#sun the hermit

[theshadowofsorrow]

My precious little chaos, trauma piñata survived with the help of a friend and I'm forever grateful. But I wrote her death and I think it's a really good piece of writing, so I'll present it here, away from the eyes of my fellow players.

As she dies, Xiaoyu stops feeling the burns and the shrapnel from the explosion. The pain that makes her eyes sting and water is wholly internal. She's dying as she lived - having failed to reach the ideals that everyone around her found so easy; and having failed her beloved brother one last time. And thereby her parents. Who will never know where she is or where she went and will never know closure. And now that she's dying, actually really, truly dying, she has to face that there will never be a place for her on the altar. Her nieces and nephews will never speak to her. They will never ask for aid from her. There will be no ancestor veneration. She's locked out of her family forever. And she did it to herself.

And there is a moment, choking on blood, a break in the terror, when her last thoughts flicker to the rotted and decaying mushrooms and flowers she's carried with her for so long. She thinks of her almost-death, only an hour or so ago. The flowers she druidcrafted for the goblins she helped to kill. And why did she not offer them to death then? Her friend death, who meets her and before now only let her go, and why didn't she ask death then to please, just please, just give back her brother. Please.

[love-death-and-desert]

local man kisses his bow lovingly

[heartorbit]

i wanna make a prsk major arcana...

[ahllohehn]

I fucking broke my laptop (I CANT DRAW DIGITALLY ANYMORE) so everyone is now obligated to hear about my primordial boyfriends scarian au

because i need some way to cope

[puppetmaster13u]

Prompt 280

Let me kick down the door and- 

Nekomatta Danny. But not just any nekomata Danny. I am saying space cat boy. Twin-tails that seem to flicker into an aurora, into distant galaxies, ghostly flames that could be just that, or could be flickers of distant stars and suns. 

Now, the thing is? Being a ghost, very much illegal in the USA right now, doesn’t matter how many times they throw out the GIW, they can’t exactly take on the entire government any time soon. What isn’t illegal? Being an alien, meta, or any other magical creature. 

So the halfas, yes that (ugh, really Jordan) does include Vlad, all get together to hash out a plan to get out of Amity. And? They like cats, you like cats right? And they have friends- or allies- in the Zone, so maybe they can perhaps get a few… oh? What’s this? A cat-like creature with necromatic powers? Yeah they can- oh. Hm. So that’s replaced their ghost form now. 

That’s fine actually! They’re still ghosts- just erm, no longer human looking. And Vlad can continue to use his human form- yes we need to keep the bracelets on to hide the ears and tails, whatever- to continue running DalvCo. 

It’s not bad, and they’ll admit Vlad has been getting better. Sure there’s still a bunch of blackmail (Jordan, Sam, stop helping him-), but they honestly? Can’t be brought to care. They’re adjusting- grieving in some cases- and focusing on actually finishing everything before the summer ends. 

So it’s probably not a good time for heroes to start investigating Vlad…

If you want a basic summary on Bakeneko and Nekomata, which I HEAVILY recommend reading: 

https://yokai.com/bakeneko/  https://yokai.com/nekomata/ 

[sphinxcatberkin]

GoodTimesWithScar fanart!

You are not immune to the good times!

This is an extremely old piece, but I think it’s pretty good

[Image description: a drawing of character!goodtimeswithscar, wearing his season eight outfit. He’s wearing black boots, brown pants, a white button up shirt with a green sash, as well as a maroon (red) blazer. He has a yellow tie with a flower on the knot of it. He’s wearing a top hat the same color as his blazer, with a green stripe at the base above the rim. Flowers are stuck to it. He has scars on his face and a cannula in his nose. He is sitting in a mint green wheel chair, facing forward. One hand is on the wheel and the other on the brim of his hat. There is a speech bubble reading “Hello my fellow miners and crafters!”

End of description]

Description credits to: @nelson-and-murdock-and-page

[murphyellents]

Mace Menace,

"the goats wrath called

your base will get scald

mogami river"

I made the haiku to honour Joehills since after Docm is done with him he'll need something to cheer him up. If I'm honest my bets were so much on Cub that if it really turns out to have been Joehills it will truly surprise me. People might recognise the "mogami river" part from Nichijou since like Yuuko I'm not good with poetry. It also fits the water flooding that likely is going to happen :3/

[samarecharm]

I miss goro. Bring his bitchass back

[witchthewriter]

𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝑀𝑎𝑗𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑟𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑎

So, I’ve done a post about why I add a character’s moral alignment, so I thought I would do it for the Tarot cards. Maybe you’ve noticed it or not (it is something I’ve only started doing). 

