#the life of a bored archaeologist

[dearearlyarchaeologists]

WANNA SHOW YOUR ARCHAEOLOGIST SOME TLC THIS VALENTINES SEASON?

Then you’ve come to the right place!

Stay tuned - there’s so much more…

[evergone]

Lonely

Theodore Nott x Legilimens! reader

Warnings: Swearing.

Description: The reader has no friends until destiny (in the form of a boy named Theodore Nott) does everything to make her feel like she belongs.

In your first year, you were put in a dorm by yourself. You heard so many times that this was a gift — a sign of your good fortune, Professor Trelawney said — as everyone else in your year group had to share with someone else, but you, the introvert you were, were left to your own devices. Despite these assumptions, you quickly discovered that sharing a dorm was central to establishing friendships, and you spent the vast majority of your high school life friendless and alone.

At times, your boredom and your loneliness were so all-encompassing that you would read the minds of the first years who you knew wouldn’t be capable of sensing the imposition upon their thoughts. None of them thought of much. The boys were preoccupied with daydreams of girls and music (most of them were very into hip-hop as was the popular culture of the nineties), and the girls were nearly all stressing about parties and school work.

You were as much at ease with your situation as one could possibly be. You were of the mindset that if there was nothing you could do about it, why bother? Everyone had their cliques, their friends, and you were just the one to be left out. Your only goal was to get through the remaining year, then you would leave school, rent a house somewhere obscure, become a writer or an archaeologist or something else fun, and start your life over again. But it appeared that destiny had other plans.

Destiny, that supreme, omniscient, omnipotent concept that dwindled above and twisted within the interactions of all peoples, came to you in a free period you were spending in the library. The period before had been Charms, but that was of no consequence, neither was the fact that you had no more classes until later that night when you would make the journey to the Astronomy tower. You were sitting at a desk in the far left corner of the library, tucked between the pages of a number of books written by Z-named authors of some incredibly niche portion of history when Madam Pince’s high-pitched and troubled voice disturbed your rather unproductive attempts to finish your homework.

Ever bored, and hardly ever entertained, you leant to the side to see around the long bookcase. To your surprise, your eyes immediately met with a pair of blue ones. The irises were mere spots lost in the oceans of colour and they darted between you and Madam Pince, desperate for assistance. Behind those eyes, you could hear his mind asking for your help. If you was slightly smarter, you would’ve avoided this person’s gaze altogether and returned to your work.

“Madam Pince,” you said before allowing yourself a moment to think, and the frustrated librarian’s head turned to you in owl-like frustration, “Is everything okay?”

“Not at all,” she said, her voice an angry whisper, “Mr Nott should be in class, instead, he’s here violating my books!”

You glanced at the owner of the eyes. The green lining of his robe told you he was from your house, so you knew him even if only from afar. He hung out with the big group of your housemates most of the time, but you’d observed that he often sat by himself in the common room and the others intruded on his personal time. He was tall — probably six feet or so — and thin, with hair that was darker than blond, but most definitely not as dark as some of his friends’ hair. In the traditional sense, he was handsome, but you’d heard him speak in class before, and his voice bore an awkward intonation as if to speak was to curse which made him seem almost as nerdy as yourself. Despite this, every movement he made seemed elegant no matter his emotion, this was so inherent of a feature that even in that moment — when he was so clearly itching to turn and run — he was like a swan. His name was Theodore Nott, and you’d never spoken to him before.

“He’s supposed to be helping me with my homework,” you blurted out and Madam Pince quirked a pencilled-on eyebrow, “You know I’m terrible with, uh, Ancient Runes.” You both had that class together.

“Yeah,” nodded Theo as he stepped around her and stood by your side, “The professor said it was okay, I’m surprised she didn’t tell you.”

“As am I,” she frowned, “Tell her not to let this happen again.”

“Yes, Madam.”

With an irritated hum, she left the two of you alone. Theo turned to face you once she was out of earshot, and let out a sigh of relief before sitting down on the edge of the desk you were at.

“You’re in Slytherin,” he said obviously, “What year?”

You sucked in a breath of air, “Sixth. Yours.”

“Oh.”

His brain exploded with a million thoughts at once, his conscious and subconscious fighting for dominance. You could hear the embarrassment as he reprimanded himself for not knowing, and the confusion as he searched his memories for some sign that he had, in fact, seen you before.

“We have Potions together, and Astronomy, and Divination, and Ancient Runes, and… most of our classes, actually.” You shrugged without a care.

Theo cringed, “Sorry. I don’t think I’ve ever noticed you before.”

“I don’t really make my presence known,” you said, “So don’t worry about it.”

“I’m Theodore Nott,” he introduced himself, hand outstretched towards you, “What’s your name? I don’t want to make the same mistake next time.”

“Y/n L/n,” you said and shook his hand. It was soft and had no callouses at all.

“I best be off, I’m missing Arithmancy.”

“Boring.”

“You’re telling me,” he chuckled and left the library.

Over the course of that afternoon, you were unable to tear your mind away from Theo, and none of your homework was completed as a result. You didn’t go to dinner in the Great Hall. Your mind was much too preoccupied to eat.

At eleven-thirty, your alarm sounded, and you washed your face in preparation for Astronomy. Professor Sinistra demanded that all her students wore their uniforms for her classes, even if said classes were at midnight, but there wasn’t a single person who ever did that other than Hermione Granger. Everyone else tended to pull their robes overtop their pyjamas and call it a day, yourself included.

The lesson wasn’t all that interesting as Sinistra had the class chart some stars for the whole hour. However, you barely managed to get anything done because you were so distracted by Theo who was sitting peacefully at the opposite side of the tower amongst his friends. Including Theo, there were five of them (you didn’t include Crabbe and Goyle, who you always thought were less friends than goons, or Millicent Bulstrode or Tracey Davis, both of whom you knew were periodically hated by the others). Two girls, three boys.

Pansy Parkinson, Daphne Greengrass, Blaise Zabini, Draco Malfoy, and finally, Theo. At seventeen, his hair was a mostly consistent length of woody brown curls that sat fluffily on his head — if anything it was maybe a bit shorter on the sides. His eyebrows were thick as they always were, and in that particular Astronomy lesson, they were hard pressed against the tips of his long eyelashes that seemed almost too feminine to belong to him. By far the most intriguing and attractive aspect of Theo was, of course, the prominent mole on his left cheek that stole your attention away from a tight-lipped smile he had thrown your way.

Your immediate reaction was to blush and avert your eyes, but upon glancing back and noticing he was still staring, you offered him a short wave. He nodded in response before turning to Draco and saying something too far away for you to hear.

The next morning, or, perhaps, later that morning is the right expression, you went to breakfast in the Great Hall. Not having eaten dinner the night prior had left you so completely starving. You could’ve eaten a pegasus. You sat down on the edge of the Slytherin table by yourself, and loaded a plate with two eggs, about five slices of bacon (it very well could have been more, your memory isn’t perfect), a piece of toast, and a spoonful of baked beans.

“Where are all your friends?”

You looked up to see Theo standing over you chewing on the end of a breadstick.

“Why do you ask?” you questioned.

“Because you’re sitting here by yourself and it looks a bit pathetic, L/n,” laughed Theo teasingly.

“I don’t really have any friends.”

“Oh,” said Theo, “Sorry I asked.”

You shrugged, and as he glanced to the middle of the table you shoved as much of the baked beans into your mouth as possible, and quickly swallowed them. Merlin’s beard, you were so embarrassed.

“Give me a sec,” he said absentmindedly and you almost thought to use your Legilimency on him, “I’ll be right back.”

He placed his breadstick in front of you as if it were a deposit meant to reassure you that he’d be back, but you weren’t fazed either way. You watched as he jogged over to his group of friends and started chatting with them, but never sat down. With his right hand, he motioned back at you, and you glanced away as the rest of them turned to get a good look at you. Suddenly, you were concerned about how well your makeup was applied, and if your uniform looked good, and if there was still too much food on your plate. And then, all of them stood up with their plates, and followed Theo over to sit around you.

Most of them sat on the other side of the table, but Theo sat next to you, and Blaise by his other side. He introduced you to everyone: Goyle, Crabbe, Draco, Pansy, Daphne, Blaise, himself (“but you know me already,” he’d joked).

“It’s crazy to think we don’t know you despite being in the same house as you for the past six years,” said Daphne and Pansy elbowed her in the waist, sending her a death glare.

“Excuse her,” Pansy smiled awkwardly, “She’s a bitch.”

Your ears tickled at the word. You weren’t used to people calling those they were friends with such vulgar names�� You weren’t used to the idea of friends at all.

Draco started rattling off about half-bloods and “that darn Potter,” spurring his friends into a rather heated conversation. They laughed and cackled loudly at each other, entirely easy around you as if it didn’t matter at all that they didn’t know you.

“Is this okay?” Theo asked you in a whisper once the group had moved on to another topic of conversation.

“Yes, this is nice,” you responded with a blush over your cheeks as you tried not to smile, “I don’t remember the last time I spoke to so many people.”

Theo’s eyes softened, glazed with a thin layer of water that informed you of his empathy. He felt your loneliness as if it was his own. The image of a young version of himself locked in his bedroom, wailing for his long deceased mother, flashed in his memories and seeped into your brain. An involuntary consequence of your extraordinary Legilimency talent.

When Saturday finally arrived, you slept in the whole morning. You only awoke at the sound of a knock on your door followed by a series of laughter at ten o’clock. You rolled out of bed, and for a moment stopped in horror of your hair in front of the mirror to quickly tie it up, and then opened the door.

You were surprised to see Pansy and Daphne there, but even more so when Daphne asked, “It’s Hogsmeade day, why aren’t you ready?”

“Huh?” You said, squinting at the light of the hallway.

“Theo sent us up to grab you, get some clothes on and let’s go,” said Pansy as she pushed past you and slipped into your room, Daphne hot on her heel, “Merlin’s beard, there’s absolutely nothing in here.”

“Yeah, uh, I’ve got it all to myself,” you muttered.

“Oh, that’s got to be terribly boring,” said Pansy.

