#the red cabbage knight

[dragonsdenstudiosofficial]

The Pizza Knight Saves The Princess is a fantasy-comedy choose-your-own-adventure-style visual novel being developed by Dragon's Den Studios. Set on the planet Comestibla, where everything & everyone is made of food, we play as the Pizza Knight as he tries to save his beloved Water Ice Princess from the castle of the evil Chocolate Count. You can download the demo for free HERE: https://dragons-den-studios.itch.io/the-pizza-knight-saves-the-princess

Over the course of this month I'll be posting some of the game's art to this blog! This image is a sneak peak of content only available in the full release!

This image depicts the Pizza Knight receiving the Free Lunch, the highest award in Antray, from the Cranberry King for his deeds in one of the good endings. In the background are the Hamburger Helper, the Green & Red Cabbage Knights, the Water Ice Princess making use of her shapeshifting powers to announce her love of her brand new boyfriend to the world, and the Skim Milk Knight, who's come from retirement to see his protegee earn such a prestigious award. The Squid Ink Spy (not pictured) has also earned this award.

[readingswithselene]

Everything you need to know about your future spouse right now

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Hey, thank you so much for choosing my reading.

🕯️As always, take what resonates and leave the rest🕯️

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🤎Pile 1 - the Violine🤎

Cards: Empress, moon, sun, page of pentacles, knight of wands, world, devil, chariot, seven of cups, three of pentacles

Hello Pile, 1, let’s take a look into your reading:

This group must deal with a karmic partner before they meet your future spouse. This is most likely a person you already know and have been in some type of relationship/situationship with.

This person could seem to be like the perfect partner in the beginning. Extrovert, open, charming, and treating you like the empress, practically worshipping the ground you are walking on. But this person has some type of duality to them, switching between the sun and the devil. And you already know about this. You probably have lots of anxiety, sometimes feeling that this person seems too good to be true while you know exactly that something is very off with the person. My mind went extremely foggy as I write this, and it gets really hard to even concentrate.

With this person it can be that you are living in some type of illusion, only trying to see the positive while the devil himself is speaking to you as soon as they open their mouth. This person might be overly obsessed with material goods (some may even be gold diggers?)

So, this is either a person you are currently involved with or someone you have already parted ways with. For most of you I don’t see this to be a person that is coming into your life in the future.

If the first case applies to your situation, you know exactly what you should do, cause this person is not YOUR person. Your person will fit you like a glove in all the best way possible.

If you have already split ways with this person all you need it to be patient and make sure, that this person stays in the past where they belong. To every one of you who thought about calling them up again – this is your sign to definitely not do this!

Pile 1, you basically can do nothing but be patient and believe that everything will be happen at divine timing.

I wish you the very best💕.

Signs that this reading is for you: red car, violins, party in the USA by Miley Cyrus, steven and taylor from TSITP (specifically their dance scene), water parks, thinking about getting your car checked, a football, yellow smileys, savoy cabbage, telephone by lady gaga, Naya Rivera, Kurt Hummel

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💛Pile 2 - the letters💛

Cards: the fool, knight of cups, knight of pentacles, page of swords, 8 of wands, two of wands, tower, ten of wands, 5 of wands Hello pile 2, let’s dive deep into your reading.

First of all, your future spouse is an entirely new person to you. Might be someone who lives currently at a distance from your and/or someone you might meet on vacation or while moving abroad. With the 8 of wands your person may be come into your life as a huge surprise, fully out of the blue when you least expect it.

I also got the feeling that this might be happen way sooner than you think right now. For the ones of you (this is not for everybody) who are currently manifesting their FS, congratulations your manifestations work out perfectly. But please try to obsess about this person a little less ;) the Universe will deliver your FS on divine timing.

Either you or your future partner (or the both of you) is not very experienced regarding long term relationships, even though I rather feel that this is about your FS. This does not mean that they have never dated someone before you, but simply that they never had a relationship where they were really vulnerable at open with the other party. Your person comes off as someone who seems rather harsh with their words, you may often feel criticized by them even though they did not intend to deliver their words this way. Your Fs may was an equestrian when they were in elementary / middle school.

This person has had their fair share of traumatic experiences which shaped them the way they are, coming of as harsh and rude in order to protect themselves. It’s literally giving “looks like they could kill you, is a cinnamon roll”. Aww, pile 2, your person really is a softie deep down, but you will have to peel them like an onion, to really get to know this layer of your person. This person felt misunderstood in their early years a lot.

I also get kind of prince charming /Disney vibes from them. Like someone who loves to play knight in shining armour and your savior. It will be really important to your person that you make them feel like they are the only one for you. As soon as they have the feeling you might be entertaining someone else, they will be leaving. Really insecure at heart.

They might be having some tattoos, but nothing spontaneous since it feels like your person is not the risky type. Every tattoo they have has some type of meaning for them (but others may not really get it). Most of these tattoos are on their arms and legs. Motive wise they tend to get for animal motives (butterfly, dolphins, tigers are the images that popped up in my head).

There might be an age gap between the two of you but nothing to wild (probably 5 to 10 years at max)

The energy of this reading was by far my most favorite one, since everything felt so calm and kinda set but also really passionate at the same time ;)

Hope you enjoyed your reading, Pile 2, wish you all the best.

Signs that this message is for you: smoothies, plums, random noises, orange, emergency lights, whats app group chats, “papa was a rolling stone”, baby blue cars with a white roof, moustache, travis kelce, caterpillar, rainbow, you could be part of the LGBTQ+ community, cardigan, your sister offering something to you, light car accidents,

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🩶Pile 3- the chess🩶

Cards: the fool, page of cups, tower, ace of wands, 5 of wands, the emperor, justice, 8 of pentacles, 5 of cups, the chariot.

Hello pile 3, let’s start with some basic things about your future spouse before we dive into your relationship dynamic :)

The very first thing I heard about your future spouse is, that this is an entirely new person to you. I don’t know if you have watched pretty little liars, but your future spouse is giving me major Toby Cavanaugh vibes (if you haven’t watched the show, I suggest you look up the character online).

It could also be that your FS is be a Cop or a craftsman (might not apply for everyone). With the emperor card coming out for you, it also seems like your future spouse is someone stable and/or financially well off.

So, let’s get a deeper look in your dynamic as a couple: As written above, your future things are someone with a pleasant amount of money – so get ready to be spoiled ;) gift giving is probably their love language, but I see them rather making you the gifts by themselves than spending money of jewelry or perfume or something like this. It is more like Toby gifting Spencer the chair he has built for her.

Ya’ll are going to be a very happy couple; I saw lots of pink tones which means you could still be wearing your rose-colored glasses after years being of being with each other. You could also love spending time near large water bodies (at the beach, on a boat or you are going to live in a city near the ocean or a famous lake with them).

I did not get that much on your relationship dynamic itself, but I got an important warning for you: with the tower card and the 5 of cups you will need to leave your past completely behind to make your relationship work. Crying and reminiscing about ex-lovers, past situationships or anything of that kind will highly exacerbate your future with your FS.

At some point (could be at the beginning of your Relationship or in the middle if you still are with one foot in the past at that point), there will be a tower moment because of your past, which will lead to you making the choice to fully close these chapters and focus on your new partner (since I did not get any cards that suggest that you will break up, I believe that there won’t be a break up or partially split because of this tower moment) The two of you are each other’s end game, and your future spouse is your promised new opportunity of finding the love and luck you deserve.

I wish you all the best, pile 3. You totally got this.

Signs that this message is for you: black cat, game of thrones (especially the iron throne), the colors green and pink, 999, sunscreen (SPF 50+), color red, dried flowers, circles, “to the stars who listen and the dreams that are answered”, Rhysand from Acotar, Ben Barnes, pumpkin spice late, cheddar cheese, sunflower, compass, chess game

[vellichor-of-the-solivagant]

To the Fallen, Who Found Himself a Paradise

CONTENT: FLUFF, Period Drama AU, Implied Sexual Content

Masterlist / Archive of Our Own

Simon Riley, a well-known knight of the kingdom, who gained many achievements during the war, now living in a secluded town on his own, found himself getting married to a duke’s daughter as a “reward” from the king for his good deeds

You, who were supposed to marry the crown prince, found yourself getting married to a lowly soldier, who couldn’t even wear proper attire on his wedding and instead wore his old military clothes and a mask and now sent away to live in a secluded town with your new husband

Unused to the ways of commoners, you found it troublesome how they lived without any help from servants, irritating your husband Simon with your constant whines and complaints

Simon having enough of your unnecessary cries of how poor he was every single minute, left you all alone in the house to go to the town to buy you some more decent food to feed you and somehow shut you up

You having enough of his nags, ran away the night he decided to go to the town, only to get lost in the woods near your husband’s house, where he had told you were full of dangerous animals

Simon who got back from shopping downtown, only to find his wife missing and rushed to the forest with an unknown feeling in his stomach. Worry? Fear? No, he called it pity and a shame if you were eaten by a wolf or a bear

Simon who found you by the river bank, crying over your dirty clothes after you had slipped down the hill and surrounded by a pack of wolves, and immediately came in rescue, telling you not to look as he drew out his sword like a knight-in-shining-armor you had seen in books.

You, who couldn’t look away as he slashed open the wolves’ throat, despite getting sick of all the gore, somehow had this flipping feeling in your stomach. Fear? Anxiety? Yeah, that was it.

Your husband, Simon, kneeling before you from a couple of meters away, not wanting to scare you after what you had seen him do and not wanting you to get blood from his clothes, then being surprised when you jumped into his arms crying

Your husband, Simon scooped you up in his arms like you weighed nothing, and carried you all the way back to his house with one arm as he held his sword with his other hand

Your husband, Simon, who aided your bruises and cuts which you got from the twigs during your pathetic escape and from fending off the wolves, helping you get clean and dressed as well, trying his best not to blush under his mask, only to fail as he saw your naked flesh in the tub

You, who never had any help from a man during baths, now burning red as he scrubbed all the dirt from your skin, helping you get dry and dressed your in his clothes right after

You, who never had worn any commoner’s clothes, now finding it the most comfortable garments you’ve had your entire life.

You, who had thanked you husband, Simon with a kiss on his cheek before hiding yourself under the sheets of the bed

Simon, who stood frozen in place, when his wife suddenly kissed him as a thanks, now thinking he could kill all the bears and wolves in the forest

You who had begun to learn more about him and the way of his living, realizing that this kind of life was more wonderful than the way nobles live

You who had begun to help him start a garden and a small farm, getting all dirty, yet still had the brightest smile on your face when you showed him how you got a bigger carrot than him and challenged him who would get the most by the end of the day

Simon, who found himself smiling under the mask as he heaved up the basket of cabbages you and he harvested, watching your hum as you picked out flowers on the side of the road to put on the vase back home

You, who had begun to worry as you stood before a mirror, realizing you were getting fat over time, because of how much you ate every day, and thinking back on how little you ate back in the dukedom

Your husband, Simon, telling you that you have always been beautiful even if you were thin or fat, then telling you that he had always found you lovely ever since he met you

You who immediately pulled the best husband in the world into a tight hug and planted a kiss on him, only this time, it was on his lips

Simon, who had forgotten to cook dinner when he brought you to your room, removed his mask and pulled you into a kiss so gentle and warm you melted into his embrace, all the thoughts of going back to your old life thrown into the drain

You, who had peppered his scars kisses as he slowly unfastened the ribbons of your dress under the soft glow of the moon and got heaved up to the bed, letting him crawl over you

Simon, who found himself shedding tears as he took his wife, your beautiful voice ringing like music in his ears, watching you under him make an expression that burned him like the sun

You, who kissed his tears away and wrapped your arms around his neck, whispering sweet things to his ears as a poet would to the subject of their story

Simon, who painted a smile on his face, murmuring words to your lips like an oath a knight would make to a queen, like a believer would pray to their goddess, as gentle as the radiance of the moon that broke through the leaves of the trees

You, who had told him that you weren’t a queen nor a goddess, but his one and only wife meant for him, till the end of time

[asoiafcanonjonsnow]

JONSNOWFORTNIGHTEVENT2023

DAY 12: HOUSE TARGARYEN 🐉🏰: Jon Snow // Aegon V Targaryen

Hidden Identity

For the rest of his life—however long that might be—he would be condemned to be an outsider, the silent man standing in the shadows who dares not speak his true name. Jon IX, AGOT "To keep my hair shaved or dyed, and tell no man my true name," the boy said, with obvious reluctance. The Sworn Sword

Perceptive

"Father took the king down to the crypts this afternoon. The queen didn't want him to go." Benjen gave Jon a careful, measuring look. "You don't miss much, do you, Jon? Jon I, AGOT He flicked the gold coin back to Ser Uthor. Traitor's gold. Blackfyre gold. Egg said this was a traitor's tourney, but I would not listen. He owed the boy an apology. The Mystery Knight

Celibate Orders

"I want to serve in the Night's Watch, Uncle." "You are a boy of fourteen," Benjen said. "Not a man, not yet. Until you have known a woman, you cannot understand what you would be giving up." "I don't care about that!" Jon said hotly. Jon I, AGOT "It would have," said Egg, "but I spit it out. I don't want a wife, I want to be a knight of the Kingsguard, and live only to serve and defend the king. The Kingsguard are sworn not to wed." "That's a noble thing, but when you're older you may find you'd sooner have a girl than a white cloak." The Sworn Sword

Immaturity

"There is no shame in being a steward," Sam said. "Do you think I want to spend the rest of my life washing an old man's smallclothes?" Jon VI, AGOT So had Dunk. "We'll see how many men turn up at the tower . . . but whether it's five or fifty, you'll need to do for them as well." Egg looked indignant. "I have to serve smallfolk?" The Sworn Sword

Learning

"No. They hate you because you act like you're better than they are. They look at you and see a castle-bred bastard who thinks he's a lordling." Jon III, AGOT You are a squire born of noble blood, but you are still a boy. Most of them will be men grown. A man has his pride, no matter how lowborn he may be. The Sworn Sword

Growth

Jon smiled at him. "I'm sorry about your wrist. Robb used the same move on me once, only with a wooden blade. It hurt like seven hells, but yours must be worse. Look, if you want, I can show you how to defend that." Jon III, AGOT The boy considered for a moment. “I could teach them the arms of the great Houses, and how Queen Alysanne convinced King Jaehaerys to abolish the first night. And they could teach me which weeds are best for making poisons, and whether those green berries are safe to eat.” – The Sworn Sword

Stableboy

She might mistake him for a stableboy and hand him the reins of her horse. Jon ADWD. Your stableboy can stay with the horses.” "I’m a squire, not a stableboy,” Egg insisted. “Are you blind, or only stupid?” The Sworn Sword.

