#the moment during the Grand Fest

[kirbecio]

I love them too and i love how dam good this comission ended. And amazing job and be sure imma try to rpovide more Squibs being goobers soon! >w<

Commission for @kirbecio of our squiddos commemorating the Grandfest, Thank u for always getting these stinkers I love them sniffs............

[manicpixieyandere]

Representation in Splatoon

For the Grand Fest can we just take a moment to celebrate the amazing representation in Splatoon? First of all, it's a game led by women! Name another game with a cast of mostly women.

All of the idols share a different culture with the mainstream audience.

Callie, Marie, Pearl, and Shiver are Japanese. Marina is black, Frye is Indian, and Big Man is Brazilian. All of this is show, don't tell. It's present in their music and designs, not hidden away! It's celebrated.

Pearl and Marina are lesbians. Marina is especially an incredible feat we never thought we'd see in a Nintendo game of all places! A black autistic lesbian! Off The Hook also seems to be Nintendo's favorite of the bands, which again is shocking! In terms of queer representation, Acht is also nonbinary, and Shiver is allowed to be androgynous. It just makes us happy knowing how many kids can grow up with these characters and feel seen!

This isn't even to mention the story Splatoon tells. The story of the inklings and octolings isn't scared to show struggles like class issues or even racism sometimes. But in the end everyone is brought together through art! Culture is what connects everyone. We think it's quite beautiful!

This was a sort of thank you letter to Splatoon! We started liking the franchise as kids because, haha colorful squid game. But it soon became an amazing story about art bringing people of all walks of life together.

As a random side story, we'll never forget the day gay marriage was legalized in the US. This was back during Splatoon 1 and Miiverse. Every single person in the plaza had a post above their head saying "Love Wins". We didn't know what that meant at the time, we were raised in a very sheltered catholic school. But the accepting community of the game is what lead to us discovering the queer community and learning more about ourselves. Happily genderfluid and pansexual now! We hope Splatoon was able to provide others with a similar or even better experience!

So thank you Splatoon! Hope to see you again on a new console for round 4!

PS; Also, sorry to Team Present, We are loosing all our games, please send help. The losses hurt the ego, we are being beat up by children.

[starshideurfics]

Thirsty Thursday - Shut up and dance with me

steddie, omegaverse, a little bit of fun during my angst-fest to celebrate some follower milestones 🥰

Steve keeps saying he feels goofy wearing a suit, even if he’s happy to do it for Robin. It’s non-traditional, sticking an omega in black-tie. But neither is an alpha like Buckley having an omega as her best man. Her mating ceremony is beautiful, Chrissy absolutely sparkles, and Steve cries through half of it because he’s so happy for his best friend.

Eddie might cry a little, too.

He’s seated in the front row, with Robin’s family, since he and Steve are ‘capital S’ Serious, and Steve has practically been adopted by Robin’s parents. Melissa catches him crying and smiles; she’s certain to ask when he and Steve are going to tie the knot themselves.

He’s nowhere near ready to answer that one. Especially without Steve to help. Eddie hasn’t wanted to rush things, even being friends so long beforehand. Knows that he loves Steve more than anything. But they’ve barely been dating a year…

After the ceremony, Steve catches his eye from the reception line. “You good?” Eddie mouths, quirking a questioning brow.

Steve makes a dumb face—pretends to cry—gives him a thumbs up, and it’s like everything rearranges, his whole world shifting a couple inches to the left.

He knows.

All his worries about it being too fast float away like so much dust on the wind. He’d be happy enough watching Steve from across the room for the rest of his life, to giggle and mime at one another.

But after the reception, he gets to take Steve home.

Not being in the wedding party, he should honestly head over to the venue soon—after going through the receiving line. He kisses Chrissy’s cheek, tells her she looks stunning, high fives Robin for locking down her perfect omega, and whispers, “I’ll be waiting for you with a cocktail,” in Steve’s ear.

He manages to cop a feel, squeezing Steve’s ass before pulling back, earning him a tiny whine as they part.

Forcing himself to keep walking, Eddie hates leaving his m—

Hates leaving Steve. He wants to run back and scoop him into his arms. To keep him close.

Instead, he gets in Steve’s car and drives to the reception, grabs a scotch from the open bar, and distracts himself from missing Steve by chatting with Jonathan who is just as in need of the company since Argyle and Nancy are also in the wedding party.

Eddie’s on his second scotch when he hears whispers that the limo has arrived, and he goes to order a Manhattan for Steve with extra cherries. He’s barely got the coupe glass in hand before the DJ is announcing the new Mr. and Mrs. Buckley.

They’ve changed into their reception outfits: Chrissy’s dress short and frothy, Robin in metallic pants and a shirt unbuttoned halfway down her sternum, both of them already dancing as they make their grand entrance.

The whole room hoots and hollers as they burst into cheers.

The rest of the party has changed too. Nancy’s in a slinky dress, the depth of the black of it the only thing hiding the outline of her dick. Argyle is in shorts that make him seem ridiculously tall, and Heather is in a romper covered in rhinestones.

Then there’s Steve.

