#teaches his kids how to use a sword from a young age

[piknim]

It is very hard for me to change oc designs for some reason but i had a great idea for one and it actually is motivating me to figure out how to draw him

[jelloia]

a post on how yanqing's monologue in the 2.4 quest aligns perfectly with his character story (+ why jing yuan is a great father figure / mentor)

so we all know that yanqing is regarded as the best swordsman on the luofu (character story part I), and when you read his character story part II, it's obvious why:

When hunting near a distant star, the monstrously huge mechabeast Windguard created by the Denizens of Abundance was pulverizing defense forces as though they were ants. But this young boy met against it face-to-face, claiming its head and routing the enemy to the point of collapse. As for subsequent victories: He broke the borisin's Devouring Wolf formation with Jing Yuan, beheading three Brood Lords. He also fought viciously against the wingweavers, ultimately sinking their almighty Cloudseizer Fleet... These are just a small footnote in the annals of his courageous swordplay.

yanqing mentions himself how he isn't like normal kids, but it's kind of startling and unnatural to read about how fearless he is. after all, he isn't like kafka--who literally cannot feel fear--he's just genuinely that good at his art

to jing yuan, yanqing's constant improvement is a reminder of how even though long-life species don't need to fear time decaying their body, their warped sense of time means they are often stagnate in their ideals and ultimately how they live their lives

"General... I finally... won." The general pauses. He suddenly realizes that, compared to the boy trying to improve every day, he himself has endured too many years and is used to stagnation.

the paradox though is that if you only win, that in itself is a form of stagnation.

so if you always succeed while being constantly praised from a young age, what happens when you lose for the first time?

from the average honkai star rail player's perspective, it's laughable that we see someone as decorated as yanqing be defeated multiple times in a row. it makes us wonder whether he even deserves his title, seeing how weak he is compared to jingliu, blade, and imbibitor lunae.

in actuality, this is a genius writing move. by bringing the player into the story right when yanqing starts losing, we begin having the same doubts and suspicions about yanqing that he is about himself. all the scorn and hatred he gets from the fandom are things i'm sure he's thought about himself.

what's even more interesting about yanqing is that most hsr characters are grown and had their early development offscreen, but we are experiencing yanqing's first big low firsthand, right along with him.

but believe it or not, this is exactly what jing yuan wanted.

according to yanqing's character story part IV:

Yanqing became an unrivaled fighter aboard the Xianzhou Luofu as his skills grew more and more advanced. Jing Yuan gradually began thinking about ways to restrain Yanqing's edge, to take him down a peg without curbing his confidence. Too solid and it can shatter. Too sharp and it can blunt. More than just a sharp edge — a sword also needs a scabbard that can restrain it. In Jing Yuan's view, Yanqing has grown up exceedingly fast — beyond expectations. What Yanqing needs right now is not more strength, but the ability and experience of curbing that strength — something that can only manifest by the passage of time.

jing yuan knows exactly what can happen to those blessed with enormous power. unchecked strength and confidence is a double edged sword--it's precisely this overconfidence that got yanqing into fighting with blade/il and challenging jingliu, yet it's also one of yanqing's best features. what jing yuan wants is for yanqing to continue to believe in himself and be courageous, but also practice control and resilience, even after resounding defeat.

"All's equal in war, and sneak attacks are a good idea. It's too bad your sword is so focused on the flourish and can't conceal its form. Is this what they call youthful vigor?"

there are some things you cannot directly teach, and it's not as though jing yuan planned for yanqing to meet jingliu/etc. jing yuan believes that only time can teach yanqing, yet it's also tricky because for long-life species, time is not just a wheel pushing progress but a cycle repeating the same things over and over.

this is why i believe it's a testament to the stellar quality of yanqing's character and jing yuan's raising of him that so relatively quick after all of yanqing's failures...

...yanqing hasn't given up nor run away, but rather discovered that he no longer fights solely for an extrinsic reward--victory, honor, approval--and instead, for something much more permanent

this doesn't mean yanqing's going to stop throwing himself into difficult fights--just take his bickering with yunli as an example--but rather his perspective has changed. yanqing will enter battle even if defeat is inevitable and will keep on going even if he loses. he's continuing to improve, both physically and mentally.

(i also want to point out the juxtaposition of "letting go of everything" and "giving it my all" in yanqing's purpose above; it sounds contradictory but i think it means how fighting helps yanqing feel free and forget the weight on his shoulders, yet it's also a show of passion where he'll fight for his family/friends/ideals to the best of his ability and beyond)

to conclude, yanqing is an insanely complex and well written character, and i'm so happy that the 2.4 quest is exploring everything that has been set up for him so far. connecting this to the final character story i haven't covered yet (part III), i believe that yanqing is closer to achieving his dream than ever before:

It's completely natural for teenage boys to love swords, but a specific dream flickers and dances among the Xianzhou swords in his collection. To become the best on the Luofu — no, the best across all the Xianzhou ships. To take the title of Sword Champion on the Luofu, and even take the title of Sword Preeminence across the Alliance. Since the Sedition of Imbibitor Lunae, the title of Sword Champion among the Luofu Cloud Knights has remained vacant for centuries. Not that nobody wants to claim it, but for a rather more embarrassing reason: The previous Sword Champion, a legendary swordmaster with 13 outstanding accolades, violated the laws of heaven, resulting in her name being wiped from the face of the cosmos. Even the prestigious title that she bore became a sore spot for others. But for this vastly impressive teen, it's now time to turn over a new page in the annals of history and write another chapter.

ultimately, i think jing yuan said it best:

"You will soon be better than everyone, and that will only be the beginning..."

[wrightingdungeon]

BG3 Companion's reactions to Tav being much younger than they thought

Trying out a new format kinda, let me know if it works, please

Lae’zel is the baby at 20/23 ish but for this Tav is around age 16/17 making them the baby 

Astarion: He didn't really care to know your age when you first met, but as you ventured forth he could tell you where inexperienced, an amazing leader, but you had no idea what you were doing. “How long have you been doing this, adventuring this darling?” He asked watching as you tried in vain to unlock a chest. “Oh well… Im only sixteen so not that long? When we met up really.” He stared into space for a moment, taking in his fearless leader, who was in fact a child. “Well thats… reassuring?” He said carefully moving you to the side so he could pick the lock for you. 

Trust me you wouldn't live down the. “Does the baby need help?” Jokes

No one is getting within arm's length of you though

#his baby *cough* his meal ticket *cough, cough*

Gale: The poor guy has a lot on his mind *and in it*. Forgive him that he really didn't think about figuring out how old you are. “Gale how old were you when you found out you could use magic?” Gale looked up at you watching you playing around with Minor Illusion. “I was about seventeen when Mystra first contacted me.” He said thinking for a moment. “Ohhh that means I’ll be a better wizard than you!” He chuckled hearing You tease him. “You can't be that young.” He jested, his face deadpanning when you admitted you were almost seventeen. 

