#so i had to move on entirely or i'll never finish it. I'm sorry XD

[klappert-art]

Pretty sure someone already did this but I shall do my part

[thetragicallynerdy]

10, 20, 21, 23, 30, 39!

Hello buddy!! I'm so sorry it's taken me literally a month to get to these, but here we go!!

10) Top three favourite fic tropes.

Oooooh GREAT question. Hmmm they're all like whumpy XD

When someone shows up at someone else's door bloodied or sick and then passes out when they answer it

love confessions when they think the other person is dying

any enemies to lovers (bonus if it's enemies to fuck buddies but still enemies to lovers)

extras: hiding an injury/illness, and taking a wound for someone else :3

20) Do you work on a single project or many at the same time? How does that work for you?

I work on so many 🫠 (melting face emoji)

But honestly, a combo of both! I always have a massive list of WIPs (think: upwards of 30 at a time), because I start projects and then have difficulty finishing them. I typically have around 5 fics on rotation that I am actively working on at a time.

However, I do finish things best when I buckle down and like, dedicate a week or two or whatever to finishing a single thing. So typically when something is getting towards being done, that's what'll happen, and then I'll go back to slowly picking away at many things.

21) Can you accurately predict how long your fics are going to be? If you can, what's your secret?

Answered here! Short answer though: LMAO NOPE

23) Dialogue or description? Why is the other one so hard?

I love writing dialogue SO much more hahaha! Honestly part of description for me is that it takes a lot more cognitive work - especially if it's setting/space and place type stuff. I can picture and think about how bodies move in my head pretty easily, but I find it really hard to do with places!!!

Dialogue, on the other hand, just comes naturally (most of the time). I think I could 1000% write a fic that was entirely dialogue, I just won't because it's not what I find fun to read.

30) Describe a fic that almost happened, but then it didn't.

God. I mean I have many, many abandoned or half-abandoned fics - more for UnDeadwood than OFMD, but definitely in both. (Ranging from anywhere from a couple thousand words to one that is 90K and long abandoned [someday I'll give in and just publish shit as is])

A big one though was an UnDeadwood Watership Down AU - in which everyone (main 5 cast members, at least) were shifters, and Clayton's shifted form was a rabbit. It was Clayton POV, and laced with all sorts of the Watership Down rabbit religion etc. I think I had like 3-4K written for it.

Oh my god I also had a Ladyhawke AU??? For UnDeadwood?? That was devastating and very fun to write and never got finished - it also had somewhere around 5K written for it.

And that's not even considering the number of "hey omg this would be so fun" ideas - I love thinking about new fun wild AU's, and am very grateful for friends who listen and "yes and" me!!

39) Wildest AU scenario you have written?

Oh god that's a fun question.

UnDeadwood - I think it's a toss up between the jaws that bite, the claws that catch (snake creature Matthew, smutty Matty/Clayton(/Aly) in which Matthew has two dicks. That's it that's the fic. It is unfinished.)

The other UDW option is i found love where it wasn't supposed to be, written with @lovewithagirl, which features a whole lot of ghost sex (as in, sex between an alive person and a ghost)

I have a lot of different AU's for OFMD, but I think they feel a little more "normal" in comparison - they're more stuff like the Remington Steele AU or the Die Hard fic. The wildest is probably Ask Me Anything, written with @yerbamansa, which is a TealOranges Tumblr SMAU in which there is timey-wimey bullshit. Or maybe the Plumbing the Depths series, which is the Jim/Olu/literal kraken! Ed series, mainly for the rarepair.

Thanks so much for the ask, friend!! This was fun, and a nice lil distraction. And thanks for the patience as it took me so long to answer!!!

Writer Ask Game is here, for the curious - if you ask tho, be aware it may take me a while to get to it, life is making inbox answering more difficult these days <3

[characteroulette]

DIRECTOR'S CUT! give me the rundown on Lemon Boy!

Oh god uhh. That is three whole chapters lol it's gonna be a bit long oof

Okay so like. The concept started from this Cavetown Album (called Lemon Boy, fittingly) and me singing Lemon Boy to myself one day and going, "huh. Apollo and Snufkin both fit this song. I should do something with that." (I pretty easily spiraled into shipping the two help)

I wanna be ten feet tall!! I wanna grow big red horns!! I wanna eat fire and snow!! And scare everyone!!

Uhh yeah go listen to Ten Feet Tall it's a good song. Very Apollo vibes.

(I love to write to music, if you couldn't tell. Sprinkling in the motifs or imagery of them is like my fave thing to do it's so much fun.)

It is very important to me that you understand that Apollo's love language is to shove. This is my headcanon and I will go to the grave pushing this agenda. XD

The concept of Apollo tracking down one of his old foster caretakers was actually something I came up with while jamming out a different story with Tega. It was a nice little heartbreaking thing to include in Apollo's backstory and so I put it here. Shit's fucked, my boy, I'm sorry.

(Maple and Ginger were purely named for food. Also lesbian couple because idk I will also die on this hill that Apollo is gay and had a lot of gay in his life.)

I am pushing an Agenda and y'all will have to live with it. XD

But for real, I just like the concept of a young Snufkin, not really knowing any other way to console his friend, kissing him first and explaining it after. Snufkin and Apollo can understand each other in a way not a lot of the other kids around them could, so of course they'd also have a bit of a different relationship than those others.

This was also a good setup for the final chapter but it's really the entire reason I wrote this fic, I wanted this scene where Snufkin kisses Apollo and then Apollo pays it forward later in his life.

so uh I wrote the Clay chapter *after* finishing the first and last chapters!! I was originally just not gonna include a Clay segment (he was giving me too much trouble), but then I had a burst of inspiration and slammed it out so hey Clay gets to be in this lol.

Also furthering my Apollo will bite agenda. I love the idea of Apollo not actually getting bullied because he fought back, but getting ignored and avoided actually because, again, he fought back. I think it fits his character pretty well to have that in his background, considering how desperate he is for validation.

Clay is also weird to me. Like, he's such a blank slate for characterisation that I end up not knowing what to do with him half the time and that kinda makes him boring to me. He's only fun because *I* made him fun, which can be nice but like. The Ace Attorney roster is filled with too many good characters for him to stand out at all. Dual Destinies made Clay an important fixture in Apollo's backstory, though, so fuck me I guess.

Finally, Klavier chapter!! I got to start off with Apollo just buying the concert tickets Klavier sent, which as you know is my favourite little detail. Klavier sending these tickets is such an unhinged move but Apollo then buying them without a second thought is just as unhinged, these two are dumbasses and perfect for one another. XD

IT'S ME I'M STILL MAD ABOUT THIS. Phoenix goddamn Wright you cannot make Apollo present two (two!!) pieces of forged evidence and then never apologise for it!!! And then Spirit of Justice rolls around with Dhurke's whole deal and!!! Makes everything worse!!!

I have a whole ten or so rants about how AJ's ending is made worse actually by SoJ's inclusion (because how could Apollo be "too new" to law when he grew up with a literal disgraced defence attorney?? How could he have nothing to say on the poisoned system when he's known Dhurke and Khura'in's whole deal for all his life??? I'm upsetti I am so upsetti about this) but I'll save that for another time >T

I just really like this bit. Absolutely added this scene it does not exist in canon, but. I like Apollo's last line. Maybe one day you won't be such a coward, Klavier. Maybe one day you'll stop running from the truth.

And agh. The whole conversation scene in the lobby is just. Catharsis but not. I ended up playing the comfortable-but-also-not mood the two got stuck in, Apollo reaching out and Klavier dodging his advances (like the coward he is lol) until Klavier finally does accept that offer. I just like their dynamic, two men touched by ruin and reacting to it in vastly different ways. Klavier runs until he sees someone else in need and Apollo reaches out against all of his better instincts. They're my faves <3

*screaming from the rooftops* IT'S ABOUT TRUST!! IT'S ABOUT TRUSTING SOMEONE WHOM YOU SHOULD ABSOLUTELY UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES NEVER THINK ABOUT TRUSTING!!! BUT YOU TRUST THEM ANYWAY!! AND THEY TRUST YOU IN RETURN!!! agh

I like the whole scene of them talking outside the car (and fun fact, I have an actual location in mind for them to be at; it's near the Conejo Boulders, which isn't LA whoops but is a view ingrained into my mind), but particularly this bit (of course) --

YEAH KISS!! it's a parallel (or rhyme??) to the one Snufkin gave him in the first chapter!! It's Apollo internalizing that lesson and paying it forward!! Yeah.

The end bit is funny specifically to me. Like yeah Apollo just spent a whole day making out and talking with Klavier and only when Klavier is like, taking care of him (making breakfast) does Apollo go "oh. Shit. I might desire this man romantically." Like lol amazing my fave. XD

ANYWAY YEAH LEMON BOY. I LIKE IT. At some point I'll finish the two sequel stories I've got in the works....