Sharp Tongue

"I'd have an easier time teaching a wolf to juggle than you will training this aurochs." "I'll take that wager, Ser Alliser," Jon said. "I'd love to see Ghost juggle." Jon III, AGOT

"I have my faith to warm me." The red woman walked beside Jon down the steps. "His Grace is growing fond of you." - Jon I, ADWD "I can tell. He only threatened to behead me twice." Jon IX, ASOS

Slynt slammed a fist on the table. "I heard you! Ser Alliser had your measure true enough, it seems. You lie through your bastard's teeth. Well, I will not suffer it. I will not! You might have fooled this crippled blacksmith, but not Janos Slynt! Oh, no. Janos Slynt does not swallow lies so easily. Did you think my skull was stuffed with cabbage?" "I don't know what your skull is stuffed with. My lord."

"Wild boar," said Dunk in a glum tone, "but who wants boar when we have good salt beef?" Egg made a face. "Can I please eat my boots instead, ser? I'll make a new pair out of the salt beef. It's tougher." The Mystery Knight

Unlikely Choices

"I am lord commander because my brothers chose me." There were mornings when Jon Snow did not quite believe it himself, when he woke up thinking surely this was some mad dream. Jon I, ADWD Soon thereafter, the "Prince Who Was An Egg" was chosen by a majority of the Great Council. The fourth son of a fourth son, Aegon V would become widely known as Aegon the Unlikely for having stood so far out of the succession in his youth. Maeker I, The World of Ice and Fire

Maester Aemon

"Allow me to give my lord one last piece of counsel," the old man had said, "the same counsel that I once gave my brother when we parted for the last time. He was three-and-thirty when the Great Council chose him to mount the Iron Throne…Egg had an innocence to him, a sweetness we all loved. Kill the boy within you, I told him the day I took ship for the Wall. It takes a man to rule. An Aegon, not an Egg. Kill the boy and let the man be born." The old man felt Jon’s face. "You are half the age that Egg was, and your own burden is a crueler one, I fear.You will have little joy of your command, but I think you have the strength in you to do the things that must be done. Kill the boy, Jon Snow. Winter is almost upon us. Kill the boy and let the man be born. Jon ADWD.

Empathy

Jon had to bite his tongue. He didn't want to know about Del's girl or Bodger's mother, the place by the sea that Henk the Helm came from, how Grigg yearned to visit the green men on the Isle of Faces, or the time a moose had chased Toefinger up a tree. He didn't want to hear about the boil on Big Boil's arse, how much ale Stone Thumbs could drink, or how Quort's little brother had begged him not to go with Jarl. Jon V, ASOS "They might be killed, ser. Wet Wat is still half a boy. Will Barleycorn is to be married the next time the septon comes. And Big Rob doesn't even know his left foot from his right."

Half

"—that I am half a wildling myself, a turncloak who means to sell the realm to our raiders, cannibals, and giants." Jon did not need to stare into a fire to know what was being said of him. Jon VIII, A Dance With Dragons Prince Aegon was the obvious choice, but some lords distrusted him as well, for his wanderings with his hedge knight had left him "half a peasant," according to many. The World of Ice and Fire Maekar I

Reformers

"The wildlings will remain upon the Wall," Jon assured them. "Most will be housed in one of our abandoned castles." The Watch now had garrisons at Icemark, Long Barrow, Sable Hall, Greyguard, and Deep Lake, all badly undermanned, but ten castles still stood empty and abandoned. "Men with wives and children, all orphan girls and any orphan boys below the age of ten, old women, widowed mothers, any woman who does not care to fight. The spearwives we'll send to Long Barrow to join their sisters, single men to the other forts we've reopened. Those who take the black will remain here, or be posted to Eastwatch or the Shadow Tower. Tormund will take Oakenshield as his seat, to keep him close at hand." He enacted numerous reforms and granted rights and protections to the commons that they had never known before. – The World of Ice and Fire

Face Opposition

Marsh flushed a deeper shade of red. "The lord commander must pardon my bluntness, but I have no softer way to say this. What you propose is nothing less than treason. For eight thousand years the men of the Night's Watch have stood upon the Wall and fought these wildlings. Now you mean to let them pass, to shelter them in our castles, to feed them and clothe them and teach them how to fight. Lord Snow, must I remind you? You swore an oath." ...but each of these measures provoked fierce opposition and sometimes open defiance amongst the lords. The most outspoken of his foes went so far as to denounce Aegon V as a "bloodyhanded tyrant intent on depriving us of our gods-given rights and liberties." – The World of Ice and Fire

[fufuheheii]

Pre-SoTE! Messmer x KnightinTraining!F! Reader

Notice: This is just a (potential) snippet of my Messmer/Reader Fic! For now, please enjoy this lack-of-context short!

𓆙

The colosseum is crowded as usual, all anticipating the bloody fight that is to come. Gladiators prepare themselves, putting on their gloves and greaves. All fight to be seen, to be heard, to be championed.

For Messmer, it is one in which he can witness the ambitions and fighting prowess of all who dare to display it in front of the people of the Erdtree. There is no greater honor.

He sits above in the pulvinar, studying the gladiators who stand near the blocked entry into the fighting area. Some are familiar faces, others new and jittery. There will be much competition this time, and more blood will be spilled.

“I do not understand the meaning behind these fights,” Godwyn, who sits next to him, sighs as he rests his chin on his palm. “We live in peace, yet the people seem to favor bloodshed more than anything.”

“It is a battle of glory,” Messmer responds, tossing a look at his brother. “Thou should hold pride for these men.”

“I would rather focus on the noble ladies that wait outside the colosseum for their fathers and brothers,” the golden man only mutters, to which Messmer ignores. “Thou’rt not a man of brute violence either, lord brother. Participating in these spectacles will not curry favor with our mother.”

“I am not doing this to impre–”

“Oh, it’s starting.”

The gates are pulled open, and in stomps the first gladiator. He is a champion in the arena, his helmet still not washed from the blood of his victims. He pounds at his chest, roaring for the next opponent to enter the arena. The crowd cheers and chants for the next contender to come out. Messmer tilts his head forward, his red braid falling over his shoulder as the gates open again. When he sees who it is, he immediately leans forward with one wide eye. Godwyn raises an eyebrow before he laughs. “Is that who I think it is?”

“Jeffrey, you are to be brought to the name of justice!”

Your voice bounces off the walls of the arena, and the said gladiator only stares as you enter in, in your rusty apprentice armor and dull blade. The only thing standing out from your appearance is your shiny new helmet, which you must have bought recently as it lacks any scratches. The crowd boos at you, throwing food and shouting for you to get out.

“I am here–oof!” you get knocked to the ground when a whole cabbage smacks your helm. “What is this hostility,” you cry out in shock as you grip your helm. “I am here to arrest this man!”

“Get outta here!” the audience roars in anger. “This is no place for a knight!”

The gladiator roars, and before you can get back on your feet he runs towards you, smashing his whole body against yours with full force. The air escapes your lungs as you are sent flying off, meeting the wall with a loud crack. The audience cheers and the gladiator lifts his arms to bask it all in.

You groan and wheeze in pain with no doubt some of your ribs broken. You left your flask in the saddlebag with your horse, and now you will have to fight with your bones rattling inside you.

Godwyn stops laughing and starts to look concerned over your current situation. “Lord brother.”

Messmer knows what he is thinking and grabs his spear and gets up. He peers down at you, watching you get to your feet. The uneven steps and limping form tells him you won’t survive the next attack.

However, he waits.

The gladiator notices you, and cracks his neck as he waits for you to approach him. You don’t do as he predicts, choosing instead to just stand there. He growls, and starts jogging before he makes a full dash at you. Just as he puts forward his arm, ready to slam into you again, you disappear from his field of vision. You roll to the side just in time, making him fly past you and into the wall. The audience roars, half in glee, half in shock at the scene. You make a hurried run over to your sword, wincing at each step sending a stab at pain to your ribs. The gladiator removes himself from the broken wall, glaring at your limping figure before he cracks his knuckle and takes his axe out from behind. He starts rushing at you, and you look back before quickly getting to your knees and grabbing your sword. However, you won’t make it in time. You quickly turn, ready to strike your sword–!

Flames distort your vision as the gladiator is pushed back by it, and a red cape eases your eyes. You stare in surprise as Messmer stands before you, his spear in hand pointing at the frightened man. The arena instantly silences.

“Sir Messmer?” You call out, your lips curving into a grin of relief. “What are you–”

“The fight is over,” Messmer declares, his smooth voice as loud as the silence. “Guards, arrest this man.”

Instantly guards embroidered in silver and gold trudge into the arena and grab the gladiator.

Murmurs arise in the crowd, slowly forming into protests. However, with one glare from the demigod all shushes back into silence. He turns to you, his irritated gaze brushing over you. He starts to say something, but it is lost in the blurry reality that has set upon you. Darkness follows and you faint away.

𓆙

You awaken inside an empty infirmary, on a bed that is softer than any bed you have laid upon. A small stinging pain stabs at your ribs again and you hiss.

“Thou’rt awake.”

You blink and see Messmer standing next to the window, spear in his crossed arms. “Sir Messmer! What art thou doing here?”

He expels the heavy sigh at your energetic voice. At least you’re well enough to be shouting. He signals the perfumers to leave before approaching your bed. “I should be asking thee the same question. Thou shouldst have gone to the knights to have the man arrested.”

“I–how did you know I was here to arrest the man?”

“Thou spokest of it, didst thou not?”

“...oh! I did,” you laugh weakly and attempt to sit up. “Yes, that man was on a bounty list. I figured had I gone after him myself I would be a step closer to knighthood. Then, I can serve under you!”

Messmer furrows his eyebrows, the deep lines creasing between them as he attempts to make sense of your words. “Thou’rt not serving under me.”

Your smile instantly drops. “But–but you said I can if I prove myself!”

“I said I will teach thee, not take thee under mine commands.”

Your shoulders droop, but you cling onto his words. “So you will still teach me?”

“That is what I just said.”

You beam, instantly forgetting the disappointment. “I will take all of your lessons to heart, Sir Messmer.”

The demigod’s gaze softens and he places his spear against the wall before sitting down on the rather small chair. You listen to the roaring cries outside, and turn to the demigod who takes a rowa fruit from the table next to your bed. “Sir, are you not going to watch the game?”

“No,” Messmer pops it into his mouth. “I am not a man of brute violence.”

“Jokes are meant to be funny, sir.”

“...”

𓆙

That is all for the very short snippet for now. Still writing the main one, and hoping I don’t get any of the lore wrong. Messmer’s speculative timeline in the Lands Between is wonky, but it leaves a lot of creative options open. Hope you enjoyed the snippet, expect more to come soon!

[monstersinthecosmos]

okay I think we should take inventory of what we learned about Marius's house.

In fact, the impression was one of comfortable messiness.

(i think the tiktok kids started calling ADHD clutter clustering or something LMAO marius de romanus cluster girlie i guess. thanks i hate it)

Here's some stuff that Marius had on his island!!!!!!!

stone benches

a lighted oil lamp on a stand

a pair of heavy wooden doors

a sarcophagus with a plain lid, cleanly fashioned out of diorite

The lid plated in iron and contained

a golden mask, its features carefully molded, attached to a hood made up of layered plates of hammered gold.

a pair of leather gloves covered completely in tinier more delicate gold plates like scales.

a large folded blanket of the softest red wool with one side sewn with larger gold plates

Magnificent Grecian urns on pedestals in the corridors

great bronze statues from the Orient

exquisite plants at every window and terrace open to the sky.

Gorgeous rugs from India, Persia, China c

giant stuffed beasts mounted in lifelike attitudes-

--the brown bear,

--the lion,

--the tiger,

--even the elephant standing in his own immense chamber,

--lizards as big as dragons,

--birds of prey clutching dried branches made to look like the limbs of real trees.

brilliantly colored murals covering every surface from floor to ceiling

a dark vibrant painting of the sunburnt Arabian desert complete with an exquisitely detailed caravan of camels and turbaned merchants moving over the sand

a jungle warming with delicately rendered tropical blossoms, vines, carefully drawn leaves

creatures everywhere in the texture of the jungle-

--insects,

--birds,

--worms in the soil-

too many monkeys in the jungle,

too many bugs crawling on the leaves.

thousands of tiny insects in one painting of a summer sky.

a large gallery walled on either side by painted men and women staring at me

Figures from all ages these were-

--bedouins,

--Egyptians,

--Greeks and Romans,

--knights in armor,

--peasants

--kings

--queens.

