#some of these are orchids whoops

[dozydawn]

Vintage iris charms and pendants.

[b-blushes]

three orchids blooming at my house right now! peace and love on planet earth (:

[inexplicifics]

I loved the gift exchange and all the subtle political gestures in Star, but I really started to giggle at the thought of well meaning but clueless country noble sending gifts like pure bred Pomeranians or slightly obsence orchids they personal cultivated named for the Wolflord or those naked pictures you can pose for and put up in Wine and Blood. (One of the Vipers gets the Pomeranians because it would be hilarious).

The slightly obscene orchids would probably go over really well, actually.

The Pomeranians would get some Dubious Looks and then the Vipers or the Bears would fall in love.

The naked pictures...depends on who they were of. If it's Geralt, whoops, he's gone up mountain again...

[hazel-of-sodor]

Day 6-Summons

Traintober

Other Stories

Day 6-Special Letter

Summons

Gordon, Northern, and Scotsman met at Cronk station near midnight as the letters had asked. "Why do you think Caomhnóir called us here brother?" Northern asked. Her newly restored LNER Blue paint shone in the yard lights.

"And why by letter?" Scotsman asked.

"I don't know," Gordon said. "He normally would have asked for us in person. I wanted to introduce him to both of you."

"Because you three draw too much attention as is."

The three large pacifics all jumped as the tank engine suddenly spoke. Thomas rolled out of a shadowed siding, he appeared to be covered in soot, black from footplate to funnel.

"What happened to you?" Northern asked in concern.

The tank engine chuckled, "Nothing that won't wash off later. It's almost too easy to sneak away when everyone is looking for a blue tank engine." He smiled at the three lner engines, "It is good to finally meet you Northern, and good to see you again as well Scotsman."

"So you are here as Caomhnóir, then," Gordon said once they had returned the tank engine's greetings.

Thomas shifted anxiously, "Yes, but not in the way you're used to." He hesitated, "Now that British Railways is letting up the search for engines, it's time I let others know about some of the engines I've hidden. That way if any were to happen to me..."

"They wouldn't be lost," Scotsman finished quietly.

"Yes." Caomhnóir sagged and for a moment his true exhaustion shone through, "I have no idea if this is the right decision...but I can't keep putting it off."

"Are you alright?" Gordon asked concernedly.

The tank engine gave a mirthless chuckle, "It's been a long few years." He glanced nervously up at the blue engine, "please don't hate me?"

Gordon frowned in confusion, "I can honestly say I can think of nothing you can reveal to us to make me hate you. You have always done your best Caomhnóir."

He suddenly chuckled, "If we made it through the twenties as friends, I highly doubt anything you have done will phase me. United we stand

..."

"...Together we fall." Thomas finished, smiling softly. "Alright then, if you will follow me, we're heading up to a private estate on the Peel Godred branch. It has rail access to help with the orchid's harvest."

"Can the rails hold us?" Northern asked dubiously, "We weigh significantly more than you."

Thomas smirked in a way that Gordon knew meant a trick was coming, "I have it on good authority they'll be able to hold you three. Now come on, the 70s can only distract everyone so long."

The three express engines trailed behind the little tank engine up the electric line, in the distance Gordon could see the three class 70 electrics at the station, doubtlessly creating the distraction Thomas had mentioned.

Gordon had only rarely traveled up the electric line, so he was unsurprised when he didn't recognize the junction to the estate. The tracks disappeared through a massive wrought iron gate. Thomas gave three short bursts of his whistle, and the gate cracked open. A teen shot through the gap, hugging Thomas's buffers.

"Caomhnóir!"

The tank engine chuckled warmly, "And a good night to you as well Rhyddid."

The girl huffed good-naturedly, "I've told you not to call me that."

The girls suddenly froze at the sight of the trio behind Thomas.

She turned pleading eyes on Thomas, "Does this mean..." She began hesitantly.

"Yes. It's time they know."

"YES!" The girl whooped, quickly dashing to open the gates. Thomas puffed through, pausing long enough for Rhyddid to climb up on his buffer beam.

The three siblings followed the pair into the estate, the teen, who asked to be called Rhy, happily chatting the whole time. They finally reached a set of sidings where the orchid's produce would be loaded, allowing the three engines to line up alongside each other as Thomas pulled up to a shed at the end of the sidings.

"Hey, Sis!" Rhy called as she unlocked a door and entered the shed, "you have visitors."

Gordon could make out the sounds of a discussion within, but it was covered by the sound of the shed doors swinging open.

The inside of the shed was dark, but Gordon could make out a large shape within, almost as large as his own. Rhy stepped over to a light switch, stopping to smirk at them before she flipped it, "Surprise."

The lights flicked on to reveal a large green engine. It had four smaller wheels in front, six 6'8" driving wheels in the middle, a pair of smaller wheels supporting her firebox and cab, and a large taper boiler. She was missing her tender, but her identity was unmistakable.

LNER A3 No.4480 Enterprise smiled nervously. "He..."

Northern surged forward to crash her buffers against their little sisters as Scotsman's and Gordon's jubilant whistles rang out through the night.

It was far later in the night when Gordon finally forced his eyes away from the impossible sight of Enterprise, intact and alive. Thomas and Rhy were quietly chatting to give the siblings a semblance of privacy.

Noticing the attention, Thomas nervously spoke, "Gordon, sorry I didn't tell..."

Gordon rolled up and gently pressed his buffers against Thomas's.

"Thank you," Gordon said hoarsely. "However you managed it, however long you had to hide it, thank you."

Thomas frowned, "Gordon, I let you and Scotsman think you were the only ones left."

"To save me." Enterprise spoke up. She glanced towards Scotsman, "He wanted to reveal me when you first visited, but it was the worst of the end at that time, and the other railway was already sniffing around this line."

She looked over to Gordon, "Your red friend found me on the mainland back in 62, said he couldn't let a chance to get one over on you go."