[abelunwilling]

For the ask game. I'm intrigued by these two:

“thicker than water” [Kallus/Zeb SW:Rebels]

or

“lucky” [Echo/Rex/Fives SW]

:D

wip game thingy!

Thank yooou! \o/ Let me think...

thicker than water

I don't remember where exactly the original idea for this came from but the basic idea concerned Kallus post-war getting a message from his family, who are being tried for their role in the Empire. This would've caused a rift in the present as he's trying to start his new life on Lira San with Zeb. I was really enjoying writing a lot of the domestic stuff with Kallus learning to speak Lasat, worldbuilding for Lira San itself... but weirdly the family stuff got a bit too real for me so I decided to put it on hold until I felt more ready to articulate it. I'll probably pick it back up at some stage! I was really happy with what I had so far. :) (Also, I called Kallus' mom "Karyn" because I thought it would be funny for him to be literally descended from a space-Karen... so there's that. xD)

lucky

Basically, Rex/Fives is a thing and Echo assumes Fives is making it up because Rex is obviously out of his league; Fives plays on Echo's own lil thing for Rex and... stuff happens. I know I'll probably never finish this one now because while I used to not mind it, Echo/Fives is just... really not fun for me any more. :( No shade or anything, I just know I can't pull it off now. I kept it in my drafts just in case the mood ever strikes again though!

I put a little excerpt from "thicker than water" under the cut, wheeee~~ I really enjoy writing these two and their dynamic!

thicker than water

“Zeb,” Kallus laughed lightly. “I wanted to come here–it’s not like you forced me. I don’t want you to have to leave just to meet my parents.”

Zeb scoffed. “I’ve gotta meet them at some point, right?”

“You don’t have to.”

“I want to.”

“Why?” 

Zeb’s ears splayed out, his facial fur bristling slightly in embarrassment, and he was quiet for long enough that Kallus almost thought he was going to drop it. 

“I dunno, they’re your family. So I guess... they’re part of you?” He turned his face a little. “Wish you could meet mine.”

Without thinking, Kallus reached out for his hand. His fingers looked laughably small, curled over Zeb’s. “Oh… I’m so sorry.”

“C’mon, don’t be like that,” Zeb smiled sadly as he looked back at him, nudging Kallus with his shoulder. “I do, though. They’d like you.”

“Me,” Kallus scoffed.

“Yeah, you.” Zeb put his other hand over Kallus’. He paused, then: “I like you.”

Kallus felt a flush starting to creep up the back of his neck, and tilted his chin up proudly to compensate. “Obviously.”

“Hey.” Zeb’s voice hardened a little. “’m serious.”

By now, that flush had reached Kallus’ ears and was threatening to engulf his entire face. “I–I know that.”

“Right.” Clearing his throat, Zeb withdrew his hands clumsily. “Karabast, I didn’t mean–”

“Ah, wait–” Kallus grabbed for his hand to draw it back, swallowing hard to be rid of the lump in his throat. “Don’t be sorry. There’s really no need.”

“I just don’t wanna make this weird,” Zeb said, insistently. “I–I probably misread–”

“No,” said Kallus, his grip on Zeb’s hand intensifying. “I mean–if you’re saying what I think you’re saying, then–you didn’t exactly…”

They looked at each other helplessly as he trailed off.

“…What are you saying?”

Zeb paused, then squeezed his hand back with a wry smile. “I’m saying how the hell have we still not had this talk?”

Feeling a heavy burden lift off his chest, Kallus laughed, and leaned in so they were pressed shoulder to shoulder, his head tucking against Zeb’s neck. Zeb pushed his weight into him firmer, cheek resting on top of his head.

“Heh. We’re useless.”

“Very,” Kallus said, quietly. “I betray a Galactic Empire and move halfway across the galaxy for you, and yet I can’t tell you–”

And for a moment, he still couldn’t, even though the feeling screamed from within his ribcage. Zeb’s worried expression returned and he pulled away a little.

“…That I might… have feelings for you,” Kallus finished, determinedly. Zeb’s eyes widened, his ears perking up. “And I think I have for a long time, but I didn’t know how to–”

In the next moment, he was yanked against Zeb’s chest with one firm arm, and kissed so hard and so long that he thought that it might be some time before he could entertain the thought of breathing again. That seemed less important, anyway–was his most lucid thought, before Zeb flopped onto his back, taking Kallus with him in a warm tangle of limbs. A blunt fang snagged clumsily at his lip as he eventually pulled back, flushed.

“You… I… oh.” Kallus cleared his throat, only just registering that he was lying on top of Zeb’s chest, his arms flung haphazardly around his neck. He did not, however, attempt to move.

“Yeah. Oh.” Zeb averted his eyes. “Well… that’s out there, then.”

After another kiss, this one languid and tender, Kallus simply said, “I think we might have been doing things a little out of order.”

Zeb snickered, his chest bouncing slightly where Kallus lay against it. “What, because we already have a joint bank account?”

“I told you, it’s practical, and safer in emergencies,” Kallus retorted, before immediately realising his point. “Maybe because we already have a joint bank account.”

“You are so weird.” Laughing, Zeb pulled him into another hug. “You don’t know how long I–”

Kallus kissed him again, firmly. “Oh, I think I do.”

Zeb’s hand slid up the nape of his neck, keeping their faces close. It seemed that now they’d started, it was more difficult not to kiss each other; Zeb’s words were coming between increasingly firmer, warmer kisses.  “Sure, it’s–not the–best–timing, but...”

That, for once, didn’t matter to Kallus–in fact, he had almost forgotten why it might have been considered bad timing at all until Zeb began to roll them over, causing his hip to bump their all-but-forgotten suitcase.

“Ah...” Very reluctantly, he disentangled himself from Zeb and dusted himself off. A few puffs of short, purple fur wafted into the air; Zeb’s winter coat was still shedding. “We’ll be late if we don’t get going.”

Zeb sat up with a groan, rubbing his head dizzily. “Ugghh. Transport doesn’t leave for two hours.”

Kallus felt it would take much longer than an hour for the heat to leave his body, but he forced himself to be responsible and pointedly took the handle of the suitcase. “You’re not accounting for security–and did you pack your comb?” 

“Ye–oh, wait, nah. Thanks for reminding me.” Smiling, Zeb put his arm around his shoulders, hugging him into his side again with a little hum in his throat that was almost a purr. “Such a hardass.”

[sparklingbluerose]

What If... #1

Genshin Impact is a popular game in Twisted Wonderland, and recently a new banner has been released. You are a 5 Star Character. What happens then?

A/N: Let me just start a damn taglist TvT

☆

TW: None! A bit of cursing on my side XD also some things maybe wrong since i haven't played Genshin in a while! I HOPE I DIDN'T PUT ANYTHING "SHE" RELATED I'M SORRY–

GN! (Y/N) 《Other Genders Will Also Be Made》

☆

Riddle Roseheart:

His team used to have Yanfei as DPS.

But look at that, your banner caught his eye.

Mans just did a bit of research on your character and DAMN, he pulled immediately.

Your skill and burst was best for him, he literally thought it was so cool and needed to get you.

Though he'd be a little raging tomato if he lost the 50/50 to Qiqi, he still managed to get you anyways.

Still has Yanfei on the team, expect you're now DPS.

Literally took him only 5 minutes to level you to 90, hell he was glad he won't spend hours grinding for your ascension materials, he already had them STOCKED.

He's not that good at dodging please help him.

Always has a healer or a shielder in his team with you, kinda hates it hearing your fallen line and death.

Sometimes it be like that, but he actually built you well. Tries to get your constellations on your rerun, and ended up with a C1 (Y/N) ♡

At least he got one, i'll give him that. Does like, 10K damage with you. Trey helped him choose the right artifacts.

Knows decent about it but honestly once tried to give Kaeya Diluc's artifacts. Please don't let him play alone.

Always struggled with regisvines as a noob player, but now that he got you with him he'll never die.

Also bought a (Y/N) figurine but let's not get to that...

Trey Clover:

Xiangling main turned (Y/N) main.

Kinda funny how he somehow manages to pull you twice in the same 10 pull out of sheer luck–

Makes an effort to build you since you're a 5 star. Doesn't mind much but he loves admiring your attacks.

Like omg you do more damage than any asian mother's slipper hitting your face. Went to spiral abyss on floor 10, obliterated every enemy almost in seconds with you.

Please i headcannon him to always feed you even if your health bar is more than half full. I love it.

Maybe sometimes stops moving just to hear your idle/chat voice lines. He'd be like "Aw ♡ you're nice". Then proceed to keep admiring your design like Mihoyo given a 5 star rating.

Once went Co-op with Cater just as he finished doing commissions and just went feral when he saw you–

"Trey omg!? Her banner just started 30 minutes ago!"

Yes Cater, we know. He's been saving up for his moment.

Checked to see if you have any voice lines about Xiangling and you do, you're besties. He loves you more now.

Probably triple crowned you, who knows.

Cater Diamond:

LMAO he got you 7 minutes before your banner ended.