Because there are 4 suits; Cups (Water), Wands (Fire), Swords (Air) & Pentacles (Earth). I decided this first post will be about the Major Arcana, to break up the Tarot - so it’s easier to digest, rather than have everything thrown at you. 

content warning: the titles have the photos of the cards, some show human anatomy 

Okay, so the Major Arcana is about a person going through different stages in their life. Starting off with The Fool - who is a curious innocent who wants to experience the world, to the end, ‘The World,’ meaning you’ve accomplished what was set before you. 

Great Resources:

One. 

Two.

Three. 

Each zodiac sign has their own tarot card that represents them. Here’s a free website that tells you. I’ll provide the sun signs equivalent to their tarot card. Although you have your own personal one!

I’ll make another post on how to read tarot cards, because there’s a lot that goes into it. But with the Major Arcana, their messages are much clearer (inn my experience) then the Minor Arcana (the suits; cups, wands, swords, pentacles). 

Also, when I read tarot, I include when a card comes out upside down. You don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. Do what feels right, it may seem silly or overstated, but your intuition is a superpower. Feel it in your gut. Listen to yourself. 

These cards will represent the deeper, more life-impacting matters. The Major arcana deal with the major moments in our lives. 

𝟎. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐥

This is a card of rebirth. It signifies new opportunities. Telling us that it’s never too late to start fresh and follow your heart’s desire. 

Zodiac Card: All signs

Keywords: Beginnings, Risks. 

Element: Air

Planet: Uranus

Upright: New beginnings, adventure ahead, innocence, a thirst for life, enthusiasm. Someone who lights up a room. Taking that leap of faith, starting something new, optimism, openness to the unknown, a free spirit. 

Reversed: Recklessness, risk, naievity, holding yourself back, stupidity, negligence. 

Yes/No: Yes (although usually when a card is in reversed, it means the opposite. Again, you don’t have to take into account when the card is upside down. It’s completely fine to read them as if they were upright)

Advice: Don’t be afraid to take chances, and go on new adventures. However, think before making too big of a leap. Change is inevitable, embrace it rather than fight it. You never know what could happen next. 

Quote: “I’m ready for the next chapter in my life.”

𝟏. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧

The Magician represents creation and manifestation. This card is the inventor, the self-employed, the entrepreneur. It reminds us to step into our power. 

Zodiac Card: Gemini & Virgo

Keywords: Action, Ambition, Manifesting. 

Element: Air

Planet: Mercury

Upright: Power, skill, manifestation, resourcefullness, inspired action, concentration, desire, creation. 

Reversed: Trickery, deception, manipulation, poor planning, untapped talents, someone who doesn’t believe in themselves. 

Yes/No: Yes

Advice: This card encourages you to set your intention; in life, in your work, your family, your relationships etc. Don’t be flaky, or indecisive. Decide what you want and bloody go for it. 

Quote: “As above, so below.” / “Make your own magic.” 

𝟐. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐬

Simply, this card represent the subconscious mind. It’s all about inner wisdom, what we’ve learnt - both the good and the bad. And how we can combine that with our intuition and knowledge to move forward. 

Zodiac Card: Cancer

Keywords: Secrets, Intuition, Learning. 

Element: Water

Planet: Moon

Upright: Intuition, sacred knowledge, divine feminine, the subconscious mind, mystery.

Reversed: Secrets, disconnected from intuition, withdrawal, silence, hidden agendas. A need to listen to your inner voice, lack of self-trust. 

Yes/No: Maybe, listen to yourself. 

Advice: Slow down, stop listening to your intellect. Instead, reflect on what you’ve learnt, listen to your intuition and aquire more knowledge. 

Quote: “Explore your spiritual side.” / “Trust your own counsel first.” 

𝟑. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

This card embodies growth, divinity, celebration and evolution. It represents abundance and material comfort, sensuality, security and emotional support. 