Giving him PTSD from when he first met Mystra

He feeds you first 

Feels so guilty about you going to get him magical artifacts

Halsin:  Oh he knew, He is over three hundred but he ain't dumb. When you broke him out of Jail he was protective of you, seeing a kid leading and protecting a group of adults broke his heart. “Tav, please rest.” He said softly as he let you sit down. “I have the watch tonight, please get some sleep.” He’s a papa bear. You get hurt, he's there. Can't reach something? Halsins is helping lift you up. He lets you have your respect as a leader but he is always there to be a shoulder to lean on or your own personal Jiminy cricket. 

Guard Dog privileges

Will let you sleep on him

Will not let you in the sheresses caress

Jaheira: Mama knew, when you first pulled up to Last Light she swore she saw one of her kids running up to her. “Cub have you eaten?” She’s already going mama mode seeing you haven't slept or eaten. She tears Halsin a new one for not helping you more with Art Cullagh. After the Last Light is attacked and you are standing by her side helping protect her people she feels proud of the next generation and those who are leading it.

She licks her thumb and cleans your face without thinking of it

Teaches you how to haggle

Feels so sorry for you and the trials you must face

Karlach: The baby girl had no idea, she just knows it's fun to rage with you. During a particularly deep rage section, she was surprised when you started to cry. “Soldier?” She asks having to stop herself from hugging and burning you. “I-I’m just scared Karlach.” She listened to you feeling her own tears forming. “I’m not even eighteen, but… Everyone depends on me.” Gods she wanted to hug you, she was raging for you, and because she couldn't hug you. 

She works 10x harder to cool down her heart, not just for her, but so she can hold you

Lets you hug Clive as long as you need

Knows how you feel from being shoved into Zariel’s arms at age fifteen

Lae’zel: She doesn't care, You are old enough to hold a sword. In fact your young age and leadership skills just makes her impressed. “I will help train you to fight like a true warrior, not like the teeth-ling.” She does in fact start training you. Dear gods save you, shes got you running laps before the sun comes up.

Proud older sister

Has her own special *violent* way for praising you

Talks about when shes a general of Vlakith and you will be her right-hand

Shadowheart: She and Lae’zel were at each other's throats again when you blew up at them. “You two are fighting like teenagers! And I’m sixteen!” She felt like she got hit by a bag of bricks, you were sixteen, but you had pulled her from the nautiloid, and fought with her out of the hells. “You can't be sixteen.” She said chuckling softly in disbelief, hearing you confirm when you were born she definitely needed some wine to get over that.

Don't know how to act around you

Will give you little candies

Mom said I have to take you with me vibes

Wyll: He found out talking about his pact with you. “Yes, I was seventeen when I signed my pact, but I do not regret it.” He said taking a drink from his goblet. “Man I'm almost seventeen, I wonder what I’ll be like when I'm your age.” Have you ever seen someone shoot wine out their nose? Now you have.

Gets very protective when Mizora shows up

Big brother mode

Piggy back rides when you are tired

[itsdeniini]

How do Stray Kids Hyunjin and ENHYPEN Ni-ki feel about each other? ⋆𖦹 °.🪽⋆❀˖° 𐦍

𑁍 Hyunjin about Ni-ki 𓇢𓆸 🀦

The Magician, Knight of Wands, Page of Swords

Hyunjin thinks that Ni-ki is full of adrenaline! He's impressed that he succeeded in grabbing this amount of attention for his persona at such a young age, not only because of his title as one of the dance machines of the 4th generation but also because of his other talents and natural charm. And also the way he behaves—it's not giving 18 years old; during their dialogs, Hyunjin felt like he's talking to his peer—that much of a sharp mind he has. Also, he thinks that he's quick-paced in everything he does, like he's in a rush. He thinks he likes to do his thing in one try, and it should come out perfectly so he can move on to the next activity. Moreover, he appreciates how creative Ni-ki is! He can come up with an idea in 10 seconds, and shortly after, it will be brought to reality in his signature style. Another thing that I can point out is that Hyunjin would really like Ni-ki to teach him how to keep up with everything. Yeah, Hyunjin may be in the industry for a bit longer and have more experience, but seeing Ni-ki's ambitiousness, he gets the idea, "Wow, this youngster can give me a tip or two; I wouldn't complain." Briefly, Hyunjin thinks Ni-ki's charisma is one of the main components of his recipe for success.

𑁍 Ni-ki about Hyunjin 𓇢𓆸 🀦

The Sun, The King of Wands, 3 of Cups

Ni-ki likes Hyunjin energy! The first time he saw him, he thought he's a cocky guy who puts himself first and enjoys the attention he's getting from everyone, but when they got closer and engaged in a conversation, Ni-ki understood that Hyunjin is not the bad guy that he pictured in his mind; he's actually pretty funny and approachable. Ni-ki as well relates to his passion and the internal fire he's exuding, like, yeah, boy, give us everything! Ni-ki thinks that every idol that calls themselves an idol should be like Hyunjin, driven and focused on showcasing their best abilities. During their LALALALA Tiktok Challenge, they had so much fun interacting with each other and having their inside jokes as well, by the way! I think they had or have a meeting planned with the intention to hang up, but the schedules are too tight, and there's no time or good opportunity, but they still have this planned. At least Ni-ki is very excited about this chance to get to know him better. Also, something happened between them in an offline interaction during the winter and early spring; it boosted up their friendship and left them on a very good note. Maybe it's something like a collab for fans that they're planning in the future, and that idea lightened Ni-ki up! He enjoys cooperating with truly talented people who can match his freak. 😜

❀。• *₊°。 ❀°。˓˓ ⍥⃝⃝ ˒˒=

In conclusion, those dudes are a good fit for each other—in a friendly way! They're both so energetic and pumped up, and they're also both connected by the fact that they love their fans so much. I like it so much! We can expect them to practice something together that will come out sooner than we think. They're willing to invent a new ramification of dancing together if it's needed, and all that to impress ENGENE and STAY.

[lunarianebula872]

(tried something a little different for my chibi design but I think it works well for Cloud Rhapsodos/Hewely here also yes Genesis made sure the inside of Cloud's jacket is lined to keep him warm/comfortable)

Genesis adopting Cloud [when Cloud is around 7] due to sensing a ton of mana in Cloud, Angeal though slightly hesitant warms up to Cloud as what's going on isn't his fault so he ends up becoming Cloud's 2nd dad.