He’s dressed to match Robin in silver-sequined pants, trading the button-down for a loose tank top that shows off too much of his golden skin, freckles and moles like so many stars in the sky.

Eddie’s mouth waters as he makes his way over to him, drink in hand.

“Damn, sweetheart!” he says, eyes locked on Steve’s tits, needing to hold him by the sides and slip his thumbs in to tease his nipples.

Steve grips hush chin, tilts his gaze up until their eyes meet. “Thanks, babe.” He smiles into their kiss, uses his teeth a little.

Eddie offers him the drink, and Steve happily accepts, plucking out a cherry and popping it into his mouth. Another kiss, this one cherry-sweet, and Steve downs his drink, holding his extra cherry between his teeth for a long moment, grinning as he bites it in half.

“Why is it so hot when you do that?” Eddie rasps, his dress pants suddenly a little too tight.

Steve smiles, pulls half the cherry from between his lips, and presses it to Eddie’s mouth. “Shut up and dance with me, Munson,” he says, laughing, barely containing his delight.

He drags Eddie onto the dance floor, the alpha going willingly, hands easily finding their way onto Steve’s hips. Falling to the beat, into moving with one another is easy. So easy, Eddie nearly forgets his revelation from earlier.

And he’s distracted again by Steve’s chest.

“You okay there, Munson?” he teases, using a single finger to direct Eddie’s gaze back up to face him. “Keep your eyes on me.”

A purr rumbles through Eddie’s chest as he leans in close. “Why d’ya still call me Munson all the time, Stevie?” he murmurs, then kisses Steve’s ear.

“Like the way it sounds. I like everything about you, Eddie.” The words are soft and vulnerable, barely audible over the pulse of the music.

It makes Eddie brave enough to be vulnerable, too.

“How do you like the sound of Mrs. Munson? Or Ms.” He smiles. “Whichev-”

Steve cuts him off with a kiss.

“I like the sound of that a lot.”

[carlacid]

I've been crying over this moment for like a good 10 minutes now

this is the best thing I've seen during the entire grand fest im so sorry

[cinnamonxbug]

Info about the new Big Run Stage

*SPOILERS FOR UPCOMING BIG RUN*

The cannons spread across the map indeed shoot the eggs directly into the basket

Goldies can spawn during the daytime rounds along with their respective nighttime rounds

There is a place you can cheese Grillers when being targeted behind the main basket (normal tide)

New soundtrack for the new Big Run stage and Results screen

Mr. Grizz is now known as Raspy Voice on the dialogue box

The stage itself is designed like a stage with a wide and long middle area and a smaller catwalk on each side (the catwalks have an inkrail leading to the middle)

Big Shots still use their own cannons and NOT the ones provided from Grizzco

This map will be similar to the new tricolor map for Grand Fest (most likely during low tide)

I do not have any information about the high and low tides for the map at this moment, however I will provide photos of the new stage below. Images were taken from OctoSquiddy’s video on YouTube

[abyssalshriek]

With the new song with translated lyrics, "Three Wishes" from Now or Never Seven (the collab group between the Squid Sisters, Off the Hook, and Deep Cut), I think it is clear why each group chose the team they did, and not just because they go in order of their games.

Starting with the Squid Sisters of Team Past, they clearly value the past and how it shapes the present and future. They mention how the rocky journey they've shared has brought them to where they are now. They mention how all the help they give out to other artists are seeds that will take time to grow. And we've seen this philosophy from them before in the the interview stating Wave Goodbye was intended as a tribute to the humans that came before them, an acknowledgement of the past that shaped their present and will shape their future.

Now, for Off the Hook of Team Present. They are together, today. They live in today. They'll do and experience what they want, today. The past may have brought them together, and the future is where they're going, but the present is where they and their feelings are. They want to seize the moment, loving each other in the here and now. I know discussion of shipping can annoy some people, but through all their dialogue throughout the franchise, even Pearlina's greatest detractors can at minimum acknowledge they clearly care for each other a great deal, and they live in the moment so they can be with each other now, in the moment.

Next, we end with Deep Cut on Team Future. They've always been shown as very goal oriented, with their focus during Rise of the Mammalians being on getting the treasures. They look to the future because what they want is there, and that is where they will find it. They may not be as big as the Squid Sisters or Off the Hook yet, but that's where they're going. They will be big in the future, they'll continue to get treasure for the Splatlands in the future, and they'll keep racing towards it and all the mysteries that await in the future.

If the Grandfest is really the send-off for this part of Splatoon, if we really will move on to new regions and characters, much like other franchises like Pokemon or Fire Emblem do, then this song is a great finale for these groups. We see each of their bonds and how it carried them to now and will continue to carry them forward. They and all the characters we love will be missed, and even if I'm certain we will still see more of them in the future, as a closure to this chapter, despite the bumpy rides getting here, it's a wonderful finale, and will make for a grand fest.