Yes, he basically used up all his wishes tryna pull for Ayaka last time and lost the 50/50. Oh well, he got you.

Suprised NRC entirely when you came out honestly. You being the absolute heaven you are. He actually pulled for you like a few times until he had like one ten pull left.

Probably searched for a (Y/N) summoning ritual and watched some.

And yay, he went over to your nation archon's statue of the seven and pulled there. Screamed when he got a gold.

Literally skipped and just saw you in all your glory.

Time to build! He may have stolen some artifacts from a character but...they were probably useless to him now.

Probably took you out on expeditions all the time just so he could raise friendship lvl and know more about you.

Will Co-op and show off his lvl 90 (Y/N). Don't stop him, he's so happy. Try not to let him know about your C6 (Y/N).

I'm talking to all of you damn wHaLes–

Anyways, since he hated Childe's guts for trying to put chaos upon Liyue he beat him up with you LMAO

Really thinks you're cool and bought a lot of merch. Cause he does tons of damage with you why not? Dedicated simp.

His phone case is basically fanart of you and your burst.

Ace Trappola:

Built your vision build instead of physical.

Doesn't wanna admit it but also tested you out and made you climb some mountains...you know it, Genshin players. Tried it with Lisa, gonna try it with you.

I also think he'd be the type to nonchalantly reply to your chat lines or burst. When you say your burst he be like...

"Damn go off, (Y/N). Kick some ruin guard ass."

Somehow manages to make decent damage with you even though he's kind of shit with building. Pretty okay.

Isn't much of the type to help other players, but when he got you almost immediately he was in a good mood and built you to help others too.

Lvl 79 (Y/N) vs Lvl 40 Cryo Regisvine...

Yes i said 79, man didn't even bother for 80. Mans too lazy to keep leveling excuse me..

HELP HE SHIPS YOU WITH HIMSELF/HIS TRAVELER–

He's the kinda guy to probably secretly look up (Y/N) x Traveler fanart or fanfiction by secret.

Still doesn't know how to get your good ending in your hangout event..somehow always ends up making you sad and absolutely despises it.

Always uses emojis to chat with Deuce, what a mood.

Deuce Spade:

The one who goes to your lines in the menu and listens to everyone single one including your battle voice lines. Only a legend like him wouldn't get lazy listening to it all...

Doesn't have your own weapon, but he gave you a pretty good 4 star weapon anyway. More decent than Ace.

Is very troubled with certain bosses but since you're now his main life made everything for him so much easier.

Came back immediately and maxed you out to 90.

Doesn't have any of your constellations but pretty fine for him to have a C6 Qiqi.

I can feel his pain of gacha luck but wowie...you love him.

And so you came home. Pairs you up in a team with the two best Genshin characters he ships you with + a healer LMAO.

You may be doing 900 dmg but he has never been more proud of himself to actually be doing damage. Until he found out he forgot to level your talents and artifacts...Ace laughed at him so much.

"Shut it you orange you can't even properly use Beidou–"

Really shut him up so well that time.

When he met you in the archon quest, he could not be any happier and would be the player who screenshots that moment with their favs and stay until they have to go :(

Okay but when he saw an epic (Y/N) cutscene HE COULDN'T HELP BUT SCREAM IN HIS ROOM–

That scene remains played in his head the entire month.

Definitely had looked at some fanfiction with Ace lmao..

Leona Kingscholar:

Doesn't main, hell never even planned to pull for you.

But since our ultimate (Y/N) simp, Ruggie, was not taking any of that bullshit from him lol.

Made a bet with him and purposely won so the lazy lion would pull for you. And he reluctantly did. Even though you're a 5 star he used to think you weren't that good.

Until he watched some videos and now keeps you in his main team with Gorou XD

Doesn't Co-op, but did so once when Ruggie and Jack wanted to play together with him.

Gets chills when he activates your burst, it's so good.

The animation lives in his mind forever. Memorized your splash art and definitely knows your entire design.

Crowned you, triple crowned lol. You are respected.

Won't admit it but got attached to you and used you for everything. Expedition, cooking, fighting, even MINING–

He grew on you and you should be happy ♡

Never does his commissions but when he saw your story quest, he didn't want to do it but went like "whatever" and did it anyway XD

May or may not have also bought (Y/N) merch..

Ruggie Bucchi:

Since he's broke of course he's an F2P.

Saved for an entire year until your banner came. You were already guaranteed so uh...congrats bruv.

He only has a bunch of 4 star characters and weapons, but has Itto and Tighnari so it's pretty much fine. Look he love those two so much BAHAHA–

A good player. Doesn't have insane gacha luck but manages to at least get the characters he wants everytime.

You're the only one with 5 star artifacts because um favoritism ♡ just like my Kaeya TvT..

Somehow zooms through the entire exploration of the nation you reside in and it's all 100% TvT

I wish i was less lazy to actually be playing Genshin rn..

When someone slanders you they 'bout to be prepared, their food is going to get taken the next day at the cafeteria.

A pretty nice player, helps others but not often.

His favorite thing to do is probably explore Sumeru around with you, and screenshot a photo of you and Tighnari, the fluffy ear boi beside each other.

When he's in a bad mood literally goes to auto join Co-op and take stuff without asking and only say thanks LMAO–

Like pls stop and just ask first oh my God.

Fears nothing. Just has a resting bitch face while playing.

Jack Howl:

Softie alert.

Doesn't know much about you since you were just released but you're from his favorite nation so why not?

Probably wanting to save for Scaramouche but...

He still has enough time for the update, so just prays and of course, with the blessing of the archons he got you. Thinks your idle animations and entertainment.

OKAY but when he finally finished Sumeru he just remembered you had a hangout event. Man rlly just forgot to do it.

Thinks you're fun to play. Help he kicked Raiden's ass with you and just you no healers or anything whatsoever–

Just a lvl 70 (Y/N) coming to beat God's ass ToT...normal..

Don't ask how he even got through the second phase, it took him around a few tries but managed to do it.

Co-ops with ADeuce + Epel pretty often.

If he was ever a youtuber w/ the other three they'd probably do stuff like "Smashing Teyvat With Four (Y/N)s" LOL

Likes Itto since he's buff and has a cool personality, so he's still in his team but (Y/N) remains superior.

Probably apologizes when you die aww TvT ♡

Because he also has Zhongli always shields you. Even if there's no fight like man does it to make sure you're safe.

Subscribes to Voltyea, ItsPaikon, Tuonto & Antonychenn. Awesome Genshin youtubers, you should too ;)

Azul Ashengrotto:

Sigh, look man....he..

He thinks you're hot. Like went wide eyed at your banner even after he thought Ayato was the best.

Also saw people using you and those players were strong af. Really likes it when you just burst it down in one go, like man he wants a (Y/N) like that.

Doesn't have much luck in pulling so spent money since there was only a few days left for your banner sgsjgsvis–

If you also have another character skin in the future you'd bet he'd buy it too. Would like how you look in anything ♡

Co-ops with the tweels + Idia. They have to carry him lol.

The only player that loves fighting Oceanid all the time.

Switches to walk mode sometimes and loves seeing you walkng like oh my God, fictional simp.

Has an all Hydro team, please don't ask why. I headcannon him to be a little inexperienced, but as time goes on he picks it up real fast and slowly gets really good.

So yeah. Usually ends up with over 5 million mora so if you fight him prepare for consequences.

Sometimes toxic people Co-op with him.

But he knows how to fight back. Shows them his (Y/N) build and they shut up.

Here's to a (Y/N) that does a shit ton of damage.

Jade Leech:

As people always say, insane gacha luck.

I wouldn't know who he mains but probably between some sort of tall handsome character or hydro character. Ayato? Zhongli? Childe? Never know.

Has every character in the game except the ones that he doesn't want. Definition of whale. Probably has C6 of almost every character.

Also another boy that crowns you cause why not ♡

Very good at bosses and dodging. This mischievous ass also makes you climb mountains...God save you, (Y/N).

Sometimes just makes you stop moving and keep his focus on you, staring right through the screen as if he thinks that would magically isekai you into TWST–

...Yeah, i'll make this a fanfic for another time.

Does your hangout event and attempts to get all endings.

And by your guessing, he might have did so. Yes, he did. All of the endings. It took a few hours but he did it.

Likes dragging hilichurls to the water and using Raiden or any electro character to electrocute them. Finds amusement in it. Mother i'm scared.

Waiting for the harbingers to get them all. I just feel the connection...for some reason. Really scary but hot vibes.

Floyd Leech:

Probably has multiple accounts, all in which have you in it.

Doesn't main you, but keeps you. He just wants to have you around. Made you a sub DPS.

I can see both him and Jade playing spiral abyss. Might rage a few times if he doesn't get 3 stars but cools down a bit after attempting one or two more times.

"Ne~ (Y/N), do your idle animation again."

Always says that when he's bored and used up all his resin. Reminds of that meme–

That guy poking a rock with a stick saying the same thing.