Both of the girls made themselves at home as they rummaged through your drawers looking for something nice to wear. They were both dressed very well themselves, and it made you a little self-conscious to think they were going to see all your cheap clothes.

Pansy threw a sheer white shirt you didn’t know you had and a pair of bootleg jeans onto your bed while Daphne kicked over some matching joggers and a big white handbag you’d stolen from your mother.

“It is terribly boring,” you said.

As the three of you descended the stairs (after you got dressed, of course), you could already hear the sounds of masculine voices teetering on yelling at one another. One of them you knew to be Theo’s, and while you weren’t particularly familiar with them, you were inclined to assume the other two voices were Draco and Blaise. At the bottom step out of the girls’ dormitory hallway, you were proven correct when you saw them bickering like old men at a weekend golf tournament.

Draco was the first to notice the three of you, and his grey eyes lit up at the sight, “L/n, come settle an argument for us.”

You walked to join the small group and stood beside Theo, your handbag held meekly between your fingers, the nails of which had magenta paint flaking off them.

“Your mate Theo here—” Draco gestured to him with an uninterested hand, and you nearly laughed at the idea that Theo was your mate more than he was any of the others’— “Thinks that we ought to have a Legilimens registry like we have for Animagi. Frankly, I think it’s absolutely blasphemous that we even have one for Animagi; let them run wild, I say! What are your thoughts? Don’t mind the coincidental pun.”

“I’m afraid I’m a bit biased in this conversation,” you spoke quietly.

“How do you mean?”

The faces of the group stared at you with raised brows, and eyes that glistened with interest, and you were red from the attention.

“Well, I’m a Legilimens,” you admitted, “So, I’d have to disagree with you, Theo, for my own sake.”

“Are you really?” Theo asked to break the silence, and you nodded shyly.

“That’s so cool!” Daphne all but squealed, “What number am I thinking of?”

“Seven.”

She brightened with delight, and slapped Pansy’s arm, encouraging her to try your magic out like a little game. Pansy did just that, and you ended up going around the whole group, describing what they were thinking of. Eight. Twelve. Bakery. Seven. And Theo was questioning why you weren’t already on the way to Hogsmeade.

With that final thought, they grew disillusioned by the game, and you began the walk to Hogsmeade.

You’d never been into town with other people before, not that you went much at all. You usually stayed in your room, or wandered the halls, towering over the first and second years who weren’t allowed to go on weekend Hogsmeade trips yet. But there you were, forming one kink in a string of knots engaging in stimulating conversation about the current condition of the world, and even boring conversation about the homework for Defense Against the Dark Arts which, to you, seemed so thrilling even if only for the fact that it was verbal discourse in some form. You’d forgotten what it was to converse with others.

“Is there anywhere you need to go once we get there?” said Theo once you were nearing the end of the path and closing in on the town.

“I would have been awake before Daphne and Pansy got to my room if I planned to go anywhere today,” you joked and he smiled, “If you don’t mind, I might just go wherever you go.”

All he offered in response was a hum, and it left you thinking that you’d somehow made the air around you awkward. You’d later come to learn that he was just like that, never much of a talker if he thought the situation didn’t call for it.

Almost instantly after you passed sign that read ‘Welcome to Hogsmeade,’ the group dispersed, and Theo and yourself were left to do as you pleased.

Your companion, it seemed, didn’t have much he wanted to do either, so he led you to the Three Broomsticks. Kindly, he offered to pay for a butterbeer or two, but you didn’t think you were close enough for that, so you humbly told him it was alright. You sat in relative silence until our drinks arrived when Theo struck up some conversation.

“What have you been doing all these years by yourself, L/n?” He asked.

“I don’t know… Stuff…”

Theo laughed, and you laughed along with him. Your mind was frazzled by the alcohol, which kept refilling itself as you chatted on, and every so often you found thoughts that didn’t belong to you creeping into your mind, but you couldn’t place who they belonged to. It was just the odd word — sad, or pretty, or damned, or Y/n.

“Nott, are you and Malfoy good friends?” You asked.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t we be?”

“You seem to argue quite a bit.”

“He’s just like that,” said Theo, “Likes to start shit for no reason, that one.”

You giggled, and he grinned happily. Another person’s thoughts seeped into yours once again, that time a full sentence: ‘I love her laugh.’

The bell that hung over the entrance to the Three Broomsticks jingled, and though you couldn’t see it behind you, you watched as Theo’s expression morphed into one of guilt. You turned over your shoulder, and made out the figures of the four people who had come with you. Each of them were wearing a disappointed look on their faces.

“What in the name of Merlin are you two doing?” asked Pansy, her tone equal parts concerned and amused.

“Nothing,” said Theo.

“Yeah, if ‘nothing’ is code for drinking all day,” said Blaise, “Snape’s gonna have your asses for this.”

The others guided yourself and Theo back to the castle. Your hand was attached to Pansy’s forearm, Theo’s arm was slung over Draco’s shoulder. By the time you reached the Slytherin common room, You were sober enough to move on your own, and thus, started your way up to your dorm.

“Where are you going?” Theo asked curiously. He was far away enough that you couldn’t smell his breath which stunk like the vomit he’d expelled from his body halfway through the walk back.

“My room,” you said.

“No, no, no.” He shook his head and then closed his eyes from the dizziness. “It’s sleepover night. You have to come to our dorm, I made room for you on my bed.”

“I used to sleep there because he’s got the best mattress out of the three of them, but we figured you might prefer to sleep beside him than Blaise,” Daphne explained.

“Oh,” you breathed, “Do I need to contribute anything?”

You hadn’t had a sleepover before. You didn’t know the proper protocol. You assumed one would need to bring at least their pyjamas and a pillow, maybe some sweets of some kind to share. But Theo shook his head, and you were in the boys’ room before you knew what was happening.

The boys’ dorm room was the opposite of yours. So exquisitely full, and intricately messy. The three beds were all the same size as yours with dark green bed hangings, and each about a metre apart.

Closest to the door and to their small shared bathroom was Theo’s bed. On the right, beside the door to the bathroom, he had a tower of books that acted as a wall. His sheets were black, but his pillows and blanket cover were a dark oceanic blue-green. There wasn’t much room, but you spied a large mess under his bed which you assumed was what he’d removed from the bed to make space. On his bedside table sat a small lamp that provided the only light in the room before Daphne declared it was far too ‘dark and gloomy’ and turned on the central light.

On the floor, directly under the light, there was a large medieval-style rug that bore our house crest, and the others sat on it lazily, ushering you over.

“I need a smoke,” said Draco, and he walked over to the window where the ashtray was.

“Me too,” said Theo as he also moved to the window, “You want one, L/n?”

“I’ve never smoked before.”

“Then I shouldn’t get you in the habit,” he smiled, “It is such a terrible habit to have. Costs more than it’s worth.”

He pulled a box of cigarettes from his pocket and offered one to Draco, and they both lit them with their wands.

“Does it taste nice?” You asked.

“Not particularly,” said Theo.

“Why do you do it then?”

“You’re so curious, L/n,” Draco teased.

Theo playfully slapped him on the chest, “Leave her alone,” he said, and then turned to you, “I’m an addict.”

“That’s got to be bad for your lungs, Nott,” you frowned, suddenly concerned.

“Don’t you worry about him,” said Pansy, a knowing smirk on her lips that told you she was well aware you’d continue worrying.

The night went on much shorter than you wished for it to. You’d hoped, perhaps too eagerly, that none of you would ever sleep. Far too much did you enjoy being awake with those people who you’d met too late in yout life. You were truly happy to have met them because for all the simple joys you’d managed to discover in your time alone, none were half as happy as those grand joys you found with them

You all took turns getting changed in the small bathroom (Theo lent you a shirt to wear), then you all slid into our respective beds. You were nervous about sleeping beside Theo because, in truth, you didn’t really know him. But he placed a pillow between you, and only faced you for a moment — a moment in which there was a look in his eyes that you couldn’t decipher, a moment in which you attempted to read his mind all too late — and then he kissed his fingers, and he touched them to your head, and he turned the other way.

“Did you sleep well?” Theo said once he noticed you were awake the next morning.

“I’ve never slept beside someone before,” you explained nervously, “I think it was a decent experience. I hope I didn’t move around too much.”

“Not at all, L/n,” he said.

A hum escaped your mouth, and you were acutely aware that Theo was watching you as you stared up at the roof of his room. Painted on it, Sistine Chapel-style, was a beautiful lush green forest.

“L/n. It’s so formal to call you by your surname.” Theo let out a disapproving tut.

“I call you by yours?” You said as you looked at him from the corner of your eye.

“You’re the only one who does.”

“It’s your name!” You raised your voice slightly before lowering it again so as to not wake any of the others up. “What else am I supposed to call you?”

“Theo,” he said, “That’s what everyone calls me.”

“And what false-name shall I bear, then?”

He chuckled quietly as he finally sat up. He raised his long arms in a stretch that exposed the bottom of his stomach and his V-line, and you glanced away until he returned his arms down to a cross in front of his chest. You took notice of his hair, which was awfully messy in the morning, and you thought he should get his hands on a bonnet to take care of it, but then you thought he probably shouldn’t. A silk pillow would’ve done him wonders, though.

“A nickname for Y/n,” said Theo, “How about Y/n/n?”

“I suppose that will do,” you said as nonchalantly as possible, but inside you were screaming with excitement. A nickname! You’d never had a nickname before.

“Oh, you suppose, do you?” he teased.

Your amused smile betrayed your insincere attempt at a pout, “Don’t make fun of me.”

“Don’t let anyone else call you Y/n/n, alright?” said Theo, and you crossed your brows in question, “I want it to be just an us-thing. They can call you your full name at most.”

He was extraordinarily bossy. But it was sweet. Heartwarming, even.

“Wait, but if everyone calls you Theo, I want something just for us, too!” You blushed at how overly familiar that sounded, but Theo’s rosy cheeks filled you with conviction. “How about Teddy?”

Giddily, he smiled at you, “Say it to me in a sentence.”