[snwusberry]

💌 berry's valentine’s special 💌

valentine’s day is all about love, so why not give you guys a fluff fest?

schedule:

♡ week 1: TXT

♡ week 2: ATEEZ

♡ week 3: P1Harmony

soobin: "did you get my note?" a shy bookstore worker leaves you a handwritten valentine’s note in a book you buy.

yeonjun: "wild guess" texts (subject to change)

beomgyu: "one chance" your best friend surprises you with chocolates, but it’s more than just a friendly gesture.

taehyun: "starts in your eyes" a quiet rooftop picnic becomes the perfect setting for a heartfelt confession.

huening kai: "heart shaped cookie cutter" you and kai bake valentine’s cookies but end up having a flour fight that leads to something sweeter.

seonghwa: "i wish i were heather" an accidental love letter gets delivered to the wrong person (you) on valentine’s day.

hongjoong: "notes spelling your name" your crush writes you a song for valentine’s day, but you overhear it before he gives it to you.

yunho: "cupid is so dumb" the boy you wanted to ask to be your valentine asked someone else, but there's someone better waiting for you.

yeosang: "to admire you from afar" you receive an anonymous bouquet and discover it’s from the quiet guy who’s been crushing on you.

san: "love me tonight, sweet girl of mine" your childhood friend reveals his feelings during a spontaneous karaoke valentine’s party.

mingi: "never thought that i would have this" a late-night walk under the stars becomes the perfect moment to share your feelings.

wooyoung: "just put your heart in my hands" your coworker surprises you with a grand, dramatic valentine’s confession.

jongho: "anything for the prize" a valentine’s trip to the arcade turns into an adorable competition — winner gets a kiss.

keeho: "love is an open door" you're paired together for a valentine’s day college project, and things get unexpectedly romantic.

theo: "you're that goddess, aphrodite" a serenade from theo in the middle of a crowded valentine’s festival leaves you speechless.

jiung: "a day without you is like a year without rain" a surprise date includes stargazing and heartfelt words.

intak: "you unfroze my heart" your neighbor made it his goal to show you that you are worth loving.

soul: "i wanna feel all that love and emotion" valentines is over and not everyone had the day they wanted, so whats a better way to sulk in sadness than buying the discounted valentine's chocolates? you weren't the only one who had that in mind.

jongseob: "after me, you'll never fall in love again" a cheesy valentine’s movie marathon leads to an unexpected love confession.

[mod-doodles]

Two scenes that I’ve seen people dismiss outside of the season two sydcarmy holy trinity: the wall breakdown, the panic attack and the table (honourable mention - I’m saying goodnight).

1. Carmy licking his lips when Sydney walks out in the new chefs whites that HE got her.

After Carmy gifts Sydney this unexpected gift that we’ve all agreed costs upward of $1200, and what a grand gesture this is as we were made aware of the fact that Carmy and Sydney have deferred salaries during the renovation. Carmy is interrupted by Tina to sign off on something so we don’t get to have the moment where Sydney reacts to this gift; maybe she would have hugged him but we’ll never know. What we get two scenes later while they’re getting ready to open the restaurant doors: Sydney is summoned as she is now an unofficial member of the family. Camera pans to Carmy, Sydney walks into the room , Nat asks ‘ready’ and as Carmy is saying ‘it’s your ship now captain’ he looks at her in the Chefs Whites and licks his lips. (My little Sydcarmy heart screams)

All I’m saying is they could have shot that scene a million other ways if it wasn’t purposely done that way. Why did we have to get Carmy watching as Sydney enters the room in that specific way. Compounded with the convo they previously had come on!

2. Carmy sneak glance at Sydney post panic attack.

The panic attack occurs right after a lust filled night with his ‘girlfriend’. Thinking of the blue lust fest is the trigger that brings on the trauma that was ‘fishes’ and everyone is telling him that the relationship is a good thing. And as Claire’s song starts being audible we see Sydney walk into and back into this man’s life while hearing ‘these words you will be mine’, Sydney is affirming and calming him in this moment. So how many ever scenes later when he sees her next and he does that quick double glance what am I to think? Carmy’s double takes are literally one of the shows supporting cast and who does he do this with to confirm they aren’t a figment of his imagination?

I get that out of context these scenes may be easily dismissed that’s a given but in context of the preceding scenes that are directly connected its a neon lit sign saying ‘this is something’. Blissful ignorance I can accept but denial just doesn’t sit right.

Don’t know why I’m writing this here because the places I’ve seen this is TikTok 🙃.

[reminiscenthumanity]

I tend to spend New Years Eve at home with my companion. We like to take the day to review the major events that happened in the past year and prepare for what the next year will offer.

So I’m happy to report to you:

THIS IS THE MOST NOTABLE MOMENTS FROM THIS YEAR:

January:

For the first time ever Frostyfest was hosted in Splatsville!

Mincemeat Metalworks went through a redesign.

During Off The Hook’s final performance for their World Tour, Marina has a wardrobe malfunction on stage. Pearl immediately screams at the top of her lungs and causes the lights to break.

February:

Inkopolis Square had a mental health crisis where a bunch of people went into a mindless blank. This cleared up a couple weeks later.

Baggy Clothes bursts into popularity.

March:

Suffer No Fools by Off The Hook v Fire and Ice dropped

Toni Kensa got drunk at a party and posted on Squitter that ‘The Enperry Brand is a pathetic excuse of a brand.’ This trended for WEEKS. Pearl made a statement stating that ‘Toni is some snobby loser who gets no bitches.’