Thomas snorted, "James dodged eight patrols to get her back. If he was that dedicated to getting one over on you he would have done so by now."

Enterprise laughed, a bell-like sound that threatened to have Gordon begin crying again.

"Caomhnóir met us at your terminus and brought me here. Mrs. Rachel and Beth wanted to preserve a steam engine so Rhyddid could grow up like they did. They had a shed built and sent word to Caomhnóir that they were ready when he found an engine in need."

She smiled at Northern, "You won't have to keep these two in line much longer, they have been working on obtaining proper paperwork for me. They hope within a few years I'll be able to receive an overhaul and join you on the North Western."

"I'm going to be her driver." Rhy stated, "I can apply to the North Western next year, and I should be able to reach the position of driver by the time she's overhauled."

Gordon smiled, "I would be happy to have you train with my crew. The experience would see you ready in time."

"I would be happy to have you as well," Northern agreed.

It would be far later in the morning when the three pacifics followed Thomas back to the mainline, more tired than when they had arrived, but far, far happier.

[bella-rose29]

If you had someone gift you a bouqurt of flower, what should it be? (What would be your favourite?)

oooohhh I'm gonna put wayyy too much thought and detail into this

honestly if I receive a bouquet, no matter the flowers, I'm a happy person! the only time I get them is when I think 'I'm gonna buy myself some flowers bc I deserve it hehe' so if you get me flowers you also get a lifetime of love and devotion and loyalty from me 😌

I also will absolutely look up the meanings of flowers bc I love hidden messages, so if I had to choose it would be flowers that mean something special

in terms of flowers that I love? sunflowers, tulips, roses (but not traditional red roses that you see advertised around valentine's, I really prefer big roses with wide petals), daisies (the big ones), wisteria blooms, lilies, orchids, freesia, gyp, there's definitely more but those are all the ones I can think of!

not fussy about colour either (although a long list would be pinks, peaches, purples, reds, whites and yellows) but I'm also gonna look up those meanings too whoops (so yellow flowers are for friendship and happiness for example)

[fixaidea]

I would love five more facts about the DMBJ crew as exotic plant specialists. :D

So this is a one-step-closer-to-mundane AU where the really big world-ending stuff like the Ultimate isn't present and the Wang aren't as ancient (though still something of a death cult as I'll mention below), but just an other, if outstandingly ruthless, party on the black market. They are just as enthusiastic about sabotage and infiltration as ever, but here they use it to snag industry secrets* and kill the competition's stock. The almighty Algorythm is mostly used to predict and manipulate the market.

Their (and the Zhang's) quest for immortality is still low-key on though, because if you're gonna hang your life on plants you might also take an interest in their medicinal uses, be it the traditional approach or experimenting in a laboratory.

The man-eating cypress is still a thing though, here the results of some really wild Soviet-era** experiments that first got out of hand then out of the lab. So are a batch of mutant, weirdly intelligent giant Drosera. Getting caught on a giant sticky-trap that slowly folds in on you as it digests you is probably not the way you want to go. And those are just the ones that still by and large resemble an identifiable plant genus. This also connects to the little immortality project of the Zhang and the Wang.

Xinyue is an auction house that specialises in very old, very special bonsai, but they also deal with the kind of orchids you can't even look at without having to pay your life savings.

For most of his life Xiaoge didn't exactly have the luxury of preferences or even opinions. For the longest time Wu Xie suspected he didn't like plants at all. Still, after the Iron Triangle retired and settled down, the brightest windowsills were slowly taken over by tiny succulents which neither Pangzi nor Wu Xie remembered bringing in, which left only one suspect. None of these plants were anything special, just bog-standard species like jade plant, Aloe, some Euphorbia and cacti, no special colouration or anything... just. Small, cute chubby plants, just because.

*Someone lifted your tissue culture protocols? Ah whoops, did your priceless mother plant got watered with sulphuric acid? But not before getting a haircut for propagation? What a bummer, sooo sorry to hear that!

**The experiments were carried out somewhere in the SU but the horrors it created now lurk all over Europe and Asia.

[ask-orchidthemew]

Was Aeon using a cloaking technique of some sort when they were speaking with Orchid? Or was it meant to framed so that Pali/the viewer couldn't see them?

I definitely meant to frame it as if Pali wasn't able to see Aeon! It might not be easy to notice (hard to work with small panels whoops), but to Pali's perspective it definitely looked as though Orchid was alone talking to himself. As for why or how, well, really who can say :3c

[kithtaehyung]

Hey Ryen! How are you???!! I hope your good. And R E S T I N G 👀👀👀. I’ve noticed less traffic on here which is good!!

Just wanted to drop by and give a mini life update cuz it feels like it’s been a minute.

The cat thing isn’t going great, unfortunately. Still waiting on word from the shelter about Opal. It’s been a confusing few days, but I remain optimistic.

Gotten very slowly back into writing after breaking for the holidays!! Hence the no writing updates. I took about a month and a half off. I’d been trying and trying to, but picking up a task after a break can be hard for me

And I accomplished a personal goal that has seen so much positive feedback? Rewards? Outcomes? Whichever words many people were pleased with it, that I never would have expected in a hundred years. So that’s been a wild, wonderful surprise!

Hope all is well with you!

Orchid 💜

Hi, love!! I’m doing well and resting from writing a lot (even though I started working on 3tan10 yesterday whoops🥴) and enjoying life. Learning a lot of new things and getting copious amounts of activities in🥳

We shall remain optimistic about Opal!! I believe things will work out how they are supposed to🫂

OMGGGG I’m glad you overcame some obstacles and had a great breakthrough!! Hitting personal goals is quite the feat, no matter what you set for yourself. Damn proud of you🥺 Treat yourself to some good ass food or comfort things bc you totally deserve them!

