, and there may or may not be wedding bells in the air. 

alternately: peter and gamora find themselves in an arranged marriage and want nothing to do with it, but might need each other more than they think if they want to escape their genocidal fathers forever.

word count: 9.8k

a/n: warning for creepy/abusive behavior from both thanos and ego towards their respective children throughout the entire fic. also note that this AU is very heavily based on the MCU versions of themselves, where things are basically only different because yondu took peter to ego after all.

fic title is from the song everybody wants to rule the world by tears for fears.

welcome to your life...there's no turning back...

ao3 | tag

“This is possibly the worst idea I’ve ever heard in my entire life.” With a dramatic groan, Peter threw himself down onto his mattress like a ragdoll, limbs sprawled out far enough that he could almost touch all the corners of his enormous four-poster bed. “And I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve had some pretty bad ones myself.”

“At least you’re acknowledgin’ it. And maybe ol’ Ego’s doing you a favor. Not like any girl’s gonna wanna marry you of her own free will,” Yondu teased. He leaned over Peter’s motionless form and gently poked him in the gut with the back end of his yaka arrow. “Quit whinin’, boy, you don’t even know what she’s like yet.”

“It don’t matter what she’s like,” Peter mumbled. His voice was muffled by the mountain of gold-fringed pillows he was currently face-planted in. Ego sure did have an affinity for decorating every square inch of everything - ever - in gold. Even Peter wasn’t this ostentatious. “She could be the most amazing woman in the entire galaxy, and I’d still hate this. I mean, what is this, the medieval ages? Do I have to joust some other dudes to win her hand or somethin’? Because from what I’ve heard about her, I think she’d rather kick my ass instead.”

“I understand just about none of what came outta your mouth just now.” Yondu sat at the foot of the bed, resting a hand on Peter’s ankle in sympathy, then immediately regretting it when he noticed Peter was entirely barefoot. “But you gotta suck it up, Quill. You fight your daddy on this, he gonna string you up like vermin, get you with that ‘light’ of his. Don’t make it worse for yourself.”

Peter turned slowly, propping himself up on his elbow. “D’you...do you think he’d make Mantis do it instead if I didn’t?” He sat up very suddenly, wrapping his arms around his knees, staring off listlessly into the distance. All he could see was his sweet, upbeat little sister, being forced into something she wouldn’t be able to escape, all because he decided to be a little selfish. No, he couldn’t afford to let that happen. Not to her. “Crap. I really do have to do this, don’t I?”

“If you’re asking me as your advisor, I’m telling ya, marrying this girl means an alliance with the Titans, and that’s a good thing. Get some of the most powerful forces in the entire galaxy on our side.” Yondu let out a slow exhale, shooting Peter a rueful smile. “If you’re asking me as your friend, I’m tellin’ you, now’s not the time to argue. Pick your battles, boy. In due time, we’ll be able to get you offa this cursed planet for good.” He grinned wider in what Peter suspected was meant to be in reassurance - though his gold teeth were only adding to the garish decor of Peter’s quarters - before standing and striding over to the door. As he was leaving, he turned to call, “Your girl’s gonna be here in two days, alright? So buck up! Maybe she’ll be more interesting than ya think.” ______

“Do you know why I’ve called you here, Gamora?”

Her dark eyes fixated on the back of the makeshift throne, zeroed in on the crevice by the crease of his elbow, a sight she had become so accustomed to that it was practically burned into her eyelids. “No, Father. Do enlighten me.”

“You watch your tone with me, girl, or you’ll force my hand.” The throne slowly began to rotate, the shadows moving across Thanos’s face to partially conceal the near-permanent scowl he was currently sporting. She flinched a little at the sight of the Infinity Gauntlet, fingers tapping idly on the armrest as if it were nothing more than a common glove. “It has been a long time coming, but we have finally made an agreement with the Celestials. You will be descending upon Ego in two days.”

“And what task do you have for me this time? And who will be accompanying me? My last job under Ronan did not end so well, through no fault of my own,” she added, folding her hands neatly behind her back, fingers intertwined. She hoped he couldn’t detect the way they were trembling. Shoulders back, chin up, she mentally reminded herself, as Thanos finally came into full view.

“Ronan was unworthy of calling himself an accomplice of mine. A subordinate, maybe. Vermin, more like. I had him taken care of,” he replied, grinning rather maniacally, though his eyes remained as coldly emotionless as ever. “Your task, Gamora, is to wed the Celestial prince.”

Gamora blinked. She wasn’t sure how else to respond. Had she fallen through some sort of wormhole and noticed? Stepped into an alternate dimension, perhaps? “I apologize, Father, but I believe I’ve misheard you,” she said slowly. “You want me to what?”

“Ego believes we have the completed Infinity Gauntlet, and I’m not about to correct him,” Thanos continued as if he hadn’t heard her. He held up his arm, turning his wrist slowly as if to admire the artifact, despite the fact it was currently empty. “And his Celestial abilities...they intrigue me. But we have never been able to come to terms until now, when we agreed on your marriage to his son. His only son, with Celestial abilities of his own, I might add. We’ll work together in the beginning, of course, so I can observe what he can do and how to dismantle him. Then, you and Nebula will slaughter Ego, and force the son to use his powers for our means.”

“There must be another way to do this,” Gamora protested, abandoning all pretense of her posture, letting her hands fall to her sides. “Why marriage? How could a wedding possibly benefit us? Am I not meant for more than this, Father? This seems below me...below everything you have prepared me for.”

“You think so little of marriage, do you?” Thanos sneered, leaning forward on his elbows, eyes narrowed as he stared down at her. For a moment, she felt like a small child again, thoroughly chastised for not being quick or clever enough. “This marriage is for political gain, for trust. We have to be smart about this. Not everything can be won by force, but by cleverness. It’s time you learned that. Your attitude is abhorrent, Gamora. And you will go to Ego in two days’ time.”

“And if I don’t?” She folded her arms across her chest, staring up at him, stance defiant. He only chuckled in response.

“Then I will send Nebula in your place.” With that, he turned away from her, but not before giving her one last horrendously unsettling smirk. ______

Peter was half-sprawled across his seat in the palace’s throne room, one leg hooked up over the armrest, his elbow on his knee, using his fist to prop up his head. He had been sitting here for at least two hours, and was irreversibly, undeniably, dreadfully bored.

“I see Dad couldn’t be bothered to show up,” he grumbled, looking over to Yondu. He immediately felt bad for complaining - at least he was sitting down. Yondu, as always, was standing by his side, though he had abandoned proper stance long ago, leaning against the throne so casually one would think it was his.

“You know he don’t care that much about all this business. He expects you to be the one to receive your future wife,” Yondu shrugged. “And it ain’t like her daddy’s coming with, so why should he hafta be here?”

“Because this is boring as hell!” Peter exclaimed a little too loudly, his voice echoing off the walls and ceilings of the enormous chamber. He shrunk a little in his seat at the sound. “I almost want Thanos to show up at this point. Can’t make things any worse, right?”

“Please, Peter.” Mantis reached for him from her throne, delicately setting her hand down on his forearm, wrapping her fingers around him and squeezing. “Be patient. I believe I can already sense their presence. There is much emotional turmoil in the air, something I do not usually feel.”

“What do you mean, ‘they’? I thought it was just her. And no one’s even told me her name yet, by the way,” Peter added.

“She brought an entourage of her own, of course,” Yondu said, baffled at Peter’s ignorance. “And hell, I don’t even know her name. Ego didn’t tell me shit, and I’m not about to start asking. She’ll introduce herself, I’m sure.”

As if on cue, the giant doors of the throne room swung open to reveal, to Peter’s surprise, just two young women, entirely alone aside from being escorted in by Kraglin, the palace’s head of the guard. He quickly sat up in his seat, leaning forward to get a better look as they began striding towards him.

Peter had, of course, heard about the Titans before. They weren’t so much a kingdom in the traditional sense as they were a dictator-led regime, what with all their leader’s adoptive children (the loose definition of ‘adopted’, anyway) being suited more for the battlefield than for any castle. So, he wasn’t surprised to see both women were decked out in full armor from head to toe, with leather padding at their shoulders, elbows, and knees, complete with hooded duster capes and masks that obscured the entire lower half of their faces. They were both relatively tall, at least six feet in height in their combat boots, an unparalleled fierceness in their dark eyes as they approached the elevated platform.

The herald, the poor brave soul, quickly stepped in front of them before they could get too close, and loudly announced, “Prince Peter and Princess Mantis, of the Celestial throne.” Peter couldn’t help but cringe at the descriptor - he hated hearing it, every single time, without fail. It might have sounded cool the first time he had been addressed in such a manner, when he was eight and the idea of being a prince had excited him to no end, but now it just felt oddly presumptuous, and moreover, undeserving.

“Your highnesses,” Peter said as calmly as he could, though inside, his heart was racing with anticipation. He bowed his head in grace. “Forgive the informality - we don’t usually have guests. And by usually, I mean never. So, uh. Hi.” He could practically hear Yondu face-palming beside him. “Um, introduce yourselves. Please.”

The women exchanged dubious looks, carrying out an astonishingly long wordless conversation with just their eyes to the point of making Peter squirm, until they finally turned back towards Peter and Mantis, their gaze considering. In near-perfect synchronicity, they pushed their hoods away and pulled their masks down around their necks, fully revealing their faces. The green-skinned girl took another step forward, her dark ponytail swinging slightly as she did. “My name is Gamora, daughter of Thanos, heir to the Titan throne, and your supposed future wife.” Her lip curled in distaste at the last one.

“Are you technically a princess?” Peter asked before he could stop himself. Mantis elbowed him in warning.

“That may be part of my title, but I am no princess,” she retorted, a hint of a snarl in her voice. She gestured at the other girl, who looked equally as irritable, sporting a rather impressive scowl. “This is my sister, Nebula.” Nebula grunted in what Peter supposed was meant to be a greeting.

“Hello!” Mantis said as cheerfully as she could muster, though even she looked hesitant about the whole ordeal. It didn’t help that both Gamora and Nebula were resting their free hand over the weapons holstered at their hips - Gamora appeared to have a sword, while Nebula had a pair of electrified blades. Nebula in particular looked like she was itching to use them. “Welcome to the planet Ego. Our father is a bit busy at the moment, as he is tending to some business off-planet, but I am sure we can work out all the details of this arrangement by ourselves.”

“This is a farce,” Nebula snapped very suddenly. “I’ve seen black market dealings more tightly run than this sham of a kingdom. What makes you so special?”

In lieu of answering, a rumble began rippling through the ground, causing Gamora and Nebula to tip precariously, stumbling over their own feet as they yanked out their weapons. A beam of white light shot out of the floor beneath them, spinning and twirling like a ballerina.