Claudia in this universe is already dead but it didn't stop Cloud from his dreams but he is more reclusive then before however with Angeal and Genesis's help he gains some confidence like a young kid should

While waiting to be old enough to sign up and join Angeal comes back with his student Zack and they become really good friends [like they're brothers] and while waiting for trials and of coming of age for Cloud is when Genesis, Angeal, and Zack set up games to aid Cloud in the trails when it comes to joining SOLDIER

Sephiroth returns after a long mission and encounters Cloud with Genesis which Sephiroth questions Genesis of and Genesis explains it to Sephiroth which actually surprises him since he didn't take Genesis to be a parent at all though he's glad Angeal is there to help out and to make sure Genesis's temper doesn't go to the kid [which luckily never happens and he's a good dad along with Angeal]

Genesis will have to elaborate with Sephiroth that he wouldn't hurt the kid however he has snapped at people who tried to hurt Cloud [he can slay people even with his words lol] but has taught Cloud stubbornness and how to use magic, Angeal has always made sure Cloud is respected that's for sure and even teaches Cloud honor and loyalty on top of how to cook along with gardening, Zack teaches Cloud companionship, Sephiroth teaches Cloud to be observant and even how to read [the reading part can also be added to Genesis as well], all four of them teach Cloud how to use swords

Kunsel when he meets Cloud and even knows who Cloud is due to his snooping and everything so he ends up introducing himself and teaches Cloud how to read maps and how cameras work and their locations in the building [not sure if that's a mistake on his part or not]

While Cloud [when he's 13] is tending to Angeal's plants he gets a message from Kunsel that something is wrong and to stay in Angeal's apartment and to let the big three and Zack take care of it however when they return Genesis has a wound that isn't healing, Angeal is feeling unwell, Zack isn't as cheerful and seems to be seriously injured, and Sephiroth is even more distant then normal which worries Cloud so he decides to make food for them and hopes to cheer them up a bit and even tries to help Genesis heal but is starting to feel like he's not accomplishing anything and starting to get depressed and wishes that he can at least do something to help them and even figure out what is wrong but the four he greatly cares for won't tell him what's wrong

Cloud at this point does all he can via training his ass off and to find a cure for the injuries and ailment Angeal, Genesis, and Zack are going through which he hopes also cheers Sephiroth up as well

One day Cloud is doing some work with materia and suddenly gets teleported somewhere which is where he meets Calamity Zack which he doesn't know how to respond but he does end up breaking down and crying while believing Angeal, Genesis, and Zack are going to die on him and Sephiroth

This is probably where Calamity Zack will bring Cloud to Aerith for holy water to help Angeal, Genesis, and Zack recover however Cloud will have to figure out how to get back unaware that Calamity Zack can get him home however Calamity Zack probably wants to calm him down first.

@aimeelouart how is Calamity Zack going to react to Cloud Rhapsodos/Hewely? Maybe sees him as a scared kid who because of what's going on is growing up to quick even though he's still a kid but can even see how much Cloud cares [and probably is going to be happy for this Cloud when things become happier for his 14th birthday]

[bluesdesk]

Wars headcanons because it's a trend now??

He and Linkle are siblings, Wars is about 6 years older than her! They don't have other siblings.

He's a descendant of Twilight! They're distant relatives so Wars doesn't really recognize or know him! This headcanon comes from the fact Wars and Artemis/Athena are based on Twilight and Dusk the most, so yes Athena is a descendant of Dusk. Also I ship TP Zelink so theoretically Wars and Athena would be both descendants of Twi and Dusk and sk be distant relatives, but too distant to be considered family at all.

Wars was born in the countryside. A rural town was built around a well known ranch some time after Twilight’s adventure. And when Wars is a kid the ranch is inhabited by his grandmother, while he lives in a nearby house.

So, story time! His parents looked like good and respectable people. They didn't know much about swords, but the grandmother was secretly able with crossbows. When the first kid of the couple was born, they noticed the triforce mark and went crazy. They named him Link because he was going to be a hero, they began to spoil him, accommodate every whim, give him gifts like every day. The grandma pointed out it wasn’t good or healthy for him but the parents didn't listen. As soon as he could run without losing balance, the situation changed and even if he was still treated as the purest angel who couldn't be corrected or scolded (he couldn't do anything worng because he had the triforce, they believed), he began his sword training, that took hours every day and was exhausting. When he was 6 he got a sister, but apparently she didn't have a triforce mark on her hand. The parents were too focused on their Link and didn't bother to find a better name for her, they named her Linkle. While she was still loved, the parents treated the kids way differently. Linkle didn't get gifts every day, she didn't get training from a young age, she could make mistakes and get scolded (even when it was clearly Wars's fault). And mostly, the two kids couldn't spend time together the most of the times because Wars was often too tired to do anything other than sleeping after the training. The grandma couldn't stand that and decided to bring Linkle to her house/ranch and raise her by herself. She also taught her to use crossbows. She and Wars didn't meet again for years. In his teens Wars is sent to Hyrule Town to continue his training, it's hard for him at first because he was treated really differently at home. After being scolded too many times for acting superior, he learns modesty and teamwork. Then, when Wars is 21 and Linkle is 15, HW happens and they meet again. They're both heroes and they live at the castle. Their parents died in a fire some years before, and the grandma died shortly before HW.

Speaking of Linkle, she's the bearer of the rriforce if power. She didn't have it during HW because it was trapped in Ganondorf's spirit. After HW the triforce piece went back to the Sacred Realm but the day after it was already with Linkle.

Wars's hair is probably a darker shade of blonde, but he dyed it lighter. Why? Because Artemis/Athena is naturally a brunette like Dusk but chose to dye her hair blonde, and Wars tried her dye too!

Wars learned the scarf isn't really part of the tunic of the hero, and most likely a gift from his Zelda. That's one of the main reasons he's almost always wearing it, like Sky with his sailcloth!

Linkle will eventually teach him how to handle cuccos, he and Sky will be the "heroes with a long cape thing and the ability to hold cuccos"

Wind reminds him of his sister, he's 14 and Linkle is 16 during LU, their behaviors are kinda similar!

Yes his or Linkle's descendants will take care of the ranch in the future, one of these people is Makimi!

[eemoo1o-tfrmoo]

Random HTTYD Headcanons

Someone once tied together the Boneknapper and Death Song, saying that the former would hang around the game sites of the latter and then collect the bones and I agree with that so much. I’d love to re-find that post so I can credit the blog responsible because they are so, so real for this! I had to mention it because it’s such an under-appreciated take. (ETA: I found the original post here, by @dragonjadearts — thank you for this headcanon I think about it all the time.)

Changewings started to put their eggs in trees to deter Cavern Crashers from eating them.

Red Changewings are the ones that inhabit Changewing Island. Green Changewings are from further south.

Male Thunderdrums are actually the primary caretakers of young Thunderdrums. Both parents will look after and protect the eggs until they hatch but after they do the mother often leaves.

Additionally, Thunderdrums will also transport their eggs and/or hatchlings in their mouth.

Thornado and Skullcrusher have actually met. Thornado had gone out when Bing, Bang, and Boom were asleep and visited Berk, hoping to meet up with Stoick alone only to find another dragon by his chair. The encounter was awkward at first for all three parties, with Stoick trying to break the ice, but once the two dragons recognised what they had in common, they became very friendly and respecting of one another.

The Rumblehorn naturally hunts boars as its primary food source. As opposed to fishing for saltwater fish like other dragons, they also fish for freshwater fish like salmon.