Anyways, plays Genshin all night usually. Finds entertainment in playing you and sometimes dares himself to even be using only you fighting weekly bosses AHHH–

Likes to put Klee, the destructive child and Kaeya, the handsome sly man with you in a team.

Got lazy to get your ascension materials for lvl 902 but when it was your birthday guess he wanted to do it somewhat as a birthday present lol.

Why do i feel like he watches (Y/N) MMD dances–

Kalim Al Asim:

Loves playing Genshin so much! Thinks it's fun.

Doesn't like seeing his characters die so probably makes a lot of food in advance before fighting bosses and stuff.

Overall shit player but gets better little by little! Sometimes forgets he gave you a 3 star weapon so quickly exits the domain just to put it back c'mon ToT

Likes using the wind glider with you probably. Reminds him of his flying carpet and thinks the plunge is cool.

Tell him to stop spending all his money for primos :>

Like you can spend in this game, yes but man probably wanted all the characters + you so bad he kinda spent over 20,000 madol the whole year...

Triple crowned C6 (Y/N). OH GOD.

Not to worry, Jamil stopped him though. A good sport. His (Y/N) does like 200 with burst damage. Had to learn about talents and stuff–

And yay he's no longer shit /j

I'm not a Kalim slander, okay don't be mad XD

I just play Genshin like a few days every month to a year so i have no idea how anything works anymore save me.

Pretty good at doing the time challenges, somehow ended up beating the ascension quest at the electro hypostasis with one second left–

His (Y/N) does 20K ♡ while my Kaeya does so much less ♡

Heart been broke so many times.

Jamil Viper:

A really good player, probably somewhat like Jade. At the start he probably mained Kaeya or something. Went straight to Diluc when he got him.

But boy oh boy you hit different cause you're (Y/N).

An F2P or a low spender, somewhere like that. Memorized all patterns and phases of Raiden, Childe & Signora.

Since he's okay it may just take him uh...probably around 10-15 minutes to beat up Raiden with you.

Once went across a (Y/N) slander account online.

God knows how or when that account got deleted but whohoo they're gone :)

Likes using you, takes you out on expeditions and God who knew he'd use your burst to kill Timmie's pigeons. Well he just saw a video about it and tried it haha bullying–

Probably went in a small state of shock seeing you in the archon quest like HELLO?? (Y/N) SIMPS ASSEMBLE??

Seeing you do all that big ass jumping and being hot..

Kinda reminded him of a second Eula or Zhongli idk–

So basically, probably tried to get some constellations on your rerun but it's up to you to know how much he got.

...C1.

Vil Schoenheit:

Time where he actually likes a character design other than Kokomi or Raiden.

Pretty much pulled for you and yea all that whatnot, we all know he'd get you XD if he has his eyes on something you'd bet he deserves to have it.

And there you are, lvl 90 (Y/N) in all it's glory.

Since doesn't have enough primogems or fates he asked Idia what weapon you should be using. Also asked for one that would be aesthetically pleasing for your character.

Crit Rate 65.3%– he's a chill player.

Mihoyo releases a new (Y/N) skin? Yes. He'll get it if he really likes it, but if it's you he'd still take it anyway. I mean like you're his best character and all, so gotta make it worth.

Never goes broke on mora #2. If being broke ever crossed your mind to him then you're very wrong.

Actually as rich in game as in real life, damn.

Not a whale though, maybe just a dolphin. Likes Yunjin too so has her with you. I'm jealous of his team, jk.

Like he ain't gonna be number two in anything, sissy.

Probably audibly gasped when he witnessed Venti get kicked by La Signora but went "Omg slay" after–

Whoever said (Y/N) is trash, he'll prove them wrong.

Rook Hunt:

I'm sorry but WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT DAMAGE–

Bro just started playing Genshin like for a few hours and already got himself a good Lisa build...

...Speedy thunder weird creature is this man?

Though higher AR means stronger enemies he does not give a shit and will absolutely fight back with his awesome skills. Took himself to Adventure Rank 60. UNLIKE ME–

Knows how to save unlike you guys and got you on your banner when he heard of your release.

Loves playing you honestly. He made you so well–

Better than any other (Y/N) main could possibly do. Yours does 15K? Bruh, this hunter does 30K ToT

Teach me your ways master Rook. Earlier about Ace and Deuce i said they read fanfiction right? Well, this guy is the one who makes the fanfiction.

Wastes no time to download Twisttpad on his laptop and his fingers typed so quick even Raiden was INFERIOR.

...Okay lame reference but at least i got that out of my head.

Doesn't give a care, even if he had a lvl 40 (Y/N) with the most terrible build ever he'd be using that in Co-op boss fights. And oh my sevens–

Somehow everyone else who was like lvl 70-80 died and he solos it and somehow manages to kill it and survive. Jade may be a good dodger, but this man is the GOD of dodging.

Never underestimate no matter how hard it may be.

Well he brought some food with him anyways. Often plays with Vil and Epel.

Epel Felmier:

PLS– the first years are literally going feral debating about which one of them has the best (Y/N).

Until Epel comes out with his and they go pikachu shocked.

Of course he didn't do it alone with his own experience. Trusted Rook to help him with it and man did it work wonders. Probably uses healer artifacts for you...why–

Well unless you ARE a healer then yay, you'll be replacing his dear 'ol Barbara.

Keeps Beidou because y e s. He chose it himself.

The fact that he's actually the most normal Genshin player in the entire fandom of Genshin makes it hilarious. Please stop bringing lvl 1 characters to lvl 90 domains–

But i once did that myself, could say it was fun though...

Much like Deuce and Jamil...and less like Vil, he is very vulgar when someone trash talks you.

Literally spits it in their face that his (Y/N) is better than your Diluc. Will not stand for any mean slander. Loves you and forever does.

Always keeps a healer like Barbara or Kokomi even if he replaces them with you, he'll probably go like...

"Alright, now protect my (Y/N). Okay?" CUTE AHDGSHW–

Kinda sad when he finds out you're shipped with other Genshin characters. Then shakes it off afterwards, he isn't gonna fall in love with a fictional charater sadly.

You're his main DPS, naturally. He didn't crown you tho.

Didn't because he doesn't have any lol. Barely plays Genshins on weekdays, usually on weekends and maybe rarely Friday too.

Idia Shroud:

The Genshin God of TWST and the biggest whale.

Don't even start on you. Just a bit of grinding and leveling, boom C6 lvl 90 (Y/N) with your weapon.

Maxed out right artifacts and triple crowned. Don't ask. The only C6 he doesn't have is Kaeya, Lisa and Amber. Look even he has his own hardships. C2 Kaeya though.

Insanely good at patterns and dodging.

One-faces La Signora regularly with no problems. Even more so he loves using you for looking hot while fighting.

His room is half-filled with (Y/N) posters, plushies, figurines, etc. you name it. Never forgets daily commissions and uses only you because he's a gamer God lol.

Has Diluc, Fischl, Barbara & Jean's other skins. And if you also have one he'll be the 3rd to have it (Azul & Vil yknow)...

Never underestimate an otaku and pro gamer.

Probably plays challenges with Lilia on a live stream like who can kill Raiden the fastest, who can kill a cryo resgisvine without breaking the corrolla, stuff like that...

It always ends so intense that fans are going crazy smh.

And sometimes there's a catch that they only have to use one or two characters. Both always use you LMAO–

Always expect better things each day in his streams.

Ortho Shroud:

Usually watches instead of plays, but Idia encouraged him to play so both could have fun.

He pulled you and Kequing ♡ first two 5 stars.

Of course a pro gamer as well like, he gives me those player vs AI robot battle vibes so much– except he's the AI and not actually bad TvT

Has lots of fun in the archon quests and weekly bosses. Expect him to get to Raiden's second face in 5 seconds.

Mihoyo has no idea wtf happened and how he did it.

Always helps other players! And when streaming, he also sometimes joins Idia and Lilia in playing. Who knows, maybe Cater as well if he has time.

Best (Y/N) build next to Idia you wouldn't believe it.

Not a C6, but somewhere near that. He'd probably get it if you get a rerun.

Also probably gives players good gacha luck and like damn thank him properly. Even if he has no idea what's going on he'll say "you're welcome" anyways.

Finds spiral abyss fun. Obtained a Xiangling and he felt happy about that.

Will literally find excitement in anything about you–

You're a 5 star. How nice! You give bonuses when cooking? That's awesome~ He's such a sunshine omg..

Loves your hangout event. Finished it immediately.

You are a character to be appreciated. Everyone agrees!

Malleus Draconia:

HE'S SO SHIT AT THIS GAME HELP LMAO–

Mostly finds the artifacts very confusing. Which ones should be used for (Y/N)? Should Lisa use travelling doctor? What does the +0 mean?

Lilia is always there to explain, and Malleus slowly understands. When i say slow, very slow.

But we'll be getting there soon nonetheless.

Amused when he pulled a 5 star which was you– like man didn't even try for the standard banner.