Everything’s good here. Looking towards the future to see what it will bring<3

[victorluvsalice]

Well, mostly -- while Victor and Alice fulfilled most of their date goals, I unfortunately wasn’t able to do the one about discussing their meals in full -- mostly because I accidentally had them end the “meal” part of their date before that goal could be completed. Whoops. But they still got a Silver date reward for it (the single red rose in its bud vase) and had a lovely time -- watching someone busk on the freezer bunny guitar in the back; sharing a warm embrace, some inside jokes, and some tickles; and taking a moment to swing, just like on their wedding date. :) It may have only been a Silver by the game’s standards, but it was a gold in my heart.

And then it was back home, and after a couple of minutes to get sorted (Alice fixing the downstairs toilet; Victor collecting his mail and finding that while the mask and bunny statue he found in Selvadorada were real, the skull was counterfeit), it was Smiler’s turn to ask Victor out on a date! It took me a minute to figure out where I wanted them to go, but I eventually settled on Del Sol Valley, and Orchid Pictures and Bar! This is a lot by Plumbella to replace the original Orchid A Go Go lounge -- the Gallery version has a bar downstairs, and three cinemas upstairs, and I believe is classed either as a Bar or a Cafe. As I wanted it to remain a Lounge-type lot, I ended up renovating the upstairs of my version to have one bigger movie theater, one “live entertainment” theater (as a lounge needs instruments and a microphone), and some bigger bathrooms using the Discover University bathroom stalls. Much like my own Ice Cream Conery, I hadn’t visited it since the renovation, so I figured now was the perfect time!

And -- things mostly went well! Victor and Smiler hung out on the first floor for a while, chatting to fulfill a few date goals, before moving over to the bar so Smiler could grab a Plasma Jane to help with their thirst. As usual, though, the moment they went into a more populated area, the random townies started randomly joining their conversation --

Which meant I didn’t quite catch it in time when Smiler’s Erratic meanness popped up, causing them to insult Victor. And causing Victor to gain a “Festering Grudge” sentiment. *grumbles* I had Smiler immediately apologize and then put the conversation on pause for a bit so I could figure out what to do next, but -- ugh. That’s always so frustrating. Damn Erratic trait!

[flowersdaggersviolasandblood]

Fame, Riches, and Music

Name: Nalanthar Arabana (He/Him/They/Them)

Race: Drow Half-Elf

Class: Bard (College of Valour)

Background: Entertainer

WARNING, SPOILERS AHEAD!

Moving on to Nalanthar next, we fought our way to the top of the tower and faced Ketheric Thorm. Because Nalanthar also gleamed some information about Thorm and his grief over his past wife, he had the option to try to talk Ketheric down from his tyranny. However, Nalanthar was feeling heroic and decided to stand his ground against Ketheric. This time around, it was a lot easier getting through the first phase of the boss fight, and we descended into the mystery flesh pit.

Throughout our trip in the mystery flesh pit, I couldn't help but think that Nalanthar would be fascinated with the workings of a Illithid infected site. Especially since we learned from another programed brain that they use thralls or prisoners to feed the flesh, absorbing them into the meaty surroundings to further stabilize the flesh pit. While exploring, I also met with Kressa and gave her the false idea that Nalanthar and the crew were in the flesh pit to assist them in some way. I, of course, killed them soon after.

But this time around, I decided to look into the notes of the fallen Myrkul disciples and we learn that Kressa herself was also looking into the parasites and experimenting with them. So much so that few of her closest associates were beginning to fear that she would implant a parasite into them next. What encouraged Kressa into doing so is because she was tired of only being able to "create Thralls" and not experiment with them the same way Balthazar and the Chosen are able to. So she was secretly trying to cherry pick a subject so that she can have her own findings to discover. This might also relate back to Torment since she recognized him immediately and spoke fondly of their time together.

After freeing Zevlor and the Flaming fist, taking care of some undead in the other room, and freeing Mizora, we marched down to the final boss to take care of Ketheric Thorm. We swiftly whooped his ass, enjoying the view of Dame stomping his corpse to the ground. Then, Nalanthar's Guardian decided to pay him a visit. Admittedly, Nalanthar was shell shocked and felt like his was 30 years younger again. I mentioned this before, but Jhanel, his long dead crush, died many years ago by falling to her death. Nalanthar assumed that perhaps his previous adoration was protecting him from whatever afterlife she was sent to. But to see her in the flesh, here within the land of the living, it brought many feelings to Nalanthar.

One, he couldn't help but fall back in love again. The hope that she could actually BE alive despite the fall swelled in his chest. Yet, he also had a hint of confusion and suspicion about this creature now, because for the longest time, Nalanthar has been convinced that Jhanel, his Purple Orchid, was dead. Falls in the Underdark are exceptionally deadly. A hole could lead you thousands of feet to your death. Yet, despite this, Nalanthar, before Jhanel left, hugged her on impulse. Right in front of Astarion and Halsin mind you (uh oh!).

Touching her again only solidified the hope within him that he could potentially be with Jhanel again. Upon leaving Moonrise Towers, we gained Jaheira as an ally, along with the Harpers, and agreed to look for more help in Baldur's Gate.

Before ending this post, a few new things we learn about our companions, specifically Dame and Karlach! So, Karlach expressed how she used to be very close to Gortash. He was a wealthy fellow, wealthy enough to help get her and her loved ones out of the ghetto and into well-off lifestyles. Karlach thought them friends (maybe even more the way she spoke about him), but then she was sold off to Zariel to Avernus. It happened so fast for her, not enough time to compute that she was even sold off. It was then that she was given an Infernal Engine where her heart should be.

As for Dame, Nalanthar decided to ask Aylin about her relationship with Isobel. She explained that she and Isobel kicked it off right away, but her father, Ketheric, was not approving of their love. The way she worded it, it sounded like he was getting overprotective or even jealously hiding away his daughter from her. Eventually, Isobel would die and Ketheric and Balthazar would trick Dame into coming back to Rethwin so that they would trap her forever. She has been used countless times to raise Dark Justiciars it seems as she was killed multiple times; only to come back to do it all over again in the Shadowrealm. All the while, Ketheric fed off her immortality thanks to her being a phylactery for him. And by the looks of it, her attitude til now checks out.