“I believe this is what you wanted to see, isn’t it? The Celestial power? So here. I bring you a peace offering,” Peter said patiently.

The beam of light came to a stop a few feet in front of the girls, flipping over to reveal two beautifully carved marble blades, the handles turned towards them. Cautiously, Gamora took a hesitant step forward before picking one up, surprised to find it quite light despite its notoriously heavy substance. She glanced back at Nebula, who also looked unusually aghast at the display.

“What is this really made of?” Gamora said suspiciously, looking up at Peter.

He chuckled, finally getting to his feet and making his way down the steps of the elevated platform. As he did, she could finally get a better look at his face - she knew nothing about him aside from his name, knew he possessed the Celestial genes of his father. Peter appeared to be younger than she initially thought - she’d heard all sorts of unappetizing stories about women even younger than she was getting married off to men at least twice their age - but he appeared to be no older than nineteen or twenty at the very most, like herself. He was handsome, she supposed, tall and broad, artfully disheveled with his haphazardly wind-blown hair and roguish, yet perfectly sculpted stubble. He was wearing a deep red, floor-sweeping leather cape over what looked to be otherwise normal clothes - a snug-fitting long-sleeved shirt and dark jeans - as if he had no inclination to keep up the appearances required of his title. He was unlike any other royalty she had ever seen, though admittedly, she wasn’t sure what she had been expecting to begin with.

“Some sort of compound I came up with myself. I dunno the science behind it, but it’s nice, right?” he grinned. The warmth of his voice was a little unsettling. “So. Let’s cut the crap about me sitting up there while you guys stand down here. I feel like I’m literally looking down on you guys. Dinner? You hungry?”

“As long as one of your people taste-test each of our dishes in front of us to prove its lack of poison,” Gamora returned, eyes narrowing, though he couldn’t help but notice her tucking the marble blade into her belt alongside the plethora of other weapons she had stowed with her. “This is an arrangement of professionalism. Not friendship. So lead the way.” ______

Peter and Mantis were somewhat surprised when Gamora and Nebula swept into the dining hall accompanied by three other figures they hadn’t seen before - an incredibly muscular man (perhaps too muscular, in Peter’s opinion) with swirling red tattoos all over his greenish-grey skin, a creature that looked to be an exact replica of a Terran raccoon, and a...tree?

“Drax and Groot lead our security detail, not that we need one,” Gamora smirked in response to Peter’s confused glance. “Rocket is our...aide. That’s his official title, at least. He mostly helps with our weaponry and tech. Father doesn’t know he’s here with us, however. It’s best he doesn’t know at all.”

“Ri-i-ight.” Peter decided it was best not to ask any more questions, instead gesturing for everyone to take a seat. He sort of hated the dining hall - like the rest of Ego’s palace, it consisted of glittering gold walls and floors, floor-to-ceiling curving windows, towering arches and columns covered in ornate patterns, and yet the very barest of furniture - just the excessively long table, enough chairs to seat fifty quite comfortably, and a few potted alien plants in the corners. They almost never ate here, considering how over-the-top it all was, but after Nebula’s biting remark, he wanted to at least try to provide some hospitality, or more accurately, show off just a little bit. His pride was at stake here, after all. “Would you like to discuss the terms of our, uh, arrangement over dinner, or would you rather leave it for another time?”

“Leaving it for another time requires us to remain in each other’s presence for longer than we need to.” Gamora pursed her lips. “Does that sound ideal to you?”

He frowned, offended. “Hey, I’m not a huge fan of this, either, but you don’t have to be hostile. If we wanna make this work, we gotta act like adults.”

“You really are unlike any other regime we’ve ever come across,” Gamora snorted. “The informality of both your reception and your speech are hardly good starting points for negotiations.”

Before Peter could open his mouth with what he was sure to be a clever comeback, the servants entered with trays of appetizers, setting them down delicately in front of each person and removing the cloches with a flourish. To his surprise, the guests appeared truly impressed for the first time, oddly fixated on the food for all of five seconds before they started digging in with great enthusiasm. “I dunno what this is, but it’s way better than what they served on Sanctuary,” Rocket said between bites, practically letting it spill out of his mouth as he spoke. Mantis wrinkled her nose a little in disgust.

“All our food is grown here,” Peter replied, smiling a little uncertainly. He was still unused to looking at Rocket and Groot especially. Having encountered many a strange alien every now and then, it was odd to see creatures that strongly resembled Terran biology. It made him ache for a brief moment in memory of his home planet.

They were mostly silent throughout the appetizer, something Peter and Mantis found uneasy. They usually ate alone together in one of the smaller sitting rooms whenever Ego wasn’t home, chatting excitedly about their days. Peter especially liked talking, was even considered to be relatively good at it. As far as his people were concerned, it was made him a more personable leader, made them feel like they were talking to a friend instead of their ruler.

By the time they got to the main course, Peter finally spoke again, as he could stand the quiet no longer. “What’s it like, being a Titan?” He glanced around at the others, hoping that one of them, any of them, would reply. The tree didn’t seem too talkative - he had enthusiastically introduced himself a few times when they had first walked in, but since then had just been sitting in silence, a pleasant (if a little vacant) smile on his face. Nebula hadn’t said a word since she yelled at him earlier, and Drax seemed content on stuffing his face with as much food as possible in the shortest amount of time.

“Does it have bearing on our arrangement?” Gamora returned easily.

“Well...no. I was just making conversation.” His eyes narrowed a little. Was she really that disinterested in talking about anything other than their so-called marriage? It was like pulling teeth with her.

Twisting her mouth in displeasure once more, Gamora slammed her fork and knife down on the table. “Fine. You really want to know what it’s like, being a leader of Titan? Nebula and I were taken from our homes as children, raised to be weapons of mass destruction. We were taught how to kill another being in a hundred different ways by the age of ten, have slaughtered both criminals and innocents by the dozens on never-ending paths of terror. Our beds are rock, and our insides are steel. We are no princesses, like your sister here. We are warriors.” Gamora got to her feet, her chair sliding abruptly across the floor with an uncomfortable screech, and promptly stormed out, her hair and her cape swishing behind her.

“Well done,” Nebula said sarcastically after a moment of stunned silence. “You really are as useless as you look.” She stood as if to go after her sister, but Mantis got there first, holding out a hand towards Nebula in warning.

“I will take care of it,” she said, her voice low. For the first time since the Titans’ arrival, her antennae began to glow, bending towards Nebula in a hypnotizing dance. Slowly, in a dream-like state, Nebula sank back down into her chair, her usually narrowed dark eyes now blown wide with fear. “Do not leave this room.”

Once Mantis had left the room in pursuit of Gamora, Nebula shook herself a little, the fog lifting from her head. “What was that?” she hissed. “What did she do to me?”

“Don’t underestimate my sister,” Peter said, tilting his chin somewhat triumphantly. “Mantis is an empath. I’m sorry it had to come to that - she never uses her powers without permission - but we don’t exactly condone violence here. Dad doesn’t want us to ruin the lovely decor.”

A few awkward minutes later, with everyone banging their cutlery and cups a little louder to cover for the silence, Mantis returned with Gamora in tow, who also looked just as abashed as her sister had. “I realize my outburst was unhelpful in continuing our discussion,” she said, returning to her seat. “If we are truly to carry out this...arrangement of our respective fathers, then we need to at least know the very basics about each other. So please, tell me about yourself and your kingdom.”

Smiling easily, it was now Peter’s turn to put his fork down. “Well, for starters, it’s not really a kingdom? This planet is Ego himself. The humanoid form you’ll be meeting is more of an avatar, a physical body he uses to communicate with people. He used to be entirely alone out here until he found Mantis when she was a baby, orphaned on her homeworld. Me, I was born on Terra. I lived with my mom until I was eight, didn’t even know my dad wasn’t human. She...died, of cancer, and Dad sent Yondu to pick me up and bring me here. After he convinced me to stay, I managed to convince him it would be easier to maintain the planet and his creations if there were people living here, doing some honest work. So we looked for people like Mantis who had been lost, looking for purpose. Ever since then, the place has really become its own. We have a population of two billion people from all over the galaxy. They aren’t really Celestials - the only living Celestials, as far as we know, are me and Dad - but we kinda call them that because there really isn’t another name to give ‘em.”

“It appeared quite vacant when we first arrived,” Gamora commented thoughtfully. The tightness in her voice was fading away in favor of curiosity. “This territory...is it only for your family?”

“Yes,” Mantis said, nodding enthusiastically. She, too, had lost the hardness in her eyes from confronting Nebula earlier. “The only civilians allowed in this area are those who work in the palace.”

“And what of their families?” Gamora prompted. “They must live quite far away from here, then.”

Peter and Mantis exchanged nervous looks. “Most of them don’t really...have family,” Peter said tentatively. “The ones who work here are usually the ones who have already lost their families. We find that giving them work renews their outlook on life, despite the fact that their loved ones are gone.” Drax twitched so suddenly that Peter was almost certain he had imagined it. “Many of them manage to find new families in those they work with - friends, significant others. And if they have children, they’re allowed to live in their parents’ quarters in the palace. I know we might seem disorganized, but I promise, it’s just because we haven’t been around for very long. We don’t have the centuries of history that other kingdoms have, but we kinda have an idea of what worked and what didn’t by observing others.”

“And your father never uses his abilities on your people?” Nebula quirked an eyebrow in doubt. “I don’t believe that.”

“Only for good. We provide what we can,” Peter nodded. “Dad does most of it, though it kinda drains him. He usually gets Mantis to use her powers to help keep him sane. Me, I’m still not great at it. I’ve only got about ten years of experience under my belt. Still learning.”

“Interesting,” Gamora drawled, leaning back in her chair. She pulled the marble blade from her belt, holding it up to eye level briefly before pressing its tip into the surface of the dining table, twirling it with one finger resting on the hilt. “We’ve been to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. Heard tales of the Celestials, what they were capable of. Rumors, of what they could do. What they might do, given the chance.”

“If you’re implying that my dad’s doing something wrong - ” Peter began, but Gamora interrupted him instantly.

“I’m in no position to judge. Look at our father,” she said with a derisive snort. “Look at what he’s asked of me. And let’s not be naive here, Peter Quill. Thanos and Ego didn’t set this up to play matchmaker. They want to unite our powers. They want something far beyond anything we could imagine alone. The real question is, what are we going to do about it?”

“Do about it?” Peter echoed rather dumbly.

“Absolute power,” she said slowly, leaning across the table (well, as best she could. It was unreasonably wide) to stare him down. “Do we let it happen, or do we make it go away entirely?”

“Well, this conversation just took a turn,” Yondu commented dryly, the first time he had spoken since dinner started. Gamora and Nebula were surprised to see him speak out of turn, but Peter, as always, only poked him in retaliation before turning back to observe the girls.