April:

Undertow Spillway went through a redesign.

Fans of C-Side and Squid Squad feud online over the song Splattack! This led to several c-side fans doxxing a group of squid squad fans.

Paul from Sashimori begins an ARG like event to advertise the band’s new EP that released later that year.

May:

A Makomart manager at the Inkopolis location was found guilty of embezzlement.

Owner of Ammo Knights, Sheldon, speaks out against Squitism Speaks, claiming it is ‘dangerous to the Squitism community.’

June:

New history unveiled about the great turf war reveals that Craig Cuttlefish and DJ Octavio were “very close friends” and even shared quarters with eachother on several occasions. Neither parties have chosen to comment on this findings.

Shellendorf becomes the most listened to musical since the Lionfish King.

July:

Scientists have discovered a treatment for “Fuzzification” so people infected can have better qualities of life. These treatments allow for those affected to be able to change their ink colors, allowing them to participate in Ink Sports and other activities.

August:

Baker from C-Side said a slur on national television.

Omega 3’s DJ, The Faithful Servant of the True Salmon Emperor Hizunamasu, learns how to play Tromebone, Clarinent, AND Flute just to get samples for the new song, Double Clickbait. Salmon Runners who worked at Salmon Jammin’ Junction said it “wasn’t very good” and “needed tuning.”

Local punk Spyke gets arrested for tax evasion. Is released by technicality.

September:

Salmonid Tribes attack the still under construction Grand Splatlands Bowl, causing Grizzco to put all hands on deck to collect over a billion eggs in order to drive out the Salmonids.

During this, a Salmonid rights activist is caught and arrested for attempting to set fire to Grizzco’s Splatsville branch. Grizzco officials said that the damage was minimal, but shocking nevertheless.

The Salmonid rights activist escaped prison. Grizzco has chosen to drop charges.

Grand Festival featuring the Squid Sisters, Off The Hook, and Deep Cut went off with a bang. The fest’s theme being Which is most important to you: Past, Present or Future. Team Past won.

October:

A young inkling splats another inkling as a “Splatoween prank”, cries when facing the consequences of her actions.

November:

Nothing ever happens in November.

December:

Salmonid Tribes attacked Wahoo World, and sends Grizzco under fire for their lack of management as a Goldie has been reported to be stabbing employees and civilians with multiple knives.

A large fight happened on Fiddler Tower ending with idol group Colorgraphic dropping a new remix of Calamari Inkantation. And later dropping a new single titled Re:UNIon. (Please listen to it, it made me cry several times)

[superjumpintomyheart]

ohhhhh you guys i am SOBBING over this song

First of all the fact that their little project group is called Now or Never Seven absolutely genius, this song makes me want to cry so hard from nostalgia god I love this franchise with my entire heart

Callie and Marie reminiscing on the past, "Did you think back then we'd be here?"

Pearl and Marina being gay, "I've been searching all of my life, finally I've found my north star." (and also saying to seize the moment, chase your dreams now instead of waiting for the "best time" because that time is in the present)

Shiver, Frye, and Big Man talking about the future, "What could be at the journey's end? What will we find in the land beyond the sands?"

All of them coming together to say that in the end their mark will always be left behind, that no matter what things will be great if they stick together, that they'll unite to reach their dreams.

i cannot wait to hear this song during grand fest who else will be crying in the club bc i know i will be!!!!

[yumeparadox]

Grand Fest Recollections. Thank You For Two Years!

My heart feels so heavy today. As I woke up to see a sunrise that matched the one we finally have in Splatoon 3, reality settled in.

Life has to go back to normal after a splatfest weekend but this celebration truly changed everything.

The Grand Festival was such a wonderful celebration of Splatoon in its entirety. 

I felt the most unbridled joy experiencing that magic brought to the in-game performances, the live renditions of each song in carefully crafted set-lists and seeing Liquid Sunshine choreography and its vibrancy for the first time.

On and off stream the three stages are where I spent the most time during Grand Fest when I could. I sat around the venue and just took in the details of the concerts and the setting; enjoying that moment in time was how I kept myself grounded.

But I think what had me start to unravel is realizing that I let the actual splatfest battle experience slip away.

I’d seen a Twitter comment on Sunday while I was taking pictures of Three Wishes that mentioned again how we would be able to return to the venue because of a datamine (granted I knew of this from months ago) about the amiibos.

I had no idea when the feature would drop and when we would be able to revisit the Grand Festival Grounds again. It could have been a week from now for all I knew. 

We got the confirmation almost instantaneously. I was overjoyed to be able to go right back but I also felt a little ridiculous for not playing the fest more if this would be the case.

I want to give a massive thank you to everyone who did play matches with me for Team Present though—especially my homies @Chandlier1229, @mxntymoon, @semisentientseafood, @epicyoshimaster and @kosirenn

Big ups to @CJHyperfresh and @Jasbiskus for inviting myself and my partner @squidryder to collab on an amazing stream. It was an unforgettable time and we had so many laughs.