--Renaissance people in doublets and leggings,

--the Sun King with his massive mane of curls,

--people of our own age.

droplets of water clinging to a cape,

the cut on the side of a face,

the spider half-crushed beneath a polished leather boot.

a library, blazing with light.

Walls and walls of books and

rolled manuscripts,

giant glistening world globes in their wooden cradles,

busts of the ancient Greek gods and goddesses,

great sprawling maps.

Newspapers in all languages lay in stacks on tables.

Fossils,

mummified hands,

exotic shells.

bouquets of dried flowers,

figurines and fragments of old sculpture,

alabaster jars covered with Egyptian hieroglyphs.

comfortable chairs with footstools,

candelabra or oil lamps.

a forest of cages.

birds of all sizes and colors

monkeys

baboons,

Potted plants crowded against the cages-

--ferns and

--banana trees,

--cabbage roses,

--moonflower,

--jasmine,

--other sweetly fragrant nighttime vines.

purple and white orchids,

waxed flowers that trapped insects in their maw,

little trees groaning with peaches and lemons and pears.

a hall of sculptures equal to any gallery in the Vatican museum.

adjoining chambers full of paintings,

Oriental furnishings,

mechanical toys.

fine rosewood paneling with framed mirrors rising to the ceiling.

painted chests,

upholstered chairs,

dark and lush landscapes,

porcelain clocks.

A small collection of books in the glass-doored bookcases,

a newspaper of recent date lying on a small table beside a brocaded winged chair.

the stone terrace. where banks of white lilies and red roses gave off their powerful perfume.

a pair of winged chairs that faced each other

a dozen or so candelabra and sconces on the paneled walls.

brocade cushions

[rmoonstoner]

***

Poisoned Empanadas

***

Pairing:

Moon Knight (Jake Lockley) x Spider!fem!reader

Spider-Man 2099 (Miguel O'Hara) x Spider!fem!reader

***

18+

Warnings:

Violence, strong language, mentions of death, mentions of depression, sexual themes, volatile emotions, dats a big boi, dats an angry boi, reader gets hurt, whumpy, hit-you-in-the-feels, why are they so sweet?

***

Summary:

Miguel goes out on patrol with you and your friends. Something noteworthy happens. We see a side of your ex that you don't get to.

***

Chapter 6 - Panades, Belize

This empanada is from Belize. Like many other Empanadas, they are usually crescent shaped and packed full of white fish and a variety of beans, sometimes with cheese and other meats. The shell is made of corn flour, giving it a yellow color, and is deep fried in lard until fully cooked and golden and crispy on the outside. It is typically serced with salsa made of onions, cabbage, and peppers.

***

The next morning.

Everyone was seated around the table, except for Stephen and Miguel. Stephen had made it clear that there would be a mandatory meeting this morning, before anyone was allowed to leave for the day.

"What do you think? Is the doc gonna find a missing Spider?" Gwen asked.

"Pffft. If that man is smart, he wouldn't dare leave." America laughed as she jotted down some quick notes for class without even looking up.

"I dunno. He broke my arm. It takes a lot to do that." Peter huffed. America stopped and looked up at Peter with a deadpan expression.

"He what?"

"Yeah, but it's fine. Stephen fixed me up as good as new. Miguel even apologized! I believe his apology was genuine."

"That's not good enough, Peter! He owes you, now. He broke into your building that you inherited from Tony. He beat you up and shattered your arm. You're lucky Stephen was available!" Gwen complained, while America hummed in agreement.

"Shhh, I hear them coming down the stairs!" You hissed at them both and you picked up your tea to feign like you were occupied.

Stephen had Miguel marching into the room in street clothing. Miguel was in simple blue sweatpants, some white sneakers, red socks, and a tight fitting black tee with a faded Led Zeppelin logo on the front. Miguel had a frown and he seemed to squint at the bright lights of the kitchen. He grumbled as he took a seat next to you and started to rub his eyes generously.

"Damn. You look awful." Gwen declared while looking at the large man that was hunched over the table.

"Mmmhmmm." Miguel huffed back. When he removed his hands, he was still squinting badly. He looked like he was hungover.

"He will be fine. He's light sensitive." Stephen said while the lights dimmed and the curtains in the kitchen windows closed. He set down a pair of red sunglasses beside Miguel and patted his back.

"These have special lenses. A friend of mine, Doctor Hank McCoy, developed them for a colleague of his. They should help with your sensitive eyes and also if you happen to have hellfire spewing from them." As he explained the glasses, Miguel snatched them up and put them on.

Stephen was quick to set the table for breakfast with a simple hand gesture and he motioned for everyone to dig in. The moment a steaming cup of coffee appeared in front of Miguel, he took it and guzzled it down. He didn't even make a face at the temperature, and merely sighed happily as the caffeine flooded his system.

Everyone ate and talked. Stephen and Peter were discussing the genetic testing he was doing at the lab, and how it was set back a few months for obvious reasons. One of which was sitting there, trying to be invisible. Gwen was helping America with her notes by making flash cards versions of them.

And that left you and Miguel to sit there awkwardly. Miguel was listening to Peter talk about his experiments. You sipped your tea and poked the food around your plate until it was eventually all gone. When breakfast was done and cleaned up, America left through a portal, while Peter and Gwen followed her.

"You're free to leave, if you want, but please remember that when I summon your presence, you better come running." Stephen said as he waved his hand dismissively.

You gawked at him. Whatever discussion they had, they certainly weren't letting on about anything they talked about. Miguel was quick to get up and leave, only stopping briefly at the door to say his goodbyes.

"So, uh… I'll see ya tonight? Sanctum roof?" You asked. He sighed and nodded.

"Yeah. The doctor said I have to stay within sight of one of you four. I assume that includes the black and red Spider-Man?"

"Yeah. He was the new kid, before I came along." You laughed and rubbed the back of your neck. Miguel chuckled and turned to leave.

"If I show up early, can we get pizza again?" He turned back to give you a dopey grin. You blushed and agreed.

"Yeah. We can get pizza." Miguel gave you that adorable fangy grin and he left before he said something stupid.

He made his way down the steps and towards the general direction to his hotel. Miguel's brain was filled with images of the night ahead.

The doctor had basically given him an old school vibe of; 'If you hurt my daughter in anyway, shape, or form, I'll blast you with my boomstick.' The daughter being you, and the boomstick probably being some sort of magic spell pulled from the depths of Hell or something.

The other Spiders were mentioned as well, with him being just as clear about not hurting them either. Miguel understood why. He did kind of severely damage Peter's arm.

But, the man made it very clear he wouldn't tolerate Miguel playing around with you if he wasn't serious, or if you weren't interested. Stephen said, no, he demanded, that Miguel was absolutely not allowed to come on to you first. No intentional flirtatious behaviour or comments, unless you initiated it first, any sex that could happen, he needed your explicit and coherent consent.

No drugs. No alcohol.

No consent. No sex.

It was terrifying and awkward for Miguel to sit there like a shrinking lump in a massive chair. He felt like some awkward and scared teenager in the fifties, and not a grown ass man from the not so distant future, with superpowers and a couple of doctorates.

The fact he was technically a doctor as well didn't even cross Stephen's mind. He knew first hand that having a doctorate didn't make you a good person. He was more worried about the kind of person Miguel was. Miguel didn't even know that yet. He had lost who he was and he was still figuring himself out.

Miguel suddenly smiled at the thought of the major loophole to the wizard's words.

If you initiated the flirting first, he could roll with it. Stephen didn't give him any sort of level to adhere by, except for explicit sober consent from you.

He had a sudden thought that you were still watching him through the window, and he stopped to look over his shoulder. You were there, up on the window where people normally shouldn't be, smiling, your face lighting up when he locked eyes with you and you began to wave in a silly manner. He waved back and felt his face heat up even more. The heat was threatening to sneak on down to his nether regions, but with a quick thought process change, he saved himself from a surprise erection.

What also helped that surprise erection disappear, were the sudden 'ooo's' and 'ah's' and kissing sounds coming from Lyla.

"Shhh. Stop it. Please?" He covered the faceplate of the watch with that deep heat in his cheeks returning full force.

"You like her." She giggled back.

Miguel didn't answer. He started to walk again and picked up his pace as he swiped away Lyla's face and began going through his messages. Stephen had given Lyla the app details and she downloaded the program. It was an app that Peter and the others had worked on for communications between the Spiders and the different hero factions they were a part of.

He saw he was added to three chats. One was the room for the Spiders, and it was named 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiders'. Since being added only that morning, there had been an overwhelmingly large amount of texts. He decided to wait until he got back to his hotel to check those.

Another was set to an unnamed chat that contained Stephen, America, Peter, and you. He assumed that was the house chat.

And the last chat thread had been started with just your name at the top of the box. That one made a deep grin form onto his face. It was a simple, yet funny greeting.

5:01am

You:

Hello there, handsome. It's me, the bane of your existence! Lol.

He happily replied and sent back a message.

9:23am

Miguel:

Haha, very funny.

As he was sending the message, he heard a car door open to his left. With a quick sidestep, he avoided the door. A man got out and slammed the door shut as he turned away from Miguel. His collar was up, hiding his face, while the man wore a newsboy cap with the rim over his eyes. The man lit up a cigarette and appeared to be leaning on the cab as he typed away on his phone. He was clearly agitated.

Miguel didn't want to have a hassle with some random guy right after leaving your presence, while still in full view of the Sanctum. He promised the wizard that he would behave himself during his stay here.

That cabbie brought the phone up his ear, and his voice went from frustrated and angry to calm and collected. He wasn't calm for very long, and he started to cry and rub at his face with his sleeve as he pleaded into the microphone.

"Hola. Last call for now. I'll try again tomorrow if I haven't heard from ya by then.-" The sound of that man's voice hit Miguel's ears and he felt a knot twist in his gut. He sounded so God damned familiar, and he couldn't place why.

*- I miss you, my pretty little star, mi estrella. Te extraño mucho. Please consider giving me a call. Te amo…"

And there it was.

The Spanish accent that sounded a little too close to his own. The jet black hair that was slicked under the back of the man's hat and over his olive skin. The little nickname he had heard clear as day in his dream. The one the grey suited man had affectionately referred to you as, right before Miguel took his place.

He took a quick glance at the license plate and subtly took a picture of it with his watch. He even got the man in the photo frame as well. After, he took a video of him typing away on his phone and he turned his head, as if he were about to look at Miguel.

Miguel was quick to speed up and leave, turning down an alleyway and going to his hotel as he shot you a text to message him if you needed him for any reason. The man only caught a streak of him leaving and thought nothing of it as he got back into his cab and drove off.

***

When Miguel left, you found yourself quickly clambering up the wall to the large circular symbol in the glass. You peered out the window to watch him walk away while Stephen chuckled and gave you privacy. You were sure you looked insane, like a gecko stuck to a glass tank, sideways, face close to the glass, but not exactly touching it.

Miguel's ass looked quite nice in those sweats as he was walking away. Your eyes followed him as his form got smaller and smaller. He turned around and saw you, which made you blush and bite your lower lip. You waved. He waved. You smiled. He smiled. He turned around and kept going, and your eyes lowered back down to his rear. It wasn't until he nearly collided with a car door, when your eyes darted away from that scrumptious bottom.

Your heart dropped.

It was Jake. He was wearing a scowl as he absently tossed a middle finger at Miguel for nearly getting in his way and he slammed his door. The sound was so loud, you could hear it. You even saw Miguel wince and quickly move away from him, but not too far as he stared at the audacity of the other man. It didn't look like he had seen Jake's face. If he did, you just knew he would have stopped dead in his tracks and confronted him.

You watched as your heart sped up, thudding harshly in your chest as Jake didn't even look back at Miguel while he pulled out his phone. You gulped as you heard your phone down on the table start to ring and vibrate against the old wood. All you could do was dumbly look down at it while it skittered about making a horrible buzzing noise accompanied with Jake's ringtone.

After six rings, it stopped and the lights went dim. You sighed in relief and relaxed, but then it started to buzz again. You let go of the window and dropped to the floor, eyes not leaving the device. You brought both hands to rest against the table as you leaned over it, glaring when you saw his name flashing across the screen, along with the one photo of his stupid face in that stupid hat of his that you forgot to remove from the phone contact list.

Again the phone stopped, and this time it went to voice-mail. The phone was quiet for a moment, until the voice-mail registered and the screen lit up while the phone vibrated to alert you to a new message.

You let go another heavy breath of air and relaxed, resting your head against the desk and sighing. Maybe he had given up, maybe he wasn't. You had no way of knowing.

However, you did know that Jake must have come back and seen the car missing. He must have panicked when he saw that the house was stripped bare of anything you owned. He was probably actively looking for you.

But he had no idea where you were, right?

Right?

You bit your lower lip and picked up the phone, going straight to look at the alerts and call history. You could see one from Miguel, but it had to wait until you inspected the ones from Jake, first.