You frowned, but obeyed, “I like being your friend, Teddy. — How was that?” He nodded happily, “You say one for mine, now.”

He thought for a moment, trying to decide on a sentence to say.

“Read my mind, Y/n/n.”

Always, he had to boss you around. But, again, you really didn’t care. It was just nice to have someone to boss you around. To think that only at the beginning of that week, you had no friends at all… Now you had so many, and all thanks to destiny. All thanks to your Teddy.

A breath, and then you forced your way into his mind. There was a picture there waiting for you, a memory from Monday. A memory of you, except, you seemed to glow. You’d seen yourself in a million mirrors and memories over the course of your life, but never had you looked so beautiful. And then, there were words.

“I’d like to go on a date with you, Y/n/n.”

Your eyes snapped open as you left his thoughts to belong to him alone.

“What?” You asked, your ears red.

“I think you’re absolutely brilliant, Y/n/n. Please, go on a date with me?” Theo smiled.

He inched closer until your noses touched and you could barely tell each others’ features apart. Each of you were just blurs of colour.

“I’d love to go on a date with you, Teddy.”

[pacificwaternymph]

Empires smp s2 Western AU

Lizzie is the town mayor who everyone knows is corrupt and definitely involved in some underhanded dealings, but nothing ever really gets done about it because her little brother Jimmy is the exasperated sheriff who keeps burning all the reports on her. He doesn't know how much longer he can keep doing this for her, but what is he going to do? That's his sister.

Most of the stuff Lizzie does under the table is really pretty harmless anyway, or at the very least doesn't affect the people of the town much, so they're mostly content to let her do whatever.

Sausage and Joel are couple who married for tax benefits, and accidentally adopted Hermes when they found him living under their porch like some kind of raccoon.

Lizzie takes great pride in being the fun "aunt" who teaches him swears and feeds him more sugar than he probably should have. She also won't stop flirting with Joel whenever she gets the chance.

"Aunt Lizzie taught me about tax fraud today!"

"Why does the mayor need to know how to commit tax fraud?"

Scott is the bartender with a really complicated, off and on relationship with Jimmy. It basically consists of flirting his way out of trouble because he's definitely a dealer in the black market and a lot of sketchy shit goes down at his bar.

Katherine is the daughter of the wealthiest man in town who moonlights as a vigilante, and Shelby is the town doctor who she keeps visiting in order to patch up the injuries she gets while out at night. Not so surprisingly, they are both crushing hard on one another.

Joey is a bandit whom Katherine regularly crosses paths with. He's a bit infatuated with her even though she is not interested in the slightest.

False is a reclusive engineer whose projects are... questionable at best. Everyone has just kind of learned to ignore the strange explosive sounds coming from her house.

Oli is a musician who plays at Scott's bar. Jimmy is convinced there is something up with that guy but he is in fact, not involved in the previously mentioned sketchy shit at all. He's shockingly oblivious to all of it, actually.

Fwhip is the town's deputy who really doesn't like Jimmy. They tolerate each other for the sake of their work but things tend to get complicated when you have to work with your ex-boyfriend on a daily basis. They try to avoid one another whenever possible.

Gem is a farmer who ran away from wealthy parents because she got bored with that life. She also works at a beekeeper. Basically the entire town's only food source.

Pixlriffs is an archaeologist who came out to study a new dig site and then realized that there were so many fossils out here he could spend the rest of his life here without running out. Whenever he's not out digging he's running the local library. Has the weirdest, most random collection of hyperspecific knowledge.

[quibbs126]

I’ve just been drawing this today because I’m bored

I don’t think I can have free days anymore, because I end up feeling brain dead during them and can’t work on the schoolwork I know I need to do, and by the end of the day I feel guilty about wasting the day despite literally not being able to do anything actually productive

But anyways, this. I mentioned Fantasy Life earlier today, and I have a save file where put Ceres from Evoland 2 in Fantasy Life. I actually originally made this save file some months ago, but I never really played it, leaving it once I found the first save point I could

I only realize now this is like that time I put Descole into Stardew Valley. Hm

I still haven’t gotten much of anywhere in the game, I only just started the Carpenter story. And to be honest, I’m not sure I want to continue because I kind of just want my own character in Fantasy Life, but also I don’t know how to make that. So maybe I’ll just continue with Ceres and see where it goes, or I’ll just delete it

But out of boredom, I wanted to draw her from the game regardless

So the design here is what she looks like in the game, or as close as I made it. For various reasons, including the fact that I can’t add horns or non-human skin tones to my character, or have bicolor hair, I made some changes. Her hair probably also isn��t the most accurate hair I could have given her to her original, but I think it looks good on her

Also as you may notice, I don’t entirely know how I should draw her, whether I should be closer to the game or my style

I’m debating whether in my drawings I should stick to the Fantasy Life skin tone or give her the blue she canonically has. I flip flop on which I prefer

I only realized when I was looking at my other Evoland 2 art how wildly different this color palette is, and it’s probably significantly brighter. I mean for this I was eyeballing the colors from my 3DS’s screen, while I color pick from the Evoland 2 sprites, so maybe that’s a factor

Edit: I am now seeing it on a computer screen, and it looks even more different. Like that hair straight up just looks blue, I can't see any purple

But yeah, I really didn’t know what Life to give her when I made her, I just picked Carpenter because I haven’t done that one in a while. Maybe Alchemist would have been best, but I really don’t know. It doesn’t help that Ceres doesn’t have much of a personality I can make a decision based on. Though in all fairness, I’m not entirely sure what I’d make the other characters either

I’d say Fina either Woodcutter or Hunter, Menos probably a Paladin? (Just not for Castele specifically) Kuro I’d say Mercenary or potentially Alchemist works (though in terms of weapons Menos and Kuro should probably switch), and for Velvet I don’t really know, maybe Miner, Alchemist or even Magician? I don’t know, as far as I can remember, nothing fits cleanly with “archaeologist”

But anyways, maybe if I continue with this, I can basically make up my own personality for Ceres, so I should continue, but I don’t know if I’m motivated enough to do so. We’ll see. Take this in the meantime I suppose. It isn’t much of anything, but it is a thing

Oh also one more thing I forgot but can’t fit elsewhere: I think the storyline idea for Ceres here is that she ended up here post-Evoland 2, but she doesn’t really remember getting here at all, thinking she’s just been in Castele her whole life, until she starts slowly realizing things don’t add up. She isn’t from this game though, especially since I don’t think demons exist to explain why she’s blue

[aetherdoesthings]

Hello! I'm diving into your posts and everything is so lovely!

So I'd like to know if you're interested in writing about a reader who isn't sure why they were recruited, since they don't participate in the battles and are an ordinary person; The reader is always trying to prove their worth to their romantic interest in some way and sees this opportunity when, alone on the boat, other pirates invade the vessel and deciding that this was the moment, the reader tries to fight all of them and gets very hurt.

It may sound a bit confusing but the main idea would be something like "I want it, I get it", giving the idea that the reader was simply recruited by the cliché of love at first sight.

It's okay if you turn down the idea, find it boring, or just don't respond at all! I just thought it would be a cool and very emotional idea, cute confession and with a unique touch of each character, you know?

Anyway, thanks for reading and have a great day/night! ♡

R~

(the characters in question would be Zoro, Luffy and Sanji)

hello R~! i chose to only write for zoro bc i've been writing sanji a lot and i haven't really done a lot of zoro fics, so yeah! apologies if you wanted luffy or sanji!

forethoughts: kinda rushed, it's 1am and i have to wake up at 7 tomorrow 😭. this req will be a mixture of headcanons (bullet points) and text. also just as a question has any of y'all listened to ado before?

notes: gn!reader, zoro that doesn't know how to show emotions but being blunt about it.

You really had no idea what your life would become when a scrawny boy walked up to you and asked you to join his pirate crew. No reason at all, just ‘hey join my crew’.

You were an ordinary person. That’s all. Can’t fight, can’t do anything, really. But you did so anyways, since maybe life on a ship would be much better.

You tried to get along with the crew and show your worth, but there wasn’t anything you could really do. There were already three very formidable fighters, a navigator, an archaeologist, a craftsman and snipe, a shipwright, all the jobs were already taken. So what could you do?

Thank God Luffy always called you to play tag with him and Usopp and Chopper, either having you chase them around, or find them in a game of hide and seek.

But one day, while the Straw Hats were exploring an island, you were tasked to guard the ship. You tried your best, hoping no pirates would come to attack you, but you had the worst luck in the world.

A band of pirates came towards the Sunny, and got on board. You had no experience in fighting at all, except for a couple of times Zoro would drag you into the gym to practice your punches and increase your strength. You never asked why, he just forced you to put on boxing gloves and begin hitting a punching bag. 

You knew that if you managed to hold them off, you could prove your worth to the Straw Hats, so you balled your fists and striked at a pirate.

You get knocked out and beaten into a blood pulp within an instance, 

Fortunately the Straw Hats came back early, and quickly subdued all the pirates and recovered anything stolen, as Chopper rushed to take you back to the infirmary.

When you gained consciousness, you saw a green haired man standing next to your bed, his arms folded.

There wasn’t anyone else in the room. Just you and the swordsman.

“Zoro?” You murmur.

“How do you feel?” He asked.

“My body hurts…” You try to sit up, before getting stopped by a blade.

“Move and I’ll slice your throat.” Zoro looked at you, his eyes narrowing. You lied back down on the bed, looking at the swordsman as he sheathed his sword.

“Where’s everyone else?”

“Fixing the ship and recovering everything.”

You felt guilt filling your heart, as you frowned. “I’m sorry… I really tried… I just can’t fight… I’m not good at fighting… I’m sorry…”

“You idiot, don’t be sorry. And don’t even think about moving.” The swordsman snapped. But underneath his words, you can tell his voice was shaking. You stay still, lying down on the bed.

“Why did Luffy recruit me? I’m just some ordinary person. I can’t even fight. I can’t even do anything…”

“That’s bullshit.”

“I’m sorry?”

“That’s bullshit. You’re not ordinary. You can do things.”