Poor girl has gone through multiple deaths and torment, she must not being completely there in the head. Regardless of that, she is on our side and fighting the good fight, ready to bring Selune's wrath on our enemies.

One final thing though! Nalanthar had a bit of a chat with Wyll about his pact. This time around, Nalanthar was able to sus out that Wyll was around during the Rise of Tiamat incident and asked that Wyll describe the scene himself instead of using the tadpole to remanence on that fateful day. When Wyll asked what Nalanthar would've done to protect his own home, Nalanthar shamelessly admitted that he would let his home town burn to the ground. Nalanthar holds no love for the Drow society that he left behind.

This is where we leave homeboy for now. Finally, we will see what Admaer is up to in his little sticky predicament.

[thewirewitch]

Here's some flowers I forgot in the previous post. Whoops!

Anyway, this post is going to be for orchids (as well as some other weird plant things)!

Orchids! They also sold some in the gift shop, but I didn't take any pictures of those.

I did, however, take a picture of this:

Flowering pitcher plant! I've never seen one flower before. Very funky, very neat :D

Under the cut I'm going to post berries and such. If you don't wanna look at food/weird berries, you can ignore it:

Bananas! Very thin bananas, Definitely not the type we usually see in store, huh? They were also pretty small.

These are very strange berries. Reminds me of corn, but very messed-up looking.

Wonder if these are edible (idk what they are).

Sorry that one is fuzzy. I had to zoom in a lot to take the picture.

[thosewiseowls]

Ranking of the richest Links

As the title state here is a look who theoretically is the richest Link. To lay some ground rules, I’ll be blending both in game and canon/fanon lore, I’ll also be using their in-game largest wallet size to make it a bit more fun!

Wind

In the game-universe Wind’s wallet size goes up to a whooping 5,000 rupees. In Phantom Hourglass and (if you count it) Spirit Tracks it goes up to 9,999 (there no wallet upgrade, it’s same mechanic as botw). Soooo yeah compared to other games this is impressive. He also is or at least friends with pirates sooooo you know he would be doing alright. Will say he does have a rupee armour (in the HD remake and it only takes rupees after you get hit) and is one of the few games where you have to spend a bit of cash to finish the game (triforce maps), so idk truthful his wallet either be overflowing or have nothing in it, there will be no in-between.

Time

In-game he has like the smallest wallet size. It only goes up to 500 rupees. Will say in Majora’s Mask he has a bank account which can carry up to 5,499 rupees, which mean he is canonical the only Link with a bank account and it is in a town where it’s still debated whether or not it’s real soooooo yeah.

At least he has the farm with Malon and that seems to be doing very well! (I mean in OOT the milk is being delivered to the castle on the regular and Ganondorf wanted to buy Epona sooo you know their produces are on the map).

Sky

So in-game universe he has one of the bigger wallet upgrades. To a whopping 9,000 so he doing pretty well. He also was studying to become a knight which seems like a comfortable government job so overall he achieving a very stabled life-style so good job Sky!

Hyrule

So due to the limitations of the NES the ‘wallet’ size in the original Loz game is 255 rupees. But in a twist in Zelda Two: Adventure of Link um there is no rupees. Everything done through magic, but still there no legal currency which kinda scares me. But also make it incredibly funny that Hyrule has the least knowledgeable when it come to um any financial concepts. Idk feels like people should use this knowledge more, mainly cause it hilarious but also can see him getting mad at anything costing more than like hundred rupees. Without a doubt he is the poorest Link (but the richest with magic ;) also his Hyrule probably doesn’t have taxes so you know it’s all good).

Warriors

Same concept as Phantom Hourglass and BOTW there isn’t a wallet size. It is also very easy to obtain rupees. But if it like AOC then a lot of that money is getting spend pretty quickly. (Can you tell I haven’t played Hyrule Warriors). In-universe Warriors is a captain so that’s not a bad job financially. But it is war time soooo most of that money would be used to maintain an army. Idk he probably be getting a good bottle of scotch to wash down the regrets, you also know that after the war there would be a huge economic boom soooo he has that to look forward to.

Legend

Funny enough, the games are quite consistent when it come to wallet sizes. In most games it’s 999 rupees. The only exceptions is ALBW where it 9,999 rupees. (If you count Tri Force Heros, the grand total is 99,999 rupees). Either way he has one of the bigger wallet sizes and in-universe he owns a house and inherited a apple orchid from his uncle so he could potentially could have a very comfortable life. Also one of the only Link to use different currencies.

Four

In-game Minish Cap the wallet upgrades go up to 999 rupees but in both four swords games the wallet sizes goes up to 9,999 rupees. So comparable very average. In-universe he one of the only links with an actual job, so again like Sky he be living a very good life. Also friends with the princess so you know he has someone on the inside with the government side of things (although you could say that about all the Links).

Twilight

Ok half of the reason I made this list was to complain about Twilight princess wallet progression, so I’m quickly going to complain about it.

In the original games, the biggest wallet size was 1,000 rupees which seems like at least an average wallet size but I’m sure that you are well aware is that this game has one the only other instance of the rupee armour. This armour will dry you wallet in matter of minutes. But in the remake they did change it to 2,000 rupees which is better but why they didn’t just do 5,000 will continue to baffle me. Also with the remake they included this new cave of ordeals, called cave of shadows. (It’s basically a enemies rush mode) One of the prizes at the end is a 99,999 wallet which is very good. But you need an amiibo to have access to the cave sooo um something something shady business practices.

So because of this I’m going to change my rules and not include it, mainly cause I think it’s funny that he has a small wallet size. But also Twilight is a simple farm boy he doesn’t need that much money (I mean in the original release you put the rupees back if your wallet was full which is kinda show where his priorities are). So yeah simple country boy, he has a bit rainy day money but that it.

Wild

Ok it kinda scares me with how much money you can get. In BOTW you don’t get wallet upgrades (again similar to Phantom Hourglass) but the max total is...999,999 rupees.