Jake had actually called you five times. He left four voice mails. Before listening to them, you checked your text messages. He had sent you around ten of them, right after you had sent Miguel a message and put the phone down for breakfast.

***

6:37am

Jake:

Heya, doll. I'll be coming into town in thirty. See you soon. I missed you a whole lot.

7:02am

Jake:

You still like those Redbulls? I got a couple cases of the ones ya like.

7:07am

You have missed a call from Jake Lockley.

7:08am

You have a new voice-mail from Jake Lockley.

7:10am

Jake:

Is this a joke? Real funny.

7:16am

Jake:

Mi estrella? Hello?

7:21am

Jake:

I talked to the neighbors. They said they saw you packing and getting rid of things. Did you go to the school you were talking about? I must have forgotten.

7:29am

You have missed a call from Jake Lockley.

7:32am

You have a new voice-mail from Jake Lockley.

7:43am

Jake:

Where are you?

7:46am

Jake:

I found the sale papers for the car. Why did you sell it? Was there something wrong with it? Why did you sell it to Clint?

8:07am

Jake:

I called Clint. He said you sold it to him like two weeks after I left. Said you didn't need it and never used it. I'm not mad or upset. It's your car. I'm going to go grab some breakfast and call ya in a bit.

8:45am

You have missed a call from Jake Lockley.

8:50am

You have a new voice-mail from Jake Lockley.

9:13am

Jake:

I am getting worried, here. At least respond to me, so I know you're safe.

9:20am

You have missed a call from Jake Lockley.

9:27am

You have a missed call from Jake Lockley.

9:28am

You have a new voice-mail from Jake Lockley.

9:30am

Jake:

Please, sweetheart. Please reply. I know I said we were on a break, but I came back. I just had to see you. I have only a week, before I gotta go back. I'm sorry. Please, mi estrella?

The messages were sweet and sad. Your heart panged for Jake. He was acting lost without you. He wasn't even showing any signs of being angry. He was clearly worried about you and your safety.

You dialed up your voice-mail and waited to hear his voice.

"Hola! How is my beautiful girl, eh? I see a lot of empty space. What's going on here? Are you renovating? The mailbox is pretty full."

When the message finished playing, you frowned. He sounded nervous, like he was pretending to be optimistic and happy. You could hear the disappointment in his voice. You waited for the next one to play.

"Did you… Did you go to that university that you were talking about? Ya said something about a Stark scholarship a few times. It looks to me like… Like ya moved out. I hope not. There's literally nothing of yours left here, except the junk mail. Uh, anyways, please shoot me a call back."

Now his voice had melted into a hollow tone. You almost cried, but you held them back.

You remembered how violent and volatile he was towards others. Miles had seen him beat the crap out of a few people. Gwen had reported seeing him yelling at gang members... And both Peter and Stephen had some not so nice things to say about him. What if his next voice-mails were rude and belligerent?

What if he threatened you?

"Hola, sweetheart! I am just calling to be sure you know that I support whatever decision you are making. I know you're probably mad at me right now. I get that. That's okay. If you don't want to see me again, please just let me know. I promise I'll leave you alone, once I know that you are okay. Please?"

Your heart broke at his begging and pleading. His voice was cracking and he sounded like he was sniffling. Was he crying? He never did that around you.

"Hola. Last call for now. I'll try again tomorrow if I haven't heard from ya by then. I miss you, my pretty little star, mi estrella. Te extraño mucho. Please consider giving me a call. Te amo…"

By now Jake sounded quite depressed. He wasn't yet giving up, but for today he claimed that he was.

But wait… Did he just admit to loving you? You had to play the message again, and it made you feel both extremely good, and terribly sad.

Now you were crying as you set the phone down. You paced around the room for a long moment, then remembered he was just down the street. With a quick couple of jumps and flips, you got back up to the window and looked to see if he was still there. You completely missed your phone's muffled buzzing again as it sat on your sweater.

He was just getting back into his cab and you cursed to yourself. There would be no way to chase him down with the way he drove. You had a hunch he was looking around the city for any sign of you. You thought about telling someone of what you saw, but then that would just freak everyone out for no reason. You decided to wait and see what happened and kept it a secret for now. You weren't going to reply, not yet anyways, but he'd know you read the messages.

***

Jake was anxious as he walked through a park he used to take you to. It was close to the bridge, with his favorite taco truck near by. He always enjoyed looking at the lights up there. He once admitted to you that he would sit here and smoke weed while watching the Spider-Folk go about their business across the buildings in the night sky.

What he didn't reveal, was that he was there to specifically watch you. How he adored your outfit and the way you'd gracefully leap about with those lights, or swing with your webs. He missed coming out at night for his cabbie job, because he spent most of the night following you around, making sure you were safe.

He even kept his secrets to himself, secrets that would have made everything easier for the both of you if only you knew.

It was the middle of the day, and he sighed as he sat down on a bench with a couple of pork carnitas and watched the boats on the water go by. He chain smoked for a while and eventually went back to his car to drive around for a few hours. He didn't catch any sight of you, but he did see Bruce Banner walking with Natasha Romanoff, hand in hand.

That image made him feel smaller. He had that with you, and he just had to go and fuck it up by not being honest with you.

By nightfall, he found himself driving lazily down a strip of cheap motels with bars and pubs across the street. He wanted to keep himself occupied and his mind off of you, so he went looking for fares.

A few hours in, he'd made a good chunk of money. A bunch of college frat boys needed rides up to a dormitory, and that took up most of his time to make three separate trips. He didn't mind. It was a fair and honest rate and they all tipped him quite well. One of them even handed him a bottle of whiskey and a bag of weed, before he stumbled off to his dorm.

Jake was just making a turn down Bleeker street when he noticed a sparkle of orange on the roof. His foot hit the pedal and he sped up to get closer. Once he was close enough, he parked the cab and got out to get a better look.

There on the roof was one of those portals he'd heard so much about. Jake frowned and watched as you leapt on through and set off some lights into the air. A moment later, a black and red Spider-Man was zipping towards the roof from the left, while the white Ghost-Spider came flying down from the right.

Jake's frown grew wider at the sight of that, but he was relieved that he didn't see the large Spider-Man. He was almost going to call you again, but when he checked his messages, he saw that you left him on read.

He sighed and almost gave up. He decided to have another cigarette and a drink from the booze he was given as he waited a few more minutes, before he would consider leaving you alone.

He was half way through his cigarette when a very tall man walked past him while talking to his watch. He was wearing a baseball cap, his hair falling out the sides and hiding his face. He was wearing sunglasses. At night. Jake raised an eyebrow, but the man was fully occupied. Whatever. He wasn't important. It didn't matter anyways, as the guy just dipped into the pizza place and out of sight.

His attention was caught by the OG Spider-Man walking through the portal, and you going back inside. He grumbled about that, hoping you'd come back out soon.

***

It was exactly an hour before the meet up time, and Miguel was patiently waiting in line to make the pizza order. He was getting what he got last time, while you had sent him a list of what everyone else wanted. There was an extra large pepperoni and mushroom for Miles and Gwen, a pesto linguini for the doctor, and two boxes of wings for you and Peter. After he ordered and got the food, he made his way back to the Sanctum.

On his short little walk, he passed by a cabbie faced away from him that was smoking and drinking a rye and coke in a can. The light was off on the cab, and the man looked exhausted as he blankly stared ahead and power smoked what smelled like weed to Miguel. He chuckled and passed by the poor tired man without another thought, without even looking at his face.

It was New York at night after all.

When Miguel arrived at the Sanctum doors, you greeted him and beamed at the food in his arms

"Heya, big guy! Good to see you!" You said while grabbing his arm. With a tug, you went trotting over to the library, Miguel happily following you and enjoying your hand on his bicep. The door closed itself and Miguel noticed, finding it creepy.

"Stephen! The food is here! Can you please open up a portal to the roof, again? His hands are full." You asked the doctor, who had been peacefully doing Sudoku a moment ago. He looked up at you, then at the bags in Miguel's hands, then raised a brow.

"Oh, uh, before we go up, here's your green pasta." Miguel quickly handed the man his take out box. Stephen's mouth just barely curled upwards, showing Miguel that the man was appreciative of the meal.

"Thank you. The others are waiting upstairs." Stephen said as he opened a portal and went right to work unboxing and eating his food with chopsticks that appeared from thin air. When you got through the portal, Miles stood up and pointed.

"That's the guy?!" He was not subtle, nor was he quiet about his shock and clear disdain for seeing Miguel's face.

"Yes, Miles. That's the guy." Gwen said as she grabbed his arm and tugged him back a bit. The young man was furious to see that face.

"Ya got some nerve, Lockley! Showing your face after what you did to her!" Miles hissed. In an instant Gwen had slapped her hand over his mouth and quietly apologized to Miguel. You decided to speak up and explain.

"Miles. This is Miguel O'Hara. This is not Jake Lockley. Yes, they look a lot alike, but this man isn't my ex. He is one of us. Please welcome him."

"Yeah. He's alright." Peter piped up. Miguel gave him a confused looking eyebrow raise at the lack of mentioning the broken arm. Was Peter just going to pretend it didn't happen? Either way, his calmness was bleeding through to Miles, and the young man calmed down enough to sit.

"Miguel will be patrolling with us from now on. I figure having a massive brick wall on the team will help out with all the smaller Spiders we have." Peter continued as he dug into the food.

Okay. So it did look like he wasn't going to mention the arm.

"What powers does he have?" Miles asked.

"Uh, the usual spider stuff. I have super strength, stamina, speed, agility, dexterity, durability… I can jump thirty feet, more if I absolutely have to. I have sharp fangs that secrete a paralyzing toxin…" He opened his mouth and showed Miles his teeth.

"... Oh, and I have retractable claws." He finished as he held his hands up to show his talons. Miles gawked then looked up at Miguel's face.

"What spider bit you? Did you see it?" Miles asked. Miguel's face scrunched up in annoyance.

"Uh… Well, about that… I did this to myself."

"What!?"

"Yeah… I was experimenting with genetics, and I had a sample of some superhuman Spider DNA, then an accident happened at work, and well… This happened. I bulked up over night, got taller, and I could see better… But I now have an intolerance to bright lights." He explained it like it wasn't a big deal. You suspected there was more to it, but you didn't dare ask in front of the others.

You just wanted to get through tonight.

***

"I don't understand. We have business to attend to, my son." A gravelly voice boomed through the silent night.

"Yeah, yeah, I know. I have time." Jake's voice replied. The sounds of metal clicked and snapped, and a flame lit the dark alley up once again. His face was visible, a white stick stuck in the corner of his mouth as he puffed away.

"You have exactly seven days. Seven days, and you go back to Egypt, no matter what." The louder voice hissed, while the quieter and calmer man shot a death glare at the other.

"Mierda, get off my back. You know I'll get us back there in time."

"Are you sure? You said that the last time, and Steven woke up in a ditch, covered in blood, when he had just been at work for a double shift." The comment drew a string of silent curses from Jake as he tapped his cigarette.

"That was my mistake. I didn't get back before the sun came up. At least there was a dead deer on the road, so he just assumed he hit it."

"On his bicycle? Really?"

"Whaddya want from me? They still have no idea I exist."

"Uh huh. They also have no idea you've been dicking down a Spider for the last three years, while Marc's been married to Layla for half of that time."

"It doesn't matter. They broke up when she found out about you."

"That's what you think. Marc left of his own accord and he lied to her about me. Steven wants them to go back to her."

"Not gonna happen. I just know if Steven and Marc see my sweet Galaxy-Spider, they'll love her, too. They'll forget all about their Scarlet Scarab."

"What? You think they will just magically forget about their wife?"

"No, but they will choose her over Layla. I am sure of it. Besides, Steven only just found out about Marc and Layla. He's only ever kissed her once." Jake argued as he summoned his suit.

"Jake, my son… Will they not be furious to find out there's another alter, and that he's been in a committed relationship for this long, with absolutely no sign of it? You basically made Marc into a cheating scumbag, without his knowledge, and Steven by association as he's made it clear that he wants Layla."

"It's different. We are different. Different lives-"

"But will she see it that way? What about Layla? She doesn't deserve this shit, and she's Taweret's Avatar now. She is fully aware that Marc has DID." The old bird said simply. Silence permeated the air as Jake power smoked the rest of his cigarette. Khonshu cleared his throat, then continued.

"And what of your precious little star Spider? Do you think she's going to be happy to find out about Layla? Or that she's married to Marc?"

More silence as Jake refused to look at his boss.

"You really think she's just going to jump back into your arms after you left like that?"

"Of course she will, it's a silent understanding."

"Riiight. And this has absolutely nothing to do with that explicit nightmare you had the other night?"

More silence.

"You better keep the dark suit on, then. It's harder to see than your white and black suit." The loud voice rumbled.

Jake didn't reply as he snuffed his smoke out between his gloved fingers and threw the butt away. He straightened his jacket and adjusted his tie while looking at himself in the windshield of the yellow taxi.

"Mierda …" Once satisfied, a dark grey mask slowly materialized onto his face, stitching itself up over his left eye. He slowly removed his hat and threw it inside of the trunk of the cab, then turned to watch the Sanctum.

He saw four different colored lines zip across the sky to a tall building, while multiple blobs of lights were deployed in the sky. Soon after, five colorful shapes were dashing across the horizon. Jake scowled when he saw another, much larger Spider with them. He took a deep breath and set off in a run to follow them in the shadows.