“But I can’t fight…”

“You don’t need to know how to fight to be on this crew.” Zoro looked at you intensely. “You’re already doing enough on this ship.”

“What could you possibly mean by that?”

“You’re doing enough on this ship by being on this ship.”

“You’re confusing me.”

“I like you, hear me? I love you a lot.” Zoro gripped onto your chin tightly, looking at you in the eyes. “I saw you on that island while back. It was like love at first sight. And when I want something, I’ll get it. So I got Luffy to let you join.”

“Wait, what?!  You like me?”

“Yes, I do.” Zoro looks at you. “So don’t ever dare call yourself useless. You have a use.”

“Being your girlfriend?”

“Mhm. Whatever I want, I always get it.”

Life was certainly going to get interesting for you now.

[mistresslrigtar]

Coming in 2025

A Twilight Princess Gothic Romance

Summary:

Zelda thought she’d always have her best friend, Link by her side, until tragedy struck. Ten years after his untimely death, she catches a glimpse of a hauntingly familiar stranger at a garden party announcing her engagement to historical archaeologist, Shad.

Master Work 2024

One-shots inspired by song prompts featuring various Zelinks throughout the ages.

Read on AO3 This is a sequel to my modern rock star au I Belong to You. Read it here on AO3 .

Summary:

As Zelda begins her doctoral fellowship at the Ghirahim Institute, she finds its founder’s intentions toward her may extend beyond professional admiration. Meanwhile, Link is forced to step in as the frontman for his band, Hyrule Warriors, when crucial member Revali decides to go solo.

They'll face the ultimate test of their relationship when they find themselves juggling their demanding careers and being caught in the midst of a scandalous tabloid storm.

Summary:

Link is a down on his luck pirate with a bounty on his head large enough he could buy an island. He thinks his luck may have changed when the fallen King Gustaf Harkinian implores Link and his crew to rescue his daughter, Zelda, before she's forced to wed the usurper of the crown, Ganondorf Dragmire.

Link isn’t as interested in a princess, all prim, proper, and boring as he is in obtaining treasure beyond his wildest dreams. However his tune quickly changes when he sees her and decides to woo her. Too bad she thinks he’s a dirty rotten scoundrel.

Read Captain Link Araki and the Harbinger of Destiny

Summary:

A written montage of snapshot moments between Link and Zelda post-TotK, as they come to terms with the traumatic events of the Upheaval and slowly rediscover each other and their love. How many times can two people be forced to start their lives over?

Each chapter will be under 1k, so easy to read. Read Third Time's a Charm

Summary:

Seven long years of lurking in the shadows patiently waiting for Link’s awakening. In that time Sheik had thrived in the world, experiencing both its wonders and horrors. Link’s circumstances were completely different.

Seven Years is a companion piece to my one-shot Let Me Kiss You.

Summary:

Link’s stride slows to a stop as he holds her gaze. “Would you care to play hide and seek with us, Princess?”

Zelda blinks down at him, feeling a flush creep from her breast to burn her cheeks. Did he just ask her if she wanted to play? No one has ever before asked her that question–either in her past life or this new one.

Read Playtime With Zelda

Summary:

When Sophie’s son was born he didn’t cry and his skin was the dusty hue of blue nightshade after it’s been hung up to dry.

Sophie was determined she’d make the most of the time she had with him and nurture his spirit as best she could. She’d instill in him the kindness and compassion that his father possessed. Tucked away in the rolling foothills of the Lanayru Mountain range, she would shield him from the harsh realities of the world outside for as long as possible.

of recipes and courage is a companion piece to my series collab with the fantastic @bahbahhh ! Read mine and then click on the the series to read hers about Zelda's mother, the Queen

Summary:

Across Time - A zelink timeline project - Tears of the Kingdom

Zelda and Link have been so busy rebuilding Hyrule they’ve hardly had any time for themselves. When they’re invited to officiate the first annual Tarrey Town hot air balloon festival, they jump at the chance, hoping for some well-deserved alone time while there. Of course, it doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Read Just Our Luck

My collab piece with the amazing @zeldaelmo for ZAT!

Summary:

Across Time: A Zelink Timeline Project — Skyward Sword

Zelda sneaks away to prepare for her performance during the Wing Ceremony, hoping Link heeds her advice to practice flying with his Loftwing. Link, however... well, let's just say that's not exactly how it's going.

Read Practice for Keeps

Summary:

It's an annual tradition in Hateno for women to offer gifts of appreciation to those they care about on Sowing Day. Little does Zelda know that the gift she gives Link expresses more than platonic affection. Will she realize that perhaps he means more to her than she has dared to realize?

Read Sowing Sees of Love

Summary:

Zelda surprises Link with an unexpected birthday celebration in a hidden courtyard of the castle. Written for my birthday prompt.

Read Moonlit Interlude

Marital Bliss at its Finest Summary:

Zelda tasks Link with the daunting task of building her secret study, but all he really wants to do is take a break. Written for CJRacing.

Hyrule Warriors Dénouement of War 'zine one-shots

Trials for a Chosen Hero summary:

Unlike Princess Zelda, Impa’s not so certain Link is the Chosen Hero. She puts him through his paces to test his limits. Will he prove himself worthy enough to wear the Hero’s garb?

Unconditional Summary:

How deep is a horse’s love? Just a sweet one-shot from Epona's POV after a long day's travel.

Residents of the Wild 'zine one-shot

Champions at Play Summary:

Today, a frazzled Professor Symin does his best to be heard over the cacophony of his young students' voices. His latest lesson plan, that he thought would lead to animated discussions and speak to his students' creative sides, has proven to only incite them to heated debates. As a matter of fact, he wonders if his idea to produce a school play reenacting the defeat of Calamity Ganon will ever come to fruition, and is beginning to rue the day he ever introduced the notion to his students. 

Drabble Challenge

Summary:

A collection of short, easily digestible one-shots

Previous lists:

Master Work 2023

[that-gay-jedi]

Most of what I want to know about ancient history are the absolute minutiae of everyday life for all the most ordinary types of people but not only are there so many physical environments wherein mostly only the artifacts of wealth and prestige survived intact, but what historians and archaeologists and so on DO know seems to have more trouble finding its way into books for laypeople because it's considered either too boring or too advanced to bring to the masses. Which is frustrating to my special interested autistic ass but it's also kind of funny in a way bc if several thousand years from now there are people trying to study our asses they might be stuck with like only remnants of books from the bestseller lists and endless syndicated news about just a few hundred national leaders and celebrities doing the same old shit for decades and wading desperately through it hungry for the occasional insight when they somehow recover your grocery list you saved in Samsung Notes in 2028 or the rare archeological gem of some depressed bachelor's work-from-home bedroom-office that wasn't rendered largely un-study-able by hurricanes and flooding during the Fourth World War or someshit

[aller-geez]

Get to know: Vaelyn (Vee) Hawthorne

29 // he/him // pangreysexual // Lion Shifter

Full name: Vaelyn Hawthorne

Nickname: Vee

Date Of Birth: August 9th

Big Three: Leo 🌞 Gemini 🌙 Taurus ↗️

Physical Appearance —

Age: 29

Eye Color: pale blue green

Hair Color: a dark green that’s almost black, with a yellow strip on the right side

Weight: 178 lbs

Height: 6’2

Race: Lion Shifter

Distinguishing Marks or Characteristics: His sharp facial features give him an air of effortless confidence, though they often betray his inner turmoil when his composure slips. The red markings under his eyes as well as his white pupils glow softly when he uses his Oblivion’s Grasp ability. Wears a red piece of medical tape across his nose.

Personality —

Greatest Strength: Vee’s ability to channel raw emotion and energy into his music is unparalleled. He has an innate knack for blending genres and creating compelling, evocative tracks that captivate his audience. His illusions are also a terrifyingly effective weapon, making him a formidable opponent in combat or manipulation.

Greatest Weakness: The early stages of Oblivion Madness are taking a toll on Vee’s psyche. His paranoia, hallucinations, and blackouts make it difficult for him to trust anyone, including himself. His fear of failure also drives him to push himself too hard, exacerbating his condition.

Soft Spot: Despite his outward arrogance, Vee has a surprising compassion for those who feel out of place or misunderstood. He gravitates toward people who remind him of himself before his life spiraled out of control.

Mannerisms:

-His allergies and weak immune system mean he’s almost always sniffling or rubbing at his nose, though he tries to hide it out of embarrassment.

-Vee frequently flips his hair out of his face, a subconscious habit that accentuates his theatrical flair.

-often taps his fingers rhythmically on any surface, whether he’s thinking, nervous, or simply bored—his musical instincts never seem to rest.

Miscellaneous Trivia —

Signature Eye Contact: Vee’s illusion ability relies on eye contact, which makes his intense azure gaze both captivating and intimidating. He unconsciously avoids prolonged eye contact in casual settings to avoid making people uneasy.

Morning Ritual: Despite his chaotic nature, Vee has a surprisingly consistent morning routine involving a cup of overly sweetened coffee and 20 minutes of aggressive guitar shredding.

Oblivion Tells: During moments of high stress, his abilities sometimes activate unintentionally, causing faint, smoke-like shadows to coil around him.

Nervous Habit: Vee often drums his fingers on surfaces or taps his foot when he's deep in thought or agitated, sometimes humming riffs under his breath.

Childhood Dream: Before pursuing music, Vee wanted to be an archaeologist, inspired by his love for history and stories of powerful artifacts

Sneeze Content —

ALLERGIES

Yes, Vee has allergies, and they are both a source of physical discomfort and deep personal embarrassment. He is particularly sensitive to dust, mold, and seasonal allergens like pollen, which can set off sneezing fits that are rapid, intense, and impossible to ignore. His photic sneeze reflex—sneezing triggered by bright light—makes things even worse, as looking at a light source to fight off a tickle often backfires spectacularly.

How severe are they?

Vee’s allergies range from moderate to severe depending on the trigger:

Dust and Mold: These are the most debilitating. If he’s exposed for too long, he’ll not only sneeze uncontrollably but also experience itchy, watery eyes and congestion that can last hours.