Completely out doing the other Links. Now most players won’t actually reach 999,999 rupees but idk about you but when I played my grand total was in the hundred of thousands sooo. One downside is because of inflation and the massive amount of rupees, everything is kinda expensive, but then again you can sneeze rupees in that game so you still tend to have a bit left over. Not to mention other minerals and resources, like again it’s very easy to get rubies and sapphires ect. Good job Link for diversifying that assets pool!

Conclusion;

- Wild is the richest no further questions

- Hyrule has the most basic understanding of currencies, I’m assuming the black market trade is really big in his Hyrule.

- The rest are doing alright, expect Twilight and Time who have the more modest wallet sizes.

- And not one of them has a bank account.

(Ok except Time, but it’s a joint account with Malon)

Maybe I should do the taxation of the different Hyrules next...

[white-tulips]

Whoops i tried sending an ask previously but i encountered an error so im trying sending it again, sorry if you recieved it twice! I meant to ask about the whole deal with the White egret orchids symbolism. Whose thoughts are following whose dreams? Why are they Mari's flowers, and what's their purpose in Basil's grandma bedroom? Also what's the meaning of the Basil's hope ringer shirt? I find it all quite confusing, but maybe it's easier than that and im just not seeing it?

I think basil knows about the orchid symbolism though, after all he's a flower expert, he might have read in one of his books that those flowers can help you communicate or opening a path with a loved one, who's distant (sunny) unresponsive (grandma) or even dead (mari)... That was my idea but Im not sure anymore really

admittedly, I'm not very good at interpreting symbolism and finding meaning in certain things. I was trying to research white egret orchids to see if it could help me answer this but man, it was actually kind of difficult to find information on the flower language for it. what I did find out is that the meaning of "my thoughts will follow you into your dreams" is specifically from Japanese flower language (if what I found was correct); I'm really not that knowledgeable about flower language at all and I feel like every time I try to do research about it there's always different information everywhere jfhgjfhg so I don't know about the rest of the flowers in the game, if they're based on American flower language or not. anyways, I just thought that was interesting

when you say they're "Mari's flowers" I'm assuming you mean because they were shown surrounding her in her casket? I don't think associating them specifically with Mari is technically correct though, because I think they're a flower associated with Basil (hence the t-shirt). since the flowers surrounding Mari was in Sunny's dream (and a cg during Final Duet, but I always took that as representing said dream,) I've always interpreted that imagery as being more aesthetic/symbolic rather than literal. not to mention, while I was researching I found that these orchids are intensive to grow and care for, and are a little rare so I think having so many of them to fill a casket is a little unrealistic (not to say it couldn't be taken literally bc it's fiction and w/e but, I personally do think it's more symbolic)

the reason it's in Basil's grandma's bedroom is because Basil put it there, and since they also appear by Mari's grave, and at the lake, it can be concluded that Basil is leaving them there too. if we think about the flower language, I think it's clearly because he wants his thoughts- his hopes, his wishes, his regrets- to be heard by the people he loves. I'm not good with words but in my research I did find this blog post that described it in a way that I think really gets the sentiment across: "of waking ideas and things invading dreams, stable, sure things becoming evanescent and haunting, from established objects to transient shadows that cannot really be grasped, but stay with you."

and I think Basil's thoughts do seep into Sunny's dreams as well. that's why I think there are so many of the orchids present like surrounding Mari's casket and being all over the Lost Library. and while writing this I remembered this Stranger line too-

"My problems... my hopes... my dreams... You knew them all. So if you're still there... Please let my words reach you one more time."

whether there is some supernatural quality to these flowers or if it's all symbolic, whether Basil is aware of it or not, I think his thoughts are reaching Sunny, and hopefully his grandma, and hopefully even Mari too. this is why I think the t-shirt is called "Basil's Hope," because white egret orchids are like a manifestation of everything he's hoping for, and wanting to say but isn't able to

[parkerlyn]

touching / 37 / oisein 👀

cannot wait for more chaos & softness 🥰

(remember kids, don't fall for peer pressure and terrible friends like Oisein adfsakljl) Thank you for the asks! ❤️

putting their head on the other's chest | holding hands while jumping down from somewhere together

You try to remember how the conversation went, considering where you've ended up. How did you finally agree? Did you actually finally agree? Did you get marionetted? Were you going to have to find a way to quietly murder Oisein?

They had come to you, all teeth in a terrible grin and splotchy, glowing markings flickering with excitement.

"Absolutely not."

"Please please please please-"

"Oisein, I'm not jumping down the Saor waterfall!"

They bring their hands inward like a prayer and give their best attempt at a pout and pitiful eyes. The whole charade looks much less innocent as their long, sharp nails clack together, though. "But the pool is fuller from the recent rains and Heleen won't go without Mav and Mav won't go unless I do and I need moral support. And by moral support I mean you jumping with me."

"The base is right at the edge of the hydro pillars - what if someone from Saor is out there?!"

"We'll wear our glamours!! I was already planning on it, not trying to snap one of these," they say with a nonchalant wave to an antler. "Any mortalis will just think we're a bunch of reckless assholes."

"You ARE being a reckless asshole!"

"Oh it's not even that high, and Heleen and Mav are both elementalists-"

The rest of the conversation blurs out among the dark branches above the Sanctum, and the odd image of Oisein happily skipping away.

Which would explain your current predicament.

The raucous water tumbling over the cliff's edge sprays onto your bare legs and crossed arms, icy pinpricks kissing at your elbow and shins. Thunderous sounds echo back up to the top of the cavern and into the canyon beyond where the stone rings of Saor glint like silver bracelets, delicately detailed with the reflection of thousands of windows.