Like the Submaripper and Shellfire, and the Skrill and Singetail, the Rumblehorn and Catastrophic Quaken are naturally opposing species.

Dark Deep was originally the home of the Catastrophic Quaken, not the Gronckle. Due to the sheer number of invading Gronckles, the Quaken was then mostly pushed out.

Gronckles are like the rabbits of the dragon world. They can reproduce from a young age and very often and with high egg counts.

Dragons like the Razorwhip, Timberjack, and Typhoomerang have shorter lifespans in comparison to other species.

Barb-shooting dragons grow their spikes like hair/teeth. The spines that are shot out out are ones that are knocked loose by new roots.

The more distinguishable the colours of each head, the older a Zippleback is.

Zipplebacks evolved from a mutation caused by inefficient embryo separation which means most if not all members of the species distantly share the same common ancestor.

Whip & Lash, Bucket and Mulch’s dragon, is actually female.

Bucket is related to the Thorstons.

The twins removed the S from the alphabet in Reign of Fireworms to annoy Snotlout.

The riders have contemplated who is most likely to turn into a Mildew-type, and most of them have come to the agreement that it would be Tuffnut. Chicken is his Fungus.

Mildew actually has a soft spot for Flystorm. Away from the knowing gazes of others he indulges in petting him and giving him fish, muttering “That’s nice,” as he would with Fungus.

Spitelout treats Kingstail better than anyone ever. As such all of his past methodology surrounding dragons is now in vain, and very hypocritical. (That sword analogy? How dare you compare ol’ Kingstail to that, boyo?)

Fishlegs is actually an only child (he’s always stricken me as one and it boggles me if he isn’t). Those kids he teaches in the Gronckle Scouts are actually his younger cousins. They call him ‘uncle’ due to him babysitting a lot and the difference in their ages. Fishlegs has a lot of cousins.

Fishlegs’ mother, Termagant, owns a Snaptrapper by the name of Arrogance, Innocence, Patience & Conscience. This means that Meatlug has older brothers (and a sister. Technically. Allegedly.). At first they were a bit too mischievous/privy with one another for her liking, making them seem like they were hanging up in her a bit, but they eventually got used to one another.

And yes, she makes all six of her children crab cakes.

The Monstrous Nightmare that Valka saves in HTTYD 2 is the one that took Gobber’s hand.

The Night Fury and Light Fury evolved via something similar to the Peppered Moth Evolution. Whichever one was the original species, however, is still unknown.

Gustav is allergic to peanuts.

Fanghook actually has a fear of setting things on fire.

Hiccup sees a lot of his younger self in Gustav, but it frustrates him that Gustav takes a bit more after Snotlout sometimes.

Gustav’s mother actually wanted to call him “Hiccup” (being the runt) but didn’t want to upstage the chief or confuse people, so she chose “Gustav” (meaning god’s staff or popular guest) to be ironic.

Snotlout was originally proud to have Gustav model himself after him, but when growing up and maturing on the Edge he realised that Gustav was or could be reckless because of it and started to resent him for being a “cheap copy” of him.

Hookfang has a soft spot for Gustav, mostly when he was younger. Since Gustav got Fanghook, his patience has been less withstanding.

The dragon with the least patience for kids is actually Stormfly. Just after would be either Barf & Belch or Hookfang, but by a long shot. Hookfang holds more patience for younger kids than older ones.

Spitelout for some reason shows more outwards appreciation towards Gustav, but argues with him over being leader of the A Team.

[basil-does-arttt]

Hello. What do you think Vergil's life was like before the events of the DMC3 game and manga? How did he live? Was he homeless, or did he have a place? Did he have any friends? Did he stole? How did he acquire all his power and knowledge?

Hello!

I believe in his very early years, between the ages of 9 to maybe 13 at least, he would've been living out on his own. I dont see young Vergil as the kind to trust strangers so easily so him living on the streets is plausible, getting by off of things he's stolen or even begging if he was that desperate. Him also spending a lot of time in places like public libraries is something i see happening; its somewhere warm and sheltered, and he has a chance to read and learn too.

At some point before the DMC 3 we know Vergil visited Fortuna, my guess is he was around 14-15 at this time. Now its left up to interpretation what his life was like back then and you dont have to agree with my HCs, but my version of events runs a little something like this;

Having spent most of his life vulnerable on the streets, fending for himself and barely scraping by, he arrives in Fortuna seeking out information regarding Sparda, and possibly how to gain the level of power his father had as well. During his time in Fortuna he meets the Lady in Red, personally i really like the idea of them meeting in a library and her teaching Vergil how to read the language Fortuna's texts uses (in Deadly Fortune, Dante comments he cant understand what the books are saying in that room where Nero first fights the angelos.) But regardless of how they met, Vergil sees a chance at a new life in Fortuna with her. So he settles down with her, gets to know her a bit more, and finds himself a peaceful slice of paradise in the quaint little city, eventually concieving a son (Nero). But of course since he was a child, he's rightfully been paranoid of demon attacks, and even more so now that he's built himself a new start. Gaining the power to protect himself had always been his main goal in life, but now he wants to protect these people too.

Cue DMC 3, raising the temennigru to gain ultimate power and whatnot. I feel he had plans to return to Fortuna post-temennigru, but unfortunately we all know how that game ended...

As for his power and knowledge, I think a lot of his power stems from Yamato and whatever Sparda had taught him in his childhood. In Fortuna he could've read up more on Sparda and demonic things and gained further knowledge then. That, and constant training of his abilities whenever he can (going off of his sword taunt in DMC 5 where he goes through a routine with Yamato, we know he does train when possible. He could also do that with his DT form, giving reason as to how he's able to use it so effortlessly and for a tad bit longer than Dante as well.)

(Also i believe that Vergil gained his DT when he was a kid, specifically when he was stabbed by those demons and almost killed in VoV. We never see him trigger of course, but how else would an 8 year old survive an attack like that? Half demon or not.)

I hope that answers everything! Thank you for asking, i love having an excuse to rant about my beloved Vergil <3

[lotr-bitches]

Silm Epistolary Week, Entry #4: A diary entry (Friendship/Alliance)

An entry from Prince Findekáno's personal diary regarding Nelyafinwë (Y.T. 1312).

I am so excited for tomorrow and the next day! Tomorrow, Atto and I are going to see Uncle Náro and all of my cousins! Atto says he is very much not looking forward to visiting Uncle, but Haru, Uncle Arya, and Auntie Findis are all going so Atto feels as if he has to attend. I am mostly excited because I get to see my cousins and none of my other siblings will be in attendance. That means I will have cousin Nelyo all to myself.

Nelyo is my favorite cousin because he makes the best cookies and gives the best hugs and he likes me the best out of all of the others besides his brothers. He says my spirit is very bright. I think that means that I am awesome enough to spend time with the older kids. Atto says it means that I have a lot of energy.