Zodiac Card: Taurus

Keywords: Creativity, Resources, Motherhood. 

Element: Earth

Planet: Venus

Upright: Femininity, beauty, nurturing, mother nature, abundance, love, possible pregnancy (not always you!)

Reversed: Creative block, dependence on others, insecurity, inferitlity, disharmony, smothering. 

Yes/No: Yes

Advice: This card calls on you to tap into your feminine side; think of creativity, elegance, sensuality, fertility, and nurturing. Be kind to yourself. Search for the beauty in all things. 

Quote: “Be your own fairy godmother.” / “The pleasure is all mine.” 

𝟒. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐫

This card represents responsibility, intimate power, authority, a bringer of balance. It could be about a man, or your masculine side. It’s a return to order. A reminder to trust yourself. 

Zodiac Card: Aries

Keywords: Order, Power, Boundaries. 

Element: Fire

Planet: Mars

Upright: Authority, estbalishedment, structure, father figure, rise to power, stable future, ambition. 

Reversed: Domination, excessive control, lack of discipline, inflexibility, patriarchal society, power struggles, cannot help yourself. 

Yes/No: Yes

Advice: Even though a ruler has a throne, a crown, and power; they still serve. 

Quote: “Don’t apologise for who you are.” / “Respect yourself.”

𝟓. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭

This card represents an authority figure between the material and spirit. Someone who guides, and teaches. This card shows support, self-realisation, and expansion. Additionally, the Hierophant represents insitiutions, and traditional values. 

Zodiac Card: Taurus

Keywords: Unity, Marriage, Education. 

Element: Earth

Planet: Venus

Upright: Spiritual wisdom, religious beliefs, conformity, tradition, institiutions, knowledge sharing, blind faith. 

Reversed: Personal beliefs, freedom, challenging the status quo, rebellion.

Yes/No: Ask someone wise. 

Advice: Know your boundaries and stand strong in them. 

Quote: “Develop yourself emotionally and spiritually.”

𝟔. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬

This card represents relationships, connection and equality. You are being asked to make a mature decision that supports your true needs.

Zodiac Card: Gemini

Keywords: Love, Decisions. 

Element: Air

Planet: Mercury

Upright: Love, harmony, relationships, values, choices, soulmates, strong bond. 

Reversed: Self-love, disharmony, imbalance, misalignment of values, conflict, detachment, strife, lack of trust. 

Yes/No: Yes

Advice: There is reason for optimism and the potential for harmony. It’s all up to you. Don’t go for the easy road. 

Quote: “Follow your heart.” / “Be wary of temptation.”

𝟕. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐭

This card is a celebration of individuality, victory, transition and overcoming obstacles. You are ready to take control and learn. You’re expanding. This card is a sign of encouragement. 

Zodiac Card: Cancer

Keywords: Progress, Determination. 

Element: Water

Planet: Moon

Upright: Control, will-power, success, action, determination, fame and fortune, being a source of inspiration, two forces pulling in the opposite direction. 

Reversed: Self-discipline, opposition, lack of direction, desire for revenge, showing off, using others for your benefit. 

Yes/No: Yes

Advice: The journey is just as important as the destination. 

Quote: “Persevere against all odds.” / “Keep going.”

𝟖. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡

This card represents self-guidance and self-confidence. It’s a time to summon your courage and determination to get the situation under control. 

Zodiac Card: Leo

Keywords: Management, Endurance. 

Element: Fire

Planet: Sun

Upright: Control, courage, compassion, patience, focus, influence, caring for others, inner strength, strong sense of responsibility. 

Reversed: Self-doubt, weakness, insecurity, low energy, raw emotion, putting others before you, others trying to knock you down. 

Yes/No: Yes

Advice: Remember to act with grace and sensitivity rather than using brute force.

Quote: “You are capable.” / “Know yourself.” 

𝟗. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭

This card represents forging your own path in the pursuit of knowledge and truth. It’s more so a state of mind rather than physically being on your own. This sage is ushering in a period of personal growth and exploration.

Zodiac Card: Virgo

Keywords: Analysis, Solitude.

Element: Earth

Planet: Mercury

Upright: Solitude, guidance, soul-searching, introspection, being alone, inner guindance, wisdom, learning, the pursuit of knowledge. Gaining independence. 