More whooping and yelling comes from below - far, far below - as what looks to be a pale mortalis woman with coiling ginger hair laughs on the bank. She leans forward, lifting herself from a grassy patch, to throw a scoop of darkened water at a thin person lounging waist deep at the water's edge, the wet sheen of their deep brown skin reflecting moonlight into your eyes. Without their sheevra forms, an unconscious part of you wants to stay out of their sight. But you will yourself to remember the prickly desert flowers of Heleen's markings as she lays back down again, and the winding orchids that normally curl over Mav's shoulders as they blow raspberries in the woman's direction.

Oisein says something next to you, but when you don't respond over the rushing water, they raise their voice.

"If you kill me now, they'll know it was you! So-"

"What?"

Oisein smiles widely next to you as you turn, their disguise more familiar. Their honeyed waves of hair, currently pulled back into a tight bun, provide some comfort alongside the earthy freckles speckling their tanned skin.

Or well, it would, if they weren't the reason you were in this mess in the first place.

Remembering that, you snap your head forward again with a huff.

They laugh - nervously, you notice - and step forward towards the edge of the stone precipice, peering down below. Their bare toes curl into the rock, shoulders rising as they hold a breath. "Okay!" they almost shout over the echoing noise. "It's a little further up than I thought it was. But that's why we're doing this together, right?" The smile turns apologetic while their eyes stay fixated on the drop, but any sympathy you have has already been washed away with the falls, plummeting into the pool below.

You glare at them again, though their edges are blurred and softened by the mist surrounding them, a faint glow diffusing from the stars in the background and the weak light of their markings.

Despite your harshly set face, they turn back to you and pause, before slowly hold out their hand. Curled fingers hesitate for a moment and then unfurl, showing you their empty palm.

You press your lips into as thin of a line as you can possibly muster, determined to glare them off the edge of the waterfall without taking you down with them.

"Can't do this without you," you read from their lips more than hear, their chin lowering but eyes still held your face. The outstretched hand still waits, though you notice a fearful shiver run from their wrist and up towards their collar.

What feels like an eternity passes before you finally give a heavy sigh and uncross your arms, stepping towards Oisein. You slap your hand into theirs, the base of your thumb fitting squarely into their palm, and they wrap their fingers tightly around your hand as you both turn outward to the open air.

The moments begin to blur like the conversation that led you here. A swallow and a flare of their nostrils. Your fingers gripping tensely against their knuckles. One more furtive look to each other and an anxious song kindling in the magic leaking out from the tense leanhaun.

And suddenly, you're flying.

A burst of air pushes you clear of the cliff as you jump, a bright chord that lifts you safely away. The wind whips and streams over your arms as your stomach lurches up into your ribs, your legs cycling through the air. Sound boils and bursts through your throat in tandem with an ecstatic screech from Oisein, muted by the roar of wind and water.

Even as you hurtle nearer to the waterfall's base, the blackened pool quickly approaching, your hands still remain tightly clasped together.

And then, you're floating. Stomach rolling downward against a pillow of swirling wind, water lapping up towards your ankles, twisting upward in lazy tendrils from the surface of the pool. You look down the last dozen feet to see Mav's hands glowing in the water, Heleen's poised expertly in the air above her face. They grin just as you look to Oisein, who laughs, loud and exuberant, water droplets floating near the loose strands of hair that glide gently around their ears.

You catch a sneaky smirk exchanged between the other two sheevra before they release their magic, dropping you the last few feet to plunge into the water.

Chilled bubbles race over your body as you break the surface, taking a quick breath and slamming your eyes shut. The water rushes in around you, weaving over your neck and surrounding you in a bracing cocoon. Muffled murmuring sounds somewhere in the distance (where the waterfall ends?) and you take a chance to open your eyes against the current. Above you the water glitters darkly, scattering the image of the night sky and and reflecting a murky outline of your body back to you.

The heat in your hand finally registers again, the only source of warmth bursting over your fingers as Oisein pulls upward, more bubbles flowing over their windmilling arm and where their feet kick below. It only takes a few seconds more to feel the tug at your shoulder, before you emerge together in a tangle of limbs and gulp in a desperate breath.

While they move backwards and help pull you from the water, Oisein is already berating Mav and Heleen, who snort and giggle together a few feet away. But despite the chiding, there’s a wide grin on their face as they fall back onto their elbows and pull you up towards them, repeating quiet questions of "You okay? You alright?" You nod, cough once, and laugh despite yourself, arms wobbly from the adrenaline and knees digging into the dirt between Oisein’s legs. As more of your senses return, you notice an unwelcome lack of warmth in your palm, but immediately brush that thought away.

The blonde sheevra goes silent eventually, breathing deeply as the wet, ivory cloth of their shirt clings tightly to their chest. They lay their head back against the grass and blink their eyes, splaying their arms out wide.

Without thinking, you collapse where your arms have taken you, thumping your soaked head face first against their chest and elbows framing their hips. There’s a small 'oof' and a laugh that shakes your head when you make contact, before your head bobs with their even breathing.

A chill comes near your body, but the worst of it is held at bay as Oisein’s hands move down to your shoulders, giving them a reassuring squeeze. When you pry your head back up there’s a smile - gentler than usual - alighting their lips. Their hands stay, rubbing warmth into your muscles and eventually resting along your upper arms.

You'd thought their breathing had settled, but you can’t help but notice the quickening pace of their heart and the way they still themself, trying to restrict the rise and fall of their lungs. They swallow, much like they did before you leaped, and you feel their legs tense against yours. Infinite seconds pass while Oisein's lips barely part, neither of you wanting to break the moment.

Which Mav happily does, whistling shrilly at your side.

Oisein scoffs and removes one of their hands to flip them off while carefully putting a little more space between your bodies, shifting awkwardly up the grassy hill. Disappointment drops rudely in your gut while they shiver noticeably again, the sudden absence of your body against theirs bringing back the full effects of the autumn night.

But in the next instant, their head turns to the side, bangs flopping unceremoniously over one of their vibrant eyes before a mischievous look twists their face.

“Wanna go again?”

[peachbear88]

You Know You Love Me

A/N: Inspired by a TikTok I saw. Disclaimer: THIS IS A SCHOOL AU. DON'T COME AT ME!

