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objecthusbandry · 6 months ago

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keeping objects as pets #6: lightbulbs!

hi there! in this series, i’ll be going over basic descriptions of commonly-kept object species (and some rare ones too!), facts about them, why you might want one as a pet, their basic needs and necessities provided you want to house one, and things you should NEVER do. for the sixth post in this series, we’ll be talking about incandescent lightbulbs!

description

lightbulbs are a common species of domestic object. they have shiny, glossy, transparent bodies that can come in a multitude of tints, most commonly clear, white or yellow, though colors such as red, green and blue aren't unheard of, especially as exotic pets bred for their colors. they have segmented, metallic limbs connected to their cap (not their bulb); their legs are digitigrade, their hands have three padded fingers each with small claws, and their feet have three toes, also padded with claws. their teeth are primarily evolved for insects, so they have small, sharp, needle-like teeth in front with grinding molars in back. the iconic rounded bulb shape is most common, but other shapes do exist. while they usually remain unlit, they are capable of 'igniting' and producing light via bioluminescence. this burns through energy quite fast, so they must eat lots to obtain the necessary nutrients.

the upper bulb portion of their body is almost entirely hollow, aside from the light-producing organ, with the rest of their organs being in the metallic cap underneath. it is common to see wild or feral lightbulbs with scratched, cracked or broken bulbs due to the fragile nature of the structure.

facts about lightbulbs

lightbulbs tend to live in the wild in mixed-species groups of three to five, though it's not impossible for them to be in groups of up to twenty, if it provides an advantage for their survival. they're crepuscular, being most active during twilight hours, like dusk and dawn. these creatures are curious and playful but are also prone to getting themselves into trouble due to their sometimes dimwitted personalities (despite the common symbolism of lightbulbs representing wisdom or intelligence).

as far as we are aware, their bioluminescent displays evolved for two purposes: attracting mates and scaring off potential threats. lightbulbs have two different commonly seen "light dances" they perform, one of which being dimmer flashes in various patterns, and the other being several quick very bright flashes. it is suspected that the former is meant as a sort of mating ritual, with the most elaborate dances being the most desirable to potential mates, while the latter is meant to stun any would-be attackers, buying time for the lightbulb to run for cover.

incandescent lightbulbs were one of the first described scientifically. in many ways, they are a model species of objects and are often considered equivalent to lab mice because they breed readily in captivity and are small enough to be easily controlled in laboratory settings.

why as a pet?

as previously stated, lightbulbs are curious, playful critters that make for fantastic pets. they enjoy being around humans, objects and animals alike! they form long-lasting attachments with their owners and love attention, physical affection and being interacted with. they can be trained to do tricks such as rolling over, making sounds, shaking hands, and even flashing their light! they do well with children, though their small size must be taken into consideration when allowing them to interact with young children or particularly rowdy objects.

basic needs + do's and dont's

lightbulbs are primarily insectivores! they do well with just about any feeder insect; they aren't picky. their diets should be supplemented with calcium powder and certain individuals may struggle with hunting on their own, so you might have to help them out while feeding, though this isn't super common. it's okay to have a dedicated "hunting space" to leave them in for feeding if you'd prefer not having crickets or dubia roaches accidentally escaping. they will also opportunistically feed on meat if insects aren't available. for treats, they specifically love eating cookies. we don't know what it is about them that seems to attract lightbulbs, but most individuals share this taste for them.

as a social species, lightbulbs NEED to be interacted with. long periods of isolation will cause them to become clingy, anxious and possibly even act out. you should be spending at least two hours a day with a pet lightbulb, but more is always better and that is a bare minimum.

housing

lightbulbs are attracted to vibrant, colorful spaces and should be allowed to free roam for at least thirty minutes every day. while they don't need an entire house to be happy, a large open room is best for these objects. they appreciate having soft pet beds and of course lots of toys to keep them engaged and to provide enrichment. i also highly recommend having at least one window in their enclosure or room as they love sunbathing and derive some of their energy from it.

however, it is ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL THAT YOU MAKE THEIR ENCLOSURES AS GLASS-FRIENDLY AS POSSIBLE! lightbulbs are prone to cracks, shatters and breaks when falling, so you should never allow them to climb unsupervised if at all.

that’s all! hopefully this helps educate anyone who is considering this species!

#speculative biology #spec bio #spec evo #speculative evolution #object shows #osc #species info #object husbandry #object biology #inanimate insanity #ii lightbulb #lightbulbs

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ratsoh-writes · 11 months ago

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Here’s some new monster species I’ve been working on!