Before Peter could properly gather his thoughts, the servers came back to remove their plates and bring out dessert, elaborate puddings and cakes topped with heaps of fruit and sugary crystalline structures. It was the bare bones of a distraction, though, as he instead began to wonder what the Titans had really come here for. Gamora’s words implied that she wanted to go against Thanos, to stop him before it was too late. He wasn’t sure whether to interpret Nebula’s silence as agreeance, or at least, compliance, but she seemed to be something of a wildcard, guided more by self-preservation than logic. And okay, Peter knew that his dad wasn’t exactly squeaky clean, either - there were places he and Mantis were never allowed to go within spitting distance of, and they’d been punished by the light before, enough times for Peter to comfortably refer to it as abuse (in his mind, anyway. There was no telling what would happen if he said it out loud). But was it enough to justify defiance? Or, more accurately, treason? Was it treason?

“What are you proposing here, then? I’m guessing it’s not marriage,” Peter said, half-teasing, though his insides were beginning to twist unpleasantly at her insinuations.

Gamora cast yet another glance at Nebula, who nodded sharply at her in a surprising show of support. When she looked back at Peter and spoke once more, he was surprised to hear a hint of desperation in her voice for the first time. “I’m proposing an alliance, between my people and yours, that do not involve our respective fathers, before anyone gets hurt,” she said. “You have no idea the kind of horrors Thanos will unleash upon this universe, should he succeed in his plans.”

“And what is his plan?” Peter felt Yondu place a hand on his arm in warning, but he shook him off. He wanted to hear this, wanted to know where this was going.

“To pretend that this marriage is only that,” she said, her voice beginning to tremble. “We are to observe your father, find out the full potential of a Celestial and how to use it to our advantage. Then, kill him to take control of this planet, and manipulate you into working for us.”

Peter, stunned into silence, felt his spoon slip between his fingers. The clattering sound it made upon striking the bottom of his bowl only intensified the persistent ringing in his ears. Heart racing, his eyes flickered over towards Yondu, who had also frozen at Gamora’s admittance. “Mantis?” Yondu finally said. “What do ya think, girl?”

Mantis cocked her head in observance, her face utterly blank aside from her eyes roaming Gamora’s face, her antennae moving gently as if to bow to the other girl. “She is speaking the truth,” she finally said. “Thanos does intend on killing Father. Or rather, having her kill Father.”

“Then they should know our truth,” Peter said, standing abruptly.

“Don’t be stupid, Quill,” Yondu warned, once again reaching for his arm and getting shaken off instantly. Sighing, he threw his hands up in the air in defeat and leaned back. “It’s your funeral, boy.”

“You speak quite freely for a subordinate,” Drax interjected. “Have you no respect for your master?”

“Oh, so you do talk!” Yondu retorted.

“Only when it is required of me,” Drax replied irritably. “I see no use in yammering on like a schoolchild, with nothing of importance to say.”

“That would imply what you just said was useful!”

“Hey, leave Drax alone,” Rocket snapped, jumping up onto his chair and pounding a fist on the table, rattling the dishes around him. “What the hell is this ‘our truth’ business about, Quill?”

“Do not talk to him like that,” Mantis snapped, her antennae angling themselves towards Rocket as she, too, shot out of her seat. “You will address him as ‘your highness’ or ‘Prince Peter’ - ”

“No, don’t - everyone just shut up!” Peter yelled. Silence immediately fell across the table. He wasn’t sure when everyone else had stood up. “You guys need to know...if Dad dies, this planet dies too. Everyone on it dies. Children...families. And I’ll lose my Celestial powers.”

“Quill!” Yondu hissed, but Peter only flapped a hand at him to shut him up.

“The only way that your dad can get what he wants…” Peter trailed off, hesitant to finish the sentence. He wasn’t liking his odds.

“...is if we kill you instead,” Gamora finished, sinking back down. “Hit your father where it hurts, but not lose the chance for a Celestial slave. Well, we’re not doing that.”

“Really?” Peter exclaimed before he could stop himself. After her whole spiel about her and Nebula being experienced killers, he almost expected them to take him down where he stood.

She glared daggers at him in return. Okay, fair. It did sound rather judgemental, now that he thought about it. “Does it look like Nebula and I want to carry out Thanos’s plans? We’ve been discussing what to do while on our journey here, and we’ve come to the conclusion that the best way to prevent certain death is to work with you. To stop Thanos from committing genocide with your father’s powers.”

“You’re kidding.” Peter looked once again to Mantis, who shook her head in affirmation. “You know, a little warning would’ve been real helpful. And what were you gonna do if Dad was here?”

“I would have asked for a private meeting,” Gamora said, shrugging. Her face softened. “Quill, please, don’t make me beg. Billions will perish if we choose not to interfere. If we do nothing, we are helping Thanos succeed. We are helping him hurt people...torture them...in the ways that he did to us.” To illustrate Gamora’s point, Nebula wordlessly lifted her arm, disengaging her robotic hand to demonstrate the cybernetics inside, the twists and turns of the wiring and metal that now made up the majority of her body.

Once again, Peter found himself speechless, unsure of what to say, as he fixated on Nebula’s display of vulnerability. “Listen, I...I don’t know what you were expecting from me. Because you’re asking a lot here, and I’m no hero. But...if I can help...if we can help…” Mantis nodded encouragingly, though Yondu continued to look concerned. “...then we’ll do what we can,” he finished, giving Gamora a weak smile in return. “What exactly did you have in mind?”

Gamora finally smiled as well, a genuine warmth beginning to spread across her face. Peter’s breath hitched a little at the sight. “Well, first of all…” ______

“You must be crazy,” Nebula said snidely, half-stomping into the bathroom without warning, hopping up onto the counter - gold-laced marble, of course, to match the rest of the garish decor.

Gamora barely glanced away from the mirror, still vigorously brushing her teeth. Admittedly, she hadn’t felt this clean in months - her last mission had her hiding out in the lush forests of Dervani, and Sanctuary lacked the facilities that Ego’s palace boasted in spades. It was refreshing to not have a thin layer of ash covering her skin for once. “What is it this time?”

“After all that, you’re still going to marry that idiot?” Nebula scoffed. She picked up one of the bars of soap from the bathroom counter, snorting when she realized it was in the shape of a rose.

“I already explained this to you.” Gamora let out a long-suffering sigh. “We can’t give away our betrayal to Thanos until the opportune moment strikes to kill him, once and for all. We must pretend for everyone’s sake that Quill and I are oblivious to his and Ego’s plans. And Quill, he isn’t as naive as I expected, but he seems quite adequate at pretending to be. We just have to pretend we don’t care.”

“And I don’t,” Nebula snapped. Gamora shot her a dirty look in response. “Fine, but only because I have nothing better to do,” she said, relenting. “Still, you’re really going to follow through with this?”

“What other choice do we have?” Gamora rinsed her mouth, taking a moment to observe her reflection. And really, they didn’t. ‘Only choice’ - an oxymoron. It was a risk, saying anything at all, assuming that Peter, Mantis, and Yondu were indeed going to keep to their word, and not go to Ego and tell him of her plans. But despite the dubious nature of their kingdom, its undecided role in the cosmos, she felt like she could trust them. Either that, or all three of them were incredibly gifted actors. “We’re trapped, Nebula. If we choose to look the other way, the entire universe could get wiped out. If I refuse to marry Quill, Thanos will begin with killing us. We must take the narrowest path, and navigate with great caution - I marry Quill, we remain here on this planet and work with our new allies. When Thanos decides to strike, that’s when we take him down, and escape our old lives. Forever.”

“I do like the sound of that,” Nebula admitted. “Though you seem rather optimistic about being able to take down our father despite having no idea how to do so.”

“Someone has to be,” Gamora murmured. “The other three are about as confident in my plans as you are. Though I can’t say I’m enthused myself - Quill seems competent, but his attitude worries me. And I don’t know how rational he’ll be in battle, but...I was quite rash earlier myself. I don’t like disclosing our histories to just about anyone.”

“Well, he’s not just about anyone, he’s your future husband,” Nebula said with a smirk. “Let’s just agree that you’re both crazy. What a match made in heaven.” ______

The next morning, Peter found himself pacing up and down his study, nerves rapidly fraying, glancing at the clock every so often as if it were going to make a difference. He had arranged to have a private meeting with Gamora, but she was already ten minutes late. Had something happened to her? Or, more likely, did she decide not to come after all? He could practically hear Yondu’s voice in his head - “Quit pacin’, boy, you’re gonna wear holes in that carpet!” - but he couldn’t help but worry.

Gamora had certainly turned out to be more - complex wasn’t quite the right word, but he wasn’t sure what else was - than he thought. Peter was familiar with Thanos’s reputation, knew of the great and terrible horrors he had committed across the galaxy. Ego had chosen to look the other way, as he often did (“We can’t concern ourselves with the affairs of others, Peter, they’re far beyond our help”), but every single time he heard of yet another devastating event, Peter couldn’t help but think about what he could have done, had he been there. He had truly meant it when he told the others yesterday that he was no hero. He used his powers for menial tasks - lifting heavy objects, creating things out of thin air, reaching for the television remote when he couldn’t be bothered to get up. He knew he could be capable of so much more, though he couldn’t help but blame Ego a little bit for holding him back.

But yes, back to Gamora. She was intimidating, that was for sure. Almost frightening at times, the way she held herself, and he still had yet to see her famous fighting prowess. There were stories of her that transcended the entirety of space - daughter of Thanos, the deadliest woman in the galaxy, so on and so forth - but he had never heard her actual name until now. Seeing her in person, he was admittedly in awe. She was constantly in control - even when she had stormed off, the entire room had fallen silent, as if her presence commanded everyone to look and listen to her without her ever having to actually ask. There was true power behind every move she made, every word she spoke. Secretly, Peter also found her quite beautiful - captivating, even, but he was most impressed by her show of humanity. He would never have expected it from a person with her reputation, but maybe that was what made it all the more genuine. Her concern for others, her insistence on saving them, was a sign of maturity that Peter couldn’t have anticipated.

His musings were interrupted when the doors of his study abruptly swung open. Gamora stood tall, in a lesser version of her armor (though still no less impressive), sans cape. “This palace is impossible to navigate,” she informed him haughtily.

“Hello to you too,” Peter said, gesturing at the plush armchairs in front of the ornate brick fireplace. “Please, have a seat.”

“You speak of servants, and yet I’ve run into almost no one on my way here,” she continued as she sat down. “That man who led us to your throne, Kraglin, he said he was the head of the guard, but I’ve seen almost no ‘guard’ the whole time we’ve been here.”