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Reader

Warning: Angst, enemies to lovers, character death.

Word count: 1.59k

-=+=-

A young girl with dark red hair taps her foot against the tiled floor, humming a song while reading her book.

"Drove my chevy to the levee but the levee was dry. Them good ol' boys were drinking whiskey and rye, singing this'll be the-"

"Can you shut up?" She tears her eyes from her book to see you, a hateful glare on your face.

"No." She stares defiantly into Y/E/C eyes, making your resolve waver for a second before returning full force. You bristle as she returns her attention to her book.

She starts humming again under her breath, smirking subtly when you don't object. Something wet and sticky hits her neck and she flinches, glancing your way. You glance out the window quickly, a smug smile on your face.

She brushes the spitball away before returning her attention to her book. Another spitball hits her, this time on the cheek. She brushes it off once again, her patience growing thin.

Once more, a spitball hits her, this time, right in her ear. She explodes, her chair falling backwards as she launches herself at you, grabbing you by the collar.

"What is your problem!?" A teacher rushes forward as she continues to throttle you, your face turning red. The teacher pries her off of you, sending a stern look at you.

"Both of you, principal's office now!" Her voice is shrill as you grab your bag, glaring at the girl who glares right back at you, her head held high as she straightens her shirt before marching out of the room.

-=+=-

"So. Ms. Danvers tells me you were attempting to murder Ms. Y/L/N? Ms. Romanoff." The girl, sorry- Natasha, stares straight into Fury's eyes, her back ramrod straight.

"It was aggravated assault," she reports as you mentally sigh, preparing yourself for the punishment.

"Snitch," you mutter under your breath which causes Fury to arch an eyebrow.

"Well in that case, I guess I'll be marking the two of you as absent for the next week." He reaches for the phone on his desk. "You're suspended."

You launch yourself from the chair, leaning across the desk.

"Suspended?" You let out a disbelieving laugh. "I can't be suspended sir." Fury stares at you.

"And since when were you Principal?" You huff, grabbing your bag and storming from the room. Natasha grabs her backpack calmly, nodding at Fury before leaving the room.

She walks briskly, catching up to you in no time as you stare straight ahead, tearing through the school hallways.

"You brought this on yourself." You growl, grabbing her and pinning her to the wall of lockers. She doesn't even flinch, staring at you expectantly.

"I hate you." You release her, muttering it under your breath. She smirks, slinging an arm around your shoulder.

"You know you love me," she whispers teasingly, her breath warm against your ear. You shove her away, jumping onto your bike and pedaling home. She watches you go, shaking her head with a smile as she turns away.

-=+=-

You push open the door of the ice cream shop, licking it as you plop down on the curb.

Your mother had taken the news surprisingly well. You had a record for being, well as your mother liked to put it, troubled.

Humming a tune from a musical you loved so dearly, Hairspray. It's a jaunty little song, 'The New Girl In Town'.

"Can you shut up?" A husky voice rings out and you look up, your eyes squinting before landing on a familiar, lean yet muscular figure. Her silhouette is outlined by the sun towering about you. Her red hair looks like it's aflame as she sits down next to you. You scoot away a little.

"Can't I sing what I want to sing without being harassed?' You quip and she snorts.

"Hark who's talking." She laughs as you square your shoulders, turning away from her. "Oh don't pout. You look cuter when you smile." You blush faintly, hiding behind the ice cream cone which doesn't go unnoticed by the redhead who bursts out laughing.

"I hate you," you mutter into your shirt sleeve at a poor attempt of hiding your flushed cheeks. She wiggles her eyebrows at you, wrapping an arm around your shoulder which you shrug off almost instantly.

"You know you love me."

-=+=-

Your nights are plagued with visions of the fiery haired girl with eyes as green as the forest, a smile as bright and white as the snow.

Could it be? No. You hate her. Right? Yes. Without a doubt.

You sigh, flipping your pillow back over in an attempt to go back to sleep.

-=+=-

When Natasha asks you out, you want to throw up. Your heart throbs as you watch her hopeful expression, proffering the bouquet of orchids to you.

The way her smile falls when you say 'no' nearly breaks your heart. Nearly. She gives you a small, sad smile, getting back up and walking away but not before promising you that she wouldn't give up.

"I hate you."

"No you don't."

"Yes I do."

"You know you love me."

You beg her not to but she turns a deaf ear to your pleas, kissing the palm of your hand before leaving.

-=+=-

4 times.

It takes 4 more tries before your dams finally break and you agree. She jumps up, whooping for joy. You shriek as she picks you up, spinning you round and round.

You'll never forget the smile on her face as she stares into your eyes breathlessly before glancing down at your lips nervously. Giving her a slight, subtle nod, she surges forward, capturing your lips with hers.

You sigh, leaning into her hold as the icy walls around your heart melt under her love.

As long as you had her, you felt like you could take on anything.

-=+=-

The next few weeks felt like a dream. A moment stolen from someone else's life.

The happiness is never ending, like a never ending tunnel full of love and hope for the future.

But deep down inside, a dark feeling tugs at your gut.

It won't last.

She won't be here forever.

Shut up, you think and the monster quiets down, delving back down into the darkest parts of your mind.

"You okay?" Natasha asks, noticing your sickly appearance.

"I'm fine." You smile queasily at her. She opens her mouth as if to protest but after a firm smile, she closes it, wrapping her arms around you and returning her attention to the movie.

You relax at the reassuring touch.

Even if it does have to end, you'll at least have the memories.

Hearts are meant to be broken in the end.

-=+=-

Natasha's fading away.

Slowly but surely.

The cheeky, smug girl you'd met years before was gone, replaced by a shell of her former self.

Everyday she'd wake up, pour herself a cup of coffee, down it and leave the house for work. All before you wake up.

You never confront her.

Always hoping that the next day will be different, that maybe she'll return to her chipper self.