Thank you Ryder for joining me in Tricolor and reacting to the results! You make me smile so much and your presence is a present.

Emotions were high throughout this whole event for a lot of us but personally, I wasn’t able to fully process it until things were ending.

I know I got overwhelmed with the vastness of everything and other more existential thoughts. So, I can only imagine what developing all of this was like.

Admittedly, I felt my reaction to Three Wishes was lackluster. The whole reason I went for an IRL stream was in case I didn’t say much and so that some emotion was visible. 

I cried the first time I heard the song and saw the lyrics but the tears weren’t happening that Saturday.

Granted, there’s a lot happening the first time you experience Three Wishes in-game, but the way the VOD turned out is something I can’t change much like my splatfest team.

While I had my reasoning for joining Team Present, perhaps I was too logical about it. Although that’s what the theme asks of you, I can’t help but lament on this a little bit. I want to work through this feeling.

I went in thinking that the present is where I can experience all of time. It’s a difficult concept and a part of me wishes I had treated it differently. Seeing clips from people playing the splatfest also got me in my feels, too. I wonder if I did enough.

As someone who chose Team Marie and fawns over her the most (Frye is probably a close second at this point), I thought about joining Past simply because she was fighting alongside Callie this time. 

The Squid Sisters had the most compelling splatfest art by far for the event and I know their Grand Fest outfits were my favorite. 

Their music saved me from the moment I played my first Splatoon 1 splatfest. I cried over the Plaza, over seeing them back in the DLC, over hearing City of Color leitmotifs to this day.

The Rainbow Color Inkantation version of it has so much urgency and emotion in the vocals, as if they’re urging you to remember them and fight for the past.

That’s not to say Off the Hook isn’t also meaningful to me, however. They are the reason I was able to pursue voice acting as a hobby in the first place, starting out with voicing over their splatfest dialogue. 

And of course, we all know their formation is still so closely linked to the Squid Sisters existing. Anyone who watches my streams can tell which group I go crazy over the most but choosing in terms of the passage of time may not let your choices align and check both boxes. I agonized over teams for a while.

Ultimately, I stuck to the question as best I could. 

Which is the most important to you?

Experiencing the now. Finally reaching that promised day. 

My memories are never super clear for me unless I preserve them in some form of writing, video or photo. Skill issue on my part but all brains are different. 

So, I repeated this a lot that fateful weekend: the present moment will always become the past so make it count. Choosing one doesn’t mean the other isn’t important but again it was truly difficult.

My past self got me where I am now and every decision I make in the present sets me up for success in the future. 

I grew up hearing that we don’t know what tomorrow looks like and you can’t obsess over it. Although, when you have good things to look forward to you can’t help but anticipate how they’ll play out. 

Past, present and future are intertwined and if you look at the splatfest theme graphic, you’ll see that all the ink swirls connect despite being different colors.

I think that’s why they called the second night of the Grand Festival the Day of Unity. We were all together to witness that performance regardless of team choice.

Music will always be the core of Splatoon and it will carry on across the sea of time, imbued by our passions and joys.

Good games, well played to everyone! I’m really grateful to have been here and seen every splatfest from the beginning this time around. Splatoon has been with me through every season of my life and it's ink-redible.

I have so much appreciation for everyone who stopped by the streams over the weekend. Doubly so for those who shared messages about when they first found my videos and the impact they’ve had.

I’m glad my enjoyment of Splatoon could resonate with you and go so far as to brighten your day.

We reached 3K followers on Twitch (another yearly milestone) with everyone’s support and I met so many new people. To those who know me from my videos only, I hope you’ll stick around for the ride.

Looking back, I started broadcasting there in late 2022 so I’ve streamed every Splatoon 3 splatfest since the World Premiere (aside from the ice cream theme since I was visiting family).

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts this weekend. It had been a rough few weeks leading up to Grand Fest, so, once again I’m glad I could be there in any capacity.

Thank you Splatoon team for everything you’ve created and I hope we can continue to show just how much this series means to us. It’s time for me to finish up some projects from the past.

This is my first post on this side blog but I plan on sharing more of my writings here so please look forward to it!

Sending you all so much love and strength, Yume 

[descendant-of-truth]

Seeing as the pattern for how final Splatfests impact future games has so far been "which character gets to be mind-controlled" I think they should shake it up ever so slightly. keep the angst for the losing teams, but hear me out:

Team Past losing = Callie and/or Marie gets amnesia

Team Present losing = Pearl and Marina get separated by the plot

Team Future losing = Deep Cut's livelihood is put into jeopardy

Each group (temporarily) loses the thing they valued most during the Grand Fest; the past is forgotten, the present moments of being together are taken away, the future they were so confident in is looking uncertain, starting to become one they don't want. Can you imagine the drama?? The storytelling potential??? The biggest event of possibly their whole careers leading to such a sharp downturn??? It would destroy us

[lilavatilikeslemons]

PANDAVAPANCHALIWEEK

DAY 6: Draupadi and her co-wives

@pandavapanchaliweek

---

Home

(noun). The place where one feels they belong.

For a while, Krishnā never truly knew where she was meant to belong.