“You’ve been here for less than a day,” Peter reminded her as he settled into the other chair. “And like I said, we aren’t that old-school. The guard only really exists for the off-chance that someone declares war, which probably isn’t gonna happen, aside from Thanos. Most of them are just stationed among the population to protect the people, act more as police than security for planet-wide threats.”

She nodded, folding one leg neatly over the other, staring into the crackling fire. She briefly wondered if it was real, or if it was manufactured by his Celestial abilities. “Why have you summoned me, Quill?”

“Our post-dinner discussion went kind of nuts yesterday when everyone kept wanting to talk about what they thought. Or maybe we all just like to talk too much,” he chuckled softly. “Anyways, I thought, y’know, maybe we could try to figure out a plan ourselves, without everyone else’s ‘input’.”

“Fair enough. Where do we begin?”

“Well, this might be a good start.” Peter opened the palm of his hand and extended it towards her. She watched as his fingers were swathed in white light, weaving and winding their way up his arm in ribbon-like formation. A small, completely smooth sphere of white marble suddenly appeared, levitating a couple inches above his hand, turning over and over and over again until it had transformed into a perfectly-shaped ring. In its very center was a large, pale green diamond, ensconced in an intricate carving of two blades with a double helix hilt. Gamora, at a loss for words, could only stare as the ring floated over to her, hovering in front of her face. She held up her hand in uncertainty, splaying her fingers outwards, and the ring delicately slid itself onto her finger. “What do you think?”

“It’s a bit eccentric for an engagement ring,” she said, her voice hoarse with an emotion she couldn’t name. “But I’ll accept it.”

“Cool!” he said cheerfully, apparently oblivious to the indefinable expression on her face. “So, we tell our dads we’ve agreed to get married. I’m guessing they both want it to happen as soon as possible, so they can start taking over the galaxy together or whatever while simultaneously figuring out how to screw each other out of the deal. In the meantime, while they’re busy playing mind games, we start figuring out the best way to stop them. We also have to play nice in public as well. My dad likes to do all these over-the-top events for our people - he’s a real show-off - so I doubt our wedding is gonna be anything less than insane.”

“That sounds horrendous and I want no part in it,” Gamora replied, frowning.

“Well, we gotta make the best out of a really bad situation. You might be used to doing stuff like this, but I’m not, and it just seems really freaking dangerous.” He leaned back in his seat, his hands beginning to glow again, though he had no intention of creating anything.

“I don’t know if we’ll be able to escape my father, let alone kill him,” she said gently. “But yours…”

“He’s not...it’s...it’s complicated.” He continued to twist his fingers together. “I’m never really sure how to feel about him. You probably don’t feel that way about Thanos, considering what he did to you and your sister - you know exactly how you feel. But Dad...I hated him when we first met, because he was never there for me, never there for my mom, until she was already gone. Then he showed me the kind of power I was capable of. And I was a kid back then, so I went along with it, loved what he could show me. I don’t know if it means I love him, you know? And he gets really mad at me and Mantis sometimes, punishes us with this ‘light’ if we don’t obey him. But he always acts like he’s some kind, loving father most of the time. And...maybe that’s the scariest part of all.”

Gamora fell silent, unsure of how to respond. She still knew so little of this man, and yet she could already tell that he was an open book. She wasn’t sure what had spurred him to tell her something so intimate, but she was glad to have heard it, grateful, almost, to know he already trusted her enough to share such a story. “I’m sorry to hear that,” she said quietly. “Will he be returning soon?”

“He passed on the message this morning - he’ll be back by tomorrow evening at the very latest. We’ll have to be really careful around him, but I think I can convince him to let you stay in my quarters instead - I’ll make something up about how I really like you - wait, that came out wrong - ” He let out a panicked breath. “I mean, I don’t know you well enough to say whether I like you or not? You seem pretty cool, but - ”

“Quill, are you always like this?” Gamora interrupted, exasperated, though she was secretly sort of amused. She hadn’t been so tempted to smile around another person that wasn’t Nebula in a very, very long time. His ability to switch from an emotional monologue to babbling nonsense was rather entertaining.

“Pretty much,” Peter admitted, laughing. “Anyways, I’ll tell my dad that I want to keep you close by, you can move into the spare room in my quarters, and that way, it’ll be easier for us to have private conversations. It would also make it easier for your people to come under the guise of wanting to see you, and we can have all our big discussions right here. Hopefully we can fly under the radar that way, avoid making Dad suspicious.”

“Understood.” Her eyes wandered around the rest of the room for the first time, taking in the bookshelves and desk, the multiple tables and chairs. It was so unlike the furnishing she had seen more than enough of in other parts of the palace, lacking the gold she had already become so accustomed to. Everything was, for lack of a better word, old-fashioned. Dark woods, scratched and marked, a ding here and there. Linen and cotton trimmings in place of silks and velvets, mismatched colors and stains that looked like they had been there for years. It was quite homely compared to the arrogance of every other room. It was surprising, considering Peter had such confidence, such a swagger in his step that exuded, well, ego. She had been expecting the same amount of exuberance, but instead, there was something humbling about his quarters, warm and inviting. “If my people and I are to live here for the time being, however long that may be, I request a proper tour. Nebula and I would specifically like to see your training facilities, as we have a very strict exercise regimen to adhere to.”

“Of course. We could do it now, if you’d like,” he offered.

“Have you no duties to attend to today?” she asked.

“Uh, well, Dad...he doesn’t really trust me or Mantis to do anything but sit around and look pretty,” Peter confessed, scratching awkwardly at the back of his neck as he stood. “We have a decent amount of say in the politics, as long as he’s actually present. But when he’s gone? The place sort of...runs itself.”

“That sounds improper, but it somehow seems to work for you,” Gamora acquiesced, also getting to her feet. “Let’s go.” ______

Mantis was thrilled when Peter asked her to lead the tour with him, though Gamora’s people seemed less enthused. The Celestial siblings were already showing their hand at being quite capable of talking fifty miles per minute if it pleased them, and it certainly did.

“The abridged version would have been sufficient,” Gamora commented, though not unkindly, when they arrived at their last stop, the gardens at the very back of the palace. “I was aware this place was quite large, but I wasn’t expecting it to take two whole hours.”

“You have somewhere better to be?” Yondu snorted. Offended, Gamora scowled at him, though he seemed unmoved by her display.

“Play nice, Yondu,” Peter chastised.

“I am Groot.” They all turned towards Groot, who had settled down on the edge of the fountain, his beady dark eyes staring around in wonder at the lushness of his surroundings. Peter had to admit, the gardens were his favorite part of the palace, especially as a child - twelve-foot tall hedges surrounding them in every direction, winding stone pathways interwoven with crushed glittering crystals, hundreds of enormous flower bushes blossoming to their very fullest, neatly trimmed grass that was as green as far as the eye could see. Stone benches that were artfully worn and carefully placed, the occasional tree bursting with ripe fruit and flowers, the idle chirp of a bird gently piercing the air every now and then. And of course, the enormous fountain in the very middle of it all, made of - what else? - gold, boasted a statue of Ego, his cape suspended halfway as if it were fluttering in the wind, and atop his shoulders, eight-year-old Peter and six-year-old Mantis. They were both wearing crowns dripping in jewels and intricate scroll-like carvings, which they had never worn in real life. Aside from the fountain, the Titans were surprised to find the gardens rather tasteful.

“How gaudy,” Nebula said of the statue. “Your father’s name suits him, Quill.”

“Yeah, it’s a little on-the-nose, isn’t it?” Peter laughed. Nebula looked taken aback at Peter’s agreeance with her. “Anyways, I hope we managed to entertain you for the last couple hours, and that you’ll be able to find your way around here a little easier now.”

“You didn’t, and we won’t,” Rocket drawled, though he softened somewhat when he joined Groot at the fountain. “No, don’t drink the water, you d’ast idiot.” Groot appeared to be offended at being caught.

Continuing to chuckle, Peter moved to join Gamora as the others began wandering off among the foliage. “So? Impressed?”

“‘Satisfied’ would be more accurate,” she replied, folding her arms across her chest defensively. “It’s a better sight than Sanctuary. My bed...I feel as if I could have sunk right through to the floor.” Looking almost remorseful, she added softly, “I almost slept in.”

Surprised by her admittance, or rather, the fact she felt it was worthy of guilty admittance, he gave her a gentle smile in return. “Hey, you know you don’t have to stick to a schedule or anything, right? Like I’ve been saying, this kingdom is pretty damn lax. Aside from, y’know, my kinda violent dad? But he only does that to me and Mantis, so you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

“You seem unsettlingly nonchalant about that fact,” she said firmly. “It’s not right.”

“No, it’s not, but...what can you do?” he shrugged. He took another cautious step closer so they were nearly shoulder-to-shoulder, gazing out to the gardens.

She looked up at him. “You can do something,” she said quietly. “Which is what we’re going to do. And if it were up to me, we would have an army standing behind us. But something tells me your so-called ‘guard’ isn’t exactly up to the task.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? We’ve got perfectly good soldiers,” Peter protested.

“It’s hard to believe you when you also tell me that you and your sister apparently do nothing of importance all day. That can’t possibly be a good influence on your subjects. How do you better your minds, your bodies? How can you be so sure you’re ready for impending war?” she whispered urgently, casting a nervous glance at their people, who were now all gathered around the fountain, making conversation. Rocket seemed to have said something that made everyone laugh.

“You think I don’t know how to fight?” he replied, teasing. He was hardly offended by her insinuation, considering her violent background in contrast with his cushy lifestyle, but hey, he couldn’t help but want to show off a little in response. “Oh, I can fight. Pretty decently, actually.”

“I’d like to see that,” she said, a smirk beginning to form. “I need to know who I’m fighting alongside, after all.” Gesturing for her to lead the way, the two of them walked to an open field of grass not too far from the others, free of the excessive amounts of foliage and rocks that occupied the other areas of the gardens. “I’ll be lenient,” she continued, removing her utility belt and tossing it aside. “No weapons. Hand-to-hand only.”

“That’s very kind of you, thank - oof!” Gamora had almost instantly roundhouse-kicked him in the gut as he spoke, causing Peter to stumble back several feet, nearly tipping head over heels right from the start. “Oh, it’s that kind of fight, hey?”

He swung, aiming for her shoulder, hoping to at least disarm her, only for her to catch his fist immediately and shove him downwards, slamming his head into the ground. “You’re not very good at this, are you?” she said tauntingly, straddling him, her hands wrapped firmly around his biceps to hold him there.

“I’m good when the other person doesn’t fight dirty.” Trying to ignore the press of her hips against his, he wrestled his arms out from her grasp and reached up to yank on her ponytail, causing her to cry out in pain, arching her back as he pulled. He took the opportunity to strike her now-exposed torso with his elbow, and as she rolled off of him, he pounced, pinning her to the ground, forearm braced against her throat, pushing her chin upwards.