Pollen/Seasonal Allergies: They’re milder than dust and mold but still enough to make him miserable, especially during spring.

Do they get sick often?

Yes, Vee gets sick very often due to his poor immune system, which has plagued him since childhood. Even mild colds can hit him harder than they would most people.

How bad is it usually?

Vee’s illnesses are usually severe and drawn out, including symptoms like:

High fevers that leave him delirious or bedridden.

Persistent, racking coughs that last weeks.

Stuffy or runny nose so relentless that he keeps tissues within arm’s reach at all times.

Voice hoarseness from excessive sneezing or throat irritation.

Do they stifle?

Vee rarely stifles his sneezes. He finds the sensation uncomfortable and counterproductive, often leaving him unsatisfied or worsening the fit. Additionally, the sheer force of his sneezes makes stifling nearly impossible, especially by the time he reaches the final sneeze of a fit. He’s learned to let them out, accepting that his sneezes are dramatic and impossible to suppress. However, in formal situations where he feels pressured to be discreet, he may attempt to hold back the first sneeze—usually with limited success, as it only seems to make the subsequent ones more explosive.

How loud are their sneezes?

Vee’s sneezes are extremely loud and dramatic. They start out rapid-fire, becoming progressively weaker and higher-pitched, but the final sneeze in his fit always explodes out of him like a roar. Even in a crowded area, his sneezes draw attention, much to his embarrassment.

What do they sneeze into?

Vee almost always sneezes against his wrist or into his elbow, quickly bringing his arm up to stifle the force and avoid drawing too much attention. However, his sneezes are so rapid-fire and powerful that by the final sneeze of a fit, he often drops his arm, unable to maintain his composure, and sneezes freely toward the floor with sheer force.

How often do they sneeze?

Vee sneezes occasionally on most days, usually when exposed to specific triggers like dust, mold, or seasonal allergens. On a normal day, he might sneeze a couple of times in the morning and once or twice throughout the afternoon. However, if he's in a dusty venue, a moldy building, or during allergy season, the frequency increases significantly, and he might have sneezing fits every 10 to 15 minutes.

How many times do they sneeze in a fit?

Vee always sneezes in rapid-fire fits of at least 4 to 6 sneezes. These fits are almost rhythmic, with each sneeze becoming weaker and shorter until he runs out of breath, forcing him to gasp deeply before the final, thunderous sneeze.

Do they have build-ups or are they sudden?

Vee’s sneezes almost always have a dramatic build-up. His breath will hitch visibly, his nostrils twitching and flaring, as he fans a hand in front of his face or tilts his head toward a light source to coax the sneeze out.

Example:
“Hehh… hihh!... hehh-hehh!...” (pause, trembling) “Hh’ISH!-iSHh! ish!-shh! ……. HH’EISSHHhh’iew!”

Do they sneeze in public?

Yes, and he hates it. While he tries to suppress the volume by covering or turning away, the fits are too intense to completely mask. He avoids public places when his allergies are bad, but sometimes he can’t help it—especially in crowded, dusty venues like concert halls or old buildings.

Some examples of their sneezes?

eishh!-ishh!-ish!-’shh!... —hehhHH-EESSSHHHhhuh!

Sneeze Trivia:

Vee’s sneezes are as dramatic and intense as his personality. They always come in rapid, breathless bursts, leaving him visibly winded by the end. The sneezes start with sharp, rapid-fire expulsions—short, clipped sounds that grow progressively weaker and higher-pitched as his lungs run out of air. The final sneeze always erupts with a thunderous force, his entire body jerking forward as though the sneeze has physically knocked the air out of him. It's impossible to ignore and has a way of startling everyone nearby, including himself.

Vee has a habit of announcing when he’s about to sneeze, regardless of the situation. Whether in casual conversation or mid-performance, you can expect a rushed, “Ah, hang on—gonna sneeze—!” as his hand flutters dramatically in front of his face. His photic sneeze reflex kicks in almost instinctively, his blue green eyes darting to the nearest light source as his breath hitches and his head tilts back.

Vee’s stubborn personality often leads him to try and power through his sneezes in conversation, much to everyone’s amusement. His voice gets progressively more breathy and strained as the sneezes take over, words breaking apart until they’re nothing but unintelligible gasps before the fit finally erupts and silences him. He’ll pick up the conversation exactly where he left off, usually with a sheepish sniffle and a dry remark about how obnoxious his sneezes are.

Though he outwardly tries to appear unaffected, Vee secretly doesn’t mind being taken care of when he’s sick. Having someone fuss over him, bring him tea, or bless him after his sneezes makes him feel a little less like the universe is against him. Of course, he’ll never admit this—it’s far too vulnerable for someone like him—but his softened expression and quiet gratitude in those moments say it all.

Backstory —

Vaelyn Hawthorne was born into a family of immense wealth and influence, known across Hiraeth for their bloodline ability, Oblivion's Grasp. This dark power allowed them to trap others in nightmarish illusions, manipulating their perception of time and reality. It was a gift that brought both prestige and fear, as its overuse often led to a degenerative mental condition known as Oblivion Madness. Despite this grim legacy, Vee grew up carefree, scoffing at the "curse" that had consumed his ancestors. 
The Hawthornes were close allies of the Fangs, and Vaelyn's childhood was filled with family gatherings and lavish political events where the two families mingled. From the moment Rexar and Vaelyn met, they were inseparable. Whether they were causing mischief at Fang barbecues or sneaking off during formal dinners, the two became known for their chaotic camaraderie. Their shared love of music deepened their bond, and as teenagers, they decided to channel their energy into starting a band: Toad Biscuit.

The band began as a joke—a way for Rexar and Vee to escape their family legacies and just have fun. However, their charisma and musical talent quickly gained traction, and what started as a hobby turned into a full-fledged career. Vee’s stage presence was electric, and his charm drew fans in droves. With Rexar's infectious energy and Vee's intense magnetism, the duo became a sensation, rocketing Toad Biscuit into fame.
Despite their success, cracks began to form beneath the surface. Vee’s pride in his abilities and his dismissive attitude toward his family’s warnings about Oblivion Madness set him on a dangerous path. His insistence on pushing his limits caused tension between him and Rexar, leading to more frequent arguments.

By the time Vee reached his early 20s, he began experiencing the early symptoms of Oblivion Madness. It started small: whispers in the dark, shadowy figures in his peripheral vision. But as time went on, the auditory and visual hallucinations grew more vivid, and Vee’s paranoia began to consume him. Still, his cocky nature wouldn’t allow him to admit that he was spiraling. Instead, he doubled down on using his abilities, determined to prove that he was different from his ancestors.
Rexar noticed the change in his best friend, but every attempt to talk to him was met with defensiveness or outright hostility. The arguments between them became explosive, leaving both hurt and frustrated. Vee's paranoia made him believe that even Rexar was against him, and he started pulling away, isolating himself from everyone who cared about him.

On the day of Toad Biscuit’s ill-fated concert, Vee arrived late, disheveled and clearly not himself. He was lost in a deep state of psychosis, haunted by a guttural voice that hissed incessantly about the "end of days." Throughout the performance, his erratic behavior put Rexar on edge. When Vee dropped his guitar pick mid-song, Rexar covered for him, but the tension was palpable.

Unbeknownst to Rexar, Vee had planned a surprise pyrotechnic effect as an "ace in the hole" for their show. In his deteriorating mental state, he had failed to install the device correctly. Trying to save face after fumbling his performance, Vee activated the pyrotechnics to distract the audience. The result was catastrophic—a massive fire engulfed the venue, leading to the deaths of three people. 
Amid the smoke and chaos, Rexar saw Vee wandering aimlessly, trapped in a deep psychotic episode known as a Blight. In his mind, Vee was fleeing from Oblivion, the manifestation of his worst fears. Rexar tried to reach him, but Vee disappeared into the night.

When Vee snapped back to reality the next day, he was horrified to learn of the fire and its consequences. Reading Rexar's frantic text messages and piecing together the damage he had caused, the weight of his actions was unbearable. Rather than face Rexar or his family, Vee went into hiding, abandoning everything he had built with Toad Biscuit. 
Unable to completely leave his passion for music behind, Vee reentered the industry under the pseudonym VE-NUMB. As a faceless producer, he crafted beats and collaborated with artists anonymously, pouring his pain and regret into his work. Though he avoided the public eye, his influence in the music scene grew, and his hauntingly beautiful compositions earned him a cult following.


Vee’s betrayal and disappearance left a permanent scar on Rexar and the Fangs. For Vee, it marked the beginning of a life spent in the shadows, grappling with the remnants of his humanity and the curse of Oblivion Madness. Though he never reached out to Rexar again, his music serves as a quiet homage to their friendship and the dreams they once shared

Reference Sheet —

[blueiscoool]

Terracotta Figurines Found During Excavations at Pompeii

Archaeologists have unearthed 13 terracotta figurines during excavations of a domus at Pompeii.

Pompeii was a Roman city, located in the modern commune of Pompeii near Naples, in the Campania region of Italy.

Pompeii, along with the Roman town of Herculaneum, were buried under 4 to 6 metres of volcanic ash and pumice during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.

The Vesuvian eruption spewed forth a deadly cloud of super-heated tephra and gases to a height of 33 km, ejecting molten rock, pulverised pumice, and hot ash at 1.5 million tons per second, ultimately releasing 100,000 times the thermal energy of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Recent excavations of a domus adjacent to the “House of Leda and the Swan” along the Via del Vesuvio have revealed 13 terracotta figurines measuring around 15 centimetres in height.

According to the researchers, the figurines may be associated with Cybele and Attis, a telling of the story of the Phrygian great mother goddess’s tragic love for a mortal.

Attis, was unaware of the love Cybele bore him, and in time fell in love with the daughter of the king of Pessinus. Consumed by jealousy, Cybele drove Attis to madness, leading him to castrate himself and tragically end his life at the base of a pine tree.

The figurines where found in what was likely the decorated atrium within the domus, where archaeologists also uncovered the head of a clay rooster and a glass pine cone.