She had first entered this world from the comforting embrace of Agni Deva, being accepted as the Princess of Pānchala with great pomp. The comfort of her parents, the gentle guidance of her elder sibling and the banter with her brother was something she cherished, but she had been aware that her story was only beginning.

She had stepped into the house of Hastinapura, being proclaimed as the kulvadhu of the Kurus, stepping through the grand gate with hundreds of eyes gazing upon them- scrutiny or wonder; she couldn't tell. She was grateful for her mother-in-law's soft words of love, the presence of Pitamaha as an everlasting beacon of empathy, and the insights of wisdom given to her by Mahamantri Vidura- but yet, the labyrinthian walls of the royal enclosure felt only like its name- an enclosure.

Something just would not fit in.

Not fully, atleast.

Something was askew- and she just could not place it.

Gradually, though, it was like that piece of her had carved out a place for itself.

It made itself a place to be.

She had been welcomed into their brand new city, revered as the queen of the land, and of their heart. Her heart belonged to the moments of tenderness with her husbands, the innocent joy of her children, and the laughter of her co-wives.

It never just...clicked, in her. It was a process- a process where she realised that they had not found their safety- they had created it, by themselves.

It was created by foundations of the magnificent architecture. It was created by the pitter-pattering of children's feet always resounding in the halls. It was created by the love, sweat and tears of her co-wives.

She couldn't help but care for them. They had sacrificed everything to be where they were, now. They had poured all their love into nurturing what had now grown into the fruit of their efforts.

Their bonding time was often spent together in the few moments of quiet they would manage to get a hold of, in the middle of all the chaos- right after everyone would finally settle down after the morning procedures; and just before they would have to get up to begin attending to their duties for the evening once more.

It was during these moments of fleeting silence, tired smiles, and suppressed giggles that she realised that this, was her home.

----

जय सीतारामलक्ष्मण की!

Can't believe this is the second to last day of this fest! This piece really challanged by brain, but I hope y'all like it :)

Stay safe, healthy and hydrated <3

Have a good one, folks!

[zalder]

TASK #11

WRITE A LETTER

An anonymous letter hidden during Creek Fest for whoever the universe decides needed it.

Dear Stranger,

Firstly, thank you for not throwing me in the trash. I promise that I am not a litter bug or a serial killer. I just thought that it might be fun to hide a letter somewhere and see what happened. I don’t intend to reveal my identity. There is something exciting about being anonymous with people. I wanted to write something that would find the person who needed it most. If this has found you, clearly the universe has decided that this was meant for you.

If anyone hasn’t told you lately, you’re amazing. Life can get tough, and it’s easy to forget just how much you matter, but I want you to know that you are valued and appreciated. Even though I don’t know you (unless I do), there are countless people who wake up every day grateful to have you in their life. You might not be perfect (none of us are) but you are all too worthy of their love and appreciation. Maybe they aren’t shooting it from the rooftops but it doesn’t change the fact that they would be lost without you.

Your kindness, strength, and unique spirit shine brighter than you realize. The world is a better place with you in it, and your contributions—big and small—make a difference. I know that sounds contrite but everyone serves a purpose and whether you’ve found it or are struggling to find your purpose in the world, you were created for something important. I know you might be shaking your head at the word important but everything is important in the grand scheme of things. Small decisions impact large things. There is good yet to come.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed or doubt yourself, remember all the challenges you’ve overcome and how far you’ve come. You have the power to achieve great things, and I believe in you wholeheartedly. If a complete stranger can believe in you, you’re going to be unstoppable. We all have our moments of self-doubt and self-hate but at the end of the day it’s honestly wasted time that we could be fighting toward what we want. I wish someone would tell me that sometimes but since they aren’t, I’m going to tell you!

Life is entirely too short to wait for the things you want. Go for them! I mean, if the worst thing that can happen is rejection, you’re still one step closer to what you want than you were the day before. The things that aren’t meant for you, won’t be yours but if you know something isn’t meant for you at least you can go toward the things that are.

Keep your chin up and remember that you rock, A Friend

[inexplicablymine]

Soon to be YOUR WIP Wednesday

Instead of sharing my own work this week, I’m sharing the 10 prompts I just submitted to the @halloweenhuh Fanworks Fest.

YOU YES YOU can go claim one of these prompts and write to your hearts content, I highly encourage it ;)

Styled as actual summaries instead of outlines because I think it’s fun and a more creative way to make the story match… BEHOLD

1. The one with sugary treats

“I swear to god if you have just dyed everybody’s buttercream black with your stupid charcoal paste I will end you.”

“You can try sweetheart but we all know I’ll come out on top.”

Cupcakes, cakes, and all things sweet, welcome to the Halloween episode of “Can You Bake It” featuring our favorite contestants in their most challenging week yet.

2. The one where they are cowboys

All Alex can really think about is the way Henry’s ass looks in those jeans, how his cowboy boots fit, and the way the Stetson he is wearing sits just right on his head.

Cowboys for Halloween was a great idea.