***

The night was going…

Well, it was going.

Between the four of you, you managed to nab a few gangsters each and drop them off at the police station. You had performed nicely, and had even forgotten the fact that Miguel was a new addition to the team. He seemed to understand what you were doing and didn't need to be verbally told.

Miles was eager to show Miguel his own powers, by demonstrating them on the four guys, right before he had caught them, while Miguel watched them drop like electrocuted flies. Gwen wasn't eager to show off at all, and her and Peter had stayed by the group they had already collected. That just left three guys to round up, and you went after them once Miles began to tie up the ones he grabbed.

Miguel was quick to follow you. He waited for your signals, and he followed your nonverbal commands perfectly. When you pointed to two guys trying to make their way through a crowded street where people were leaving from the clubs and bars. They were obviously trying to blend in, and it almost worked, but your eyes spotted them easily, as did Miguel's. Unfortunately you didn't see where the third one went.

You each picked a side of the street, concealing yourselves in the shadows as you followed them to the bus terminal by the club owned by a local gang leader. If they went inside, you would lose them, and then it would be you and Miguel tucking tail and running.

Miguel found an opening and he gave you a look and quick gesture towards the one that was going around the back of the building. You nodded, and he shot off towards the man at a terrifying speed that sent vibrations through the pavement that you could clearly feel.

That left the other guy, now leaving the safety of the crowds at a run. He moved fast for a big and out of shape guy, but you were certain that you could catch him in time. You pulled some orbs of light into existence right in front of the guy to surprise him. He screamed and swerved away from the gang hideout.

Shooting a few webs at his legs, you managed to catch him. Just as the thrill of it hit your veins, you were hit over the back of the head and passed out.

***

Miguel had seen it all happen. He was tasked to take down the one guy, while she was sent to fetch the other. He made quick work of his target, and just as he was coming back around the corner, his target tied and slung over his shoulder while he kicked and squirmed, Miguel witnessed the third man come out of the hideout and run at the other Spider. Miguel dropped the guy in his grip and sped forward.

As quick as he was, he hit the guy, but he missed the trash can lid that flew out of his hands, hitting her directly in the back of the head. He watched in horror as she made a weak sounding sigh and went down like a sack of potatoes.

A blinding rage filled him as he clambered to the man that had caused the blow to her head. The thug skittered back, his face full of terror as Miguel snarled and grabbed him by the leg. With a heavy jerk, he yanked the man towards him and bit him in the leg. The man screamed and kicked at his face.

Miguel let him go, only to watch him stagger a few car lengths away and collapse to the sidewalk. The bite had taken its toll on him, and he was now out cold and twitching. Miguel figured it was safe enough to go check on the Galaxy Spider, but when he went back to the spot she had fallen, she was gone.

Miguel panicked.

If he came back without her, the wizard would certainly be pissed. Not to mention the other Spiders would be just as displeased. Miguel looked around, his eyes darting every which way. A glinting of some sparkles in the alleyway caught his eye, and he was moving towards them with as much stealth as he could muster.

"Shock, this isn't good. My first night on patrol with her, and she gets kidnapped!" Miguel muttered to himself.

"Perhaps you should be careful about this. Approach from the rooftop." Lyla's voice hit his ears and he scaled the wall immediately with his webbing.

Once on the roof, he made his way towards the other end of the alley. He was careful to remain hidden, but in efforts to do so, he couldn't get a good look at who was hauling her away. Every turn they made, he was always just one step behind, just getting a glimpse of the dark silhouette that held a sparkling Spider.

There were a few times he lost sight of them. Lyla couldn't pick up anything from the security cameras in the area, but his nose caught the scent of flowers in the air. He followed the smell. It was paired with whatever scent the man had, which smelled like some sort of designer cologne, mixed with cigarettes, liquor, and blood.

***

Series Masterlist

***

Notes:

I hope you are liking this story so far. Please let me know. Yes, I know I put she/her instead of you at the end. It's from his POV.

***

Special thanks to:

Beta readers/Ideas:

@einno-arko @theaussiedragon

Proofreader:

@iceclaw101

Tags:

@theaussiedragon @autismsupermusicalassassin @readingfan @missdragon-1 @marvelescvpe @lunar-ghoulie @cicithemess2000 @animesnowstorm @mahbeanz @dafuqelaine @bby-lupin @paranoiac-666 @konniebon @cl0v3r-s0up @seraphine-so-pretty @jupitersmoon167 @butterflypillows @ivystoryweaver @mintellaine @bxdbxtxh15 @badbishsblog @cleothegoldfish @xxmadamjinxx @bitchyexpertprincess @sakurayuki8655-blog @jklkverr @jkthinkstoomuch @oscarissac2099 @neteyamsluvts

[shefanispeculator]

Here’s Your First Peek at Blake Shelton’s Las Vegas Honky Tonk Bar

Blake Shelton’s sprawling country bar will offer some of the best views in Las Vegas

by Janna Karel  Jan 4, 2024, 1:49pm PST

Janna Karel is the Editor for Eater Vegas.

Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, a sprawling, multi-story bar, dance hall, music venue, and restaurant, opens soon, and when it does, it may offer the best rooftop view of the Las Vegas Strip. Shelton broke ground on Ole Red in January of 2023 in front of the Horseshoe Las Vegas. Since then, construction crews have been building the four-story Tennessee-born restaurant, chefs have been developing a menu with dishes that are exclusive to Las Vegas, and Shelton’s team has been bulking up the roster of musical acts that will perform on stage beneath the 4,500-pound ceiling-mounted tractor.

The roughly 27,000-square-foot country bar has four levels. On the first floor is a stage in front of a 38-foot-tall LED screen that can project images to complement shows or be divided into smaller screens for broadcasting sports and other events. The second and third stories overlook the stage and each floor has a bar at the back and fully modular seating — meaning that each floor can offer traditional restaurant-style tables, lounge-style seating, or even have the furniture cleared away to make room for dancing.

The second floor has a first for Las Vegas — a direct walkway into the honky tonk. The elevated pedestrian walkway stretches from the Bellagio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino side of Las Vegas Boulevard to right inside the bar. Both stories have outdoor balconies, offering views of the Grand Bazaar Shops to the East and the Fountains at Bellagio to the west.

The fourth floor is up on the rooftop and will offer a more exclusive experience. Reservations will be encouraged for evening VIP dining, with semi-private cabanas and lounge seating reserved with table minimums. The rooftop will have regular dining at lunch time, then transition to nightlife service around 9 p.m. every night, with cocktail menus and entertainment unique to the fourth floor.

The view from the center Strip rooftop is panoramic, offering views from the Mandalay Bay at the south end of the Strip to the Mirage at the north end. It’s primed for viewing big events like the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix and parades for the Golden Knights or Las Vegas Aces, with more than a mile of visibility in either direction. Ole Red can seat about 670 people, or offer standing room for more than 1,100. It’s a capacity that warrants the facility’s two kitchens.

Rendering of Ole Red.

The menu will have about 17 items from Ole Red’s locations in Tennessee, Florida, and Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Chef Mark Boor spent months developing a further 17 dishes that will be unique to Las Vegas. There will be appetizers like the Turnin’ Me On loaded tots, which are rounds of house-made crispy tots piled high with truffle salt, bacon, parmesan, herbs, a sweet bourbon onion and tomato jam, and a smoked black bean aioli. Shrimp corn dogs are Boor’s answer to “Vegas-ifying” the corn dog — coating skewers of shrimp in a light and flaky batter, served with three types of aioli. Boor says his favorite dish, and one he expects to be a crowd-pleaser, is the blackberry crispy chicken sliders. The three mini sandwiches are layered with sweet blackberry compote, a tangy whipped goat cheese spread with jalapenos, cabbage, and super crispy chicken on brioche buns.

Leaning into the West Coast-adjacent location, the menu will have a street corn salad with roasted corn and cotija cheese and mahi-mahi tacos with slaw and avocado. The Hell Right burger is 10 ounces of ground short rib, brisket, and chuck with hatch green chiles, pepper jack cheese, and smoked mushrooms — the result a super juicy burger requiring a two-hand grip. And there’s also the Ole Red ribeye, a 20-ounce bone-in ribeye with spiced chipotle butter, horseradish mashed potatoes, and crunchy slaw.

Ole Red Las Vegas and Ryman Hospitality Properties say that this will be the chain’s largest location to date. With a focus on live country music, the bar will predominantly boast a soundtrack of acoustic solo artists during the day, bands in the evening, and even DJs performing after dark. General manager, Ryan Klaasen says that on most days, the restaurant will be organized for lunch service through the afternoon, and then the tables and booths may take on whatever redecorating is needed to accommodate the night’s entertainment.

“I’ve been coming here a long time. I hosted award shows and worked concerts and was a fan and witness to Gwen Stefani’s residency,” Shelton said at an announcement for the bar last January. “And every time I’m here, I want to see some damn country music.” Shelton said he expects that Ole Red will welcome talent from unsigned singers and artists previously featured on The Voice. He’s also pitched a night in which visitors play talent scouts, listening to music from country artists in a venue with concert-quality production.

While Ole Red doesn’t have an opening date yet, it is expected to open within the next few weeks.

[sunlightamed]

𓆩⟡𓆪 ━━━━━━ PROMPTS.

hello! this was pre - written, as i was too excited to not prepare everything beforehand. if you'd like to plot or grab any of the following prompts / ideas, or just ramble to make a dynamic, feel free to message me on discord at @ barely / elix, since i tend to accidentally overlook tumblr ims. if you need to communicate via tumblr, then by all means, i'll make it work!

so, klee is open for the mondstadt - affiliated prompt, listed as the following:

[ MONDSTADT ] Such a joyous season leaves Mondstadt feeling rather cozy, doesn’t it? A small town, a place where everyone knows everyone, and The Angel’s Share is looking to capitalize on that. It’s a karaoke night at the Angel’s Share, and you’re invited. Feel free to attend and help build community bonds through a night of singing and drinking (must be of legal drinking age).

she is not of age, of course, so her main focus will be on partying!! and singing!! however, the probability of chaos is quick to follow her, so for your safety, maybe don't ( or maybe do ) use the NEW, ADORABLE, SUPER CUTE, WINTER - THEMED: DODOCO MICROPHONES!! the ones she crafted from a few scraps lying about albedo's lab, glitter, and gunpowder. they're cute, they're red, they're white, they got snowflakes decorating the base, they're definitely not bombs; everything you'd ever want from klee!

additionally, i'm peeking at the [ LIYUE ] and [ SUMERU ] commissions to start off with, though this will need an affiliated muse as a partner. klee would be a great bodyguard for the sumeru excavators ( "bodyguard" was a title she wrote on her totally credible resume, after all ) and is hardly a stranger to absolutely destroying hilichurls easily.

and, lastly, for the unaffiliated options, i'm peeking at the both the [ HILLICHURL ] and the [ FOOD DELIVERY ] commissions! though klee is a pronounced enemy of hillichurls, she'd like to work with them! you can tooootally count on her to get the test subjects without hurting them. totally. and the same goes for the food! the only hard part might be not adding extra things in the cart... who wouldn't enjoy an extra radish or cabbage in their bag :pleading:

other prompts or ideas not listed on the commission board are totally cool too, including asks! especially if you're a knights of favonius member. come collect your little sister! ( and for other muses, come meet your soon - to - be little sister! )

[tansyuduri]

Wip Snippits

tagged by @shana-rosee

So Uh I'm somhow working on a few fics. SOO UM editing one, and writing two others due partly to a prompt I got in my inbox after asking a question So er! Here's a bit from the sequel to the one I'm posting on A03 now Found a bit that doesn't have too much in the way of spoilers! So from Let Our Souls Fight Together

“I hope I make the right choices…'' Merlin began “Goddess I hope I’m wise enough to make the right choices and it's not like last time. I will make the right choices. I won’t let it be like last time”

From his position a few yards away Arthur took a step forward and then found himself Instantly just a step away from Merlins side. 

As Merlin looked at him wide eyed Arthur realized that Merlin would never make the right choices, He wasn’t capable of that. Hadn’t he proved that before from all he had told Arthur.. His choices had meant Arthur died And Gwaine, and others. And he had to protect himself and his knights this time. He had to…

“Arthur..” Merlin watched him warily and Arthur’s mind rebelled. Had he just been thinking he had to kill Merlin? the man he loved?…That didn’t make sense… Hurting Merlin made no sense, but he had to do it. For the sake of the knights, For the sake of Merlin himself. Merlin would not be able to suffer if he was dead, it was really the best thing to do for him as well.

Merlin dead…His entire being rebelled against the idea. It was unthinkable. It was horrible. He would not let that happen. But what if he had too? All the people of Albion were in danger now, and it was Merlin that could harm them. 

“You want to hurt them.” His voice sounded uncertain to his own ears.

“Arthur.” Merlin took a step forward “Arthur..” His hands were held up appeasingly” You’re being controlled by the Sidhe. They are in your mind… Arthur, listen to me!”

That didn’t make sense, the sidhe were not in his mind, he would have known, This was Merlin lying to Arthur, as he had so many times before, He couldn’t be trusted, Arthur had to do something his mind screamed was unthinkable. He had to kill Merlin before more of his words could try to twist at Arthur. He didn’t want to kill Merlin. But he had too. His hand moved toward the blade at his side.