Wants to see if he'll get a limited character and he did. Probably has like three or four 5 star characters overall.

Does 5K damage, but that's good enough for him he says.

Probably the only TWST character that is most invested and interested in the Genshin lore. Maybe even your backstory, who knows.

If you have a really sad backstory like the others...

He'll feel bad. Always tries to remember it's fiction but can't stop feeling about it for you. Soft dragon.

When he first met you in game, i mean your cutscene–

He was both given a shock and wave of happiness. His favorite character is finally here! Very cool. Enjoyed the scene while it lasted and immediately ran to talk to you.

Two (Y/N)s up against each other...pff. Never does hangout events, actually too busy theorizing about Teyvat–

Just like anyone else. Unknown God? Celestia? The Fatui Harbingers & Tsaritsa? Expect him to be making lots of theories all the time. Sebek wholeheartedly agrees.

Lilia Vanrouge:

Not a Genshin god but could be a Genshin king probably. Another dolphin, mildly spends a little.

Pulled you on your rerun instead because he used all his primos for Zhongli. Used to main him too, always gets reminded of Malleus for some reason. Anyone else?

Doesn't even try. Can build you with his eyes closed, like do not even bLiNk and you're probably clashing dmg with Idia–

Which is why the streams are always so fun.

Co-op weekend nights with Diasomnia, in his world. He's at AR 60 and the others are probably around 50.

Will take a simple selfie with you admiring your character during the archon quest. If some epic cutscene happens he'll be very amused.

Little beastie is so strong~ he should make an entire cake dedicated to you! That's it.

Doesn't understand why everyone stopped him though.

Poor guy still doesn't know his cooking is shit but he tries– Also the one who makes the (Y/N) fanfiction.

But there's a twist to that. It's all smut. LMAO bestie doesn't even get fazed when he writes or reads lemons.

If it's you, then he gives no shit. Loves everything about your character and has a team dedicated to support you the entire time lol.

Often has to have C6 Qiqi to revive you. And probably has to always stick to Malleus incase well...stuff happens.

Overall likes your hangout event most. Good screenshots!

Sebek Zigvolt:

Very loud and obnoxious when it comes to you.

Will definitely show you off the other players with his nicely built (Y/N) thanks to Lilia, but never his first year friends because feels it's embarassing...

Manages to fight weekly bosses on his own, takes two or three tries but it's okay. He's a decent one

Imagine he bought a plushie of you and cuddles it AWW– nah that would seriously be so cute. (Y/N) simp.

Doesn't like Scaramouche for that one time he met with Traveler but wants his banner anyway...i mean, cool. Often updated with stuff and watches youtube Genshin leaks–

Asks Lilia or Silver for advice when doing puzzles.

Saw Dottore in the Sumeru trailer AND FREAKED OUT.

Another harbinger!? Damn, he'll be waiting for it. If anyonr of you want to see that trailer just message me!

Wait...are you shipped with any harbinger? Let him see.

Probably used to main someone tall and intimidating like his waka-sama...Zhongli, Kaeya, Diluc, Ayato, who knows.

Kinda felt mad when Traveler's sibling just left when they saw each other again. Hopes Genshin won't have a terrible ending and cry his crocodile tears.

Honestly same Sebek, same. Don't jinx it though.

Silver:

Used to main any hydro character or healer maybe. Thinks Kokomi is calming and cute.

But only for you he switched because like...(Y/N). That's all i have to say for you to understand. (Y/N).

Never even has to try when fighting bosses. Like–

Literally somehow obliterates them with his sheer luck. He almost falls asleep during Childe's boss fight and almost didn't manage to dodge the big whale LMAO.

Lucky he has food. Precious food for you worries. Saves some of your fanart on his phone.

So whenever he wants to sleep, he'll just look at your face and falls asleep peacefully ♡ prolly predicted you getting isekai'd in TWST so he has no problems loving you..

...Don't ask how he also has a C6 (Y/N).

Dies in the middle of an archon quest when he trials you because he just got shocked he saw you then just really stopped moving.

But oh well, that's not a problem. Say hello to steak. Or tevyat fried eggs...who knows.

Doesn't fight Raiden often. He falls asleep and dies.

Ends up snapping when he hears your soothing voice in his earphones though. Just smiles and continues playing like PLEASE I LOVE HIM HE'S SO PRECIOUS–

Mm, we love the power of (Y/N). Very delicious.

Just please always have Sebek wake him up when he falls asleep in playing, gets dejected when you die– just opens the Paimon menu everytime he feels like dozing off.

Cause y'know, Paimon's mysterious way of stopping time.

(I'M SORRY AGAIN FOR ERRORS THIS IS SO HALF ASSED..want to be added in a taglist? Just say it!)

Taglist: @stygianoir

[inessencedevided]

(You can find the set that this gif belongs to here 💙)

From planning to posting, share your process for making creative content!

To continue supporting content makers, this tag game is meant to show the entire process of making creative content: this can be for any creation.

RULES: When your work is tagged, show the process of its creation from planning to posting, then tag 5 people with a specific link to one of their creative works you’d like to see the process of. Use the tag #showyourprocess so we can find yours

I was tagged by @aheartfullofjolllly. thank you so much Pat! it was really fun to reflect about my own process 💗 You can find her post here and @lan-xichens' post that started it all here :)

Also thank you @huigusu 🥰 (who tagged me for my nie brothers set) I'll get to that one in a few days!

Now Pat gave me two sets to chose from to show my process, so obviously I chose the more complicated one :P

I only work in Photoshop CC 2018. I know that there are programs out there for easier cutting and sharpening but I have only just figured out how to do that in PS and I am too lazy to figure out any other programs right now xD

1. Idea and Planning

This set, like most of my sets with lyrics started with me reading the poem, clutching my heart and going "oh shit this fits my favourite characters!!". The idea actually started with me thinking that the first stanza of the poem would go really well with wwx during the burial mounds arc. Then I realized that the last stanza fits lwj better than him and from there came the idea to contrast the both of them next to each other. This is when I realized I wanted to do a dark-light contrast set, though I did not know that I would go with red and blue at that time. My idea in the beginning was just to do a black and white set

I was really impressed by how Pat said that she plans her sets around exact timestamps. Because I don't do that at all ^^ I just get ideas for which scenes would fit (in this case the wwx burial mounds scenes and lwj's kneeling and punishments scene) and then I watch the scenes to narrow them down.

Back when I made this set, I still used a screenrecorder (AceThinker Screen Grabber Pro to be precise. They have a test version that allows you to record up to 3 minutes) and recorded the scenes I needed from Netflix. This worked well enough but now I have the entire show saved on an external drive and it makes a world of difference when it comes to gif sharpness

Now, in this case I had to repeat this step once because when I was almost finished, I realized that I wanted a gif for the lwj corner but let's pretend I didn't do that and that's the way this gif was always going to look because otherwise this post will be way too long ^^

2. Creation

Short disclaimer: The creation process for this gifset was anything but linear. Multiple effects I used here were things I had never tried before. I just had a vague idea and tried to realize it through trial and error. So whenever I say "then I did xyz", it is implied that I ultimately went back to that step several times and changed stuff ^^

I started with the Wei Wuxian part of the gif. I usually use a frame rate of 0,06 (with some variation depending on gif length and size). I work in timeline so I converted all the layers to a smart layer. Then I resized the gif into a square, leaving big chunks of the gif empty (as can be seen below.) I flipped the gif horizontally, so he is looking inwards. This was simple because I felt it fitted the composition better. Then I imported the Lan Wangji part of the gif, again with a frame rate of 0,06. (Image 2)

After that I created a layer for masking in a separate PS document by rotating a square until it was point down (is that a rhombus?). I sized it to match my gif (540x540 pxl) and copied it over. (Image 3) a bit of masking magic and ta da! There's the basic layout (Image 4)

I put a layer of solid black behind wwx to get rid of the transparent bits (Image 5) and then started adding more white and black to both sides by adding solid whit and black layers that i put masks on and changed the opacity as i needed (Image 6)

("reading" direction: from the upper left to the lower right corner)

Then I fiddled with the colours a bit. The first thing I always do is using the curves layer to get more contrast. Then I use the colour balance tool and the selective colouring tool to get rid of that cql-typical cyan tint after that it's just trying to have it look "natural" while the colours still fit the overall scheme. This was difficult here because wei Wuxian’s side of the gif was very dark and when i turned up the saturation to see which colour dominated it was a very weird mixture of multiple colours. That's when i decided that I'd just go with red on his side, since lwj's side was already so blue and those to look great as contrasts.