Spunions:

It’s another plant based monster that looks simular to a floating onion with a long cloak underneath the head. The “cloak” is made of a fibery plant material simular to the paper skin of an onion. It’s essentially the monsters hair. On the onion head are about a dozen small beady eyes, and a large smily mouth. Beneath the cloak are the roots of the monster which it can use as legs or arms and hand. Each monster can have between six to eighteen active roots at a time. They’re a medium sized monster standing at a solid 5-5.5 feet and rarely deviating from those sizes.

Spunions are most common in the farm AUs of course, but a large number of them also come from underfell and fellswap red. They are one of the only fire affinity plant type monster known. They aren’t seen in any of the ocean AUs

These monsters have strong fire magic, being able to heat up their root limbs to temperatures that can melt metal, and the they’re immune to being set on fire themselves. They also have a lesser earth affinity found in around 20% of the population.

These monsters are known to be bouncy, have spicy snarky personalities, and they seem to adore smaller monster species. Seeing little monsters like mouslings or froggits bonded to a spunion is common. They are also very curious monsters and many humans find befriending them easily.

A prominent family of spunions is the white family, and they’re renowned for their glass blowing abilities. They made the stained glass windows for ebotts temple

Axelaterals:

The axelateral is a smooth skinned centaur like monster with the upper torso having four arms, but the back legs having the body of a newt and six legs. The head of the monster has two large bulging eyes, a small snout and muzzle and blunt teeth. The monsters skin is soft, hairless and very sensitive to light, needing to be moistened to stay comfortable. Their skin comes in shades of pinks, purples, and sometimes greys. Patterns in the skin like pinto patches or smooth stripes are common. The monster has no claws on the fingers and toes

Axelaterals are native to all AUs except the birds and drakes. They’re most common in undertale, underswap and seaswap.

This is an aquatic monster who prefers damp and dark areas due to the sensitivity of their skin. They’re known to be shyer and gentle monsters and have strong healing abilities. Many Axelaterals work in the medical field as dermatologists or dentists.

The most famous Axelaterals is Julie B Sen who is from undertale. She invented a reflective glove worn by dentists that naturally grows and smooths out to fit the dentists hand, and shows the inside of the mouth without needing to use a mirror.

Lavender quarts:

These monsters are a hybrid of stone golems and icecaps and only found in drakeswap. There are 410 lavender quartz monsters in ebott.

These monsters are large and bulky with broad rocky shoulders and huge hips to match. They commonly stand between 6-8 feet tall. Their “skin” resembles rough wild quartz rock and is always grey lavender shade with some ombré on the limbs where it darkens to a black the closer you get to their feet and hands. On the quartz head is a series of ever growing bright purple crystals that will form round ball shapes as they grow upwards, looking a bit like lavender.

The lavender quartz faces are usually quite delicate and feminine looking with the smooth shape of the stone skin. Their eyes and ecto color is individual to each monster.

This monster subspecies is of course a strong earth affinity monster. They’re extremely valuable as miners as they seem to instinctively know where any natural crystal is located if they’re close enough. They don’t have the golem strength of their golem ancestors, but do have their durability, making these monsters useful in the battlefield as well.

Lavender quartz monsters are normally pretty playful and flirtatious. This could be just from how other monsters treat them though since they’re considered very beautiful.

The most prominent lavender quartz is amethyst sigil, she’s a prince of drakeswap for her contributions to sustainable mining in the underground, and coming up with ways to make work conditions safer for those there. She’s also known to be very good with her words and is well loved by the hard outdoorsy workers of ebott.

#undertale imagines #undertale headcanons #worldbuilding

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celestial-coordinates · 11 months ago

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Viispaa Prime

Origin

Humans have often launched animals into space to examine the effects of vacuum and zero gravity on the eggs and organs of various species, and along those lines, in 2032, a satellite (named DSREB-1112* or “The Enterprise”) containing various species of insect and other samples ranging from egg to tissue to preserved specimens was launched, intended to loop around the moon, then the sun, and back before being studied. However, the propulsion system malfunctioned and misfired, sending the probe into deep space, unable to return; it was deemed a loss and NASA moved on, forgetting it for some time.

*Deep Space Radiation Effects on Biological specimens

Unbeknownst to them, an advanced race of beings known as the Kuana came across the pod when it exited the solar system. They took a fascination with the objects inside and returned to their corner of the galaxy where they began to work on the samples, breaking down the genomes and studying the life present on the curious little rock they'd been monitoring since the planet unfroze itself [thousands of years ago by earth time]. Among the samples, they were very fond of the angry, flying needles and determined them to be worthy of the status as a core genome sample.