“Pulling my hair? That’s the act of a child,” she chuckled weakly. “What was that about playing dirty again?” There was a brightness in her eyes that he hadn’t seen before, a sort of joy that he suspected didn’t come easy to her. He could only hope that she was already beginning to feel comfortable around him, or trust him, at the very least.

“Peter! I do hope that’s your future wife you’ve got underneath you there, and not another one of your trysts!” A booming voice from no more than fifteen feet away suddenly made Peter’s blood run cold. He and Gamora turned their heads to see Ego standing before them, hands on his hips, cape billowing behind him (Peter was at least ninety-five percent sure that he had created a permanent wind that followed him around for moments such as this). “Care to introduce us?”

Peter scrambled to his feet, bowing his head in submission. “Dad. This is Gamora of the Titans, daughter of Thanos. And yes, she is. She accepted my proposal.”

Gamora stood as well, bending fully at the waist before extending her left hand to shake, allowing the green diamond to glint spectacularly in the sunlight for Ego to see. “It is an honor to meet you,” she murmured. “Your planet is unlike anything me and my people have ever seen before, and we have been to the furthest reaches of the galaxy.”

Peter couldn’t help but notice it wasn’t actually a compliment, but knowing his father, he would certainly think it was. “Powerful, kind, and beautiful,” Ego chuckled, clasping her hand between both of his. “I chose wisely, didn’t I, Peter?”

“You’re home early,” Peter replied in lieu of answering the slightly creepy question. “Something go wrong?”

“On the contrary, my boy. Just checking up on one of my projects, and it went pretty well. Too well, in fact, which is why I’m back now!” Ego grinned, letting go of Gamora’s hand. “I see you’ve fashioned quite the ring for your girl.” Gamora’s eyes narrowed at the nomenclature, though she chose not to comment, instead opting to move back to Peter’s side.

“She’s not - Dad, come on,” Peter sighed, scratching at the back of his neck awkwardly. “I do have one request, by the way. I’d like for Gamora to stay in the spare room in my quarters.”

Ego raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And why’s that, son?”

“I’d...like to get to know her better. And I see no reason for her to remain in the guest wing when she’s going to be more than just a guest,” Peter said, giving her a tentative smile. Her eyes met his, a little more warmth returning, though her mouth remained downturned at the corners, stiff.

Ego’s eyes twinkled with mirth, clapping his hands together joyously. “Do I sense something in the air, Peter? Love, maybe? Or should I ask Mantis what she thinks?”

“Let’s not be hasty here,” Peter said, panicked, looking back to his father. “C’mon, Dad, don’t embarrass me.”

“I’m your dad, Peter, it’s my job to embarrass you,” he laughed, stepping forward to throw an arm over Peter’s shoulder, not-so-subtly guiding him away from Gamora. “Now, tell me all about what’s been going on since I left…” ______

Peter and Gamora weren’t alone again until nighttime, when she packed up her bags (or rather, bag) from the guest wing and accompanied him to his quarters, making their way through the eerily quiet palace, the open-air corridors bathing them in a wash of moonlight. “Sorry about my dad,” Peter said. “Like I was saying - not the most stable guy in the world.”

“Do your people know of his actions against you and your sister?” Gamora asked.

“You kidding? Of course not. Can you imagine what it’d be like if they did? Total chaos. Everyone would go running for their lives to Xandar or something.” He opened the door to his private quarters, motioning for her to enter. “Plus, it’d probably just open up the possibility of him doing it to anyone he wants to. Turn this place into a damn nightmare.”

“Considering his abilities, I’m surprised he chose to run his planet with generosity instead of coercion,” she added. “I suppose it must be your and Mantis’s influence. You have been very hospitable, if a little unorthodox. I’ve seen no signs of instability in either of you.”

“Well, I dunno about that. We all have our demons, don’t we? Things that drive us crazy?” Peter led her into the sitting room, which was every bit as cozy as his study, with large plush couches and modest furnishings. There was a sunken area in the back, which featured a few bookshelves flanked by identical-looking doors, and in between, a large set of gold-embossed double doors. He pointed to the door on the very left. “Your room is through there - has a private bathroom and everything. The big doors here are to my bedroom, so just knock before you come in. Everything else is open to you if you’d like, not that you’ll find anything interesting. It’s just a lot of books, keepsakes, random junk, that kinda thing.”

She nodded, smiling faintly. “Thank you, Quill.” She moved to open the door to her room, though her fingers lingered on the doorknob in hesitation as she turned to glance at him one last time over her shoulder. “Also, your fighting methods are unconventional, which may come in handy against disciplined warriors such as myself, but perhaps not the most effective way of doing things. I could help train you if you’d like. For our future endeavors, of course.”

His smile deepened, though he ducked his head away from the intensity of her gaze, feeling unusually shy. “Yeah, that...that’d be awesome. Thanks. Uh, night.”

“Goodnight.” She nodded curtly before disappearing behind the door. Peter chuckled to himself in wonderment at what exactly he’d gotten himself into as he made his way into his own bedroom.

a/n: hello lovelies, and welcome to a fic that is not my 20 questions 'verse for once! i really liked the idea of playing around with a modern royalty AU while still keeping it pretty close to their MCU selves, since that's apparently how i do my AUs. i also wanted to have a celestial!peter since i low-key wish they had explored that a little more in gotg vol. 2. like, concept - peter using his celestial powers in infinity war against thanos. is it just me that wants to see that, haha

this was originally gonna be a three-part oneshot but i'm unexpectedly going back to school in january, so now it's an eight-chapter fic to give me more time to work on it. i hope this will also give me a chance to get feedback from you guys as i write. unlike my other fic, i don't have a set schedule on when i'm posting updates, as i'll probably go days without writing once midterms come around, but i do know i'll be posting chapter 2 on december 15th, so i hope y'all are looking forward to that :)

thank you so much for reading, i hope you enjoyed it as much as i enjoyed writing it. likes and reblogs would be much appreciated, and see you in the next chapter!

[mostfacinorous]

Gosh you are so talented! 💫 can I ask for an au where Steve has magic too (sorry I can’t remember what the Asgardians call it) but Steve has no idea and Loki is the one to find out (Steve/Loki please!!)

Oh boy this one ran away. It’s 3k words of fic, so it’s under a cut.

But gosh, I wonder if this has anything to do with…

Steve Rogers was not supposed to get sick. Supposedly they’d taken care of that the same day that he had tripled in size and gained the ability to toss tanks. But at least, he figured, trying to find the silver lining, at least his body had waited until things had settled down a bit to have a fit.

Thanos was dead, the remains of the gauntlet had been destroyed or scattered as far as possible. The guardians had flown off with a bit, Strange had taken some to who knew where… all of it was, quite frankly, no longer Steve’s problem. Which was how he wanted it. Earth was safe, no wars were breaking out… it was good.

He’d been on orders to relax anyway, so it seemed this was just nature’s way of trying to make sure he did.

The rest of his team was doing the same, though most of them had gone elsewhere to do it. Nat was in Hawaii. Sam was visiting relatives in Georgia. Bucky was rediscovering himself by visiting places he’d been– and when his memories brought him home to Brooklyn, Steve was usually invited, but last he’d heard he was in Russia. Bruce was off rekindling his thing with Betty, and secretly Steve thought it was about damn time, though he wasn’t one to talk. Tony and Pep had gone back west, and Thor, Wanda, and Vision were helping Asgardia get settled.

It was quiet in the empty tower, and Steve was covered in several layers of blankets, all filched from his friends’ empty beds, when he heard the elevator chime.

He wasn’t exactly alone, though he might as well be. Loki would hole himself up in his room for days on end, just reading the piles and piles of library books that he brought back, on who knew what subjects. He didn’t ask. It wasn’t like they were friends now, just because the consensus had been that saving the world from annihilation sort of balanced out attempted world domination.  But they were… fairly polite. Usually.

“Well, you look dreadful. I don’t suppose it’s catching?” Loki asked. He sounded chipper, and Steve’s head thrummed.

“Dunno. ‘M not supposed to be able to get sick, so it might be real bad. You may want to steer clear.”

He wasn’t sure if he was trying to give him fair warning, or just get rid of the guy– maybe a little of column A, a little of column B, but either way, it didn’t work.

Loki sat his stack of new books on the coffee table, and Steve’s eyes were too watery for him to even be able to make out the titles. His focus shifted upwards, though, when Loki’s hand- so cold, felt so nice– landed briefly on Steve’s forehead. He took it away quickly, though.

“You should not be so warm.” he must be warm enough to hallucinate, because he would have said that Loki sounded concerned, but that probably wasn’t right.

Steve half-shrugged under his mountain of covers.

“I used to have fevers all the time as a kid. They haven’t killed me yet.”

The disapproving glare Loki leveled at him was so similar to ones his mom used to use that he knew his mind was playing tricks on him. Or maybe Loki was– that was his thing after all, wasn’t it?

“And have you had medicines, and fluids?” Loki pressed, sounding distinctly uncomfortable, like he wasn’t sure of his role in this. Steve rolled his eyes and sat up, trying to look capable of taking care of himself.

“Yes, to both. It’s probably just a matter of waiting it out, though. It’s fine– not like I was doing much else.” And if he sounded a little petulant about it, it was because it wasn’t entirely his choice.

Even when he’d first woken up, before the Avengers were assembled, there was so much to learn and do, shopping and getting his apartment set up, keeping it clean…

Now there were robots and automated deliveries for everything, and there was only so much running he could do, only so many hours he could spend lifting weights that never felt heavy enough, until he was bored out of his mind.

Loki’s eyes narrowed.

“Is this your first break since getting your serum?” He asked, words sharp with interest.

Steve snorted.

“If you don’t count the seventy years I was laid up in the ice, then… yeah, maybe.”

Loki snatched the blankets away and held his hand out imperiously, and Steve just stared at it.

“Your hand,” Loki said, slowly and disdainfully, as if he were talking to a simpleton. Steve still hesitated.

“Are you gonna use magic on me?” He asked.

“I am going to check for magic on you.” Loki responded, with perhaps a touch more patience.

The idea that his being sick might be a spell hadn’t even occurred to Steve, but he had been handling all kinds of stuff he didn’t understand, lately, and trange did seem like the kind of jerk to casually do an experiment without telling him.

He thrust his hand forward like he was shaking Loki’s hand. Better the enemy-turned-ally you know, he figured.

Loki rolled his hand over, palm up.

“If there is nothing, you should feel nothing.” Loki told him. Before Steve could ask what he’d feel if there was something, Loki made like he was gonna pinch the skin of his hand, but he stopped short.

Or at least, that was what Steve’s eyes told him.

How his body reacted was something else entirely.

He sat up straight and his eyes opened wide, a sort of cold fire racing though him for a moment before leaving him feeling tingly and slightly uncomfortable.