Merlin stepped forward and caressed Arthur’s cheek with his hand. “I need you to trust me Arthur , whatever you are thinking right now is not real. You’re my dollopheaded prat of a fiance and I’m apparently your idiot. I do not agree with that title for me by the way, Now fight whatever is in your mind right now cabbage head. Fight it!” 

For the first time Arthur became aware of the presence in his head, it had been ready for begging, for pleading, for many things. It had not been ready for insults and the depths of meaning and love behind them. Now aware of it, Arthur thrust it away as hard as he could. He staggered slightly

Merlin moved to brace him. “They are not red anymore. You did it.” He looked proud of Arthur but there were other things to address besides how that look made him feel. Important things to address.

“MERLIN you idiot! why didn’t you use magic!” Arthur snapped  “I nearly had my hand on on my sword!” 

Now from the two I am just now writing one is in Gwens court post Camlann cannon verse. As you can expect NOBODY is having a good time in the begining of the fic. POV character will include Merlin, Gwen, and two suprises. One of whom we know from one episode of the show. This work is as of yet untitled.

Guinevere Pendragon woke up to crimson stained sheets and could not letting out an angished scream. The queen and ruler of camelot immediately pressed a clean part of the sheets to her mouth to stifle the sound coming from it,

There it was crushing the hopes and dreams she had been desperately clinging to. She was not pregnant with Arthur’s child. What's more she would have to marry again. Gwen was not ready to marry again. 

The queen of camelot took deep breaths to calm herself. In out. In out. She had been hoping, but perhaps it had been silly to hope. She had not gotten pregnant with a child in four years of marriage. Why would that suddenly change now? Still it would have been a comfort to find herself finally pregnant and when her courses did not come exactly on time she had allowed herself to think it. For two wonderful days she had allowed herself to daydream. Hope mingling with grief so raw it felt like there was a knife in her chest. That was over now, And she had to face the facts. Arthur was gone, She had no child to remember him by and soon enough she would have to marry and have a child who could be heir to the kingdom. She owed it to Camelot to secure the succession. She owed it to Arthur to try to keep the kingdom at peace. And it hurt. It hurt so badly.

Another deep breath and she composed herself enough to face her maidservant Once she had hoped she could find someone like Merlin had been to Arthur, well not exactly like Merlin had been to Arthur but a friend. She had tried with Sefa, she had tried with others. It never worked. Also I had a prompt about doing an AU of Servant of two masters where merlin does not get captured. I have some ideas! here is a bit of it?

Being carried caused pain. Trying to move himself caused worse pain. But as a pair of the mercenaries came into view, one aiming an arrow at Arthur's back from the rocks above, Merlin ingored that pain. He gasped in agony and used alll his willpower to ajust his body. To cover their likely target: Arthur. The world faded in and out of focus.

The Arrow pierced Merlin's back halfway though his gasped warning to Arthur. Pain. So much pain. Merlin's world became more of a haze. He could feel Arthur moving… fighting off the enemy but knew another arrow would be coming. In his last moment of lucidity he managed to make the archer fall from the rocks above with his magic. He could do nothing else. The world became a haze and stayed that way

Um! I TAG! @catsconflictscopicsandchamomile @saurix5 @247merthur @kadenemrys @poisonedfate

AND anyone in the merlin fandom who sees this and wants to join

[reprisalet]

𝙧𝙚𝙮𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙙𝙡𝙖𝙣.

personal information

gender: cis male

age: 101

height: 6’0”

crest/holy blood: N/A

class: heron laguz (default POR/RD class)

affiliation: knights of seiros, newly-united kingdom of the bird laguz tribes 

personal history

Begnion Year 548 - born to King of Herons Lorazieh of Serenes Forest and his wife, the second-youngest of at least four children (Rafiel and Lillia older, Leanne younger); he had a fairly uneventful upbringing as a prince within the forest, and during his childhood years he and his younger sister fostered a friendship with King Naesala of Kilvas

Begnion Year 625 - Massacre of Serenes forest, the people of the Begnion massacred the herons of Serenes as ‘revenge’ for an empress the herons never murdered; Reyson and his father were, at the time, assumed to be the only survivors; rescued by King Tibarn of Phoenicis and sheltered along with his father within the kingdom of hawks

Begnion Year 626 - piracy and pillaging perpetuated by the Hawk and Raven Tribes against the Begnion Empire (by hawks) and all human ships (by ravens), actively encouraged by Reyson, as acts of vengeance for the massacre

Bengion Year 645 - Mad King’s War, Reyson:

is sold into slavery by Naesala, manages to escape the estate of Duke Tanas

reunites with his sister (Leanne) in what he still considers a genuinely miraculous occurrence

reconciles with Begnion after Empress Sanaki’s heartfelt apology and began early steps in mending beorc-laguz relations

joins with the Greil Mercenaries/Crimean Army and aids Princess Elincia in reclaiming her occupied homeland

Begnion Year 646 - End/aftermath of the Mad King’s War; returns to Phoenicis with Tibarn

Begnion Year 648 - Laguz Alliance goes to war with Begnion Empire, Reyson (and Serenes by extension) allies with the Laguz Alliance, fighting against Begnion and the Kingdom of Daein, until such time as the war escalated far enough to wake the goddess Ashera

Begnion Year 648-49 - After the reversal of Ashera’s Judgment, Reyson assists the newly united bird tribes in making their home in Serenes under King Tibarn; he finds himself well-suited to politics

Begnion Year 649/Imperial Year 1181 - took a position at Garreg Mach Monastery as a Knight of Seiros in pursuit of self-betterment and growth, to see/experience the word beyond the borders of Tellius

personal information

interests. harp-playing, other instruments, singing, gardening, training, flower pressing likes. open skies, ocean breeze, father/siblings, neutral colors, forest animals, seeing combat dislikes. enclosed spaces, dark places, time-wasting, being perceived as weak status. second prince of serenes / knight of seiros close allies. tibarn, naesala, leanne, rafiel, ike, janaff, ulki (toa-specific friends tba as he forms more rp connections)

dining hall preferences

[ or: maybe just don’t invite him to dine with you if there’s meat involved ]

likes. Sweet Bun Trio, Peach Sorbet, Country-Style Red Turnip Plate okay. Saghert and Cream, Vegetable Pasta Salad, Vegetable Stir-Fry dislikes. Beast Meat Teppanyaki, Pickled Rabbit Skewers, Daphnel Stew, Gronder Meat Skewers, Derdriu-Style Fried Pheasant, Onion Gratin Soup, Grilled Herring, Fish and Bean Soup, Fruit and Herring Tart, Fisherman’s Bounty, Fish Sandwich, Two-Fish Saute, Bourgeois Pike, Sauteed Jerky, Spicy Fish and Turnip Stew, Sweet and Salty Whitefish Saute, Super-Spicy Fish Dango, Sauteed Pheasant and Eggs, Garreg Mach Meat Pie, Cheesy Verona Stew, Pickled Seafood and Vegetables, Gautier Cheese Gratin, Cabbage and Herring Stew, Small Fish Skewers, Fried Crayfish

dining hall quotes

favorite dish. “i could eat this every day and never tire of it.” other dish. “i’m happy to have been invited to dine with you.” least favorite dish. “unfortunately i cannot eat this. please, have my portion. no—i insist. i’ll not repeat my mistakes.” with tibarn. “it has been some time since we have been able to sit down and have a meal together, hasn’t it? we should do this more often.” with naesala. “careful. this one will steal the food from your plate if you turn away.” with rafiel or leanne. “is the food to your liking? here, let me fetch us more.”

teatime guide

favorite tea: sweet-apple blend, honeyed-fruit blend conversation topics: a place you’d like to visit. animals around the monastery. capable comrades. close calls. dining partners. dreamy knights. gardening mishaps. hopes for your future. music. our first meeting. overcoming weaknesses. past laughs. plans for the future. the view from the bridge. the last battle. working together. you seem different. you’re doing great work. 

teatime quotes

greeting. “thank you for inviting me. i will admit, i haven’t taken much time to relax lately. this should help.” favorite tea. “ah, this is delicious. i’ll be wanting a second cup soon.”

BEING OBSERVED.

“did you need something? my wings are unusual here, i know, but don’t stare too long or i’ll suspect ill intent.”

“keep staring at me like that and you’ll be wearing this tea soon enough.”

“oh? can i help you with something?”

QUIPS.

“i see.” 

“let me see that.”

“mhm.”

“what’s in these desserts…?”

“ah, do you hear that? the wind blowing through the trees…”

FINAL COMMENT.

“i think that some of the others are still worried about me. if someone mentions it, tell them i’m fine, would you?” answer: sigh, admonish

“the architecture here is rather imposing, is it not? why do temples to goddesses always reach so… high?” answer: chat

“it pains me to admit it, but I used to be a bit… hot-headed. i believe i’ve calmed down since meeting ike. why are you giving me that look? if you think I’m bad now, just know i was once worse.” answer: laugh, praise

“fódlan’s goddess seems so distant. but she hears prayers given through song, so if you require a strong voice to add melody to your own, i am here.”  answer: blush, nod

“i have a lot of work to do, for the knights. it’s nice to actually be able to give back for once, rather than just be assisted by others.” answer: disagree

“there’s a lot more room to fly than you might think in this place. borrow a mount from the stables and take to the skies with me sometime.” answer: chat, nod

END QUOTE.

“i’ll admit it, a break like this was good for me. invite me again sometime, won’t you?”

gift guide

favorite gifts. carnation, watering can, training weight, owl feather disliked gifts. smoked meat, hunting dagger

GIFT QUOTES.

disliked gift. “you’re… uh... it was very kind of you to think of me.” liked gift. “for me? i don’t know what to say.” favorite gift. “i will treasure this. now what shall i get you in return?”

lost items

item one. silver bracelet. description. an ornate piece of silver jewelry. the metal knotwork is like nothing you’ve ever seen. though it appears delicate, it shows no sign of breaking when held. location found. knights’ quarters common area.

item two. sheet music. description. heavily annotated sheet music, clearly handwritten and many-times revised. written using the grand staff, so this likely belongs to a pianist or harpist. location found. chapel.

item three. white feather. description. what a pretty feather! but you haven’t seen any all-white birds around the monastery, have you? location found. bridge.

LOST ITEM QUOTES.

owner. “ah, yes, that is mine. embarrassing that i misplaced it so easily.” not owner. “is this a joke? do you think i would own something like that?”

monastery lines

choir practice. “there is something nostalgic about this. now if only these students could all actually harmonize…” cooking. “i’m not very good at this. but let’s see, if we add this… and a little of this…”

tutoring

INSTRUCT.

bad. “i will get it next time!” great. “just so.” great. “i understand now.” perfect. “i will continue with this momentum.” when praised. “this was the result of my determination, that’s all.”

CHORES.

stable duty. “let’s get this done quickly. the horses are well taken care of, but we can always improve upon what comes before. if you like, i can tell you which horses like you best.”

weeding / clearing rubble. “this is rather intense work, is it not? but i will not drag you down.”

sky watch. “how high can you fly? i think we will have a better view if we go this way.” ( with tibarn ) “we’re to patrol together? then i will stay by your side. lead on.”

CERTIFICATION EXAMS.

failed. “how embarrassing… i will endeavor to improve for next time.” passed. “i’m pleased with this result. should i get back to work?”

LECTURE QUESTIONS.

approach. “pardon me…” question. “I have been told by a number of people recently that they are… concerned with how close to the front lines I am getting. While I recognize my own limitations, I simply can’t provide any useful support from the back. Also, I do not want to be given special treatment. How should I best allay their concerns?”

> “i’ll put you where you’ll be of the most use.” ( best answer ) > “people are just worried about you. you need to understand where they’re coming from.” ( worst answer ) > “there are many things to keep track of on the battlefield. let your friends know that the circumstances may change from moment to moment, but that you trust them and expect them to trust you, too.” ( ok answer )

UPDATE GOALS.

“i’m very interested in the faith magic of this land. there are many ways to heal a wound, and i want to become better at them. would you give me a chance to explore how it reacts with my galdrar, and help me with this method of study?”

LEVEL UP.

zero to two stats up. “forgive me… i have disappointed myself most of all…” three or four stats up. “i am improving, though this battle is rather chaotic.” five stats up. “ah, there is strength within me after all.” six stats up. “i feel as though i can keep fighting. the spirit of order is with me, it seems.” upon reaching max lvl. “i think… i may be at my peak. a shame.”

NEW SKILL.

“i’ll put this to good use.” “i'm learning much.” “now tell me what to do with this.”

RECLASSING.

“If this is the path to true strength, I will follow it.”

battle quotes

white clouds chapter one. three houses  retreat quote ( mock battle )

“ugh… forgive me, but i’ve exhausted myself with this…”

white clouds chapter two. familiar scenery first kill

“oh, my. did i… actually do that?”

WHEN SELECTED.

full/high hp. “show me where to go.” medium hp. “i’m fine. don’t give me special treatment.” low hp. “i can keep going… i’m not weak…”

ENEMY MISSES.

“not quite!”

CRITICAL ATTACK.

“get back!” “unforgivable!”

GAMBIT.

“well, how about we try this? follow my lead, now.” “we are stronger together.”

GAMBIT BOOST.

“let me lend you my voice!”

DEFEATED ENEMY.

“oh…”

ALLY DEFEATS ENEMY.

“well done!” “impressive.”

ALLY HEALS/RALLIES.

“i will repay you.”