After that just came a lot of fiddling with selective colour layers and brightness and contrast unti I has happy. There really wasn't much to it ^^. (Image 1)

After that I added the text. I knew I wanted the two lines to for a square of some kind. So I tried different fonds until I arrived at the one below. The two lines are in seperate layers so I could move them around and change the spacing between the letters until I was happy with the layout. I also changed the layer mode for the text to "difference" (is that what it's called in english? my PS is set to german sorry ^^), keeping their colour white. (Image 2)

I originally hadn't planned adding anything else but I felt like the gifs (plural because I switched between the gifs of this set) was still kind of empty and lacking, so I added the tear down the middle (a tutorial for that is either coming up later or already posted. I recently got an ask for this :)) (Image 3)

It still felt empty after that, so I tried different overlays. Okay no, first I wasted a lot of time on different free image sides but then I tried out different ones until I chose the one you can see in the finished gif. I liked that one because a) I felt the round shape was a nice contrast to all the straight lines already there and b) because once I applied a black and white filter to it and switched the layer setting to "difference" (again, i hope this is the correct translation) it looked a bit like a moon. (Gif at the top)

("reading" direction: from left to right)

And that's it! :)

Although in general, these gifs took so much fiddling! I went back and forth between them a lot and sometimes almost redid the entire thing because I had no idea what I was doing in the beginning and by the time I noticed an error, the only way to fix it was ti redo everything. So yeah, this set definitely is the the one that took me the longest out of all the ones I've posted so far.

3. Posting

I save all my gifs to my drafts first to see what they look like put together and to check if they look any different on mobile. Usually i do this several times and change stuff until I'm happd enough with it to hit post. Once i am happy enough, i can't hold back. Doesn't matter if it's at a time when nobody is online, i hit post 😅

And that's it!

Tagging:

@lanwuxiann for this gifset (I adore it so much. I've looked at it and read it severat times since you posted it and the poem just kills me every time!)

@suibianjie for this gifset (The combination of static images and gifs in your gifs is always absolutely perfect! This one is only my favourite of yours because the light coming from behind wwx is just so pretty!!! ^^)

@sweetlittlevampire for this piece (It was soooo hard to pick a piece of yours because I have so many favourites! But this one is just so out if this world, I want to know how you worked that magic :D)

@wei-gege for this set (sparkling shijie! 😭 that set is so incredibly beautiful! I love how you matched the colour of the overlay with her dress!)

@purplexedhuman for this set (your gifs are always incredible! I chise this one because it showcases both your colouring skills and some really intricate effects)

If any of you have already been tagged or don't have the time or energy for this, obviously no pressure to do this at all! 🥰

(btw, I originally tried to place the actual text of this under a "read more" cut but somehow it always messed with the order of the images, so this ended up as a rather long post. sorry!)

[lizzybeth1986]

Quick Thoughts on TRR Book 3 Chapter 11

• Again, fam, I'm not entirely sure I'll have this QT out in time but I hope I will. My surgery has been fixed for next Thursday, and I'd like to finish whatever I can before I leave for hospital. It's going to be hard, but fingers crossed I can get it done.

Here is Part 2 of Chapter 11's Quick Thoughts once you're through with this one!

• I'm noticing a narrative pattern here! Whenever something devastating is happening right in front of us (like the two attacks in the palace) they immediately pick up from where they left off in the previous chapter, bring that portion to its dramatic conclusion, and then play the opening theme (in this case, it's the sad version of the TRR title track). They used a similar narrative format in Chapter 1 of this book.

• This is also the third time the sad TRR track plays in the book. The only time it was played sans the narrative style of Chapter 1 and Chapter 10's openings, was in Chapter 6, after the orchard at Applewood was burned. All at points of time when all hope seems to be lost, before our lead characters get up, dust themselves off, and resolve to keep going despite everything and everyone against them.

• It was pretty clear that Constantine would sacrifice his life in this chapter, given the way he was talking at the end of the last one. It's the kind of symbolic send-off one tends to write for a character one knows will die sooner than he anticipates. Which is why even though I'm kinda pissed that Leo comes now when everything seems safe, I understand why having him there is so important. In the narrative, Leo is an important part of the closure that comes before Constantine's demise.

•

A few notes on Constantine's demise:

1. He's right about one thing: it definitely is a better end for him. He dies a hero. Cordonia never finds out that he was going to die anyway. No one gets to know what he did to the future Queen/newest Duchess either. I'm still going to be unhappy about this because it's a way better end than the man deserves.

2. I know I would find it disturbing if the man who arranged for me to be harmed in multiple ways in his own house was hailed a hero during his funeral, with only me and a handful of other people knowing he had done, and without the option of ever opening up about who was really behind it. I don't know about you, but my MC Esther would definitely feel conflicted about that.

3. Also..."everything I did, it was for you...whether or not it was right". Sorry Constantine, but that's a load of bullshit. After all this time, this man is still making excuses just before he dies. Liam answered this brilliantly in the last book - Constantine had a choice. He always had a choice. There were other, better ways of getting the MC out of the competition if that was his goal but no, his mind went straight to privacy violations and assault.

4. Also, while he pledged to help us under pressure from Liam, the fact remains that the brunt of his actions were borne by other people. The MC's name was dragged into the mud and SHE had to run around and make all the effort of setting it right. Liam was forced into a loveless match that would have culminated in a disastrous marriage had Tariq not cooperated, and he had to work on figuring out who was behind this not knowing his own family was involved. In all this, Constantine did all the work of making his own home as unsafe for his guest as it could possibly get, and very little of the work in restoring her reputation in the eyes of all of Cordonia. Did he apologize? Sure he did. But that doesn't change a damned thing. It doesn't change the fact that he sowed evil and left it for other people to reap.

5. I find his last line to Liam quite poignant though. "You are Cordonia". That's a very loaded statement, and a very accurate one. And I think if there is anything that can keep Liam strong and carry him forward, it's that. No one in this book is as immersed in the culture, history and spirit of Cordonia as Liam is - which is why he makes the best king for the nation. Because he knows it intimately and cares for it, he knows what this country needs so it can heal. Even if it takes a while for Liam to realize that himself.

6. So long, old man.

• Title: Cold Fire. Kinda fitting, considering our tour has now moved to Lythikos, but the 'heat' of the tensions within the court have turned up several notches. It could also refer to that sick, sick burn Drake delivered to Madeleine today though 😂😂😂

• Alternative titles:

Drink What Everyone Else Is Drinking. Good For Health.

Drake Doesn't Need A Sword to Slay Assholes. Nor Does Olivia, Apparently.

@callmetippytumbles suggested a shorter and better alternative title to that one, and it's: Drake Roasts And Gets Roasted.

• I was hoping we would spend at least a chapter in the Capitol and, yknow, actually help Liam work through his grief, but nope. Flash-forward it is.

• Bastien is in hospital now, with injuries sustained from escorting people out of the palace, so Mara (who apparently hasn't been sleeping since the attack) is the one doing the debriefing on his behalf.

• It's clear to Liam and our friends NOW that whoever has been conspiring against us was a part of the Unity Tour and working from the inside (bruh, I could have told you that long ago). I'm thinking now that if Neville is part of this plan, perhaps the duel was meant to serve as a distraction so arrangements could be made within the time that the entire court was out in the courtyard. Just a theory.

• This was also alluded to in Perfect Match, when one of Nadia's alternative identities is Steel, a guest in the 'royal's tour who is actually an assassin.

•

This is perhaps the closest we get to Liam confessing how much all this has been affecting him, and sadly enough, he doesn't have enough time to really work through his grief. The suggestion to continue to Lythikos and get their answers there comes from Liam, and he speaks of it as something Constantine would have wanted. It isn't entirely healthy, but I think this is the way Liam has been brought up and it's hard for him to give himself time to be vulnerable, to give himself the space to grieve properly. Because now more than ever he has an entire country depending on him, and the royal family is known for projecting displays of strength and stoicism even if they don't feel it. It's not a good way of working through one's issues, but it's probably the only way Liam knows to deal with his trauma. I feel like in a lot of ways he's reliving especially the assassination attempt that happened earlier, but worse because someone he loved actually died this time. I'd definitely see some signs of PTSD at work here, even if it's suppressed. Particularly given that he speaks of feeling empty.

•

Waitaminute...are you telling me that Esther, the future Queen of Cordonia, is going to attend a Ball, her fiancé's father's funeral, a meeting, and an entire trip to Lythikos in this fever dream of a costume???

Fine. Fine, Esther, I give up. Fanta bottle inspired Stephanie Seymour gown it is 🙄

• What Madeleine says about the effect the MC has (particularly if the MC chooses all the right options during the tour) on people is very very similar to the last thing Constantine said before he died:

I'm guessing in a lot of ways this is seen as the MC's personal victory. Constantine and Madeleine were the two people who believed least that the MC had anything of value to give if she became Queen or a person of power in Cordonian politics. It was a long hard road to achieving this level of confidence even in her naysayers, so in a lot of ways the MC now truly is a unifying factor. Which makes me wonder what they say if you do a gag-run instead where the MC fails miserably during the tour. I know @boneandfur is doing such a playthrough as of now, but I don't know exactly if Madeleine and Constantine's words to her change in such an eventuality.