He yanked his hand away.

“What the hell was that?” He demanded.

Loki’s brows sat high on his face.

“What did it feel like?”

“Like I ended up on the wrong end of Thor’s lightning, only instead of heat, it was all cold.” He said, massaging his wrist. “What did you do to me?”

“The question is what your scientists did. Midgardians are not supposed to be able to house seidhr– magical energy– and yet that was a basic aptitude test. The kind we give to Asgardian children. And that reaction– and your fever– suggest that not only are you storing it, but you have too much within you, and it’s making you sick.”

Steve blinked, trying to follow along.

“You’re saying… I’m magic.”

“I am saying that you are imploding because you are not expending energy. Come with me, I am going to teach you.”

Loki gathered his books up and started off towards his room, obviously expecting Steve to follow.

He sure didn’t feel like he had a lot of excess energy. If anything, he felt tired and achey. But he did what he was told anyway, bemused.

Loki opened the door and held it for Steve, though he almost walked into his back when Steve stopped as soon as he stepped inside.

“Woah- what–?” He’d walked into a forest. On the thirty fifth floor.

“I, too, need to expend energy to stay active and healthy. Maintaining something like this is good for if I am not being required to do anything else. And besides,” Loki flashed him a smile. “I like reading under trees, and your parks here are very full. Come.”

There was a bookshelf set into a tree, or maybe the tree had been shaped into a bookshelf, and Loki sat his library books there.

Absently, Steve wondered if he’d ever returned any with grass stains, and, if he had, whether it was Earth grass or something else entirely.

But Loki kept walking so Steve did too, trying not to gape.

The apartments Tony had put together for them weren’t bad, but this was insane. It was the size of the entire floor of the tower, give or take. No wonder Loki never left.

He stopped in a big clearing, in what was probably the middle of the room.

“How about a game of catch, sport?” Loki asked, turning to face him, and Steve blinked again.

“Uh…?” He said, aware of exactly how intelligent he wasn’t sounding at the moment.

“Close your eyes.” Loki instructed.

That one was easy; they burned, along with the rest of him.

“Now put out your hand like before.”

If Loki spit in it, Steve was gonna spend the next two hours in a hot bath. Which sounded really nice, anyway. That was where he should be now, rather than in Loki’s room-forest, with his eyes closed and his hand out and open, looking like a goon while sweat dripped down his back.

“I want you to gather all the pain in your head. Concentrate it right behind your eyes, and then roll it back and down, imagine it traveling down your neck, down your shoulder, into your arm, and let it gather in your hand. Oh, good, very good– open your eyes and have a look.”

Steve did as he was asked, and was surprised to find that his hand was actually glowing. He had a palmful of flickering blue light.

“Do it again. Gather as much as you can– and don’t worry; it won’t take much to tire you out right now, because you are untrained. But we want to form your seidhr into a ball as dense and bright as possible, and once you can shape it into a solid enough form, I want you to let me know, and then throw it at me. And I will show you how you can ground it– that is, literally push the energy into the ground. It is the easiest way to unload if you’ve excess like this.”

“Wow, okay. My head feels a little better already.” Loki nodded encouragingly, and Steve shut his eyes and did it again, making more of an effort to gather up the heat and the pain, all the acheyness he felt, and roll all of it down his arm into a ball.

Without really thinking, as soon as he opened his eyes, he reached over with his other hand and mashed at the light, like he was packing a snowball to chuck at Bucky’s head.

Loki didn’t quite succeed at stifling a laugh, but it got the job done, even if it wasn’t a perfectly round or particularly pretty little orb. It wasn’t flickering any more, and the blue was much deeper, much more solid looking.

He held it up.

“Good enough?” He asked.

“That’s up to you– how do you feel?” Loki answered.

Steve took a second to think about it, then nodded.

“Pretty much normal, except my hand. Magic is really hot.”

Loki nodded and winced sympathetically, forming a small green glow around his own hand.

“Okay. Throw it to me. But you must remember to think it in my direction as well as physically hurling it. It’s not quite separate from you yet.”

That was a real weird instruction, but Steve did his best, mentally picturing it arcing through the air like a perfect pitch at the stadium.

It wasn’t the smoothest throw; it actually almost fell short, but Loki was ready for that and dove forward, catching it on his glove of power and quickly wrapping his green around Steve’s blue.

The second he did, Steve felt what he meant by it not having been separate from him. It felt like something had been severed, some rope that had been attached around his neck, or through his chest, and it felt like a huge weight had been released.

“Now watch.” Loki instructed, peeling back his light so that Steve’s peeked out. He placed the blue magic against the ground and pushed, obviously expending some effort toward flattening it against the earth. Eventually he must have pushed hard enough, because the ball of it popped and pooled for a moment before melting into the grass and disappearing, like it had all been some kind of crazy water balloon.

“That’s insane. Is it gonna hurt the rest of the tower?” He asked, as Loki stood and straightened himself.

Loki gave him a slightly rakish grin and pushed his hair back from his face.

“We are not in the tower. You are in a small pocket of Vanaheim. And that is why I did not allow my seidhr to go into the ground as well; we’ll need it to go back.”

Steve looked around, the idea of being on another planet enough to make him feel woozy all over again, though in a decidedly more comfortable way.

He didn’t notice Loki approaching until he took hold of Steve’s arm.

“Come. Now that you have expelled that power, you should rest. How are you feeling?”

He led him back to the open doorway, and Steve wondered if the rest of Vanaheim could see it as well.

“I’m… a little dizzy, I guess, but pretty good. Wait, your books–” he said, and Loki stopped, obviously surprised at his having forgotten.

“Oh, yes. Thank you.” He retrieved them, guided them back into the tower, and closed the door behind them.

Steve watched as he opened it again, and sat the books on the utterly normal desk in the room that Tony had given him.

Magic.

“Are you hungry?” Loki asked, and Steve followed him to the kitchen, feeling his appetite for the first time in a couple of days, and also feeling like he weighed six times what he normally did. Like walking was starting to be too much effort.

“Yeah, uh– do you mind if I sit down for a minute first, though?”

“Please.” Loki gestured at one of the stools next to the counter, then crossed to the fridge and began pulling out ingredients.

“You may find that you will feel weak until after you have eaten and slept. My guess is that your body, having expanded and become more powerful, has been using the seidhr inside of it to power your muscles and facilitate your great feats of strength and survival. Not doing them will likely mean you’ll need to drain yourself once a week or so, to start.”

Loki looked up from the carrot he was slicing.

“I can train you so that you become stronger, have better control, and are able to use the power inside of you, to bend it and shape it to your intent. But if we do that, you will grow capable of carrying more, and you will have to find ways of letting it out of yourself. The choice is yours. You can go on as you have, if you like.”

He lifted his shoulders, as if it did not matter to him, but Steve could read the tension in his bearings.

“Teaching me… that sounds like a pretty big commitment. Is that… something you would be willing to do? You can say no.” He hastened to add, just to be sure Loki didn’t feel trapped into it.

He’d been really great about everything so far and-

“Thank you, by the way. Sorry– I felt so lousy before, I should have said it sooner.”

“Of course,” Loki said, and Steve realized he didn’t know which part of that he was answering.

“I apologize for being unobservant– that sort of build up was probably at least two weeks’ worth. Had I noticed sooner, you would not have been made to suffer.”

“Hey no worries, neither of us thought it was possible. I’m just glad you recognized the symptoms.”

Loki gave him another smile, which was, Steve realized, probably the most he’d seen from him ever, and also some of the more honest expressions he’d ever seen on his face.

“As for the rest– I should warn you that on Asgard, the seidhr gift is seen as something… not manly. Only women and those lacking in honor use it. Finding a male who wants to learn is rare, and I would not have it said that I impugned your honor by luring you into it. But.. it is, perhaps, my strongest talent, outside of wordsmithery. And I sometimes wonder if the latter is not linked the the former in some way. So if you would like to learn… you will not find a better teacher.”

He sounded nervous, like he was in some kind of job interview.

Like Steve had another option.

Like Steve was going to think less of him, or reject his magic outright just because Asgard had some frankly archaic ideas about gender roles.

“I think I’d like to try. I can’t promise I’ll have much skill, and maybe not the patience for it, but… I don’t give half a damn what Asgard says. You seem plenty manly enough to me, and I have magic. I want to know what I can do with it and– have you talked to Wanda? About teaching her?”

Loki blinked owlishly at him.

“Do I, now?” He asked, and for a moment it sounded like he was laughing at Steve. It took another moment for Steve to figure out why, and by the time he’d started blushing, Loki had already moved on.

“She avoids me, and I do not think she would be… particularly receptive. Perhaps, if you find me to be an able teacher… you might make her an offer on my behalf. If you think it’s appropriate.” He sounded eager, and almost a little shy, and Steve wondered if maybe Loki was more than a little lonely, locking himself away alone all the time.

“Let’s start small– just you and me at first, so if I catch something on fire–”

“Oh, you will.” Loki assured him. “But I will be ready, don’t worry. It is part of the job description.” He was clearly excited at the prospect, and Steve found his grin infectious.

He nodded at the celery next to the cutting board.

“What are you making? And can I help?”

“It is called ‘chicken and dumplings’ I think. It is very hearty and will help you feel warm again, since the loss of such heat… I’m sure you must feel a little chilled. Tea? Or would you like me to fetch one of your blankets?”

Come to think of it, now that he noticed, under the exhaustion and excitement, he was cold. And hungry. And thirsty.

And that was how, even though he wasn’t at all sick feeling anymore, Steve found himself being practically doted on by the god of mischief– his new magic teacher.

Who he was going to be seeing a lot more of, soon.

He couldn’t help but feel… cautiously glad of that. This was the most he’d ever talked to the guy all at once, but he had been… kind. Considerate. Funny. And way more helpful than he had any reason to be.

No one was gonna believe this when they got back.

(As it turned out, by the time they got back, there was a whole lot more for them to wrap their heads around. Not that Steve could have known that at the time. Though with the way Loki kept glancing back up at him, he might’ve had an inkling.)

[fly-pow-bye]

ThunderCats Roar - “Dr. Dometone”

Co-Executive Producer: Victor Courtright

Supervising Producer: Nate Cash

Producer: Marly Halpern-Graser

Story by: Joan Ford

Teleplay by: Justin Becker

Directed by: Jessica Borutski

If you're looking for me, you better check under the earth...

The episode begins with Tygra suggesting a new mission for the ThunderCats: go around the rest of Third Earth and try to fill in the gaps in their knowledge of it. They know about everything around the Cat's Lair, they know about that evil pyramid where Mumm-Ra lives, and they even know about the horrors of hook mountain, but what about everything else?