The cycle is painful, watching as she comes home, collapsing on the couch and flicking the TV on. The bright screen illuminates her pale face. Her once vibrant green eyes, full of life are now dull, replaced by an emptiness that scares you.

You shake off the feeling, returning your attention to the dishes in the sink.

-=+=-

"You know, when we first met, you always told me-" she chokes, blood spilling forth from her lips. "You told me that you hated me. I didn't believe it." You sob, attempting to staunch the gaping hold above her heart, the knife lying at her side.

"Please, no."

"I hate myself." You sob even harder at that, abandoning any attempts to stop her from bleeding out, caressing her face.

"That's not true."

"It is. I know you've noticed it. And I'm sorry." She wipes the tears from your face, her hands shaking. "You deserve so much more than a person like me. Someone whole. Not broken."

"No, you're not broken, you-" you stammer, your brain failing to find an answer. "You just need some help." She lets out a pained laugh.

"Be free. Don't worry about me. This is a gift." Her eyes flutter shut for a moment before returning, even more pained then before. "Remember I love you okay? Live for me."

"Okay. I will." You sob uncontrollably, burying your face into her neck.

"It's okay. It's okay." She shushes you quietly. Her voice dies and you look up. Her eyes are wide open, empty, void of anything. You grab her by the shoulders, shaking her frantically.

"No no no no!" You press your lips to her bloodstained ones, attempting and failing to steal one last kiss from her. "No..."

-=+=-

"Hi Nat. It's been a while huh?" You chuckle weakly, kneeling down in the dirt. "I've been arguing with myself lately. Internal struggle, whatnot. And I've come to the the conclusion that you're right." You inhale sharply. "You know that I love you." A small tear rolls down your cheek, landing in the soil.

The words echo throughout the empty lot of land.

You know that I love you.

Pressing one last, lingering kiss to the cold headstone, you pick yourself up and walk towards your car, glancing back at the grave and waving one last time as if expecting to see Natasha standing there, waving back at you.

Hearts are meant to be broken.

-=+=-

Taglist: @username23345 @musicinourlips @gingerbreadcookieforlife @xxxtwilightaxelxxx @trikruismybitch @ima-gi--na-tion @nicole-rayleigh-hot @olsensnpm @peabrain-likes2read

[betchiwilleatyou]

foxxay fluff i nneed it so bad 🧍

sorry this took so long and sorry its so short i. am depressed lol. whoops. but theres more stuff coming soon hopefully

rating: general audiences

wc: 660

tags: gay ppl and the tragic murder of a few flowers rip

Cordelia, for what has got to be the fifth time in as many minutes, looks over at Misty as the Cajun blows a stray lock of hair away from her face. The rogue curl briefly floats up and away from her nose, only to fall right back where it started. Misty scowls at the offending piece, eyes crossing, and Cordelia fights to keep a laugh down.

“Baby, that’s the millionth time you’ve done that today,” she says, trying not to sound too amused. “Do you want me to tie your hair back? I’ve got an elastic with me.”

Misty furrows her brow. “But I like it down like this,” she argues. “It’s so uncomfy when it’s tied back.”

“I know it is, honey, and I love it like this too, but right now it seems to be bothering you. I’ll be gentle, I promise.”

Cordelia tucks another stray lock behind Misty's ear and watches her consider it.

“I’ll put flowers in it for you,” she adds, and Misty’s eyes light up as she sucks in a little gasp.

Misty grins as she bolts over to the vine of morning glories in the corner of the greenhouse. She snaps off a few delicate flowers, muttering quiet apologies to each one. Once she has them collected she prances back and deposits them on the table before Cordelia, then goes to gather some lavender. After that it’s babies’ breath, then orchids, and finally lilies of the valley. Soon there’s a small pile of flowers on the table before them, out of place surrounded by test tubes and mortars and pestles.

Once Misty is standing in front of her again, rocking excitedly back and forth on the balls of her feet, Cordelia asks, “That everything?”

Misty nods eagerly, grinning from ear to ear. Cordelia laughs, moving behind the other woman and running her fingers through her wild hair in an effort to get some of the tangles out. Once that’s done she divides Misty’s hair into sections, feeling Misty flinch when her ring briefly snags in it.

“Sorry,” Cordelia hisses, bringing her other hand up to untangle her ring. “I’m sorry.”

Misty shrugs. “S’okay, Delia,” she murmurs.

Cordelia removes the ring for good measure, then she starts carefully braiding Misty’s hair and weaving in as many of the flowers as she can fit. Misty is tapping her heel rhythmically against the ground, jostling her entire body with the action. When it becomes too difficult to perform her task Cordelia has to stop for a moment, giggling as she clutches Misty’s shoulders firmly, keeping the thick braid from unravelling with only her thumb and index finger wrapped securely around it.

“Keep still, baby,” she says through soft laughter.

Misty’s movement stops immediately. “Sorry,” she mumbles sheepishly. “‘M just real excited.”

Another quiet laugh escapes Cordelia as she smiles, rubbing her thumbs gently over pale skin to soothe the Cajun. “I know you are, baby. It’s okay. I’m almost done.”

Cordelia can feel the tension vibrating through Misty’s frame as the taller woman struggles to keep still, but she takes care not to rush in finishing the braid. When she eventually reaches the end of Misty’s hair, she ties off the braid with her hair elastic, patting Misty’s shoulder blade.

“All done,” she says.

Misty practically squeals, spinning around and trying to see the braid, careful not to touch it so as not to ruin the flowers.

“How does it look?” she asks excitedly, eyes shining with glee.

Cordelia grins upon seeing Misty's joy. “You look beautiful, Mist,” she murmurs.

“C’mere,” Misty requests, holding her arms out. “I want a kiss.”

“Don’t you wanna find a mirror first?”

Misty shakes her head easily. “Kiss first, then mirror.”

Cordelia presses their lips together softly, looping her arms around Misty’s waist as the Cajun’s go around her shoulders. Even as she starts to back the taller woman against the table, she can feel Misty grinning against her lips.