Ongoing works at the House of Leda (first excavated between 2018 and 2019) have also revealed a finely frescoed room with roundels containing depictions of female faces, in addition to two further domus dwellings to the north and south of Leda’s house.

[sincerely-sofie]

What happens to kip after the story of the present is a gift? Honestly wish for more Kip posts too

Kip, after the events of the TPiaG fanfic, goes on a number of expeditions with his archaeological team and eventually encounters a young orphaned yamask whom he takes in during one expedition. On the expedition after that, he unearths and unintentionally reactivates a sigilyph construct who swears to protect him and his daughter as payment for the life debt she garnered. He continues his research and proposals based on the research he did on the latter archaeological expedition, and takes a special interest in humans as a topic of study, eventually spearheading a project that researched the ruins of a human bunker. He eventually garners an injury during one expedition that results in him having a permanent limp and occasionally needing to use a cane, decides to pivot his career once again from a researcher who goes on digs and expeditions to a professor who teaches history to young scholars and is available as an intellectual resource / consultant and infrequent expedition partner for his fellow archaeologists.

He misses going on expeditions, but teaching is a lot better of a fit for his preferred lifestyle. Lucky thrives with the consistency of their routine whenever they’re home in Treasure Town, and so does he. Plus, he loves all of his students and helping them learn about the wonders (and horrors) of the past. His old archaeologist team members visit him often, and they have a heck of a good time catching up whenever they do. Acai especially keeps in touch, and always sends mountains of letters between in-person visits. Spearow is less of a frequent letter-writer, but sends Kip a lot of questions seeking his thoughts and advice whenever she does. Igni sends excerpts of recipe books he likes, and Kip has a cookbook of his own made up from the copied-down pages of recipes Igni thinks he, Lucky, and Sen would like and mails to him.

Kip pays Twig and her household frequent visits, and absolutely loves Opal, Spindle, and Ruby. He gets along really great with Spindle in particular, and Twig is super grateful that he’s helped the kid explore possibilities for his future with enthusiasm instead of anxiety. Spindle is scared there’s no options out there for him and is scared to commit to the wrong choice, but Kip, all too familiar with the feeling, helps him understand that he can always change his mind later.

Kip is probably the hardest character to script content for in TPiaG beyond occasional gags— he’s well-adjusted and has recovered from his trauma very well, which doesn’t make for especially interesting writing. Living a quiet, simple life he’s very content with and brings him a lot of satisfaction is a bit dull from a narrative perspective, after all! Sure, he hates leaving Lucky home alone and is very aware of the painfully faded memory of the last night he saw his parents whenever he does so, but ultimately he doesn’t let that stop him from being a normal person who has to go attend meetings on his own every so often. I love this guy, but he’s tricky to make interesting! He’s boring in all the happiest ways possible :>

[scotianostra]

April 27th 1794 saw the death of James Bruce, the explorer at Larbert.

At six feet four inches in height, James Bruce was an impressive figure. An explorer, archaeologist and brilliant linguist, he travelled across North Africa, Crete, Syria, Egypt and Ethiopia He is best known for his exploration of the sources of the Nile, reaching the headstream of the Blue Nile in 1770.

Some historians believe that Bruce, while being recognised for finding the source of the Nile, he was actually in Africa on a secret personal mission to Ethiopia to locate a sacred religious relic, the Ark of the Covenant.

The explorer apparently charmed and gifted his way through a land usually hostile to foreigners. On his black horse Mizra, Persian for ‘scholar’, he trekked across treacherous terrain and Ethiopia’s flat-topped mountains. He brought a telescope so large it required six men to carry it.

Bruce arrived at Ethiopia’s imperial capital Gondar during a smallpox epidemic. His knowledge of medicine gained him entry to the court – where he would remain for almost a year.

James Bruce had relationships with many women in Ethiopia, including the Princess Esther. He later described this period as “one of the happiest moments of my life”.

At court, Bruce boasted of his own lineage, declaring:

“My ancestors were the kings of the country in which I was born, and to be ranked among the greatest and most glorious that ever bore the title of king.”

This was not just him boasting, his family were indeed descendants to King Robert.

On returning to London Bruce’s tales of Ethiopia, recounted at dinner parties and gossiped about in letters, were met with disbelief. He became a figure of ridicule, mocked by contemporaries such as Samuel Johnson and James Boswell. Ultimately, he would be laughed out of London.

There were, perhaps, ulterior motives for Bruce’s rejection by ‘polite��� society. In her book Plotting To Stop the British Slave Trade: James Bruce and His Secret Mission to Africa, Jane Aptekar Reeve reveals that Bruce belonged to a secret network of British slave trade abolitionists.

The Scottish cartoonist Issac Cruikshank made James Bruce a caricature, depicting his story of the “Abyssinian Breakfast”, in disbelief of Bruce’s claims that Ethiopians took live cuts of meat from cattle. This was later proven to be true, as indeed were his other stories that saw him ridiculed.

For a man who must have been in grave dangers during his adventures in Africa, he had an inglorious death, he fell down some stairs in 1793 and died at his home in Kinnaird, and is buried in a graveyard I visit now and them at Larbert Old churchyard near Falkirk.

Pics are of the cartoon I mentioned, and his rather unusual memorial at Larbert, which I read last year id due to be restored soon, hopefully.

Much more on the man here https://www.historic-uk.com/.../HistoryofSco.../James-Bruce/

[yandere-wishes]

With who would you ship yourself in MHA? 👀

@yandere-romanticaa

Omg, it's been a hot minute since I dabbled in MHA… But let me crack open the vault real quick.

So first off, and this should be obvious…

Dabi! The reason I started the show in the first place!! This boy's Frankenstein aesthetic had me swooning from the moment I saw a GIF of him!! And unconventional colored flames that probably symbolize a deep-seated trauma!! YES!! I honestly think we would make a good couple, kinda like Frankenstein and his bride (in a romanticized way), we'd have the Goth BF x Lolita GF vibes which are a bonus. I also get the inkling we'd share the same taste in music (Chase Atlantic, Neighborhood, Mr.Kitty)

Shigaraki is next and tbh I don't really know when I feel for him. Just that at one point he was all I could think about. I think it's something about his twisted legacy and conflicting nature that has rendered him into a decaying amalgamation of hate and misplaced ambitions, that really gets a girl's heart beating out of her chest, you know? He was always like an odd species that I came across in the backyard one day and had to analyze under a microscope. Desperate to learn his fundamentals, to unravel his soul. Understand him in the same way an archaeologist longs to understand the past.

I think our love is something like that of an obsessive scientist and her new discovery. Chaotic and all-consuming yet so frail and feeble to onlookers. A tame fire that leaves one utterly devoured, yet still longing for more. I think we'd be pretty good for each other.

NINE! He appeared in one movie and I was SO obsessed with him!! I had a countdown for when his movie would release. I remember for my 16th birthday we went to the fancy movie theater in town just to watch this guy on the big screen. And then all my friends burst out laughing when he died at the end. Ultimately my 2 month long craze over him died in that dark movie theater. TBH I don't really think we'd make a good couple, maybe just a casual fling or some hookups when life gets tough/boring. Nothing serious yet still a fundamental part of each other's lives.

Finally, we have Bakugo, the love-hate relationship I had with this guy was crazy. I was so madly in love with him one minute and the other I just wanted to suffocate him!! IDK what it was he was just so irritating and lovable at the same time. Another relationship that wouldn't work out. I don't even think he'd notice me in school and I'd just be in the corner secretly hating him because he has the perfect life. Popular, lots of friends, good grades. Even if we were in UA together I still don't think we'd end up together. Maybe a slight nod of acknowledgment in the halls one time when he's in a particularly good mood. But that's about it.

Now that I'm revisiting my tween crushes, I got a fun little au for Bakugo.

Imagine being Pro-Hero Bakugo's mistress. Just his girl on the side. For whatever reason you can't be together in public, you'd ruin each other's images. I think the reader kinda wants to ruin Bakugo's life just because she hated him in middle/high school. But Bakugo becomes too infatuated with her to let her leave him. Somehow they both end up destroying each other's lives. Yet ultimately Bakougou couldn't be happier.

This was such a long awnser🤣🤣

[ochipi]

It’s been over a month since I got fired and I’m pretty much nowhere. It’s very clear that working as a commercial archaeologist isn’t for me. I sacrificed so much of my health to it and I didn’t even knew it until I got fired.

But what’s next? Will I study something new/extra? Will I become a teacher which I enjoy doing but have never imagined myself doing for the rest of my life. (Also my father thinks I’ll get bored soon because I’ll be repeating myself continuously instead of actually doing research)

(Also my mom doesn’t want me to go to school again because it will be four more years and it will be a pause on my life and the urge to f.e. move out is strong)…

Do I just need some more time and just end up with a job I happen to find?

[allpowerfulspacevalkyrie]

The original Tomb Raiders are so chill. I love a deep, strong story in my video games, but the light story telling in the original TRs are still enjoyable. Yeah you run into the occasionally aggressive wild animal or statue come to life or need to time things right to avoid the enclosing spike wall trap and rolling boulder, but a lot of the time you're wandering a forest alone, come to a river to see fish swiming around, listen to a breeze and birds, and quietly decide what direction you want to go next. You have to solve puzzles and explore to proceed, and you don't have to kill everything in sight.

I remember the devs saying when they made Tomb Raider Legend, they found the originals too quiet and boring. That's why they gave Lara a couple of guys to chat with throughout the levels and a heavier story. The devs thankfully pulled back on the constant talking and the following games felt like updated Tomb Raiders. Though the stories weren't great.

The 2013 TR remake had terrible arenas were you had to kill a certain number of men before being able to proceed. Not so much in the way of puzzles and exploration. They took the goofy, short cartoon deaths Lara had and made them agonizing, painful, gruesome, and the experience of simply messing up became terrifying. I don't know if they changed that with the sequels, I couldn't stand playing that remake to bother trying the sequels.

Playing the originals feels almost therapeutic, especially with as down as I have been lately.

Also, original Lara was disowned and lost her inherentance for not following her dad's wishes and marrying an Earl. I absolutely hate that ever since the movies they made her dad a beloved archaeologist instead of the controlling aristocratic douchebag that failed to destroy her life.