DEATH/RETREAT QUOTES.

casual. “ugh... i've done all i can to help you... forgive me for retreating early…”

classic. “so this is as far as i go… rafiel, leanne, father… forgive me, i did not mean to reduce our numbers further…”

advice box

question. “since coming here, i have received a number of meaningless compliments on my appearance. despite what hard work i have been doing as a knight, it seems my wings or my face are the only things people notice. it… is reminiscent of a rather unpleasant time. how do i quickly convey that i’m not an object to be coveted?”

> people are only paying you compliments because they’re intimidated by you. don’t be so uptight.

> try punching them in the nose.

> you don’t owe them any politeness. just tell them firmly to leave you be and don’t start a fight.

[dragonsdenstudiosofficial]

The Pizza Knight Saves The Princess is a fantasy-comedy choose-your-own-adventure-style visual novel being developed by Dragon's Den Studios. Set on the planet Comestibla, where everything & everyone is made of food, we play as the Pizza Knight as he tries to save his beloved Water Ice Princess from the castle of the evil Chocolate Count. You can download the demo for free HERE: https://dragons-den-studios.itch.io/the-pizza-knight-saves-the-princess

Over the course of this month I'll be posting some of the game's art to this blog! This image is a sneak peak of content only available in the full release!

This image depicts a flashback that the Pizza Knight has to his childhood after drinking one of the potions. After his father's arrest he was adopted by the Cabbage Knights, two married cabbage-folk knights working for the Water Ice Princess' parents who were looking to adopt a child; this scene takes place on the first day the young knight ever had ice cream. Their personalities are reflected in their choices of ice cream and toppings, which are based on Filipino cuisine in a nod to how the Cabbage Knights, were they human, would be of Filipino descent (the Pizza Knight would be Neapolitan Italian, natch). The Green Cabbage Knight (they/them) has a humble cone of green coconut topped with a single cherry, showing their down-to-earth and uncomplicated personality, while the Red Cabbage Knight (she/her) has a cone of ube topped with balang (locusts) to show that she's the more daring of the two in addition to being a bit of a cloudcuckoolander. The ice cream vendor is a sapin-sapin-folk, with the ice cream flavors & toppings offered inspired by popular ice cream flavors & toppings in the Philippines (or so the internet tells me, at least).

And yes, the Red Cabbage Knight is indeed wearing gherkinstocks. It had to be punned.

[ulirblood]

*.✧ edain in fodlan. ✧.*

Character Profile

PERSONAL INFORMATION.

Gender. Cis Female

Age. 25

Height. 5’4” 

Crest/Holy Blood. Minor Ullr Blood

Class. Bishop

Affiliation. Blue Lions

Personal History

Gran 738 — Born along with her twin sister Brigid in the noble house Yngvi under Duke Ring.

Gran 743 — Started studying for knighthood, lost her twin sister to sea later that gran.

Gran 750 — Gave up her knighthood in order to enter nunhood, taking the holy bow Yewfelle with her in hopes of finding and giving it to its rightful heir— her previously lost at sea twin sister. 

Gran 757 — Captured by the invading forces of the neighboring Verdane, saved later by an army led by Lord Sigurd of Chalphy. Decides to march with that army in the four coming gran.

Gran 761 — Barely escapes the battle of Belhalla with her life, leaving behind Jugdral and soon after enrolling in the Officer’s Academy as a professor for the Blue Lions House.

INTERESTS. Faith Magic, Sewing and Needlework, Cooking, Archery

LIKES. Family, Children, Taking care of others, Praying, Homemade gifts

DISLIKES. Fighting, Arguments, Stormy weather, Flirtatious men, Superficial compliments

STATUS. Faith Professor

CLOSE ALLIES. [currently in toa] Deirdre, Andrei, Sigurd, Leonardo, Ayra

DINING HALL PREFERENCES.

EDAIN LIKES.

Sweet And Salty Whitefish Sautee, Spicy Fish and Turnip Stew, Vegetable Pasta Salad, Onion Gratin Soup, Peach Sorbet, Cabbage and Herring Stew, Country-Style Red Turnip Plate, Pickled Seafood and Vegetables, Vegetable Stir-Fry, Fruit and Herring Tart, Pheasant Roast with Berry Sauce, Saghert and Cream (12)

EDAIN DISLIKES.

Gronder Meat Skewers, Garreg Mach Meat Pie, Peach Sorbet, Beast Meat Teppanyaki, Daphnel Stew (5)

DINING HALL QUOTES.

FAVORITE DISH. 

“This reminds me of when I would sit at dinner with my father and my siblings. What a warm feeling.”

LEAST FAVORITE DISH.

“Oh dear. I don’t think I can finish this. Would you like the rest, perhaps?”

TEA TIME GUIDE.

FAVORITE TEA. 

Crescent-Moon Tea, Chamomile, Rose Petal Blend (3)

CONVERSATION TOPICS.

A place you'd like to visit, Children at the market, Cooking mishaps, Fodlan's future, Our first meeting, Overcoming weaknesses, School days, Thanks for everything, The view from the bridge, Working together, You seem well, A dinner invitation, Perfect recipes, The ideal relationship, The existence of crests, Hopes for your future, Things you find romantic, Bonds between siblings (18)

TEA TIME QUOTES.

GREETINGS.

“Good afternoon. Thank you for inviting me.”

FAVORITE TEA.

“I’m not an avid tea drinker, but there really are just some blends that are better than others, don’t you agree?”

FIVE STAR TEA.

“Oh my, this must have been quite expensive.”

BEING OBSERVED.

(1.) “Is there something on my face?”

(2.) “You look like you have a question on your mind. What is it?”

(3.) “Stare any longer and you’re going to start reminding me of the nobles who used to vie for my attention when I was unmarried.”

QUIPS.

“I see.”

“Mhm.”

“Is that right?”

“Something wrong?”

“Let’s pray together.”

“I understand.”

INTRODUCING OWN TOPIC/FINAL COMMENTS.

“Did you know that I used to be a knight in training? It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it? Hehe.”

Answer: Laugh, Nod, Commend

“I’ve always enjoyed just sitting down and talking with others.”

Answer: Nod, Chat

“I was way more rough around the edges when I was younger, but that somehow didn’t stop various suitors from trying to get my hand in marriage.”

Answer: Admonish, Chat

“My father never forced me into doing anything I didn’t want to, so I was able to escape a political marriage thanks to him.. and my own stubbornness, hehe.”

Answer: Praise, Commend

“Nothing is more important to me than my family. Not even the lord.”

Answer: Nod, Commend, Praise

“I can see a bit of the crusader Ullr in you. You have the courage she was known for.”

Answer: Blush

“I entered nunhood when I was only twelve, and I would do it again if I was given the choice.”

Answer: Commend, Chat

“Do you think it’s wrong to not wish to fight? Sometimes I wonder if things would be better now with my family if I wasn’t afraid to shed blood in the past.”

Answer: Disagree, Admonish

“I have a good bow arm left over from my childhood spent studying and training to be a knight, but I don’t think I could make use of it in a proper fight where lives were on the line.”

Answer: Nod, Commend

END.

“This was surprisingly quite pleasant. Let me know if you’d like to do something like this with me again, i’d be happy to oblige.”

MISC DIALOGUE.

gift guide

FAVORITE GIFTS.

Gemstone Beads, Owl Feather, Goddess Statuette, Legend of Chivalry, Exotic Spices

DISLIKED GIFTS. 

Hunting Dagger, Training Weights

gift quotes

DISLIKED GIFT. 

“Erm… Why would you give me this?”

LIKED GIFT.

“Oh, this is rather nice. Thank you.”

FAVORITE GIFT.

“You know me really well. I’m going to make great use of this.”

LOST ITEMS.

Item 1. Embroidered Handkerchief

Description: A delicately embroidered handkerchief with the letter “Y” and a bow symbol embroidered into the corner. It probably belongs to someone who places importance on blood and family.

Location found: Infirmary

Item 2. Silver Talisman

Description: A fragile pendant with some sort of fake magic inscriptions running along the edge. It probably belongs to someone who believes that it’s the thought that counts.

Location found: Cathedral

Item 3.  Engraved Wedding Ring

Description:  A well-loved silver band with the initials M.E engraved on the inner ring. It probably belongs to someone who placed romantic importance on only one person their entire life.

Location found: Infirmary

LOST ITEM QUOTES.

“Oh! This is mine! I was worried sick and looking for it everywhere. Thank you so much.”

“I apologize, but this isn’t mine. It looks very lovely, though.”

battle quotes

White Clouds Chapter 1: Three Houses 

Retreat Quote (Mock Battle)

“I apologize but I can’t hang on any longer, I must retreat. You have my prayers!”

White Clouds Chapter 2: Familiar Scenery

First Kill

“May the lord forgive me for my actions.”

Monastery Lines

CHOIR PRACTICE.

“Ah, this takes me back to my nunhood. I think I still have it in me. Let me see… Ahem. Ahhh~ ♪”

COOKING.

“Did you cut your hand just now!? Don’t try to hide it from me, honey. Let me see.”

Tutoring

INSTRUCT.

“I apologize. I’ll do better next time, I promise on the lord’s name.”(Bad)

“Your teaching style is really easy to understand.”(Great)

“Hm, somehow I feel like i’m missing something in this equation still.”(Great)

“My holy blood guides me in my pursuit of knowledge.”(Perfect)

“Oh please, you don’t have to flatter me like that.”(Praise)

STABLE DUTY.

“Taking care of creatures like this wasn’t a duty afforded to me in my days of nunhood, but it’s one that I take pride in now. I believe that animals are just important to the world as humans are.”

WEEDING.

“When I first joined the nunhood, I remember being made to weed the gardens as punishment by the sisters if I ever did anything bad.”

SKY WATCH.

“I can't say i'm very experienced with this, but I'll do my best regardless.”

CERTIFICATION EXAMS.

FAILED.

“I will not lie and say I am disappointed in myself. I suppose I’ll have to study harder.”

PASSED.

“It was thanks to my ancestor that I was able to get this far and become something far greater.”

Lecture Questions

APPROACH.

“I need some advice on something.”

QUESTION.

“Professor, tell me. How would you handle a student that couldn’t understand the subject matter no matter how much you tried to explain it to them?”

ANSWERS.

> “I guess i’d have to give up on them ever getting it.” Bad Answer

> “I would find someone else to explain it to the student.” > “I would try to relate with the student and form a bond with them first, before trying again later with an empty head.” Good Answer

BAD ANSWER.

“Nevermind. I’ll look to the lord for an answer instead.”

GOOD ANSWER.

“Why didn't I think of that before? I’m glad I came to you, professor.”

UPDATE GOALS.

“I think myself far more magically inclined, and I hate having to hurt others. If I put my all into Faith, I know I can contribute more to the battlefield then I ever could with a sword or a bow.”

LEVEL UP.

“That’s rather disappointing.”(0 to 2 stats up)

“I suppose that’s agreeable, but I know I can do better.”(3 to 4 stats up)

“You can rely on me more now.”(5 stats up)

“This is all thanks to Ullr looking out for me.”(6 stats up)

“I don’t think I can get any higher than this!”(Upon reaching level 99)

NEW SKILL

“I can feel the lord granting me a new power.”

“I’ll use this new power to protect the people I love.”

“I can save more people with this.”

RECLASSING.

“The lord grants me new strength.”

BATTLE QUOTES.

WHEN SELECTED.

“Point me where you need me.”(Full/High HP)

“I can still keep going.”(Medium HP)

“Just a little more… (pained grunt)”(Low HP)

ENEMY DEALS ONE OR NO DAMAGE OR MISSES.

“That was amusing.”

CRITICAL ATTACK.

“May the lord have mercy on you!”

“You’re so pathetic.”

“Begone!”

GAMBIT.

“Follow my lead!”

“I’m stronger with my allies!”

GAMBIT BOOST.

“We can do it, together.”

DEFEATED ENEMY.

“A life taken, but many lives saved.”

ALLY DEFEATS ENEMY.

“You’re braver than I am.”

ALLY HEALS/RALLIES

“Thanks to you I can keep going.”

DEATH/RETREAT QUOTE

“I can’t take anymore. I have to retreat and take the time to recover.” (casual)

“So this is the end of me. Brother, Sister, I’m sorry. May the lord watch over you all.” (classic)

ADVICE BOX.

i. “My brother doesn’t talk about his feelings very often, but I want to be able to understand him more. How should I get him to open up to me?”

> Just be patient and listen to him when he does talk to you, even if it’s about the littlest things. Slowly but surely he will open up about the harder things to talk about. > You should pursue him relentlessly and never give him a moment alone. He’ll have no choice to talk to you then. > Bury him in gifts, then he will see that you think about him all the time and that he can trust you.

ii. “As a young woman, I often find myself dealing with a lot of flirts who only like me for superficial reasons. It gets annoying hearing how beautiful my hair is or how soft my facial features are. Why do men think women want to hear those kinds of things? ” (Question)

> You will never understand men. Give up while you’re still ahead.

> They don’t know anything about you, so they look to compliments on appearance when it comes to first meetings.

> Can you blame them when women are so beautiful? 

[fluxrspar]

Selena in Fódlan

source: shadoll

GENDER. Transgender Female (she/her)

AGE. 23

HEIGHT. 5’11” (179 cm)

BIRTHDATE. 13th of the Ethereal Moon (December 13th)

CREST/HOLY BLOOD. None 

CLASS. Magic Instructor

AFFILIATION. None. (She’s very unsure of herself at the moment.)