Reversed: Anti-social, restrictive, isolation, loneliness, withdrawal, paranoia, paralysed by fear, betrayal, hiding what you really think.

Yes/No: Maybe. 

Advice: Rely on yourself. You already have the answers you need. If you’re under pressure, the Hermit card will reveal itself to say that you need more time. 

Quote: “I am pure.” / “Withdraw and gather strength.”

𝟏𝟎. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐞

This card represents the emracing of destiny, and the movement of the universe. Additionally, reveals psychic ability, so use it wisely to listen to your intuition and manifest your wishes. 

Zodiac Card: Capricorn

Keywords: Luck, Fate. 

Element: Fire

Planet: Jupiter 

Upright: Good luck, karma, life-cycle, destiny, a turning point, good change, upheaveal, chances, good things on repeat, positive results, lottery & gaming wins, destiny & fate in your favour

Reversed: Possible bad luck, lack of control, delays, unwanted change, going around in circles, not getting anywhere, not your time. 

Yes/No: Yes

Advice: While you can’t control the forces of the universe, you can certainly come to a better understanding of your role within it. 

Quote: “Anything is possible.” / “Go with the flow.” 

𝟏𝟏. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞

This is a card of empowerment, advising you to take a left-brain approach to take control. Be aware if you are holding on to any prejudice or bias that could sway your decision unfairly.

Zodiac Card: Libra

Keywords: Decisions, Balance, Legal Affairs. 

Element: Air

Planet: Venus

Upright: Justice, fairness, truth, cause and effect, the law, you’ll get what you deserve for the better, positive legal outcomes, good contracts.

Reversed: Unfairness, lack of accountability, dishonesty, corruption, prejudice,. you’ll get what you deserve for the worst, negative legal outcomes. 

Yes/No: Maybe/Neutral

Advice: Do not fear, your justice will come. If you have wronged someone, it’s best to take accountability and learn from your mistakes. 

Quote: “You can’t run from karma.” / “Do the right thing.”

𝟏𝟐. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧

This card represents a pause, inner reflection and patience. The obvious meaning is ... hanging around - that events aren’t moving forward and all you can do is wait. It can also mean you’ve made sacrifices and are waiting to see the rewards. 

Zodiac Card: Pisces

Keywords: Waiting, Sacrifice. 

Element: Water

Planet: Neptune

Upright: Restriction, letting go, sacrifice, paise, new perspective, playing “the waiting game.” forced to be still, cannot bloom all the time. 

Reversed: Martyrdom, indecision, delay, closed off, stuck in your mindset, not seeing the bigger picture. 

Yes/No: Maybe

Advice: Your project needs time to evolve. 

Quote: “Surrender.” / “Change your perspective.”

𝟏𝟑. 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

This card represents the natural cycles of life. Death brings endings and beginnings - sometimes all at once. This card is a time of quick and deep transformation. An opportunity to let go of what is no longer serving you. 

Zodiac Card: Scorpio 

Keywords: Transformation, Change, New Beginnings. 

Element: Water

Planet: Pluto

Upright: Ending of a cycle, transitions, powerful movement, transformation, endings, beginnings, sudden unexpected ‘death’ is not the end. 

Reversed: Resisiting change, fear of new beginnings, repeating the same negative patterns, another phase in our lives. 

Yes/No: Maybe

Advice: This card can be a release as well as a relief, leaving you with the bare bones...the truth. 

Quote: “Don’t fear the reaper.” / “Change.”

𝟏𝟒. 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

This card represents moderation and temptation. There is a balance in the universe and the need to set your own boundaries. Temperance shows you dealing with a potentially volatile situation, and you need to temper your thoughts and actions. 

Zodiac Card: Sagittarius

Keywords: Negotiation, Moderation. 

Element: Fire

Planet: Jupiter

Upright: Balance, moderation, patience, purpose, good health, finding solutions, cooperating with others, pure contentment, peaceful home life, end of arguments/conflict. 

Reversed: Imbalance, discord, hastiness, over-indulgence, risky behaviour, avoidance of conflict, being a pushover, overlooking obvious problems. 