•

OMG. The design team is KILLING IT with the OOTD this week! It's gorgeous, and it tells us plenty about the Lythikos duchy and the Nevrakis House! For those of you who haven't read my House Sigils essay, I theorized that red was one of the house tinctures (colours), and that the sigil was either a sword or a spider. The flaming sword is attached to the gown (possibly as a brooch pin). @i-dream-so-i-write and I discussed this, and it was she who pointed out that Diavolos signature weapon was the flaming sword, as can be seen from the above picture. I'm not sure which metallic colour would form the second colour/tincture, but evidence seems to be learning more towards silver (there is a little gold on the brooch-sword, so it could be either). Tldr: I love this gown. It has that grace and effortless style that I've come to associate with Nevrakis fashion.

• Olivia is wearing the gown she wore for her Coronation. Come to think of it, the Scarlet Duchess moniker that Olivia got would refer to way more than her fashion. Given that it's one of her house colours and she was proud to be a Nevrakis especially at the time, Scarlet Duchess would mean so much to her. So much.

• So we're seated in the front and served fresh, piping hot food. SWEET! XD This time we get to order stuff. Maxwell gets fondue, Hana gets glazed salmon and Drake has ordered for ribs.

• Olivia: I had to request a few changes for your more...rustic palette.

Drake: Are you expecting a thanks? Because you're not getting one.

You're in for the meal of your life, Walker 😂

•

If you've never liked Olivia at all before? This scene in reason enough 😂😂😂

• Lucretia drops by to make more heavy hints about marriage prospects for Olivia (including relief that her niece wasn't scarred from rubble. How...caring).

• Olivia and Liam then perform the opening dance (like they did during the social season) and Liam takes this opportunity to find out what she knows. He gets little, beyond her worries about having to marry someone Lucretia will pick for her. Hana points out that perhaps "one has to wonder who Lucretia wants Olivia to marry". Good question.

• But before that, Kiara comes up to the MC to tell her she will be withdrawing from court after the Winter Festival ends. Kiara's argument is sound - she had already extended her public support and seems to be attending the wedding. But now is a dangerous time to be a part of the court, and Kiara's doing what she can to stay safe. Remember, she was the only noblewoman in court injured during the attack at Homecoming Ball, a fact that was given hardly a minute of consideration before the MC "convinced" her to join them again.

• Hana mentions that perhaps they can speak to her before she returns. I hope this means we will FINALLY address what happened to Kiara and look into possible - very valid - concerns about her safety. This is something we SHOULD have been talking about when we meet her at Castelserraillian, but no. PB decided to create a whole new character instead just so Kiara wouldn't get the attention she deserved as a character.

• Then again, she is seen as a suspect in a way none of the other court ladies (besides Olivia, and she's only viewed as such because of her family history) are. Sigh. The MC gets the option to speculate that she "knows something" and Drake gets to answer that "we must suspect everyone". DRAKE. Who ALSO got wounded at the same Ball that she was wounded in. Ugh. I mean I shouldn't be surprised considering he gets angry about people not supporting Liam barely hours after he got shot, but he's friends with the King. Kiara is not, and if she gets wounded again wouldn't it be their fault for not addressing the concerns she and her family had in the first place? Apparently Penelope's and Madeleine's concerns should be given ample consideration, but Kiara? Kiara who?? Oh right, Penelope's love interest's sister 😠 While we're at it, let's just make her suspicious for no reason!

• CONGRATULATIONS MAXWELL STANS on getting your first character development scene! There isn't a lot of overt character development but the scene does show us how observant and resourceful Maxwell is, pointing out the hole in the armoury wall that will allow us to overhear people's conversations and give us a better idea of who we should suspect. It does this while still establishing him as goofy, fun-living and always ready to live life king-size.

• Maxwell and the MC engage in what is known in European folklore as an apple-shot (Apfelschuss in German. The most popular folk tale involving this feat of archery is that of William Tell, a Swiss folk hero, who was ordered to shoot an apple from the top of his son's head by a cruel nobleman named Albrecht Gessler. Thankfully, he succeeded).

• Oooh now comes my favourite part: the weapons!

• This is an amazing Easter Egg in two ways if you're a TCaTF fan. One is that it reminds me SO MUCH of when Val gets to be the narrator, which is ALWAYS fun! Case in point are the names she gives the Iron Empire soldiers at Ennan: Pointy, Mr Fancy, Birdface, Grumpy and That Other Guy. Here, the MC gives names to all the weapons.

• So if you're someone who has played TCaTF and forgotten the weapons, no problem! I'm here to list out what these weapons are actually called, where they originated from and how Kenna (if the reader pays) gets them!

• The Weirdly Fancy Dagger is the Black Asps Dagger (which I think might be venom-tipped, like Adder's Fang) which Raydan gets from a Black Asp agent when he is imprisoned under Azura's orders. I see this weapon as being associated most with Abanthus/Lythikos in this list of weapons, because it comes from Adder's team of Lykos spies and assassins, and eventually (if Kenna chooses so) Adder can get to rule over this kingdom either alone or alongside Princess Zenobia (or not at all).

The Dragon Face Hammer! is actually the famous Wave Hammer, made by Kailani Keawe of Ebrimel - a fierce warrior and a skilled craftswoman - from Heart Oak Wood sneaked in from Thorngate. Heart Oak has all the appearance of wood with all the strength of metal, and makes for an amazing secret weapon.

The Ram Head Thing is Crown Guardian Leon Stirling's signature weapon - The Ram's Head Mace. This is a weapon clearly associated with Stormholt as Queen Adriana bequeathed it to him. Leon gets to pass it down to Kenna upon his death, if she so chooses. This mace is strong enough to crush armour, and Leon won the tournament at Ducitora with it before Azura killed him.

The Skull...Flail? is Val Greaves' signature weapon, The Deadman's Flail, which is powerful enough to crush armour. Kenna can use this weapon in her fight against Severin Cale, Leader of the Mercenaries. Val herself uses it often in battle.

The polo mallet is just...there.

• Ooh finally! It's time to investigative.

1. Madeleine approaching a man the MC has rejected in favour of her current fiancé. If you're marrying Liam, this man is Drake and he gets to roast Madeleine like she's never been roasted before ("Liam does get what he wants. That means he also gets to throw away what he doesn't want"). If you're marrying Drake, Hana or Maxwell, she is talking to Liam, addressing the king-sized elephant in the room. Liam doesn't pull any extra punches - he just looks extra annoyed and tells her he's "had other matters to attend to". It may seem like a weak defense in comparison to Drake's explosive comeback, but to be fair the man is going through some crazy shit here, and I don't think anyone in that state can actually expand enough thought to form a rebuttal at all. I doubt he'd have either the inclination or energy to actually respond with more than "I've had other matters to attend to". It's particularly awkward if your LI is Maxwell because he is standing right next to you hearing all this, but that hardly reflects in his dialogue. Basically, I view this sequence as telling us more about Madeleine than about the men: she may have changed a tiny bit, but she's still just a huge shit-stirrer.

Possibly, this might be set up for the apology that will ensue if we save Madeleine's backstabbing ass next chapter. It'll be something along the lines of "oh forgive me, I was so wrong, what I did was so wrong, I'll never do that again" etc etc yadda yadda getouttamyfaceyoufakeassbitch.

Also, I believe that the part of the reason Drake delivered that zinger to Madeleine was because he was still stinging from Olivia's burn at dinner 😂

2. While there are very few differences between the first and last conversations, the second conversation changes drastically depending on who your LI is.

a. If your LI is Liam, Hakim comes up to Liam, gives him his condolences for Constantine's death, and then comments positively on Esther and the upcoming wedding, which leads to a discussion between the MC and Maxwell about wedding preparations. I think this is mostly because Kiara never really interacts with Liam, so they got Hakim to do the honors. Over here though, Hakim and Liam's conversation about the wedding forms only a tiny portion of the conversation, as opposed to the entire thing.

b. If your LI is Hana, Kiara and Hana have a lovely, lighthearted conversation about the latter's upcoming wedding. Kiara expresses great happiness at Hana getting married to the MC, and Hana confesses to being so nervous she constantly dreams about it. I love the way Hana and Kiara's friendship is written here: how open Hana is with Kiara and how encouraging and supportive Kiara is towards Hana. I think it's so beautiful to see 😭

c. If your LI is Maxwell? It's Hana and Kiara again, this time speculating what the MC's wedding to Maxwell will be like. Kiara confesses that she plans to skip a cousin's reception on the same day by pretending to be ill, just so she can attend their reception instead. Together they discuss what surprises the Beaumonts might spring during the reception - from dance-offs to ball pits to hot air balloons filled with kittens. Here too, it's a lovely moment - two of the smartest court members having fun talking about weddings.

d. If your LI is Drake, Kiara talks to him instead. First about the offerings at the dessert buffet, then about the wedding. Kiara is overly chirpy and happy and excited about the wedding, and Drake tenses up when she turns the topic towards the wedding preparations, because those are "complicated". Of course, if you do the LI scene with him at the ice palace, you will find out that he doesn't like talking about it because he would rather keep things simple and focus on his bride, and the nobility is all about perfection and elaborate preparations. Very possibly the Kiara-Drake conversation was written this way as a lead-up to his conversation with the MC at the snow palace. (and perhaps also to dissuade people who would like to ship Drake and Kiara, especially given the backlash Kiara got from fans just for having a crush on the man).