Wasps became the majority focus of the gene manipulation and they incorporated aspects of their own DNA, as well as pieces from other samples that were on the satellite, and even certain amounts of bio-enhanced technology to create a sapient race of wasp beings to serve as companions, soldiers and living weapons. Human mental evolution fascinated the Kuana, and with the organ tissues of humans being present from which to derive the genome they sought, they made sure to give their wasp beings most of the emotional capacity found within humans, allowing them rational thought, free will and expression, wrapped in a roughly humanoid shape that would seem familiar. From them, the Kuana gave them advanced light sensitivity and organelles within their eyes that would indicate mood and status with colors, even those in ultraviolet and infrared spectrums that humans cannot detect on their own. Finishing their project off, they enhanced some of the natural aspects of wasps themselves by lacing carbon into their chitin to enhance its strength, giving them advanced mental processes for being able to quickly assess stimuli, boosting their immunity and antibodies to make them disease and toxin resistant, and equipping them with rechargeable stingers in their abdomens.

Biology

Viispaas stand roughly anywhere between 6’7” to 10’3” at full height when standing (add about 6-9” if their legs are stretched to full) and are predominantly male (60% male, 40% female). They have 6 limbs and 2 sets of wings: one set of proper arms with hands tipped with two fingers and a thumb, a vestigial set of arms that are weaker but just as functional, and digitigrade legs tipped with two claw-like toes which are sensitive to vibration and chemical traces. Their wings are able to vibrate fast enough to displace air like a rotor and lift them off the ground, however their flight performance is affected by air density; on earth, most Viispaa can fly above most buildings, ranging from 2-4 stories off the ground, but above 6 stories they expend more energy than is deemed worth the result, as falling from that height from exhaustion can cause injuries.

Female Viispaa rarely pass 8’7”, are thinly built and deemed “speedsters”, equipped with long stingers for swift actions. Male Viispaa are rarely under 7’8”, are broadly built and deemed “tanks”, equipped with smaller stingers but are capable of moving forces up to 5x their mass and can deadlift things 3x heavier than what most humans can generally accomplish. Most Viispaa can live between 90 and 110 years old, close to that of humans.

Both sexes have genitalia reminiscent of humans respective to their biological sex and reproduce in a manner familiar to humans as far as positions are concerned, however Viispaa cannot readily reproduce with humans. Male Viispaa produce soft, fertilized egg-like pods about the size of a goose egg they can insert into a female Viispaa where her muscles carefully tuck the pods into a womb-like part of her abdomen; the pods attach and the second half of the genes are introduced, fertilizing the pods and turning them into proper eggs. The embryos develop in the safety pods for about a month before the female seeks out a safe area to lay her clutch, producing anywhere from 5-15 fist-sized eggs which are expelled through a cloaca near her stinger. Over the course of a month, the eggs hatch into larva and then metamorphose into young Viispaa with features like human preteens. They reach adult size within a year.

When not having sex for breeding, males can release a semen-like fluid at climax instead of insert fertile pods, and females experience pleasure much like human females do. Viispaa male genitals have unique muscles that allow them to adjust within their partner and some more experienced lovers can simulate friction through penile muscles alone, without thrusting or grinding, which works well when paired with a smaller partner.

Humans and Viispaa can have sex with each other, but those unions will be sterile without intervention from Kuana genome technology.

Viispaa bodies are insectoid in appearance with milky blood-like fluid that starts mostly clear in the body and becomes opaque when exposed to air; their muscle tissues are reminiscent of cables and the matte black “skin” on parts of their bodies is rough, not unlike a coarse fabric mesh. While generally very tough creatures, Viispaa skin can still tear and the Kuana developed this mesh-like growth to facilitate quick repairs that stitch together easily. The chitin parts of the Viispaa body appear like polished metal or plastic but are also formed from a kind of pseudo-solid fiber not unlike a non-newtonian liquid developed specifically by the Kuana which is flexible and pleasing to the touch but extremely resistant to impact damage, though generally fairs better against high velocity, small surface area projectiles and angled blades over broad-coverage blunt force. Naturally reinforced with carbon fibers for durability, Viispaa chitin doesn’t restrict their movements or range of motion and protects most of their vulnerable areas from everything short of a long fall or being hit by a semi truck.

This soft armor feature is why Viispaa can create facial expressions without excessive plates.