Not even Turukáno gets to come with us tomorrow, but that's because there are no cousins who are his age so Atto thinks he will be bored. Irissë doesn't get to come with us because she's only two. I forgot how small babies were until I saw her after she was born. I think it's also because I am one of the older kids now so she seems smaller in comparison. I am a whole 31 years old! That means I am practically an adult. Cousin Nelyo is 58 which means he is even more of an adult than me. I am very upset that I have to be close in age with cousin Moryo because I want to be just like cousin Nelyo.

He is very pretty. He has long, red hair and it is a little bit curly so it has volume (??? I think that is the right word). It is so fluffy and cousin Nelyo lets me touch his hair even though Atto says you are only supposed to touch the hair of your parents, brothers and sisters, children, and people you are married to. (I would not mind marrying cousin Nelyo.) And he still has green eyes even though Auntie Nerdanel said that the color would likely fade as he grew. And he has freckles which I think make him even prettier.

Turukáno says our part of the family looks boring. He says black hair and blue eyes looks stupid. I have brown eyes from Ammë so maybe it is just Turukáno who looks stupid. Cousin Nelyo says I am cute and taps me on the nose whenever he sees me so he definitely thinks I am better looking than Turukáno.

Anyway, I am so excited to see cousin Nelyo! He said last time we visited that next time (otherwise known as tomorrow) he would start teaching me how to use a sword! Cousin Nelyo is the best at everything so I think he will be a great teacher. Turukáno says 'there is no value in learning to fight with a sword because you should fight with your words first and weapons as a last resort.' I think that sometimes you just need to get stabby.

Atto is calling so I have to go! I will write all about sword fighting lessons! and cousin Nelyo.

Notes From the Compiler: It is clear that Findekáno and Nelyafinwë were close from a young age. Additionally, the dynamic between Findekáno and Turukáno is amusing to read about. The hair customs of the Noldor are only ever alluded to in most primary sources. This seems to be a direct reference to an aspect of the culture which dictates who is allowed to touch your hair and what is seen as culturally unseemly. It is unclear here how Nelyafinwë perceives allowing Findekáno to touch his hair, but it is possible that Findekáno has always had a bit of a crush on his cousin.

[aroacedm]

AITL (am I the loser) for killing a mass murderer and a would-be mass murderer and lying about it? :(

So, I was teaching this kid because he reminded me of myself and I didn’t want him to go down the same road I did, which is filled with stab wounds. But that’s not relevant :D !!!

Oh some maybe relevant information is that this kid is the prince of the kingdom that massacred mine… :\  But that was like 500 years ago its not relevant anymore :)

There is a noble boy (we can call him al) who is the last mortal descendant of my family, and he is friends with the prince (we can call him L). L really values Al’s friend ship :)

There are some survivors from my old country, and most live in this new one in a specific district and face lots of discrimination :( but the prince wants to end that because he believes if he can be friends with someone from the old land, everyone can! (he is very idealistic but has amazing morals :D )  the surviving nobles from the old country are not very happy, but haven’t caused any trouble.

No one else knows I am the old prince from the old country, they don’t know anything about me. I am very cold and strict when teaching :[. I got the job because I saved L’s life when he was young by attacking kidnappers with a stick. L’s parents saw how skilled I was (not trying to brag :( but I have trained with swords for hundreds of years) and hired me to teach L.

It is L’s 18th birthday and his family is holding a feast. I chose not to go because I became immortal on my 17thand after I was banished (oh yeah ive been banished from heaven twice they don’t really like me but that’s fine :D) the year I would have turned 18 if I aged, I was stabbed 100 times within around an hour, my only two friends ever left me (it was my fault F and M if you are reading this) and my parents committed suicide. I was struggling with my experiences so I chose not to go to not make everyone else feel bad because of my behaviour. :(

I heard a commotion after a while so I rushed over to try and help, but I saw Al in a bloodstained room stabbing the king, L’s dad. L was no where in sight. Al ran, and I went to the king to try and help him. He told me Al did this, and everyone from the old kingdom will die for his actions. He was done for, there was no chance he would survive the day, but I still couldn’t let this happen. I stabbed him to prevent a genocide. L came in and thought I did everything. I didn’t correct him because I knew I deserved it. He ran off probably to alert others and I went to confront Al. I revealed who I actually was, and he attempted to get me to help him kill all of the people living in the country, including L. I used a method on him to make his organs dissolve and no mark to be left on him and I knew he would die shortly. 

I decided to let L fight me, but made it extremely easy for him to win. I let him believe I was dead, and he buried me in a 3 layer coffin with a stake through my heart (overkill :\) I waited for about 50 years so he wouldn’t be checking if I was dead. I knew I could easily push the stone away but apparently 50 years of no sun or movement makes you really weak. I was in there for about 100 years total but managed to escape eventually :)

You may be asking why this is relevant anymore, and that’s because L confronted me after realising I was his teacher (I’ve ascended again and this was in front of most gods). I said I did it in front of the emperor of heaven and he confined me to house arrest (idk why I wasn’t banished I asked to be) then my very close friend came and broke in to rescue me :D.

Lots of stuff happened but now everyone knows I didn’t actually kill everyone, and is angry that I falsely confessed. Some people are mad that I killed anyone, even if it was to prevent genocide. Am I in the wrong here? It was a split second decision to stop a racially targeted war, but I still feel guilty as the king was trying to improve relations between the people before the feast.

TLDR: My selfishly putting my bad memories over celebration caused me to not be able to stop a massacre. So I killed a guy to stop genocide and the person who did it who was planning to do it again. Then I lied and said I’d done all of it.

[cookiewoli]

Siblings' children- No, they're ADULTS!

After the child chara design...

They grew up!! Here's the ADULT chara design!!

❉ ╤╤╤╤ ✿ ╤╤╤╤ ~ ╤╤╤╤ ✿ ╤╤╤╤ ❉

Their description as child ←

- Cherry adult: She's still a cheerful person, always smiling and caring of others. She will always accepts to help someone in need, no matter for what! She still have the "big sister" role from everyone point of view, even as an adult. Some people are scared of her, since, DON'T FORGET THAT, she's Cassius' daughter. She gets angry very easy and is stubborn for a lot of thing, and now, she's 1m75tall! People take her more seriously now... Or not, with her cute look. She learned very young how to fight, to defends herself or others people around her. Her favorite thing is farming, like collect fruits, vegetables, flowers, and take care of animals. You better not be caught stealing ONE apple from one of her tree... Because she knows too how to use a shotgun.

- Emrys adult: He always loves TOO MUCH weapons..... He's juggle with gun and bombs, turn around with swords, test ~~after he stole~~the new flamethrower his dad built. His acting like a clowns, doing pun jokes, smiling ~~SMIRK~~ , laughing at the end of sentence, impress girls with weapons... BUT he's totally **DUMB** when it's about love. ~~(He's dumb for everything honestly...)~~ "Oh!! You love someone? Do I know this guy? OH! I hope he will like you too!! Who is he?? What's his name?! :D" Flirt is not one of his quality... Despite his appearance. He seems older than his age, with... His muscles and abs. Yeah he followed his father training.