BIOGRAPHY. A mage knight who once served in the Imperial Army of Grado. She’s disciplined and believes in doing what is right, both for her own allies and for innocents on both sides. After falling in the War of the Stones, she miraculously awoke in Fódlan and chose to become a magic instructor as an inspiration to others. Worries that she is actually still dead.

PERSONAL HISTORY

779 - Born to a couple of common blood in the Empire of Grado.

798 - Joined the Imperial Army, later becoming the Fluorspar of the Imperial Three.

803 - The War of the Stones begins, and she falls in battle to Ephraim’s army.

804 - Awakens in Fódlan and, after some wandering, eventually arrives in the town of Garreg Mach and becomes a magic instructor at the Officers Academy.

INTERESTS. Protecting the innocent, helping others, having purpose in her life LIKES. Emperor Vigarde (before the war), teaching, magic, devoting herself to her work, being thought of, spicy foods DISLIKES. Unnecessary violence, having nothing to do, feelings of helplessness, talking about her past, sour flavors STATUS. Magic Instructor CLOSE ALLIES: N/A

DINING HALL PREFERENCES

LIKES. Saghert and Cream, Vegetable Pasta Salad, Spicy Fish and Pasta Stew, Sweet and Salty Whitefish Sauté, Sweet Bun Trio, Super Spicy Fish Dango, Peach Sorbet, Sautéed Pheasant and Eggs DISLIKES. Cheesy Verona Stew, Fish Sandwich, Pickled Rabbit Skewers, Country-Style Red Turnip Plate, Pickled Seafood and Vegetables, Gautier Cheese Gratin, Cabbage and Herring Stew, Fried Crayfish

DINING HALL NOTES

DEFAULT.  ✧

“I’m always glad to be able to spend time with others. Let’s enjoy this meal, Professor.”

FAVORITE DISH.  ✧

“This actually happens to be one of my favorites. Thank you.”

LEAST FAVORITE DISH.  ✧

“Well, I suppose if you like it, I don’t really mind too much.”

WITH EPHRAIM.  ✧

“Funny, how we began as enemies on the battlefield, and now we are sharing a meal as allies.”

WITH LYON.  ✧

“Are you enjoying your food, Prince Lyon? I am not the one who prepared the dish, however…”

WITH VALTER.  ✧

“Let us put the past behind us.”

TEA TIME GUIDE

FAVORITE TEA. Sweet-Apple Blend, Albinean Berry Blend, Honeyed-Fruit Blend CONVERSATION TOPICS. A place you’d like to visit. A word of advice. Children at the market. Equipment upkeep. Exploring the Monastery. Fódlan’s future. I’m counting on you. Monastery security. Overcoming weaknesses. Someone you look up to. Thanks for everything. The view from the bridge. You’re doing great work. Favorite sweets. Books you’ve read recently. The library’s collection.

TEA TIME QUOTES

GREETING.  ✧

(1) “You called for me, Professor?” (2) “I can’t say I’ve been to too many tea parties, but I’ll try my best to be a good guest.” (3) “A little break now and again would do me well.”

FAVORITE TEA.  ✧

“Did you pick this for me?”

FIVE STAR TEA.  ✧

“Oh, you really shouldn’t have.”

BEING OBSERVED.  ✧

(1) “Oh– I…”  (2) “I am used to such staring, but so shamelessly…” (3) “I am not a vain person, but appearances can inspire confidence.”

QUIPS.  ✧

“Yes?” “I see.”  “I hadn’t expected that.” “You mean it?” “Indeed!” “(Soft laughter)”

ENDING.  ✧

“Thank you, Professor. It seems I really needed that. Shall we do this again sometime?”

FINAL COMMENTS.  ✧

(1) Life is full of hard choices, don’t you think? It isn’t always easy to find the best path forward. ANSWER: Nod, Chat (2) While I am used to being a leader from my time in the army, teaching is… new to me. ANSWER: Laugh, Agree (3) I swore to serve my emperor the same day he saved my life. Well, I formally swore years later, but my heart was moved on that day. ANSWER: Smile, Chat (4) The gazes of some men… disturb me. I refuse to approach them about it as they don’t deserve my attention like that, but I do wish it would stop. ANSWER: Nod, Agree (5) I’ve caught glimpses of a former coworker on Academy Grounds here and there. Although he wasn’t the greatest, the fact that he’s still here attests to something. Perhaps he’s changed… ANSWER: Agree, Sip Tea

MISCELLANEOUS DIALOGUE.

GIFT GUIDE

FAVORITE GIFTS. Tasty Baked Treat, Riding Boots, Monarch Studies Book, The History of Fódlan, Legends of Chivalry DISLIKED GIFTS. Hunting Dagger, Training Weights

GIFT QUOTES

DISLIKED GIFT.  ✧

“I’ll see if I can find a use for this.”

LIKED GIFT.  ✧

“Thank you. This is nice.”

FAVORITE GIFT.  ✧

“I am astonished you would go out of your way for me like this.”

LOST ITEMS

MISCELLANEOUS TOMES. A collection of magic tomes of varying types and power. Likely belongs to someone who is skilled with magic. Location found: Blue Lions Classroom. FLUORSPAR AMULET. A cut of the gemstone small enough to fit in the palm of one’s hand, it is encased in silver with a loop to attach it to a belt or make it into a necklace. Likely belongs to someone with a meaningful connection to fluorspars. Location found: Library. OLD LETTER. An old letter discussing the sender and recipient’s shared home. Some of the letters have been traced to keep the ink fresh. Likely belongs to someone born in a frontier town. Location found: Faculty Dorms

LOST ITEM QUOTES 

OWNER.  ✧

“Oh, that happens to be mine if you don’t mind returning it.”

NOT OWNER.  ✧

“I’m afraid this doesn’t belong to me. Would like some help finding the owner?”

BATTLE QUOTES

MOCK BATTLE RETREAT.  ✧

“Seems my battle ends here…”

FIRST KILL.  ✧

“It had to be done.”

MONASTERY QUOTES

CHOIR PRACTICE.  ✧

(1) “You don’t really expect me to sing, do you?” (2) “I can try my best, but I will warn you. I’m not very skilled.”

COOKING.  ✧

(1) “Let’s do our best, Professor. Together.” (2) “I believe the next step is…” (3) “Just like that.”

TUTORING

INSTRUCT

BAD.  ✧

“Really? I can’t believe I messed that up.” Critique: I see. That does make sense. Console: Thank you, but I don’t need your consolation. I’d rather know what I did wrong.

GREAT.  ✧

“Thank you, Professor.” “That was nothing, really.”

PERFECT.  ✧

“They called me the Fluorspar for a reason.” PRAISE. “Oh, there’s no need for the flattery, Professor.”

TASKS

STABLE DUTY. ✧

“I’m quite used to working with horses. If you need help, I’m more than happy to assist you.”

WEEDING.  ✧

“If we work together, we should be done pretty soon.”

SKY WATCH.  ✧

“This height… is quite foreign to me.”

ANY TASK (W/ VALTER). ✧

“Let’s get this over with.”

CERTIFICATION EXAMS FAILED.  ✧

“Seems I wasn’t as prepared as I thought…”

PASSED.  ✧

“Always striving to be better.”

REASON.  ✧

“I’ve always enjoyed magic as method of asserting myself on the battlefield, no matter how far away I am from a foe. …I also value it as something you can be good at, even if you lack in physical strength. All of that to say I would like to learn reason again, and know the magic of Fódlan better.”

LANCE + RIDING.  ✧

“I must admit I have a fondness for horses. They’re loyal, dependable steeds, great for both utility and companionship. I’d like to reacquaint myself with them. For this purpose, I’ll also be studying the lance.”

AUTHORITY.  ✧

“There is much that goes into be a good leader. …I feel lacking in that regard, like I still have much to learn. I want to study authority, that I can better guide those under my protection.”

LEVEL UP

0 TO 1 STATS UP .  ✧

“This is what the Fluorspar has amounted to?”

2 TO 3 STATS UP .  ✧

“I aspire to do better.”

4-5 STATS UP .  ✧

“Steady progress, I suppose.”

6+ STATS UP .  ✧

“I have to keep going.”

UPON REACHING LEVEL 99 .  ✧

“Am I truly incapable of growing any further?”

BUDDING TALENT

“I suppose there truly is so much I don’t know yet.”

NEW SKILL

“This is more than I deserve…”

RECLASSING .  ✧

“I hope to learn something new from this.”

BATTLE QUOTES

WHEN SELECTED

FULL/HIGH HP .  ✧

“I am at your command.”

MEDIUM HP .  ✧

“A minor setback, really.”

LOW HP .  ✧

“Don’t worry about me.”

ENEMY DEALS 1 OR NO DAMAGE OR MISSES .  ✧

“Hmph.”

CRITICAL ATTACK .  ✧

“Settle this with steel!” “I will not fail again.” “Be gone with you!” “I am Selena Fluorspar!”

GAMBIT .  ✧

“Follow my lead!”

GAMBIT BOOST .  ✧

“My strength is yours!”

DEFEATED ENEMY .  ✧

“Let this be a lesson for the dead watching.” “I will not let harm befall the innocent.” “Madness though it may be.”

ALLY DEFEATS ENEMY .  ✧

“Good work.” “Excellent. Like that.” “I’m glad I can depend on you.”

ALLY HEALS/RALLIES .  ✧

“Thank you.” “You shouldn’t have.” “I will repay this deed.”

DEFEAT QUOTE

CASUAL .  ✧

“I must retreat. I can’t… go on like this.”

CLASSIC .  ✧

“So very tired…”

THE ADVICE BOX

“Back home, I had a liege who I could never dream to disobey, but one day, he suddenly changed. Still, I showed loyalty, even until I was told it wasn’t truly him. I had to fight some of my former allies, for whom I still had respect, as a result. Looking back, I’m uncertain if that was the right choice.” > You should’ve defected considering your lord didn’t trust you enough to be honest around you. Integrity is important, even for lords. (Correct Answer) > Your allies should’ve understood. A knight’s oath is not something to be taken lightly. If they were knights also, they should’ve sided with you. > You should’ve tried to get to bottom of things. Perhaps you didn’t know your liege as well as you thought? Or maybe what you heard was a lie, and whoever told you that was trying to undermine you and your lord.

[athenasdragon]

Dude I love DMing. Today was a delight as our PCs finally had the opportunity to break the curse of a knight who was traveling with them! He was cursed a long time ago so that his head was replaced with a head of cabbage. After several sessions of mystery, the cabbage leaves fell away to reveal… a red rose. His real head was a red rose.

[jesse-of-jugo]

The Knight and the Rebel

Chapter 1, Part 1

                Sevante took a long, paranoid glance over his shoulder, revealing nothing but the fire-red rocks of the bad country, and the dusty ribbon of road cutting through it. His heart hung tight in his chest, ready to leap into his throat at the first glimpse of fluttering crimson, the faintest scent of gunpowder on the wind, but no such omen came. He turned his eyes forward again, kicking his heel to hasten his horse.

                It was a bad day for travel. The clouds seemed more solid than the land, clumping into mountains of slate grey and onyx black, threatening rain. Where the sun managed to pierce the clouds, it did so only weakly, in pallid rays which died halfway between the sky and the earth. The air was far too warm. In the tail end of autumn, this warmth spoke of lightning and wind and nights huddled by a feeble fire in some dead woods.

                Off in the western distance, beyond the miles of canyonland and shrubs and gulleys where inhuman things stalked, the sylvan foothills of the mountain range beyond peeked beneath the clouds, the snowbound lands above just barely visible and blending with the sky. Every day that snow was drawn further and further down the mountains. Sevante feared that soon it would cover the passes and cut his journey short.

                He shook the thoughts away as if they were water caught in his ears. That kind of worrying was like a bitter root. If it was allowed, it would grow through the soul and bind it in a tightening knot of anxiety. That kind of worrying could kill a man. It was beyond useless. Sevante would reach the passes in time, and, even if not, this was far from his first plan. After his escape from Highcastle, he had tried to flee first to the east, then to the north, blocked by catastrophic floods that scraped entire kingdoms off the earth in the first direction, then by wildfires in the other, fires that flickered far too lazily and held the faces of malfae within them. Even pursued as he was, he had managed to reroute and evade capture both times, if only barely. If he had to do it again, so be it.

                And yet…

                It is taken as law among the wisest of men that you can only be lucky so many times, and by the wisest *living* men not to push that luck. Roll your dice enough and sooner or later snake eyes will stare back at you, and life had a way of pulling that stunt right when you’ve gone all-in. It was one of those jokes that only the teller finds funny, god’s favorite kind.

                Sevante couldn’t help but hear the clattering of dice in every clip-clop of his horse’s hooves. Sooner or later he would have to throw them again.

                The first peal of the night’s thunder sounded off in the distance, heralded by the faintest flash of lightning. Sevante was just beginning to think about when he would call it a day and duck into one of the canyons for the night, when he rounded a corner in the trail, and was greeted by the welcome sight of a jelly cabbage field, recently harvested and surrounded by a well-kept fence. A barn and house, both with windows shuttered against the building storm, lazed just beyond the field like old friends. With any luck, their inhabitants would be the sort of people to let a stranger shelter under their roof for the night.

                Sevante urged his horse toward the homestead, and rolled the dice.