[kouvrmurphy]

“I'M NOT HERE FOR LONG. CATCH ME OR I GO HOUDINI.”

INTRODUCING…

NAME: Kouvr Celeste Murphy

GENDER & PREFERRED PRONOUNS: Cis woman {She/Her}

AGE: 28

BIRTHDAY: March 17, 1996

ZODIAC: Pisces Sun, Leo Moon, Cancer Rising

SEXUALITY: Bisexual

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single

FACE CLAIM: Madelyn Cline

LABEL: The Wave Babe

OCCUPATION: Maritime Archaeologist / Marine Biologist / Treasure Hunter

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Bushwick, Brooklyn, NYC, NY.

CHARACTER PLAYLIST: HERE.

↪ UP NEXT: “HOUDINI” BY DUA LIPA

BIOGRAPHY:

Kouvr was born with fire in her soul. Her mother claims she was the reason the sunset was so fiery on the eve of her birth; the sky painted in such beautiful hues. It’s where Kouvr got her name, and to this day she takes pride in it. Kouvr was raised in Cape Cod, MA. Being raised in a seaside town, it only made sense for the girl to be raised with the sea in her blood. Often times than not, one could always find the girl assisting her father on his boat - even when the skies were painted grey against them. Though her mother was against it, Kouvr and her father often set sail during thunderstorms. To her mother, it was dangerous. To them, it was relaxing and fun. Kouvr’s father is a commercial fisherman, hence her intrigue with maritime creatures. She got her knowledge of the sea as well as the sea creatures through him. Some of her fondest memories are walking along the shoreline with her dad and her father pointing out the marine life along with rattling off fun facts. Little did she know, that would be her in a couple of years. Kouvr loves to learn. She’s like a sponge who just absorbs and pursues knowledge. Kouvr would pull high grades without even studying in her high school years. She was actually genuinely bored of what she was learning in her high school classes. She didn't feel challenged yet in love with her course work until her university years, when she was able to specifically study what she was interested it. Kouvr took a leap of faith towards her dreams when she enrolled in Hawaii Pacific University. When she got in with a scholarship, she remembers screaming so loud her parents came running to her room to see what was the matter. Her timn Hawaii being a huge highlight when she was studying archaeology along with marine biology. Not only were their like-minded individuals with the same passion as hers, but she was able to learn from the best of the best who have been in the field for decades. Upon graduating with high honors, Kouvr has lived in Hawaii as well as Costa Rica, gaining experience and accidentally uncovering Captian Thompson's buried treasure. Recently, Kouvr found some major leads to Captian Kidd's treasure and took to Brooklyn in order to lay low from others attempting to solve the mystery as well.

EXTRA-EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT HER!

Kouvr is extremely fortunate in the fact that she has dumb luck. It's usually this dumb luck that helps her get out of last-second obstacles. Kouvr is also good with thinking outside the box; this makes her able to catch onto things that many others may not have thought about, or quickly brushed over. Another aspect that helps her with her line of work is that she knows a little about a lot; Kouvr grew up with the ability to quickly get the hang of a new skill or activity, and thus she was easily bored - but, due to this she knows a wide range of info at a scale that can pertain to numerous topics. She's athletic, having had her fair share in sports growing up; soccer, volleyball, softball along with surfing and dance. She's always looking for new experiences and adventures, and is definitely someone who holds some pretty interesting stories. Kouvr can easily build connections with others, but is used to keeping people at an arm's length due to the constant traveling her job requires. Her main goal in life is to experience and learn as much as she can about the world around her; as well as just to have fun and live every moment to the fullest. Kouvr is super impulsive with her decisions, and this is due to the fact she is easily bored. She has good intentions, but is honestly chaotic in her actions. She's good at calling others' bluffs; reading people being a trait from her mother. Just overall, very fun-loving and here for a good time; always a 'why not?' type of vibe. She's just got her guard up cause of her job and not wanting to get hurt.

PERSONALITY:

+ Adroit, Enthralling, and Apolaustic

- Detached, Mercurial, and Impetuous

[kuroneko1815]

Imperial Domesticity: Conversations at bath time

It becomes something of a routine for Callisto to join Penelope during her baths. These are some of their conversations.

Penelope knew she was a thorny woman, even Callisto had pointed it out more than once. How sharp her words were, the fact that she defaulted to spitting venom rather than niceties unless she wanted something. Even if she had mellowed out considerably in the years since, it didn’t change the fact that time and life had warped her from the girl that her mother had known. Both her mother in Korea and the one here in Eorka.

Still, Penelope did try her best to convey her feelings to her lover. Callisto was unashamed to tell her that he loved her, it came easy to him, after he’d gotten over the initial block from that disastrous proposal. Sometimes, Penelope was able to say it, but never in the large grandiose way Callisto would. It was always in private. As the years passed, it became easier to tell him, though rarely in public.

Stolen moments in corridors or in the gardens. A visit to his office while she brought tea and snacks just to remind him to take a break. Surprising him by coming home early or staying longer.

Callisto gave her a lot and it always felt disproportionate. Penelope had nothing but the money she got from the mines he and the Duke had gifted her and the salary of an archaeologist. That salary… she knew it was only so large because Callisto stepped in and interfered despite her protests.

Penelope always felt as though she brought nothing to the relationship. Yes, she stayed. And while she told Callisto, it was a calculated thing, being unable to part with her money. They both knew it was a lie. Penelope could have easily returned to her old body, the fang would have healed her broken and frail form and made it anew; she could have returned to her studies in Korea and made up with her family there. She could have lived that life of luxury by playing into the feelings of guilt that Siyeon’s family had. But there was one thing she couldn’t have there.

Callisto.

She had stayed for him. Only for him. She had known about her feelings, vague as they were, from the time of his first proposal. When she rejected him in the greenhouse, she had torn him apart with her words, it was done not just because she was so tired, but also because she wanted him to feel the pain she was going through. Wanted him to feel the hurt he’d caused her at his inability to love her and for the sheer audacity to propose a marriage of convenience to a girl who had suffered through an adoption of means.

When she drank that poison, she had chosen it as her escape, yes, but also because she didn’t want to witness him falling in love with Yvonne. Penelope said she feared death but if she truly did, she wouldn’t have drank that lethal wine. She would have sneaked away in the dead of the night, used up the scroll with nothing but her jewels to pawn off.

She could have escaped and hidden herself away in plain sight.

But even is she did that, she would still hear about it. Hear about the beautiful imperial wedding and the marriage of the Imperial Prince and the Ducal Princess. So she made the decision, born out of sheer exhaustion and heart ache, she chose death.

But He stopped her. He stayed true. And He loved her.

He tended to her when she was on what was practically her death bed. Begged her to remain at his side. Promised her the world when in truth all she wanted was love.

So she made a different choice than the one she’d been working towards. She chose him.

Sometimes though, sometimes it didn’t feel like it was enough. She made him cakes for his birthdays, planned banquets on his behalf, bore some of the work that he’d tried to shelter her from, the work that the Empress should be doing, reassured him of her love in the privacy of their room, and reached for him at every moment possible.

It wasn’t enough. Not to her. Not for everything. But she felt as though Callisto had other ideas.

-

-

In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Penelope had fully moved in to the palace to the Emperor’s delight. He sought her out at all hours of the waking day (her waking day, not his), would walk into her office just to see her or to reach for her stomach, patting it affectionately before asking after her health (did he think it would change in the hour he was gone?), and commenting on the state of her duties (apparently, she was doing too much).

In a reversal of roles, the Emperor would come in and whisk her away to meals, often watching happily as she indulged herself in the foods presented to her, or waving away any that turned her stomach. Sometimes she would have to prompt him to eat because he’d get so enraptured with watching her stuff her face in cream cakes and fish. An odd combination that he tried once with a straight face, the kimchi was a little better, though not by much.

And in the evenings? Penelope would start the evening off with a bath surrounded by maids that the Emperor had selected. All fully armed and fully trained. Before she retired to their bedroom and to his passionate embrace.

Tonight, Emily, who had followed her to the Palace, sat by the tub as she slathered on a mask.

“And what do we call this look, Empress?” Callisto’s amused voice could be heard from the doorway. The chorus of gasps and prompt greetings followed.

Penelope opened an eye to see the smile on his face and the mirth in his eyes. He’d never seen her in the midst of a full beauty regimen before. Baths, sure, but masks and the like? No. And if Penelope were to be honesty, she’d only just begun to like them. After living frugally for so long and refusing aid from her father, such luxuries had been unaccustomed to her.

“It’s the look called, the price of beauty.” She quipped back.

Callisto snorted. “And the price of beauty is having mud slathered all over your face?”

“Herbal mud.” She said flatly.

“Hmm… and this relaxes you?” He asked as he approached.

She nodded her head, not even bothered by the fact that he saw her in such a ridiculous state.

He turned to Emily. “How long must this stay on her face?”

“No more than fifteen minutes, Your Majesty.” Emily answered back demurely.

“And how is it to be removed?”

“Warm water and a wash cloth.”

He nodded. “I understand. You may go now. Leave the materials behind.” He said as he dismissed them. “I’ll tend to my wife myself.”

There was the quiet shuffling of feet and the parting greetings of the maids before they were left alone. Large, rough, calloused hands gently began to scrub at the skin of her bare arms.

“You don’t have to do this. I can very well take a bath by myself.” She protested.

“Must you be so stubborn?” He asked with faux frustration. “I wish to care for my beloved wife, to shower her with love and to tend to all her needs.”

She caught his meaning immediately, her hands itching to pull at the golden hair that so very close to her hand. “You’re really something, aren’t you?”

“Magnificent?”

“Insatiable.” She deadpanned.

“Oh, and what about you?”

Her cheeks were thankfully buried under the mask as she remembered how they’d spent their evenings over the last few weeks.

“I don’t think you’ve had your hair pulled in awhile.”

He smirked at her. “Depends on what type of pulling you’re talking about.”

“The one where I scream at you.”

“Oh, I make you scream either way.”