3. The one where they grow up together

5 Times they went in a group costume for Halloween growing up and 1 time Henry and Alex went in a couples costume

4. The one with the masquerade

Maybe there is something in the Hallow’s Eve punch, maybe there is something in the way that dapper stranger moves across the ballroom, maybe it is the fact that everyone is masked, maybe it is the fact that there hasn’t been a ball this grand in decades, regardless someone has caught his attention and Alexander, well, he never said he had the patience of a saint.

5. The one where it’s not all fun and games… or maybe it is

Come in costume they said. It would be a fun party they said. Tell that to the fact that he is stranded with his arch nemesis, blindfolded, on the side of the road, shirtless, soaked in something he isn’t even sure what to name.

Alex would think that would be enough for one evening, but Henry kissed him only moments ago and he isn’t sure if he is more mad at Henry, or himself for liking it.

Halloween is about to be one wild night.

6. The one where I insert the ghostbusters theme here

Alex did NOT want to be living with a ghost, but he wasn’t all too upset about the hot ghostbuster that he kept getting to call over to the house.

7. The one with Arthur’s world famous Halloween party

Meeting the parents wasn’t supposed to be nerve wracking, but Arthur Fox was literally James Bond, and Alex might throw a New Years Bash in Texas for his mother’s Governor’s ball every year, but Arthur’s Halloween parties are legendary.

8. The one where it’s shipping season and the suitors get competitive

“Fall Ball, there is no earthly antiquated reason why this kingdom still does something so ghastly”

“You want to ask Alexander don’t you?” Pez asks with a raised eyebrow

“Just me and everyone else,” Henry sighs out.

In an event rivaling the Spring Fling, the Fall Ball was one of the most prime positions during suitors season to make a move. Everyone wants Alexander’s hand, so Henry must work extra hard to capture his heart.

9. The one where Alex is a ghost courier

Alex looks down at his note again and shakes his head. Trying out the Ouija board with Nora had been a mistake. Now he was on some convoluted journey to tell a bunch of people a ghosts last wishes. The laundry list of names is long, but near the bottom there is one that makes his heart flip over in his chest, why in the world would a disembodied voice want to talk with Henry?.

10. The one where they are making spooky outfits for the Met Gala

“I think you might have bitten off more than you can chew.”

“I’ll bite you.”

“I mean I wouldn’t be opposed.”

The Met Gala Costuming Institute has named this years theme as “The Haunting.” It might only be tipping into fall but the design houses are already in full swing. Too bad fashion’s best and brightest don’t get along… or do they?

You can claim one of my prompts (or one of the other amazing 61 prompts) here and go follow along @halloweenhuh for some fandom fun!

[twwpress]

Weekly Press Briefing #33: February 5th - February 11th

Welcome back to the Weekly Press Briefing, where we bring you highlights from The West Wing fandom each week, including new fics, ongoing challenges, and more! This briefing covers all things posted from February 5 - February 11, 2023! Did we miss something? Let us know; you can find our contact info at the bottom of this briefing!

Challenges/Prompts:

The following is a roundup of open challenges/prompts. Do you have a challenge or event you’d like us to promote? Be sure to get in touch with us! Contact info is at the bottom of this briefing.

@thefinestmuffin and @JessBakesCakes are hosting a casual Josh/Donna Rom Com Fest that will reveal on February 14. Prompts and claims are open; details here. 

Photos/Videos:

Here’s what was posted from February 5 - February 11.

Janel Moloney posted a video of a monster truck rally she went to with her kids.

Josh Malina posted a behind-the-scenes photo from the set of Scandal.

Josh Malina posted a screenshot of a montage of photos his phone made for him.

Rob Lowe posted a behind-the-scenes photo of himself on the set of 911 Lonestar with his dog, Daisy.

Richard Schiff posted a photo on the set of Ballers with Steven Weber, Dwayne Johnson, and Rob Corddry.

Rob Lowe posted a photo of himself as the Grand Marshal of NASCAR’s Busch Light Clash.

Donna Moss Daily: February 5 | February 6 | February 7 | February 8 | February 9 | February 10 | February 11

Daily Josh Lyman: February 5 | February 6 | February 7 | February 8 | February 9 | February 10 | February 11

No Context BWhit: February 5 | February 6 | February 7 | February 8 | February 9 | February 10 | February 11

Edits/Artwork:

silly little political show by schiff0rd [VIDEO EDIT]

 Miscellaneous:

Happy birthday to Mary McCormack! 

This Week in Canon:

Welcome to This Week in Canon, where we revisit moments in The West Wing that occurred on these dates during the show’s run.

Season 1, Episode 14: Take This Sabbath Day aired on February 9, 2000.

Season 2, Episode 13: Bartlet’s Third State of the Union aired on February 7, 2001.

Season 3, Episode 13: Night Five aired on February 6, 2002.

Season 4, Episode 14: Inauguration: Part 1 aired on February 5, 2003.

Season 5, Episode 13: The Warfare of Genghis Khan aired on February 11, 2004.

Season 6, Episode 14: The Wake Up Call aired on February 9, 2005.

Editor’s Choice: 

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Valentine’s Day fics! We know we missed a lot of good ones, so please feel free to reblog or QRT with your own V Day recs!! 