Yes/No: Yes

Advice: Sometimes you cannot choose one side/perspective/person/problem, but accept both sides of the situation and reconcile what is out of balance. Once you’ve seen what is out of balance - take action!

Quote: “Find balance.” 

𝟏𝟓. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥

This card represents insatability and power, exposing relationships to authority and loss. You may be stuck in a situation or relationship that demands too much of you, or you may be feeling controlled, or under a bad influence. This is a card of greed, temptation and materialism. 

Zodiac Card: Capricorn 

Keywords: Restriction, Manipulation.

Element: Earth

Planet: Saturn

Upright: Shadow self, attachment, addiction, temptations, material focus, negative thinking, betrayal, strong desire, the drive to make things happen, humanly pleasure, ability to influence others

Reversed: Releasing, exploring, dark thoughts, detachment, overcoming addiction, independence, reclaiming power, freedom

Yes/No: No

Advice: Walk away from temptation, however, you may need to use a little devilish cunning. 

Quote: “Kick negativity to the curb.” / “You’re only limited to what you believe is possible.” 

𝟏𝟔. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫

This card represents the imbalance and surprise disruption - always leadinng to new paths. It hits us with sudden change, a collapse of a dream, an organisation, or a relationship. It can also represent a shattered ego. 

Zodiac Card: Aries

Keywords: Breakdown, Illumination.

Element: Fire

Planet: Mars

Upright: Destruction, chaos, change, upheaval, awakening, crisis, unpleasant surprise, become stronger, release, painful loss, tragedy, revelation.

Reversed: Fear of change, refusal to let go, personal transformation, shock, avoiding tragedy, a narrow escape, delaying what is inevitable

Yes/No: No

Advice: Surrender to the power of change, release and let go. The walls will come tumbling down and what you build next will have more foundation. 

Quote: “Embrace the chaos.” / “Expect the unexpected.”

𝟏𝟕. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫

This card represents individuality, expression and creativity. The Star offers hope and guidance, have faith that  your luck is about to change for the better. This card show good health. It’s also the card of the healer. 

Zodiac Card: Aquarius 

Keywords: Hope, Guidance. 

Element: Air

Planet: Neptune

Upright: Hope, faith, purpose, renewal, spirituality, creativity, opportunities, wishes comming true, new romance, rebirth, fame, pleasant surprise, birth of a child or idea, coming out of darkness

Reversed: Lack of faith, despair, self-trust, disconnectiohn, doubt, insecurity, lost direction, loss, theft, jealousy. 

Yes/No: Yes

Advice: Share your love, gifts and talents, it will allow you to shine. 

Quote: “Go ahead and wish upon a star.” / “Have faith.”

𝟏𝟖. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧

This card represents instinct and intuition, the power of dreams, ad the potential pitfalls of illusions. This is a warning card that all is not what it seems. 

Zodiac Card: Pisces

Keywords: Crisis of faith, Deep emotions. 

Element: Water

Planet: Neptune

Upright: Fear, anxiety, confusion, delusion, risk, illusion, subconscious, welcomed cycles, increased intuition, femininity, all isn’t as bad as you think it is. 

Reversed: Overcoming fear, finding the truth, conquering anxiety, gaining clarity, release, hidden truths that need to be uncovered. 

Yes/No: No

Advice: Take note of your intuitive messages and dreams. 

Quote: “Dig deeper.” / “Be careful your imagination doesn’t cause you to see things that aren’t there.”

𝟏𝟗. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐧

This card represents illumination and oppenness. It brings success and achievement. It’s one of the most positive cards. This card predicts recovery. 

Zodiac Card: Leo

Keywords: Growth, Recovery.

Element: Fire

Planet: Sun

Upright: Positivity, success, fertility, optimism, joy, confidence, happiness, truth, radiance, fun, marriage, happy relationships, happy family, adventures, help with health and fertility. 

Reversed: Blocked happiness, excessive enthusiasm, pessimism, unrealistic expectations, blind to the truth, overlooking certain situations. 

Yes/No: Yes

Advice: A card of energy and growth, all your projects will benefit now, as this card heralds a good time for creative projects, businesses and relationships. 

Quote: “Spread your wings and fly.” / “Shine on.”

𝟐𝟎. 𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

This card represents both an end and a beginning. Great changes and opportunities are on the horizon, but you need to address past issues. As you accept yourself fully, you can blow your own horn. 