Tygra, being the sensible one, just wants to make friends with everyone around them, but Lion-O immediately gets out his sword and thunders it up. Tygra makes a desperate plea to Lion-O to use his words and not his magical swordplay if he manages to find anyone in his spot of land. This happens to be a beach, and unfortunately, or maybe fortunately even if Snarf was there to prevent any kind of wrongful swordplay, nobody on Third Earth wanted to do a suntan. There is far more than a slight implication that Tygra put him there because he doesn't really trust Lion-O to not accidentally start wars, though that might come from Tygra's unique ability of having common sense.

Lion-O does manage to find a crab, though. The crab clearly can't talk, but that doesn't stop Lion-O from chasing it under the water, telling the crab that he just wants to ambassador it. No, there's no explanation to how Lion-O can speak and/or breathe underwater, but they do at least make him do a gurgling voice. It is basic cartoon logic: plot holes are okay as long as they're funny, and...eh, I don't know.

Speaking of holes, Lion-O lifts up a bunch of rocks that the crab was trying to, and one of them happens to be the Giant Oceanic Plug. One might think a giant plug at the bottom of the ocean was something made up for this wacky reboot, but no, that's actually something from the original ThunderCats. Unplugging it was something the ThunderCats had to prevent, as unplugging leads to...

...a really, really dry planet. This is shown by showing what the other ThunderCats are doing, with the oceans receding into the hole that plug was covering in the background. They could have just ended with the shot of Third Earth without an ocean, but it's good to see the effects Lion-O's bumbling is causing in the world, even if nobody else seems to care. Well, one person seems to care, at least.

The episode is called Dr. Dometone, so we get to see him come in with his giant amphibian robot, which he names Hercules. Just like in the original, he is the guardian of the Great Oceanic Plug, and he's none too thrilled to see the lack of water. Lion-O has no time to discuss this, because hey, a new guy to ambassador!

With no knowledge of what evil person could have done such a thing, he jumps into Hercules, and dives right into the plug. Somehow, this diving makes a fart sound, because we needed one of those. Lion-O, who snuck into the robot alongside Snarf much to the doctor's mismay, just ends up telling him he did it. Any kind of tongue lashing against him would have to wait, though.

There's an upside down city of mushroom people known as the Moldians, all sobbing from having their underground city flooded. As the Lord of the ThunderCats, he tries his best to tell everyone that he will help them out with this sudden flooding without telling them he was the one who did it. I do like this line:

Moldian Mother: My baby is all wet!

Lion-O: I'll get you a new...uh, I'll dry your baby.

A rare moment where Lion-O has to realize what he said. They manage to find the mayor, Sportimer Fungustus, and he tips his hat-shaped head as much as he would allow at the fine gentlemen. Dometome tells Lion-O to stay quiet and let him do all the talking, as Lion-O has done enough harm. He does make the mistake of introducing them as being with him, and Lion-O had to say two words that really gets the Mayor upset: "what's up?"

It turns out, the Moldians aren't exactly hip to that phrase, and assume he's asking what is up. The Mayor points down to the ground and says "the ground", and this leads to an argument. See, to the Moldians, up is down and down is up. They spend quite a bit of time explaining this to the audience, along with how they're in the hollow part of Third Earth. This could be our first confirmation this isn't a far out into the future version of the Earth we're on now, but I'm not sure about that.

Because the plot needs to go further, Lion-O butts in and says that nothing Dr. Dometome is saying is making any sense, because all of that water was drained into this city. With a zoomed out shot to possibly indicate how awkward that statement was, it's clear that the Mayor isn't too happy to be eye to eye with the people responsible for the great flood. Lion-O may not get that tongue lashing, but he will get something else.

BUM BUM BUM BUM, Lion-O, Dr. Dometome, Snarf, and even Hercules are now tied up to a mushroom rocket with chains! The Moldians did at the very least know that superheroes would need a little bit more than ordinary rope. That rocket is headed straight for Third Earth's core, or, as the Moldians know it, the "great sky ball."

Frowning at the fiery doom that he has accidentally put his new friend and his cool robot into, he can still hear the nagging words of Tygra, telling him that he should do the opposite of what he normally does. I'll say this, how he interprets this is way better than the way Lion-O did the opposite of what he says he's going to do from the previous episode. It also gives a point to that sword scene in the intro, which is nice to see.

We do get our mandated action scene, and I'm not complaining about that at all, as the Moldians have declared war on their "underground" menace. Aw, and he was trying to prevent that from happening! It's here where Dr. Dometome's involvement in the plot besides all of that exposition reaches its apex, as we get to see him use that giant robot to avoid all of those mushroom missiles. Yeah, that's pretty much it.

Technically doing the opposite of what he did, even if he's actually doing the same thing he did before, Lion-O goes "up" into the ocean. "Over" their waters, they have their own plug, conveniently labelled the "reverse plug". Who put that sign there? Who cares, the most important part is that it fixed everything, and none of the other ThunderCats suspected a thing. He must be so glad everything ended up being convenient.

As the honest Lord of the ThunderCats, he does end up telling him the truth about his adventures, but Tygra doesn't believe him. They do add a twist on this by making him not believe anyone else, either. Admittedly, playing ping pong with a mole man? Those are pretty outlandish compared to fighting giant mummy monsters.

It all ends with a rather generic The End card, but I do appreciate the consistency with their appearance.

How does it stack up?

It's a pretty silly episode, but I do like the (literal) world building. 4 cats.

Next, with such a title, an episode that's sure to be exciting!

← Mandora - The Evil Chaser 🐈 Study Time →

[iokeihiko]

Iokeihiko, Island of the Gods

Iokeihiko, meaning ‘isle of the gods’ or ‘within dwells the gods', is a small island with no visible neighbors in sight. Before recorded history, the oldest cities in the world became united under one symbol; the Simul Motu, which has stood as a symbol for unity since its inception. However, much about ancient Io is shrouded in myth and mystery. It is the birthplace of Echtoan religion, the sight of several failed cities, and despite being home to the oldest written language, contains precious few texts. It is also thought to be the final location of the famed First Voyage. Historians dispute who may have inhabited the island, for how long, and when. Evidence has been contradictory, allowing no one species or place to claim it. As of today, Io is ruled by a community of scientists and religious representatives from around the world. Because of issues with trafficking and black market trading, all tourism has been banned from the island for the past sixty years.

Sections:

Geographically Religion King Gaiagara Modern Io             Geographically

Iokeihiko (EYE-oh-kay-HE-ko), also called Io (EYE-oh), is a large island with no visible neighbors in sight. It is tropical in climate. Io is characterized by tall mountains and cliffs on the left side of the island, a large reef on the right side of the island, and a huge mountain near the center of the island. It’s many peaks and valleys make travel difficult, as well as the humid climate and dense forests. Lush and green from the edge of the beach to the highest peak, Io is a rich habitat for a variety of unusual wildlife. The greenery in Io is sustained by a large river as well as a substantial rainy season. There are many locations worth noting. Wahati Orus     The explorer Hasasi Melak described the Wahati Orus on his famous expedition of the island. In his view, “(Wahati Orus) is a dead place that still clings to the past. Even the rivers on Io bend away from it”. Named from an ancient uembian title meaning ‘over which the living hold no dominion’, this area of the island holds ruins of a failed city. It is generally agreed that Wahati Orus and the Chikomo Ruins are from the same time period of the island’s history, but that time is hotly debated. While visiting the island the historical fiction writer Ja-Po blamed its dateless quality on being forsaken, abandoned by the favored gods. “You can feel it when you enter that place; it is joyless, empty, no longer part of our Io”. Puha     Once the largest city in Io, Puha is now largely abandoned. Only a small number of scientific and religious researchers remain to study artifacts. Because of it’s size, Puha is often the city suggested to hold a military base. The smallest part of the river Mvura cuts through part of the city and it is also protected from harsh weather from the highest peak in Io, Tautahi. Tautahi     The highest peak in Io, it is also said to be the home of the legendary bird Axwil Tov. Due to this belief, the peak is revered as a holy place. To climb to the top is a long and treacherous journey, one of the most difficult climbs in the world. Before tourism became illegal on the island it was a destination for famed climbers as one of the Five Great Peaks. Silva     Situated in a valley between the Makomos, a mountain range consisting of four peaks, Silva is small but prosperous, hard to reach but well-protected. It boasts the more luscious fruit because it is fed by the mega-river Mvura at its deepest and lushest. The wildlife is especially rich and relevitely unexplored by modern travelers. It is the Tatuega     The village of Tatuega is open to the elements, protected only very little by the bluffs and the smallest peak on Io, which is called Nahan. It is cut off from the rest of the island by the path of the Mvura, making the area suitable for various illegal operations that plague the island. Chikomo Ruins     Only visible at certain times of the day, the Chikomo ruins are underneath the island. They can be seen especially in the reefs which protect Chikomo, but they are rarely explored and badly damaged. It is probable that the Chikomo Ruins are the result of a large city much grander than Wahati Urus that has since fallen to extreme decay. Mvura     The largest river in Io with many offshoots. Mvura wraps around the island and Tuatahi at a slow and gentle pace. In many areas, it is less than five feet deep. Near the Waibre the Mvura curves into the island and falls into an underground cave. Some modern scientists claim the bizarre path of the river and the huge variation in its speed and depth led to early man’s fascination with this small island. Notably, in the early works of Upera, he states that “the river made them seek the divine”. Makomos     The Makomo mountain range consists of four peaks. From highest to lowest, they are called Piri, Makumi, Cheea, and Shanu. Piri is a huge mountain which combines with Cheea to form a solid line of cliffs on that side of the island. Waibre     The great waterfall that runs from the top of Tautahi to the estuary between Io proper and the Chikomo Ruins. Waibre is a sloping river which falls about 3000 feet before reaching the ground in a kind of mist. It is a thin fall, only about twenty feet across.  The pool it falls into is calm, forming another small river which goes about a mile before dropping another 12 feet into a deep, warm, calm pool. Utac Komo     A legendary cave that part of the Mvura feeds into. It has ancient paintings, and “deep inside and deep below it is said beats the heart of the sea, the monster-God Lothes Kol”. Matatoru Forest     The smaller of the two great forests on Io, Matatoru spans from Chikomo to the Makomos. Less dense than the Dhimoni, it attracts a wider variety of plants and day-time creatures. Paths in the Matatoru are well marked and well-traveled, but the scant protection it provides makes it prime territory for criminal activity; namely the foraging of historic artifacts and the endangered plant Marama. Dhimoni Forest     Dense and enormous, the Dhimoni is notorious to travelers. The Dhimoni stops suddenly at the edges, as if once a war was raged against it. It is massive, and left uncontrolled would certainly engulf the entire island. Controlled burns are used to keep it from overwhelming Rima and Tatuga. Tavicon Ion     Also called Tavicon Beach by the more modern-thinking citizens of Io, the Tavicon rests on the south-east side of the island. An ancient beach that has withstood years of abuse by the ocean, the Tavicon is often strangely wide, dead and desert-like. The Tavicon stretches across almost the entire southern side of the ocean and up towards Chikomo. The animals that inhabit the Tavicon are dangerous nocturnal predators, making it a natural defense against traffickers.