The main focus of this conversation of course is to give out the message that the MC's upcoming wedding is something that still excites people, and that even people afraid of staying in court don't want to miss it.

3. The third conversation between Olivia and Lucretia is given the suspicious sounding music from ES, and begins with Lucretia trying to find out more about the MC. Olivia doesn't tell her much beyond what everyone else knows, and Lucretia leaves her with this cryptic statement:

I feel we're going to have a Big Reveal about what actually happened to the Nevrakises and whether they really were traitors or not.

• With that we finish our little stint at investigation, and in comes our next chance to spend diamonds on our respective LIs!

• I love how Liam's outdoor kink has been referenced two chapters in a row now 😂

•

(Screenshots: @kennaxval for Hana, @mariamatsuo for Drake and the Vika Avey YouTube channel for Maxwell).

Again, like the previous scene, the LIs have their own individual stamp over their ice palace scene. The beauty of it is not just that they all seem different in the way they make love to the MC, but that their reactions to the ice palace itself vary from LI to LI.

Liam gives us a legend. He tells us about the prevalent pre-wedding tradition in Lythikos, where an engaged couple would have their village build them an ice palace the following winter. Kind of like a seasonal barn-raising, which also involves a community coming together to build something for the couple. It says plenty about Lythikos and its people (I won't elaborate because at some point I'm going to be writing essays again). But it also confirms for us how immersed in Cordonian culture Liam is, and how much his Queen will learn when she is with him.

Hana gives us a fairytale. She tells us a story her mother used to read to her at night, about a frozen kingdom, an ice palace and a princess with a frozen heart, which thawed the moment she found true love. The fairytale Hana tells us bears similarities to Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen", and more to the film it inspired, Frozen. But snow maidens are a staple of certain European cultures (particularly Norwegian and Slavic legend), so it could be a mix of many stories. It's fitting that Hana relates the ice palace to a story, connected as she is to literature and folklore and romance. In a lot of ways, hidden beneath the fable of the ice princess is Hana's own story.

Drake gives us a memory. As a follow-through to the conversation between him and Kiara in Maxwell's armoury scene if the reader bought it (unbeknownst to him, because he doesn't know the MC was overhearing them) he gets to be more open about not being very interested in planning weddings. His ideal would have been to take his bride to his mother's ranch in Texas for a wedding very reminiscent of his parents' union, and were Cordonia not in this condition that's exactly what he would have done. It's very like Drake, whose most powerful emotional associations are connected to his once-happy childhood and his memories of his parents, particularly his father.

Maxwell gives us an gift, made with his own hands. When he brings the MC to the ice palace, he suggests creating ice sculptures, and both make one of each other. It's a sweet, funny and affectionate scene, with both of them exchanging cute banter about Maxwell's "secret affair" with "Ice MC" and his tongue getting stuck in ice while pretending to kiss her 😂 It's very Maxwell. He's very hands-on, likes to do fun things, likes to entertain. And that's exactly the vibe I'm getting here.

The love scenes are tender and sweet and hot, and I think each of these scenes is worth the diamonds you'll spend. The scenes are tailored perfectly to fit the personalities of each LI. This is exactly what I hoped to see with scenes like the bathtub scene at the beginning of the book, and the spa scene. If they continue with this kind of quality content going forward, then I'm really really glad they took that hiatus.

• Okay we're back to the ballroom now. With Madeleine super drunk on...um...some pineapple drink.

• Madeleine is the only person to have the pineapple drink, and she seems to have an affinity for pineapple's since Maxwell offered her that Pineapple Paradise Punch in Fydelia. Everyone else is drinking Lythikos Nog.

• Madeleine collapses in the middle of Olivia's speech!

• The security detail uses "Code Locusta" to refer to poisons. Which is fitting, because Locusta was a very notorious maker of poisons during the time of Claudius and Nero (around AD 54 was when she contributed to the assassination of Emperor Claudius, and his son Brittanicus a year later). She was not only someone who was an expert on poisons and hired for that purpose, but also someone who used her skills to bring down royalty at the behest of their enemies. This could be a bit of a stretch, but I think this ties in symbolically with the plot of the movie scene in Liam's playthrough, where the enemy of the throne is someone who also can claim to be a royal. Especially considering poisons have been used to kill Liam's mother, and now to kill a supporter of the Crown and the MC, and a member of a very powerful Cordonian noble house. And yet...the other noble house - the Nevrakis family of Lythikos - stays untouched.

• The last time I recall "Locusta" being used in literature was in Alexandre Dumas' (père) The Count of Monte Cristo. A chapter of this book, in which a woman attempts to poison her stepdaughter so the family fortune could be passed on to her son, was titled Locusta as well.

• Something is rotten in the state of Denmark, folks. Or should I say, in the Kingdom of. Cordonia?

• Can I just say I love the parallels between Lythikos in Book 1 and now? We learned a little about Olivia's past in passing from Liam here, and now it will hit us in full force in the form of Lucretia. Constantine didn't seem to be in Lythikos, and returned to tell Liam that he was going to die soon, and now we visit the same estate after he has given his life to save his son.

Olivia gave us the worst place and the worst treatment then, and the best now. We convinced Kiara to support us in this very ballroom, and perhaps we might have to do so now too. It was here that Madeleine proudly claimed she was neither unrefined or insecure...but now she doesn't care about propriety.

I recall it was here for the first time that Maxwell stans were given the chance to express affection towards him, and it's here that they now get his first character development scene in Book 3. Most of all...it was here that the initial 3 LIs started to open up to us, in different ways, (if we paid) and now we return...an engaged couple - shedding all our layers and keeping each other warm in the cold (again, if we pay). I have many fond memories of Lythikos, and this chapter definitely brought me back there xD

• Tumblr isn't allowing me to write further for this post, so I will be writing my theories and who I believe is involved in the next post.

[sherlockmonkeesstartrek]

8, 18, 23, 24, 29, 45, 55, 62 , 74, 77, 86,

Thank you for asking me

8: Girls… (finish the sentence); Boys… (finish the sentence)

Girl(s) you look mighty good to me, and I know that you’ve got to be, the kind of girl I could love. And… that Boy(s) wants you back again XD Shameless lyric references but they were the first things that came into my mind

18: Do you believe in karma?

Good question. I’ve never asked myself that one before. I kind of do, though I don’t actively avoid doing something in fear of getting something back, because I’m a shit person. If I do something bad or whatever, I accept that I’ll probably get my comeuppance.

23: How do you vent your anger?

I write. Of course, I do XD When I’m really mad, I often write erotica, which is an odd connection, but yeah…

24: Do you have a collection of anything?

Vinyl for one; I have so many that people have given me, like my mum’s old singles and this guy from the place I work gave me piles of them because he had to move house and couldn’t take them all. Then I have the ones that I’ve bought, scouting around second-hand record shops. I’ve spent way too much on them.

Badges. My favourite ones I pin on my deerstalker hat that I wear all the time (like the one you made me @dream_pro

And finally, notebooks. I have over 60, around 50 of which are completely filled up. They’re all different shapes and sizes and I started keeping all my ones from the age of 12 so it’s really interesting to see how I’ve changed.

29: Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens?

Ghosts, I really don’t know. Aliens, I would say yes. Its silly to believe we are the only planet in the entire universe to be populated. And I’m convinced that Klingons will invade us all one day. XD

45: What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?

Umm, I’m not sure. I’ve managed not to break a bone in my body as of yet. I guess I could say this one time where I got a crick in my neck and basically couldn’t lift my head off my bed for two days. I looked really lopsided for a while because one shoulder was a lot higher than the other, all hunched up because I’d somehow fucked up the muscles.

55: Love or lust?

XD which do I prefer or…? Well, I’m quite sceptical of love. I don’t think I’ve ever been in it. I like to think that it exists, but I don’t know. Whereas, I love lust. I seem to fall into lust so often. Anything that gives me pleasure I’m all for. I don’t know if that answers the question.

62: What’s your favourite animal?

It used to be horses when I was younger, and I do still love them, but I have to say dogs. They’re just too cute and loyal.

74: What’s a song that always makes you happy when you hear it?

I have to pick just one?! If I do, its I’m A Believer by The Monkees. It reminds me of when I was younger, my dad used to play it on guitar and me and my sister used to sing to it. Good memories

77: How can I win your heart?

You personally? You’ve already got it XD But anyone else, if you’re intelligent, patient (because you’d have to be to put up with me) and passionate, then you’ve got me. You also have to be willing to put up with or enjoy the music I like and the fandoms I love.

86: Basic question; what’s your favourite colour/colours?

Purple. Simple. 😉