Getting It Right by spinninginfinity | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | When you're running the free world, Valentine's Day can be tricky to pull off.

The first Valentine’s Day she and Josh are together, Donna cooks dinner.

love brings you flowers (then it buys you coffins) by hufflepuffhermione | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | She locks eyes with him and smiles slightly, hoping that he knows what she’s about to say is entirely a joke. “Come to think of it, you didn’t buy me roses either.”

His face pales. The flush of the wine and the candlelight disappears almost instantly, leaving behind a ghost who is only translucently Josh Lyman. She’s seen Josh distressed before. She’s seen him half-dead, she’s seen him in the worst throes of grief and pain, and yet even in those instances where his life changed forever, she isn’t sure she’s ever seen his expression change that fast.

Donna and Josh have their first Valentine's Day together, and Donna finds out what happened the last time Josh bought her roses.

Fleur de Destin by sarabrowncolorado [archived by westwingfanfictioncentral_archivist]  | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete |  Flower shop AU

Conversation Hearts by JessBakesCakes | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete | Josh looks around the small diner they’ve found themselves in somewhere just outside of Greenville, South Carolina, taking in the fading red and pink decor that’s been haphazardly tacked and taped to the walls and windows. Admittedly, he’d forgotten about Valentine’s Day - they all had other priorities these days.

Or, Bartlet for America era Josh/Donna on Valentine's Day.

flowers and chocolates by iwasfollowingyou | Not Rated | Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn | Complete | josh has a secret admirer. donna enjoys it immensely.

Spoken and Unspoken by amandasarmada | Rated E | Danny Concannon/C.J. Cregg | Complete | C.J. and Danny spend Valentine's Day together - well, sort of. Last chapter is E.

 must have been that something lovers call fate by crossingdelancey | Rated T | C. J. Cregg/Toby Ziegler | Complete | They’ve been living together for all of three years now. She never thought living with her ex would be an easy feat, but he managed to prove her wrong. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t still a little nutty about him, but that ship has very much sailed. She’s been making her way through the men of New York, and a handful of women, too, but measuring up to Toby Ziegler is a mammoth task.

—

in which cj is stood up on valentines day, and toby steps in

 All That I Love by AndAllThatMishigas | Rated G | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | Complete | Valentine's Day for the Bartlets is never typical with three children and two very busy careers.

Fics:

Presenting your weekly roundup of fics posted in the tag for The West Wing on Archive of Our Own. If you are so inclined, please be sure to leave the authors some love in the form of kudos or comments. Be mindful of posted warnings/tags for each story.

Josh/Donna

say my name and everything just stops by flowersinapril | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

your love was home by jimhopper | Rated E | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

Chess Variations by jenks | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

two bodies (riddled with scars) by payback16 | Rated M | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

we finally got it all right by mikaylawrites | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | In Progress

The War at Heart by WitchyPrentiss | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss | Complete

 Jed/Leo

May 2003 by yourlocalrandombisexual | Rated E | Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry | In progress

The President’s Dead by yourlocalrandombisexual | Rated T | Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry | Complete

Take Me Instead by yourlocalrandombisexual | Rated T | Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry | Complete

What Tension?! By yourlocalrandombisexual | Rated E | Jed Bartlet/Leo McGarry | Complete

Other Pairings/Gen Fic

compel me to ask you for more by jazzjo | Rated G | Andrea Wyatt/Toby Ziegler | In Progress

it started off with a kiss... now it ended up like this by imawkwardlysoc | Rated G | Sam Seaborn/Original Female Character | In Progress

Writing Day by Mabis | Rated G | Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn  | In Progress

A Different Life by PreppyPrincess5103 (JAG crossover) | Rated M | Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie/Sam Seaborn | In progress 

Through stranger’s eyes by Michelangelo_sky | Rated G | Ellie Bartlet, Josh Lyman (No pairings listed) | Complete

Wait For Me by imperfectirises | Rated M | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet | In Progress

Where The Hell…? by dumbchemist | Rated T | No pairings listed | In Progress 

Late Night Call by Jxjxjx | Rated G | Danny Concannon/C.J. Cregg | Complete

Adorable, Yet Ill Adored by HotchkissRoyale | Rated E | Ainsley Hayes/Sam Seaborn | In progress 

 Multiple Pairings

Paradise City by casliyn | Rated E | Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Amy Gardner/Josh Lyman | In Progress

There are no second acts in American lives (except when there are) by norahb | Rated T | Josh Lyman/Original Female Character, Josh Lyman/Donna Moss, Sam Seaborn/Original Male Character(s) | In Progress

Midnights by park_all_covered_with_cheese | Rated G | Abbey Bartlet/Jed Bartlet, Josh Lyman/Sam Seaborn | In Progress

THE WEEKLY PRESS BRIEFING TEAM CAN BE REACHED VIA THE FOLLOWING METHODS:

Twitter: @TWWPress

Email: weeklypressbriefing@gmail.com

Feel free to let us know if we missed something, if you have an event you’d like us to promote, or if you have an item that you’d like included in the next briefing!

xx, What’s next?