Religion

The Favored Gods     Although there are hundreds of religious beliefs among the people of Io, many find their lineage lies somewhere on that small island Iokeihiko. In basic terms people of Tamashp worship Kothed, a second name for Lothes Kol, the primary God of Echtoan religion and the one who commissioned Gaiagara to create the island. Though there are many other gods in Echtoan religion most are no longer worshipped or celebrated, so this chapter will be limited to those that have endured history and become household names.

Lothes Kol     Sometimes portrayed as a man, sometimes as a lizard, sometimes as the sea itself, he is most often portrayed as the long extinct Sea Serpent. He is the foremost God in the religions of Tamashp and Echtoa, portrayed as King of all Gods in Echtoan belief and the one true God in Tamashp. In Echtoan belief he represents rejuvenation, transformation, daylight, life, weather, judgement, and sovereignty.

Kithma Bsk     Worshipped as the secondary God in Echtoan religion, takes the form of a hybrid beast. She is the guardian of fire, resurrection, death, night, smog and smoke, knowledge, and creation.

Lismdom Ir     Lord of the Land, who took the form of frogs, of moss, of dew. A lesser god of Echtoan religion, he presides over land and soil and low-laying plants, in the brewing of spirits and teas, in agriculture and female fertility.

Fitheom Su     Taking the form of large species of trees or insects, Fitheom is a lesser god of the Echtoan religion. She is the Lord of the trees and loves especially those who grow very old, and she tends to the souls of old trees and watches over insects, which are like children to her. She is responsible for the protection of sacred wilderness, of fruit harvests and flowers, and of male fertility.

Axwil Tav     A blessing from Axwil Tav is said to always lead one to victory. In the form of the wind or of giant birds, Axwil Tav is the patron of air and gales, of strength and power, determination, vigor, and purpose.

Iktheco Fo     A favorite among the eastern uembians, Iktheco Fo is a transplant from the Mageroa religion to the Echtoan. Representing cycle, death, and vengeance, the god became a popular figure in pop culture after a series of graphic novels loved by goths and misfits everywhere.

Maithe Ah      God of Masks in the mysterious Western religion that Mageroa is based in. Carried by the Drepa from the West to Iokehiko, her ceremonies are still largely guarded and misunderstood.

King Gaiagara Though prevalent throughout the world, the Cults of Gaiagara have differing legends, beliefs, and traditions surrounding this mysterious figure. Though not widely worshipped today, Gaiagara does still have a powerful historical presence in many cultures, including the much celebrated but little understood Two Lover’s Day. Explain the modern celebration and the historic.

 Modern Io  

Who Owns Io?     Over time various groups have arrived to claim this tiny island as their homeland. Turbulent weather and sea water has made difficult the process of determining which relics are the oldest, and years of pirating and disturbing Io’s ruins make claims even more suspect. Most claims of ownership come from human and uembian descendants. History supports both claims, though stories differ vastly. The Deerless have, from time to time, attempted to lay claim to the land as well. This is seen as the least likely, as residents of Marcwith were not seafaring until the introduction of Hwoxin people. Arguably, humans were traveling the open ocean long enough for them to be present on Marcwith prior to Hwoxin introduction, which would support their claim. Uembian claims are perhaps the most intriguing, as their settlements were the closest to Io and they were able to sail, though there is no proof of their ability to sail open sea for long periods.     The island is currently protected by it’s few inhabitants. These caretakers have no traditional government, but are rather representatives of the world’s other nations who are charged with the task of preventing piracy, maintaining wildlife, and preserving peace. Because the island is off-limits to tourists, their lives are solitary. This poses significant threat when traffickers come to steal valuable relics and marama, often killing to achieve their ends. A greater military presence on the island has been long and hotly debated, often threatening to erupt into violence.

[nazih-fares]

Even-though it seemed to be the ideal next-generation MMO, The Elder Scrolls Online had a bumpy launch year. Failing to convince both MMORPG as well as Elder Scrolls fans, the title was criticized to be too much of a lone-wolf game, with a lore and world smaller in scale compared to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. What made it worse, was its monthly subscription, which many of the curious people didn’t dared  take the plunge, but now three years later, with a subscription-free model via The Elder Scrolls Online: One Tamriel Unlimited update, the game is has been reborn, and expanded with Bethesda’s first additional “chapter” called Morrowind.

Similar to DLC packs, The Elder Scrolls Online (or TESO) will expand throughout the years with content drops called chapters, and the first one which is Morrowind is priced at $39.99 including the base game (or Vanilla content), adding over thirty hours of story based missions, a new character class and a new raid to name a few. Bethesda hopes that the Vvardenfell Island will be a sufficient call to arm for former TESO players to return to Tamriel, but also attract the nostalgic Elder Scrolls fans of what remains one of the most popular RPGs of the past two decade, and gave its name to this chapter: The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind brings us then to the on the island continent of Vvardenfell, and for some of us Elder Scrolls hardcore fans, it is a kind of gigantic slap in the face, with a journey back in time to rediscover the immense city of Vivec or even Balmora and Seyda Neen, which I last seen back when the early 2000s (when HD games weren’t even a thing). It is great to see Bethesda has cared almost to exceed the expectation of the most loyal fan, bringing back everything that has made the charm of Vvardenfell into these modern days: from the singular architecture of the capital to its special flora and fauna (whether they are cute or bound to kill you), but it’s still a new adventure, as the story of The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind is set in the lore 700 years before the event of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.

During that period of the Elder Scrolls’ great history, the city of Vivec is still under construction and therefore only resembles a glimpse of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind’s location. Yet, this inconsistency leaves at least in part the opportunity to travel in couple of known terrain that the series’ veterans will appreciate. It is interesting to note that developers still thought of these veterans, by allowing you to create a brand new character that can start its adventure directly in Vvardenfell, without the basic main game tutorial, in exchange for an introduction to the new region. But this island is not all fun, and sadly now populated by an incredibly high number of low-level Guardians at launch, as everybody seems to want to discover at the same time the new zone and our new character class. Too bad that even with a new chapter, The Elder Scrolls Online still feels impersonal and most players have a lone wolf mentality, so I hope that this sensation will last only a few weeks.

If there’s one sensation that should last, it is the impression of taking part of an RPG one discovers at its own pace rather than a MMORPG in the strict sense of the term, a kind of singleplayer adventure led by many players (almost how I felt throughout my journey with Destiny). Of course, guilds, group management and dungeons can be found in the menu of the game, but we feel that more care has been given to the narrative and different scenarios or stories. Thus, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind’s quests propose a real progression, where the main quest is no longer the only one to have a real effect of your choices, which bears sometimes heavy consequences and a succession of objectives that can lead the player on eight or ten missions throughout a region. In this sense, it brings it closer to the roots of The Elder Scrolls, which is dear to many players including myself.

This developers choice risks sadly disappointing fans of traditional MMORPG, those who cherish the interactions between  players and the impression of belonging to something that is bigger than they are, as they once again embody the nature of a savior as a character. From the first missions handed to you by Vivec, the demi-god of the city, one feels that our hero is the last hope of Vvardenfell in the The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, something that will delight RPG fans used to this, but that is something too different from the core concept of an MMORPG. To be honest, this way of playing is not new to The Elder Scrolls Online and at the time of the release of the original game, I’ve already pointed out that problem.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Elder Scrolls Online is already recognized for the quality of its missions which regularly avoids the fetch-and-deliver typical tasks known in so many MMORPGs. In The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, the developers took even more care to this aspect, and from the very first moment on Vvardenfell, we learn everything that is at stakes on the island. There’s quests that ask of us to infiltrate traffickers and destroy the next harvest of skooma, or choosing between selling a slave or allowing him to regain his freedom, filled with many conversation and scripts that are well written. I regret, however, that the mechanics of these dialogues have not evolved and that the main story is a bit too often obvious.

On the technical front, while by the 2014 launch the core game not considered a graphical feat, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind is just decent. Rather than a real graphical redesign, the game retains above all a quality artistic direction with an interesting coherence. The whole is very well supported and Bethesda’s mega-servers have improved significantly over the past three years. I do need to emphasize the fact that there are – as always – a lot of bugs and small connection problem, which sometimes involve random disconnecting in the middle of completing a quest. I’m also really disappointed by the lack of improvement of the user interface, which on PC seems to rely on the work of modders alone, but fortunately, Bethesda did an excellent job of fine-tuning the inventory management and map system.

Some players will be disappointed to see that this first chapter is not as rich in content as they would want. Indeed, Bethesda only introduce one new class of character, known as the Warden. This fifth class, however, seems capable of fulfilling many roles, from the DPS to a healer and even become a tank. It has a triple tree of skills: “Green Balance” is focused on care, “Winter Embrace” is for the tank side of the character and “Animal Companions” is more related to the damage set. In a very short time, some optimization specialists will probably have devised schemes to perfect the Warden, but at the moment I was mostly impressed by the visual impact of the Green Balance skill tree, and It seems more particularly indicated as a group player, potentially becoming the most effective support player.

If you are more of a PVP player, The Elder Scrolls Online’s vast battles are back, and if new players may feel somewhat overwhelmed by the size of Cyrodill (the main area) or by the multitude of ways to approach this type of content, the Morrowind chapter adds new options to its formula. Thought to be faster in terms of gameplay, arena battles pit three teams of four players in smaller enclosed spaces in order to have smaller scale clashes.

Capture de Flag and Team Deatchmatch are the starting offer for this PvP in three specific arenas (Daedra Ruins, Red Mountain and Dunmer Ruins). Players can join the queue via a simple menu within the TESO interface, and will win medals according to their actions, in order to win various rewards. Fluid and intense, these new faster type of confrontation proves to be great after a few games, even if one feels that the overall balance between classes could still need some adjustments to counteract the dominance of some builds.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind was reviewed using an Xbox One downloadable code of the game provided by Bethesda. The game is also available on PlayStation 4 and PC in both retail and online store releases. We don’t discuss review scores with publishers or developers prior to the review being published.

  Since the release of The Elder Scrolls Online, Bethesda has not stopped enhancing its MMORPG and listening to fans. In this sense, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind perfectly fulfilled the objective set by the studio: an invitation to a journey through time to (re)discover the island of Vvardenfell, which may disappoint the MMORPG purists, but that will delight RPG explorers. Even-though it seemed to be the ideal next-generation MMO, The Elder Scrolls Online had a bumpy launch year.