Viispaa eyes are large and compound and have a visible spectrum that touches both infrared and ultraviolet hues humans cannot see but which they use to communicate with each other at a distance. The Kuana have similar faculties, which is where they derived the trait from, as they communicate in light and color more than sound, thus by watching the colors of the Viispaa’s eyes, they were able to determine their status. Hiding their emotions is difficult, as the color change is prompted by hormones and other chemicals from the brain, thus any change in mood can alter the visible hue of the lens, even if it’s only slightly. The colors appear solid and sparkle as light reflects off of the facets, but when changing it happens rapidly; using slow motion, one can see how individual facets of the eye lens act like pixels, changing color individually and starting at the outside edge before moving inward in a rough spiral, making the transition appear as a swirl in a majority of specimens though bursts (inside to outside) and fades (inner to outer or outer to inner sweeps) have been found as well. Complex feelings can produce interesting chromatic palettes such as gradients, flowing color rotations, and other things but these are usually accompanied by outbursts from the Viispaa due to distress.

UV and IR light patterns are activated by specific modified color changers in the eye lens that add specific layers to their emotional hue; UV flashes can be detected at range and used to communicate messages in a way similar to morse code (Viispaa on earth actually learn morse code to be able to click and blink in a way that can be decoded by human companions) while IR readings only appear in response to high stress and physical damage; IR signatures are uncommon on Viispaa due to their naturally low body temperatures with most hot spots on the body being a result of sunlight and black patterns. The eye lenses showing fields of intense IR activity are a sign the Viispaa has been injured or is in need of immediate assistance, even if they can’t communicate directly otherwise.

Viispaa have eyelids, however not for blinking; the translucent lid is used for high speed flight, rain and closed for sleeping because they cut out light signatures coming in and out so they aren’t distracted but can still see somewhat if they’re awake. It’s the only method of hiding their light signatures but is suspicious on its own so not really effective for that purpose.

Viispaa stingers are mostly retracted into their abdomens with males only leaving the tip exposed while females tend to have several centimeters visible at all times; when needed, Viispaa can contract muscles to unsheathe their stingers fully, which are black, curved and occasionally have rear-facing barbs to make removal much harder if they’re left in the target. A male’s stinger is generally 1-1.5 inches per foot in height while females can be twice to three times as long and are coated in a fluid that numbs the flesh around the stinger so it doesn’t cause pain if it’s ripped out during attack, but also can numb the wound of the target, making the sting undetectable for a certain period and thus likely to cause blood loss or worse injury. Unlike common bees, Viispaa will not die from losing their stingers; they rarely lose them unless they are at full draw when used, allowing them to use their stingers rather indefinitely unless they break off. At this point, there is another stinger stored within the abdomen that slides into place within an hour; at any time, a Viispaa has three stingers, one at the ready and two on standby, and they naturally replenish used stingers within about a month. During that time, they tend to crave things rich in iron, carbon and calcium.

As for diets, Viispaa primarily ingest things rich in sugar and simple carbs, and can also consume roots, vegetables and fruits; they enjoy refined sugars in low amounts but avoid meat-based proteins and other things unless they have cravings, such as healing or recharging. Eggs, dairy and other animal byproducts are only as needed, but Viispaa generally will not eat meat of any kind; they also fair well with salt and sugar licks, as the Kuana often provided enriched mineral supplies to ensure they got what they needed while subsisting off of sugar water and nectar for energy. Breeding periods are often punctuated with increased cravings for minerals and vegetables to help the developing embryos while most of the fluid in the egg pods is sugar-based.

Viispaa have jaws and cheeks with tooth-like plates for consuming solid food, but many opt for juices or other liquids just for sheer ease of ingestion and quick intake into their bodies. The mandibles on their faces are for communication primarily, making clicks and hums they communicate in naturally and also helping in the event of eating solid foods. While they generally hum, buzz and click, they are capable of vocal speech dependent on their environment; high engagement and active teaching produce more eloquent Viispaa, as they’re easily distracted and unlikely to pick up on the nuances of language on their own save for key and common phrases. Females tend to develop speech faster than males but males are better at recognizing body language and expressions.

Uniquely, Viispaa have regenerative abilities as well; as long as they aren’t killed outright, have a steady supply of food, and rest, they can recover from most injuries. Cuts and piercing damage close within hours, broken plates and larger injuries can heal within a month, and while they cannot reattach lost limbs, a removed wing or body part will reform fully in about 6 months depending on resources.