- Ming adult: MORE ANNOYING THAN AS A KID!! Her ego grew up so much... But not her height. She's 1m50. She's talking very loud (Xiao hates more to be around her...) so people can hears her in the whole town... But it's an advantage, since she reveals talents for singing and dancing! She's Luna's fan number1 (that's her own words) and dreams to become famous in the whole Free Cities. She dyed some of her hair in yellow, her favorite color. ("The color of the sun, gold, and glory!") She takes really care of her appearance, and likes to charm people... More particularly boys. 💀 She's very stubborn, and endless quarrel is common with her, for stupid things. She has a weakness for animals, like her mother. She can't resist to talk like an idiot to animals, like "AAAWWW Helloooo YOuuuuu!! ~ You're so cute!! Who's the cutest? YES! YES! It's Youuuu!!!!AAAWWWWW" It's always embarassing when someone see her in this situation.

- Xiao adult: His world is full of fantasy, knowledge, words, stories, books and... Silence. His has a overflowing imagination, and loves to write his own stories. He really HATES noises or people talking while writing of reading. Don't take it personally if he leaves quickly, sighing, to a quieter place... Girls thinks he's cute and tries to approach him, but... He doesn't know how to talk to people. So he seems like a very cold person. Always running away, with sigh. BUT! If you succeed to enter into his world, quietly... You'll see that he's very smart, talks with passion, and likes to teach all his knowledge to people.

[sturthepotofmadness]

I got a random idea for a Xenoblade Chronicles 2 au I want to throw out into the world, since I'm not too sure if I'm going to write it or not. There's technically two, but one is more of a Xenoblade 3 au and even then it's even more canon diverge-y than this one, so only the xc2 au for now.

The divergence point is a bit weird, since it would take place before Rex gets pulled into the mission to find Pyra and I'm assuming story salvager ranks works differently compared to gameplay salvager ranks (mainly that story salvager ranks go from E-D-C-B-A-S-SS in order from lowest to highest and the weird extra titles don't exist, just rank letters). Other than that, the only spoilers are the events of chapter 1, the very beginning of chapter 2, and a boss and group from chapter 3. You've been warned if you care about early game spoilers.

Anyways, time to actually talk about the au idea. Also cut after the second paragraph cuz this is long.

So let's say Rex is 14, maybe a few months out from 15 here, he's known within the Argentum salvager community, and being salvager rank C is impressive for someone so young. He's having trouble reaching a higher rank, if only because his only way to protect himself is an old sword he scraped together and getting higher ranks means salvaging at risker points, which means dealing with stronger monsters and needing a better weapon, but he doesn't want to spend what money he has on getting a better weapon.

For some reason, Vandham's Merc Group has an influx of kids that don't want to become mercenaries, so they send a group out to gather people to explain jobs to this group of kids they're taking care of. One of the groups was led by Yew since the Argentum Trade Guild can be a hot mess if you talk to the wrong person by accident and Yew is good at sorting through people. Yew sees the salvager community here and is impressed by how supportive they are of each other.

When Yew talks to one of the salvagers there and he brings up the idea of teaching some kids about salvaging. The salvager asks, "We talking Rex's age, or we talking younger?" Yew asks who Rex is and that just so happens to be the time when Rex pulls into the docks and the salvager points him out. Yew (and the mercs with him) have to process that as the salvager comments that Rex is really damn good to salvaging and probably would have a higher rank if would use his gold on getting a better weapon instead of sending it back to his home town or repairing damage to his hut on Azurda.

Yew's crew decides to speak to Rex once he's free and before he leaves, so continue talking around Argentum. They're... really unimpressed with 97% of the Nopon, with the only ones they aren't unimpressed by being Zuzu (makes those noodles all by himself) and Falala (is a chef wanting to be something greater). However, they can't really ask either of them if they want to speak to said kids because Zuzu can't leave his job due to the popularity and Falala has a full time job.

They see Rex finishing up with the stuff he wanted to do at Argentum and Yew goes over to him. Rex sees him and asks what he's up to and Yew explains he's looking for people to explain to some kids about some jobs they could do and how unimpressed he's been with everyone from Argentum except the salvager and exactly two Nopon too attached to their job. Rex comments "yea that's Nopon for you" and asks if they found what they're looking for. Yew says that one of the other salvagers suggested Rex because Rex is closer to the kid's age and might have their attention more than some random adult. Rex thinks about it, then says that he's willing to do it, but only if it's fine if he brings Gramps along. Yew doesn't know who Gramps is, assumes it's someone important to Rex, and asks if he can speak to this Gramps. Rex drags him off to Azurda, who is Gramps, which Yew has to accept that of course the kid calls this titan something else.

Gramps and Yew talk for a bit before Gramps gives his go ahead and they head off to Uraya.

One travel later and all the merc groups have the people they managed to convince to speak to the kids and meet at Uraya's capital before they all start heading down to Garfont Village. There's 6 people (including Rex) they convinced, but it's better than nothing.

Once they get close to Garfont village, Rex notices a massive spider thing with a golden glow further up the cliff, with the road splitting off there to up there and to Garfont Village. Rex asks about the giant spider thing, some of the mercs look over and promptly go "why the hell is there a giant Elder Arachno with a blade". They get to Garfont Village, throw the volunteers at the kids, then tell Vandham about the spider Rex spotted (and also admitting that they wouldn't have gave a second glance at it if Rex didn't mention it).

Vandham takes some mercs to go demolish the Elder Arachno while the six visitors talk to the kids, though they're clearly only interested in the talks given by Rex and some Driver from either Mor Ardian or Gormott.

Vandham and who he took with him return with the meat, shell, and drops of the Elder Arachno as the last lecture ends. It took so long to kill the spider since it called friends and they wanted all of that meat for rations. The visitors are free to stay for the night before heading back home or just head back now without any help from the mercs. They all decide to stick around and Vandham asks one of the mercs to pull aside who pointed out the spider.

Yew grabs Rex, mentioning the boss wants to speak to him since Rex was the one to point out the spider. Rex is confused but follows as they go over to Vandham. Vandham makes sure Rex is the one who pointed out the spider and Rex is like "yea, i saw something glowing in the distance and i saw it was coming from some sort of spider". Vandham pats his shoulder, thanks Rex for pointing it out before it could become a problem, and drops the Beastly Core Crystal in Rex's hand. Rex is confused but Vandham explained the glow was from a Blade and that's the crystal the Blade went back into and Rex is free to keep it. Rex does decide to hold onto it and Vandham shooes him off after telling him to "awaken it when it glows or do smth with it".

One night and travel time later, Rex is back in Argentum and one of the salvagers ask how the trip was. Rex says all he had to do was explain the basics of salvaging to a group of 6-10 year old kids and he got a core crystal because he pointed out some spider that ended up being dangerous kinda close to the village. The salvager is surprised Rex got gifted a core crystal and asks what he'll do it with. After a moment, Rex says he's going to hold onto it until "it glows", since the village leader mentioned awakening it once it starts glowing. The salvager says that if it does start glowing to do it in Argentum so the other salvagers can see. Rex agrees and they head their ways.