Zodiac Card: None

Keywords: The Past; Second Chances. 

Element: Fire

Planet: Pluto

Upright: Judgement, rebirth, inner calling, absolution, action, renewal, reflection, reckoning, a calling you cannot ignore, fresh start, great opportunities. 

Reversed: Feeling down, self-doubt, blame, destruction, ignoring the call, loss of opportunity, not meant to be, outcome that’s out of your control. 

Yes/No: Neutral

Advice: Own it all, then let it go. 

Quote: “Face yourself.” / “Be self-aware rather than self-critical.”

𝟐𝟏. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝

This card represents an open door, and the excitement of every potential action in the universe. This card is the conclusion of the Fool’s journey and a new beginning. A completion of one cycle, and now another begins. 

Zodiac Card: None. 

Keywords: Success, Completion. 

Element: Earth

Planet: Saturn

Upright: Completion, integration, accomplishment, travel, success, harmony, celebration, fulfillment, positive results, travelling around the world.  

Reversed: Seeking personal closure, short-cuts, delays, failure, unfulfilled, a change may not be welcome, but in time it will be. 

Yes/No: Yes

Advice: This is a time for celebration, so it is as great card for groups. 

Quote: “Feel your deserved success.” / “Everything you have worked for is coming together.”

[germworms]

"Fishy First Meeting"

mc Moonrise AU

A silly thing that me and Cheerio was talking about, how Grian goes to Scar for help to be human, since Scar has been on earth for a long time and knows humans better than anyone. But, tells Grian that humans loves fish.

Grian decides to get a fish for Mumbo, he has no idea how to fish. :/

[theshadowofsorrow]

i can't stop looking at sun's character sheet and her brother's. i adore playing my girl. my favourite little weirdo. and it would break my heart to lose her. but i also look at his and i can feel the storytelling potential vibrate under my skin.

[love-death-and-desert]

@the-hermit-arcana is out!! which means i can finally post this :]c

[7gobu]

The Reading

[the---hermit]

She Who Became The Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

I took my time with reading this book, but I loved every minute of it, and I cannot wait for the sequel to come out. This book is an historical fantasy that was also inspired by Mulan (who is indeed famous because of the movie but is also a legendary Chinese figure). The plot is quite simple and follows a girl who ends up taking her brother's identity to survive famine and war. With his name the girl also claims as hers his fate of greatness. This book was absolutely phenomenal. Our main character Zhu is amazing, and the way the author explores gender with them is absolutely great. The writing was beautiful, although at times it was a bit slower than my normal liking. It's been a few days since I finished it but I still have a lot of feelings I cannot put into coherent words. I definitely recommend this book, it was a great take on this story. I loved all characters, and as I said I cannot wait to read the sequel once in comes out this summer. I'm leaving a few additional spoilery thoughts under the cut. What I would say about this novel is don't go into it expecting heavy fantasy, as it's more of a backgroud element, but do give it a chance if this book is on your radar because it's worth it.

I read this for the pun in the title prompt of the jumbo challenge (and may I add that when I realized the word play in the title my brain exploded because I never realized it before actially thinming about it).

In the part I'll talk a bit more openly so there will be spoilers.

I am taking this spoilery section mostly to talk about how much I loved the parallel we have between Zhu and her relationship with gender and Ouyang the eunuch general that fights with the Mongols. It was a genious move in my opinion to have these two characters on each side of the war. I absolutely loved them both, because they are very much layered, especially Ouyang. He is a very complicated character emotionally and because of his past, and I am very much intrigued to learn more about him in the sequel. I would also like to add a small note on how much I loved Xu Da and his relationship with Zhu. Their friendship/brotherhood filled my heart with joy.

[orphelia4]

I like to think that in my hermitcraft vampire AU they sparkle in the sun like in twilight.

So imagine a bunch of hermits sitting together in a room with closed curtains, talking and having fun. Then Scar opens the curtains. Everyone immediately stops what they were doing and looks at him screaming „Close those damn curtains Scar!”, and then he’s like „But I like it when we sparkle ☺️”.

I’ll draw this one day

[witherroze]

hermit s10 glasses / goggles / eye enhancements hcs