Genome Inclusions

Vespula vulgaris, the common wasp; base genome derived from preserved specimens and eggs stored onboard the satellite

Apis mellifera scutellata, the East African Lowland Honey Bee; behavioral patterns were adapted from studying specimens cloned from preserved subjects, prompting the Kuana to change the lethal nature of bee toxin into a numbing agent in order to preserve the aspects of community and group behavior they found useful for their project; some varieties of Viispaa have recessive aggression and mobbing behavior from strong scutellata genes, however they are rare and typically not sent to make landfall unless the location is hostile

Camponotus consobrinus, the Banded Sugar Ant; a social insect to reinforce their sense of community, ability to work together with a purpose, preference for sweets and sugary substances for food, and the foundation of their strength

Anax strennus, the Giant Hawaian Darner; a member of the largest, fastest group of insects, these egg samples were used to derive the wing blueprint for the Viispaa and allows them to fly in all directions, hover, and reach speeds faster than most land vehicles

Homo sapiens, human beings; organ tissue from donated bodies including a liver, stomach and skin grafts, and blood, heart and brain samples from both a male and female cadaver (recently deceased) sent to study the effects of close exposure to the sun provided sequences for regenerating tissue, the extent of the human immune system, and initiated the fascination with human mental evolution; the human genome is the second blueprint used alongside vespula vulgaris to create the base of the Viispaa

Ambystoma mexicanum, the axolotl; preserved whole and partial specimens which were curiosities to the Kuana but ultimately provided the enhanced regeneration genes that allow the Viispaa to regrow limbs and heal from damage; axolotls are also popular pets for the Kuana because of their silly, simple natures

Externus adstrum sapiens lovecraft, the Latinized name for the Kuana; named for their Eldritch appearance and advanced, almost mystical technology evoking a sense of fascination and fear akin to Lovecraft’s tales, the Kuana are peaceful beings and masters of merging technology with biological components; they derived the light sensitivity, skin-respiration and color-changing eyes from their own genetic sequence, as well as a predisposition for friendly relations and curiosity to override the xenophobic and territorial behaviors found in both the insect and human specimens and orbital observations made over the course of human history

Most other features are created through artificial means (Kuana bio-tech) and other trace sequences taken from other species can be found but they are minimal, usually acting as catalysts or binders to ensure the genome is stable

#scifi #alien #wasps #viispaa #astar city #original species #bioengineer #the kuana #viispaa prime

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foxintheferns · 1 year ago

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WILD HEART

Chapter Two

A Twilight - Paul Lahote Fanfiction

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

***Short summary for my antsy gals: this absolute babe with childhood trauma, no real family and a passion for animals goes to live in the woods outside of La Push beach for her job that’s she’s deemed is necessary to find her way in life, and guess who’s not happy she’s there because now they have to worry about this human who’s put herself smack in the middle of bloodsucker city, where they have an instinctual obligation to protect her. And guess who’s even more angry that he suddenly feels an undying and relentless, fiery need to be with her all the time? Angst, tension, passion, anger, love, jealousy, perhaps even some betrayal? This story’s got it all babes (yes, even the smut) - it’s just one of those slow burn, then-suddenly-everything-is-fuckin-crazy-and-the-angst-is-unreal fics, you know? stay tuned ;)

A/N: eek! Chapta 2 bitchezzzzz! welcoming sir Jacob Black to the arena now. Yessssir let’s get this ball rollin I am PUMPED. Give your thoughts on what’s about to happen next, I’m curious 😏

CHAPTER TWO:

I woke in the morning with half of my body hanging off of the little couch, my left foot asleep from being tucked under my other leg for too long. I groaned with sleepiness, slowly and begrudgingly becoming more aware of my surroundings. Light filtered in through the blinds that I had shut tightly over every window in the small cabin. I reached to grab my phone off of the small wooden coffee table, checking the time, and was grateful that my body had me on a regular schedule. I tended to wake naturally around 6 o’clock every morning, unable to fall back into a restful sleep. It was far too dark in the house for the light to have woken me on its own. I stretched and moaned, my legs extending out and causing my feet to go past the end of the couch. I pulled myself up into a sitting position, and mentally prepared for my day ahead. I knew I would have to check out my surroundings today, and plan out the catalog of data I’d be collecting this month. I’d have to focus on one species at a time, and I figured the Marbled Murrelet was a good one to start with. I wanted to see more of La Push, and the endangered, ocean-dwelling bird was on the top of my list for data collection. I ultimately had to submit my findings at the end of each month, in hopes that the observations I gathered could help create ways to bring the species’ numbers back to Washington. I stood, stretching again and drooping down to touch my toes, my body felt so sore, and I was finally feeling the multiples hikes I’d endured last night in bringing my belongings from my car to the house. I ambled over to the kitchen, starting the coffee machine. I walked around the small house, opening every blind I had closed the night before. Sunlight began to fall into the space, a soft warm glow coming through the glass panes. I breathed deeply, feeling confident in my decision to spend the next 18 months here. I knew that my passion for wildlife was one reason that lead me here, but I also knew that my deep and profound need for change was another. I had been living in Maine, finishing my degree and living with my ex boyfriend, Zack. After two years of constant fights, cheating (on his part, never mine), and manipulation, I had finally broken away. I hadn’t realized the relationship had been drowning me slowly. Suffocating me, pulling me under. It brought me to a place where I hadn’t recognized myself in the mirror. At my core, I wasn’t the girl who allowed myself to be treated that way. So why had I done exactly that? When I saw the job listing online, my heart had skipped; I had felt something stirring in me that hadn’t been awake for quite some time. ‘Washington Avian Conservation Project - Wildlife Biologist needed!’ - the posting had read…