About a week or two later, the core crystal starts glowing again after Rex had to smack some crabs back into the Cloud Sea. He goes back to Argentum to turn in his haul for payment (and paying the dock person) before going over to where the salvagers are meeting up. The salvagers greet Rex and ask if anything interesting happened. He takes out the now glowing core crystal and someone asks if he's gonna try and awaken a blade. Rex thinks for a moment, then says yea. Some Nopon nearby hear that and ask to see Rexrex attempt to awaken blade. Azurda moves to get a better look at the happenings as a group starts forming to watch.

Rex holds the Beastly Core Crystal out and begins to focus on it and attempting to resonate with it. They watch as the crystal begins to glow and, after a burst of light, Rex is holding a special Megalance and Wulfric has appeared in front of him. The crowd is silent as Rex says hi to his blade and Wulfric introduces himself, causing a few members of the crowd to recoil.

Congrats, Rex, you're now a salvager driver before the main plot begins. Rex starts bonding with Wulfric so they can be stronger together and learning how to use the Megalance. He finds it come weirdly naturally to him, but whoever he's sparring with just says that weapons created by a Blade you trust feels more natural than some random wepaon. Wulfric also learns to be "softer" for the lack of a better term so he can calm people if they find him scary. Rex also starts salvaging in more dangerous locations once he feels ready with Wulfric's weapon and he begins getting higher ranks, managing to get to rank A before the main plot finally shows itself.

The only real ideas of how the main story would go once it gets kicked started are:

-the Torna crew being surprised by Wulfric not returning to his core crystal and promptly rampaging on them because Pyra yoinked Rex before he could die,

-Malos and Jin failing miserably to stop Wulfric from wrecking the shipwreck while Nia, Dromarch and Sever try and make sure none of the other people on the shipwreck aren't harmed and get off the wreck,

-Rex and Pyra have a bit of an easier time against Malos thanks to Wulfric wrecking shit but still needing to be saved by Nia and Azurda,

-and Pyra not being able to wake Rex up herself after they crash on Gormott because Wulfric is very protective of his driver that nearly died but is somehow alive thanks to this new blade that randomly decided Rex is now her driver.

Not too sure how much else the story would change, other than they would probably have to come up with something to hide both pieces of green core crystal on Rex and Pyra when they have to disguise Pyra since their original excuse in canon wouldn't work because of Wulfric (... and also Rex being more well known because of the whole salvager driver thing with a high rank).

[mysticstarlightduck]

OC Interview Tag

Thanks for the tag, @willtheweaver (here)!

I'll go with Renn Atrius from Song of Thorns.

Were you named after anyone?

"I'm not sure. My parents weren't that close to their respective relatives, due to a myriad of reasons - the main one being that my maternal grandparents are vampire hunters, and my father was a vampire. You can imagine how uncomfortable the family meetings were. Dad said my name means 'honesty, love or benevolence' - I think it's a pretty great name."

When was the last time you cried?

"Hmm. I'm not sure to be honest. It was probably a while ago - I occasionally have nightmares about... well an incident, in my past. Those dreams do make me cry most times, but they have been few and far between lately, which is good."

Do you have any kids?

"None. I'm pretty young still for a dhampir - my current age is equivalent to 18 in human years, so I'm basically still a kid myself - and regardless, I've been too busy not being hunted by the people who want me dead and trying to rebel against the King to even consider something like that. I probably won't for a long time."

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

"Yes, all the time! Especially when I'm trying to annoy that fancypants asshat of a prince I have to travel with. That is priceless."

What is the first thing you notice about people?

"Let's see (starts listing the following with his fingers): if they're a Hunter, if they work for my psychopath of a grandfather, if they're another stupid villager ready to call a mob with torches and pitchforks to go after yours truly, and so on and so forth... There's a lot to consider when you're in my shoes. Other than that, I guess I try to notice their demeanor, a bit of their personality, and whether or not I'd like to waste my time talking to them."

What is your eye color?

"Light greyish brown, like my mother's. When I use my vampiric powers, my eyes glow a bright red, like blood but glowing like two little lanterns."

Scary movies or happy endings?

"Happy endings. I don't like the feeling of fear that much and the world is already horrifying enough for me to subject myself to more scares while reading fiction. Ha, if I wanted to endure something scary, I'd just have to tell a random villager I'm half-vampire or go out into the cursed woods alone. Happy endings are honestly my favorite thing about some books - they show us that no matter how bleak things may seem, there can be a brighter future ahead."

Any special talents?

"It depends. I'm a great swordfighter, have perfect aim with my bow and arrow, and am very agile - after my family was betrayed I survived mostly as a thief stealing from corrupt humans, so I had to learn how to climb things and be silent, which are also talents I consider special. Oh, and I can turn into either a giant bat or a really tiny one - transforming into a giant bat is easier and lasts for a longer period of time! My Dad taught me how to."

Where were you born?

"I was born in my family's manor in the vampiric lands, where I lived with my Dad until he was killed by a Hunter when I was around five years old, during a diplomatic visit to my human grandfather's lands."

Do you have any pets?

"Yes, I have a pet raven called Cornelius. I call him Corn for short! He's a little crazy bastard of a bird and I love his chaotic energy, haha."

What sort of sports do you play?

"I'm pretty active. I'm constantly running, climbing things, and fighting people who try to hurt me, so I guess that counts, plus I often fly around in my bat form, which is a great exercise for the arms (as they're my wings when I'm in my bat form). I also practice archery and sword fighting quite frequently!"

How tall are you?

"I'm honestly not sure. Probably 5.9ft. So around 179 centimeters? I think. I haven't had time to really measure my height if I'm being honest, haha."

What was your favorite subject in school?

"I was born a noble, so I would have had private tutors teach me instead of going to a traditional school like humans do - fey don't really do institutions like that, and learning from tutors and parents is the custom in vampiric and fey lands. But my Dad died when I was five - so I was orphaned and had to learn to survive on the run since the Hunters also wanted to kill me. I didn't really have that chance. Before that, it was my father who taught me how to read, write, and draw. He also used to teach me a lot about vampiric history and botany. When we visited my mother in the human lands she taught me a bit about sewing."

What is your dream job?

"I'm not sure. I would love to be an adventurer and help people whom the kingdom has forsaken, but I'm not sure if that counts as a job traditionally. If I manage to aid others during my lifetime in any way and make the world a better place than it was before, even if just a little bit, then that's enough for me."