That was it! She tugged on it hard, and he hissed and yelped, pleading with her to let go.

When she finally let go, she looked at him, rubbing his head. “One day, you’re going to go bald.”

“And whose fault is that going to be?”

“Yours.”

He clucked his tongue before he grabbed a clean cloth and wet it. Gently wiping her face to clear her skin of the mud mask. He nodded as he sat back, inspecting her face with a pleased grin.

He began to strip and she raised a brow.

“Move over a bit, won’t you, Love?” He asked. She rolled her eyes but did as he asked, letting him enter the bath and slide in behind her, his arms coming to wrap around her waist and his legs bracketing hers. She leaned back on his chest. Her hand went back to reach for him.

They enjoyed the silence in the bath, their breaths in sync.

“It smells good, what is it?”

“Chamomile and mint, there are a few other herbs here that the maids swear by for pregnancies.”

He kissed the top of her head. “That explains the scent you’ve had in bed recently.”

“Yes. It’s really calming.”

He began to lean back some more, his hands going to her hair as he washed it, giving her a gentle scalp massage. “I heard you had a headache today. Is it better?”

“Yes, apparently, they’re common in early pregnancy.”

He hummed, his hands withdrawing to pour some water on her head, a hand shielding her eyes as the water ran down her head.

“I can’t believe we’ll be parents in a few short months.”

“It’s surprising isn’t it?” She said with a smile on her face. “I can’t wait until this little baby arrives. Who would have thought that the two idiots who couldn’t even acknowledge their feelings for one another would end up here.”

“Hah? Who’s the idiot? I knew exactly how I felt about you.”

“Did you?” She asked. “What about your words against love during your first proposal?”

“That doesn’t count. I already knew I wanted you, just…”

She glanced at him teasingly. “Just?”

“I was just scared.”

A thrill ran down her spine at his words. The fact that he was so honest about his feelings towards her, that he allowed himself to be vulnerable towards her, that he trusted her enough to let himself be weak with her fully trusting that she’d never use that against him.

She shifted with his help so that she was sitting astride and facing him, their bare chests touching. “And you don’t think I wasn’t just as terrified?”

“What did you have to be scared of, Empress? From where I stood, it seemed like you held all the cards.” One hand was on her back, keeping her steady.

She bit her lip and averted her eyes before she grabbed the cloth and began to reciprocate his own care from earlier. “My position within the family was tenuous at best and I knew Yvonne was returning soon. You made it seem that all you wanted was the Eckart name and at the time… I thought I would be losing it soon.”

He was silent, no doubt remembering their fight in the greenhouse.

“And beauty fades. What’ll happen in twenty years when I no longer look like the pretty young girl you married?”

The arm she’d been scrubbing moved away gently and he used his hand to caress her face. “That’s a stupid thing to be worried about. When you’re no longer the girl I married, then you’ll be the woman I’ve spent the last 20 years loving and building a family with.”

“Even if I grow into a fat and dowdy matron?”

“Even then. No, especially then. If you’re a dowdy matron then so will the rest of the noble ladies since they follow the Empress’ styles. And fat? There’ll just be more of you to love. It means that you’ve been eating well and it’ll erase the image of you when you were so thin in the days before and especially after your coming of age.”

Her heart felt so full with this man that often frustrated her. “In twenty years time, you’ll either be grey or bald. Though I hope not fat.”

“Oh, so you’re allowed to grow fat but I’m not?” He asked with a laugh.

She glanced him over. “Well, I’ll miss this body.”

“You’re unbelievable.” He was still laughing, the movements shook her and the water. “Let’s just agree to grow fat together.”

“Fine. But not until at least twenty years.” Penelope discarded the cloth and threw her arms around him, sitting up and leaning towards him. “I love you, Callisto Regulus.”

“I love you, Penelope Regulus.” He said, his voice obviously relishing the change in her name. Then he drew her into a kiss, his hands wandering.

-

-

Baths together became something of a routine for them with Callisto joining her more often than not as he made sure to finish his work as soon as he could to join her. The maids had learned to leave as soon as he entered with Emily sometimes staying slightly longer to relay whatever still needed to be done, or what they’d done differently today. As a result, Callisto now knew more about her beauty regimen than she did.

He knew what exactly was in the baths that the maids prepared, could tell by its smell, knew the mixtures for the oils and lotions on her skin. He had even, just once so far, prepared the bath himself. It had been at the tail end of a particularly trying day where the hormones had wreaked havoc on her and left her a crying mess more than once. By the time the evening came, she had walked in for her usual bath to find her husband standing beside the tub, the floor a mess that he’d tried to clean up and with him leading her gently across the wet floor.

She had forgotten all about the shitty day in that moment and made sure to show her appreciation for all his efforts by rewarding him greatly.

-

-

The nobles weren’t complete morons. They were still able to do simple arithmetics. And they did. As soon as she began showing (early in the marriage), they realized that she had conceived before the wedding and most likely before the wedding preparations began if the haste was anything to go by. The fact that she had often been away from Callisto during that time as she worked on the archeological sites had them gossiping notoriously.

None of them were good. It tended towards them questioning and implying that the child wasn’t Callisto’s. That she’d somehow tricked him and cuckolded him with another man’s child. It wasn’t the truth and she knew that, so did Callisto. And that was what was important.

Cedric wanted to get ahead of the rumours but she’d been content to let it pass and had asked him to do his best not to let Callisto know about the rumours. There was no need for such bloodshed. Cedric had advised her against it but she had waved it off.

She knew such rumours would cause harm if left unattended but she had a feeling that this child would prove them wrong somehow. That sense that there was something… more… about this child. Her mind remembered the vision from the cave when she’d been given a choice just before Callisto had been able to resuscitate her.

One night, Callisto had walked into the bath upset. His face set into one of absolute fury that had the maids scurrying away. Her husband dropped to sit beside her.

“What’s wrong?” She asked as she reached for him. He grasped her wet hand tightly, not enough to hurt, but firm enough that she knew this was serious.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the rumours? Why didn’t you want me to find out?” He demanded.

Ahh. He now knew, she wasn’t surprised that he found out. It was only a matter of time since secrets couldn’t be kept at court.

“It didn’t matter.”

“Didn’t matter? They’ve been slandering you, the Empress!”

She was quiet. “I know. But their words don’t matter.”

“How can it not matter? Penelope, they’re questioning your integrity and our child’s paternity!”

She sighed and pulled him close, neither of them cared that his clothes were getting wet.

“Do you remember the night we found out I was expecting, the cave?”

“I remember we were pursued by a monster and then proceeded to give me a scare by falling down a hole and drowning.” He replied tartly. “I thought I lost you as I worked to restore your breathing.”

She smiled at him. “I’m sorry about that.” She was, she knew how terrified he was at all times that she would get hurt or disappear or die. “Anyway, I had a…a…vision.”

“A vision?”

“I was given a choice between a medical apparatus found in the other world and a golden egg.” She told him. “The choice between returning to the other world or a child. But not just any child, not just a baby but a dragon.”

“And you’re just trusting this vision?” He asked dubiously as he pulled away. Penelope shifted and began to unbutton his clothing.

She nodded. “Yes, because I know that when this child is born, I know that no one will doubt their paternity.”

“I don’t like it.”

“I know. You don’t have to like it.”

“I want to kill them for their impudence.”

“But you won’t.”

“But I won’t.” He repeated as a promise. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to punish them in some way.”

She smiled at him and motioned him to join her. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Darling.”

-

-

“Sometimes, I’m surprised by how absolutely obtuse you can be.” Callisto said gruffly from where she was just finishing scrubbing his back.

“How so?” She asked as she tapped him to motion that it was time to turn around. The two of them repositioned themselves so that he could reciprocate. The tub was new, far bigger than the previous one. Callisto had it replaced as her womb swelled and the little one made mobility in the already luxurious tub, nearly impossible. So one day, she’d walked in and it was replaced.

“You don’t even know how many people appreciate your work, you’re oblivious to how loved you are as an Empress, and how much you’ve achieved in such a short time.”

“That’s because you do most of the work. You took away half of my already light workload.” She pointed out.

He shook his head, tilting it and making her turn her own head so that they could see each other’s faces. “No. The ones that I took off your plate are the more irrelevant things, banquets and balls. I left the important ones to you. And you’ve done a marvellous work. The commoners absolutely adore you, Penelope. They love all the programs you’ve started for them, your charity works, how you never shy away from them.” He began. “The nobles are impressed with your efficiency and level headed personality, the fact that you chose to pursue higher education than what most ladies would usually achieve, you’ve made it fashionable to become something more than just a vapid doll on display for their fathers and husbands.”

“As the Emperor, I’m grateful that you chose to become my Empress and to take on the burden of becoming this Empire’s Moon and Mother.” He had now finished and he helped her sit on his lap. “As your lover and husband, I’m glad that you chose me. That you chose to stay here and build a life with me. That you’re gifting me with our child.”

It was somehow reminiscent to the words she’d said a few days ago when their little baby had first begun to move within her.

“And I’m sure our baby thinks the same. I’m infinitely blessed to have you as my wife, my partner, and my lover.” He kissed her. “And our child is lucky to have you as their mother.”

“Just like they’re lucky to have you as their father.” She told him. “So don’t doubt yourself either.”

They smiled at one another before Callisto motioned for her to stand up. His hand reaching for a towel as he got out of the tub and helped her out, drying her completely and carrying her to bed.

I’ve always had this idea that Penelope would have some small insecurity because she doesn’t have anything to give to Callisto to reciprocate how much he gives her. He’s the Emperor who has everything. What can she give him. Meanwhile, Callisto is trying to give Penelope everything because he’s just so happy that she gave herself to him. She chose to stay in this world and chose to marry him. I also had this idea that the nobles would have undoubtedly talked about the fact that she had gotten pregnant during the time when she was ‘unsupervised’ and that the child could potentially not be Callisto’s. The couple and those closest know that he is. And that she was anything but unsupervised, with all the guards and mages that were watching her at all hours of the day, reporting to Callisto regularly. I don’t know, this just came to me so I decided to sit down and write it tonight.