‘Chosen candidate to spend 18 months total at observational shelter on Olympic National Park Forest land, 15 minutes outside of La Push, WA. Job description includes data collection and behavioral assessment of wild endangered species, including the Northern Spotted Owl, Marbled Murrelet, and Tufted Puffin for the interest in providing usable information for conservational planning and management of population risks. Utilities/housing included for 18 month period and additional compensation provided’

The lease on the apartment my ex and I had shared was about to be up, and I had taken the leap, applying immediately. To my surprise, a response had come in the next day, asking if I could arrive the following month to begin my stay. The few friends I’d had (although I’d lost quite a few throughout the enduring of my ex boyfriend’s destructive behaviors that had lead to my isolation) supported me greatly in my plans, eager for me to find myself. I wondered, with dismay, if they had seen hope in my eyes for the first time in years, and truly just wanted to me go anywhere that it would grow instead of simply continue to flicker and die out.

My best friend, Naomi, had thrown her arms around me, tears streaming down her soft cheeks. “Oh, Harley! Oh, babe, this is SO exactly what you need! Just get the hell out of here, find you again! God, I’m gonna miss the hell out of you, but…Har- this is it!”, she had cried, her theatrically passionate displays a very normal and truly beautiful part of our friendship that I found myself missing deeply now, being across the country from her. Her bright red hair had been sticking to her tear soaked, freckled face in stringy wet clumps, which I had peeled softly from her cheek with a laugh. I had been crying, too, with Naomi being the first person I told, and the only person whose opinion truly mattered, of my endeavor. And it was true: this was it. This was the shake-me-by-my-shoulders-and-scream-in-my-face to-wake-up blessing I’d been waiting for the universe to throw at me. I needed to remember who I was. What I loved, what I hated, what made me laugh, what made me cry. I had lost my mother 3 years ago now, never really getting to say goodbye to her after she spent her years succumbing to my father’s verbal abuse, never admitting she wasn’t ever truly happy, and never taking her own health seriously enough. Up until the moment she had passed from a heart attack at the age of 59, she had cared more for others than herself. Even her shitty husband. I had disowned my father, never bothering to look at the man again after seeing the way he had broken my mother without regret or acknowledgment. He had spent my childhood being absent, a drunk, and only ever pretending to care about his family for show. He hadn’t tried to contact me after I became estranged, only bothering to tell our relatives what a disappointment he thought I’d turned out to be whenever they saw him at holidays in the years following.

My ex Zack had thrown a fit at my sudden decision to leave. He had called me crazy and selfish, and thrown my large hiking backpack into the dumpster behind our apartment complex, seeming to try to sabotage my plans and somehow prove to me that I was incapable of them. I had pulled my pack from the trash pile, grateful he hadn’t ripped it apart or damaged it, and cleared my belongings from the apartment that night, staying with Naomi at her house in Portland up until the very day I had to leave.

I grunted as I pulled my brown leather boots up, wiggling my toes once they were on. I shook my head back and forth quickly, trying to clear my mind of the memories I’d quite intentionally left in Maine. My long, dark hair fell and jumped in waves around my head as I shook it with vigor, and I felt a surge of angry tears start to prick in my eyes. I felt alone suddenly, and the feeling made me mad at myself. I had known this would be hard. I knew I would feel lonely and sad. But more, I knew my love for nature and its beauty was the one thing that could call me back to who I was.

You’re here to live. You’re here to live for you, for the first time in your life - I told myself, breathing deeply and pulling my small pack that contained my data collection journal and my binoculars onto my back- It’s not going to be easy. But we’re doing it.