Tagging (gently): @sleepy-night-child, @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin, @oh-no-another-idea, @littleladymab,

@winterandwords, @cowboybrunch, @eccaiia, @sarahlizziewrites, @illarian-rambling

@agirlandherquill, @anoelleart

@leave-her-a-tome, @writernopal, @anyablackwood, @unstablewifiaccess, @forthesanityofstorytellers

@i-can-even-burn-salad, @cakeinthevoid

@lassiesandiego, @thepeculiarbird, @clairelsonao3, @memento-morri-writes, @starlit-hopes-and-dreams and OPEN TAG

[bambiessence]

Headcannon: Ferid as a father

(while he's still a vampire. it's a headcannon. most likely vampires can't get anyone pregnant or get themselves pregnant, but it's fun to imagine.)

— He would be a very good father, I don't doubt that.

— Ferid would try to give his child what he desired and needed the most in his childhood, but never got.

— His kid would be a carefree spirit, since Ferid would allow them to do anything.

— They would only get grounded if they do something really bad for their own well being: like using drugs or talking with a guy/girl that's only using them lol who knows

— Ferid would keep his unique nature even with his child. He could say the weirdest thing ever heard next to his daughter/son, yet they wouldn't mind it since I'm sure that they got used with it overtime.

— He would teach his kid from a young age how to defend themselves in a fight. They will be taught fighting skills and sword skills from his father before they even reach 12.

— He would want his kid to be a well knowledgeable person, so even though Ferid would give his kid complete freedom, they would have to study history, geography, foreign languages etc.

— His kid would probably grow up spoiled though, but at the same time that kid will surely be intelligent (trait from his father and his mother too since if Ferid could have children, he would definitely choose his partner wisely xD) and will grow up to be very mature starting from a young age.

— They would probably grow up to be more of a trouble maker too, since they would have complete freedom. (another trait inherited from their father)

— Ferid's child would be spoiled with anything: from small toys to whole mansions.

[borom1r]

A Boromir ask

What is Boromir's relationship like with his Dol Amrothian cousins?

So, Elphir, Erchirion and Amrothos, but also Lothíriel.

You decide ages and whether Boromir lives or not.

OOOOOOO THE AUTISM. DOUBLE SPECIAL INTEREST LETS GOOOO!!!

OK SO. traditionally speaking and what I like to hold true wrt Gondor is the system for medieval nobility— that is, up to the age of seven, a boy would receive training on manners and basic literacy from his mother. Then, he’d be assigned as a page to the lord of another noble house (at fourteen he becomes a squire, at 21 a knight himself).

I like to think Boromir was sent to Dol Amroth to serve as Imrahil’s page (presumably Faramir was as well, more to get him out of Denethor’s sight than any real sign of honor tho lol). He’d spend his time running messages, serving, cleaning clothing and weapons, and potentially arming and dressing Imrahil as well— in exchange for that service, he’d be receiving an education in everything from basic combat, hunting, falconry, horse-riding, playing instruments, singing, playing chess or other games, further literacy and courtly manners. Upon becoming a squire, duties and training turned chiefly to battle: maintaining arms and armor, caring for horses, guarding prisoners, accompanying his lord to tournaments, and even carrying his lord’s flag into battle. (I expect he returned to Gondor before the age of 21, considering the extenuating circumstances of Fucking Mordor, but still— he’d have spent a good length of time living with Imrahil and his family)

all this to get to the point that if we go by canon years he’d be two years into his service as Imrahil’s page by the time Elphir was born, and already two years a squire by the time of Amrothos’ birth. (Lothiriel was born five years after Amrothos, so I expect Boromir would’ve been back to Gondor by then, but Faramir would’ve still been serving Imrahil in TA 2999)

+ as stated in the ask I just answered, one notable character trait of Boromir, Son of Denethor? Good Big Brother. As easily as he adopted Merry and Pippin into his hoard of younger siblings, I like to think he saw Elphir, Echirion and Amrothos much the same. and who knows, perhaps Amrothos even served as Boromir’s page! he’d still be a young knight, only 23, but the timing does work out— how proud would Boromir be, to see this boy (who he’d known as a mere babe!! who he’d seen take his first steps!!) growing into a fine young knight?? not to mention how confident he seems coaching Merry and Pippin in swordplay without having to compensate for the height difference— makes sense if he is, in fact, used to teaching a kid how to use a sword

so I do think he’s very close with all three of Imrahil’s sons, though I think Faramir would be much closer to Lothiriel simply by nature of Boromir being back in Gondor and worrying about Other Shit before she’s born

[alkalische]

also now that i'm updated with manfred lore i kinda have a crackpot analysis/ theory that's a LITTLE substantiated by the plot

it's about how theresis's mentoring might have contributed to the way that manfred treats paprika

---

We don't actually know much about manfred's past, but we do know that he was mentored/ tutored by theresis alongside ascalon when he was little (i assume at LEAST pre puberty, so child, because the text uses 'since they were small'.)

---

And when amiya has a breakdown in 11, the sarkaz around her are siezed by memories that are traumatic to them.

"She hears the dull clunk of a young soldier's sword as it meets the head of an enemy for the first time." appears with a brief cut in of Manfred. That's his memory. That's something that was traumatic to him.

we can infer from this that he probably didn't enjoy the act of killing, but he was taught to do it under the guidance of theresis.

and in 12, you can see his beliefs laid out clearly, that kindness and patience are idealistic ideas for fools- but watch the phrasing carefully. Manfred specifically mentions 'he told me'- with he in this case referring to theresis.

---

Manfred likes to do this a lot, referencing and parroting the ideals of theresis whenever he feels uncomfortable, and i theorise that it's somewhat soothing for him, to go back to something that feels familiar, stuff that he learnt as a child studying under theresis.

My intepretation of Manfred's perception of Theresis is that theresis was kind a father figure to him. He was person that he admires greatly and craves approval from.

Something like a child latching onto any sort of perceived affection from an adult that raised them.

But much as i do like theresis, I don't think he would be a very affectionate father. I think to him, manfred is his student, someone he can mentor and pass down his knowledge to, someone with strategic value.

I think that theresis has pride in manfred as his student. Or at least tolerates his opinions in the court. Basically i think he sees manfred as a kid, not necessarily HIS kid, but a kid.

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think that theresis teaching and exposing manfred to violence at a relatively young age may have been twisted into some kind of fucked up perception of (fatherly) affection in manfred's head

And i also think it's a big reason as to why he decided to take in paprika and 'impart the lesson of violence' on her, because to him, that's a way of showing some form of care.

To expose her to the 'truths' of the world, just like theresis did to him, because 'she needs to know'.

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As i've said before, manfred believes that he's doing what he must, for the future of the sarkaz, something that might have been imparted onto him by theresis, which might be why he believes so strongly and feels justified in his ideals.

But he actively reminds himself of his actions, of the people that he's sent to their graves- the killing he does is not senseless. He knows that he's complicit, and he takes responsibility for it, but doesn't necessarily regret it.

He seems to truly understand the weight of his actions, but still feels that it's the only way.

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In this nice little scene here, he gives paprika a copy of hoederer's book.

I think that once again this might actually be his way of showing affection, not by action of giving her the book, but providing and exposing her to the history of the sarkaz.

And that ties back into my point of how might have been the way that manfred perceived theresis to 'show affection'- through education.

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