……………………………………………………………………………………

I spent the next few hours, and then the next several days falling into my routine. I woke up, ate breakfast, put my clothes and boots on, ventured out into the forest, and watched the birds of the Olympic Peninsula. I watched them flying, I watched them singing and talking amongst themselves. I watched their eating habits, their patterns and their routines, as I settled into mine. I found more peace in watching them simply exist than I ever thought possible. I began to recognize the same birds after several days, hearing their calls and watching their motions. When the sun would fall behind the trees and the star filled night would arrive, I continued to close the wooden blinds and lock the door of the lookout cabin tightly, never forgetting the reality that I was, indeed, a twenty something year old woman in the woods by herself. I tried to brush off the odd feeling I had that I wasn’t at all alone in the forest, reminding myself that I was simply hyper aware of the many species I shared the mountains with.

On day six, I made my way down to La Push’s first beach, and wondered immediately why it had taken me so long to come. I was beginning to feel quite socially isolated, and knew that talking to myself as much as I had been was probably a sign to spend my time around some humans as soon as possible. Although cloudy, and far from hot, the beach was a breathtaking place. Several tourists and visitors walked or sat along the sand, some exploring the tidal pools closer to the trees while others stooped to take photographs of the large rock formations in the water on the horizon. I decided a break was needed, and suddenly felt a surge of anticipation at the conquest of speaking to an actual person. Five days alone had passed quickly, and I hadn’t been truly mentally present after trying to avoid the negative feelings of accepting my own presence. It was hard to be alone with the woman in my mind after not really trying to know her for so long. I didn’t recognize her, but I was beginning to familiarize myself again. And, to be quite honest, I was beginning to be okay with her.

I decided a visit to a local restaurant would be the best idea; after all, a girl can only eat so much boxed mac and cheese. I walked down the main dirt road along the beach that cut through a small corner of the residential parts of the reservation. I had been studying the local maps, and knew that much of the land I was studying on, including the land that held my lookout shelter, belonged to the Quileute Reservation. Billy Black’s face flashed through my mind, and I wondered if he’d truly meant what he said when he politely offered his name and where to find him if I ever needed help.

What would make him think I’d need help?, I wondered scrutinizingly. I shook my head to myself as I trekked down the rocky dirt road, my map showing me only about a half mile more before the small reservation restaurant would be on my left.

Once I arrived outside the adorably cozy cedar-shake sided building, I immediately noticed the group of four very tall young men standing in the dirt parking lot. They were all tanned and ridiculously well muscled, and I found it a bit of a struggle to keep my eyes off of them as I had to walk past their huddle to enter the restaurant. One of them was completely shirtless. I quickly darted my gaze back to the ground when one turned in my direction at the sound of my footsteps. They were immersed in conversation, their deep and muffled voices a low hum as they spoke. After the one man turned in my direction, all four of their voices went quiet, and I felt heat rush to my face. With the heat of the eyes on me, I began to question my appearance. I wondered how I presented to locals. Did I look odd to these men? Lost? Dirty? Having spent almost the past week studying birds in the forest, I wasn’t sure I looked too good.

You showered, I reminded myself soothingly.

It’s probably not even about you, stop being so egocentric! my inner voice resounded again.

It was most definitely about me, or the men had coincidentally run out of things to talk about just as I had arrived. Their conversation remained halted as I kept my gaze on the front door of the restaurant, slipping inside quietly. My peripheral vision told me they never broke their attention from my arrival, and it irked me that they would be so brazenly unashamed to stare.

Inside the restaurant, only a few guests sat and dined, and I felt calmed by the fact that none of them seemed to glance my way or care about my presence.

“Hey sweetie, just you?” The soft feminine voice broke through my inner dialogue, and I turned my attention towards the sound. An older, doe-eyed woman stared at me with a gentle expression upon her face. She had jet black hair that fell to her midsection and was adorned with two thick braids on either side of her face. Her smile was kind, and her eyes seemed to soften slightly when she took in whatever she saw in my expression. Her gaze flicked to my backpack, then to the paper map I clutched in my right hand.

I nodded politely, returning the smile.

“Just me,” I replied, trying to ignore the repetitive nature of the few words I’d spoken to other living souls in the past week. She nodded back and gestured for me to follow her, guiding me to a booth in the corner along the front window of the restaurant.

“This spot alright? Nice light over here, I think.” I nodded and hummed gratefully in response, not quite remembering how to speak to another human in that exact moment, and slipped down onto the vinyl cushioned seat. I glanced quickly out the window, watching as the group of four men were now walking away from the restaurant in long strides, and felt the hair on my arm raise and bristle when I saw one of them shoot a brief look back to the restaurant. His face was striking - and startlingly familiar. I held back a gasp when I realized it was the face of the boy whom I’d seen with my new acquaintance, Billy Black, at the grocery store on my first day in town. He turned back again and kept walking with the other men, seemingly disappearing into the tree-line behind the dirt road.

……………………………………………………………………………………

Sue was my kind waitress, and in the 2 hours I spent at La Push’s tiny restaurant, she became my first new friend in Washington. Her gentle demeanor was undeniably motherly; it soothed me more than I thought possible. I hadn’t known how much I needed to be nurtured after the overwhelming change of the last week. She must have been able to sense the ache I felt within me for company and a listening ear. Sue sat with me at the small booth while I ate my warm chowder, grabbing a bowl for herself from the kitchen and shooting the man behind the back counter a look when he seemed ready to protest. Sue was immediately interested in why I was traveling alone, and felt compelled to tell me of her daughter and son, who she said were right around my age and lived on the reservation with her. We laughed and chatted as Sue welcomingly accepted my droning on and on about how much I loved my new occupation. She seemed to have no trouble understanding my passion for watching the birds, and nodded knowingly and with interest when I delved into ridiculously mundane (to anyone who wasn’t me - or a wildlife biologist) details of their subtle quirks and personality differences. She even belly laughed, shaking her head in honest disbelief as I told her of the one Tufted Puffin I had deemed to be ‘Frank’, as he tended to stumble around with the singular and all consuming goal of finding a female companion, and it had reminded me of a perpetually drunk friend of my father’s who often displayed similar desperate intentions.

After a free slice of chocolate cake on Sue’s request from the kitchen, and a plea for me to come back soon, I found myself bidding Sue a good evening, wanting to return on my hike back to the house before the sun set entirely. Sue tucked a few chocolate chip cookies into my backpack before I left, grinning and shooting me a wink.

The walk back to my humble cabin felt significantly longer and farther than my initial trip to town, and I found myself feeling more uneasy than I would’ve expected when the second half of my trip was blanketed in pitch darkness. My large flashlight illuminated the minimally marked trail ahead of me, although I knew I could find the way back to the cabin quite easily from memory at this point. I couldn’t decide what was bothering me so deeply. I had been in the forest after nightfall before, many times. This wasn’t new to me, and yet I found the hair on the back of my neck refused to relax. The muscles in my legs and back were tense, as if my body felt an underlying sense that I would need to break into a sprint at any given moment. It wasn’t until I heard the clear and obvious crunch of branches and vegetation underfoot that I validated the odd gut feeling I was experiencing. The sound was loud and heavy enough that I knew within seconds that it did not belong to something as small as a squirrel. I froze immediately on the dirt path, knowing I was way too far from the beach to try to run back to it now, and not close enough yet to the cabin to make it there before the likely creature could catch me. The sound seemed to be coming closer, although it was hard to tell just how far away it was. All I could grasp was that it came vaguely from my right.

Fuck. I thought to myself. Cougars, Grizzly Bears, there were far too many possibilities that this animal was one of immense danger for me to remain calm. I did the one thing I knew to do, and quickly reached behind me with my unoccupied hand to unclip the bear spray that hung from the right side of my backpack. Flashlight in one fist, bear spray in the other, I stood motionless in the center of the path, unable to hear much now over the sound of my heart beating like a drum in my ears. The crunching continued, and I shone my light across the trees quickly, trying to direct it to where the sound had come from, but not quite knowing which exact direction it had been. The light found nothing, and I suddenly remembered what I had been taught in my wildlife emergency training classes. “Hey, bear! H-hey bear!,” I yelled with as much force and strength as I could muster, my eyes searching the black around me wildly for any hint of motion, or the outline of a giant, lumbering bear, perhaps. My voice had come out broken and shaky, and I felt the urge to scream in terror rising like a lump in my throat. At my voice, the sound ceased entirely, and I had no idea where to point my flashlight. Silence fell across the forest around me. My body was tingling with fear, all of my nerves activated and engaged as I waited for what felt like several seconds.

“Well, I’m not a bear, but if I was - don’t know that those sounds would do the trick.”

The deep, rough, and seemingly amused voice came from somewhere in the dark abyss to my right, and I spun on my heel, gasping harshly and dropping my flashlight in the choppy motion.

“Shit!” The word came from my throat in a strained whisper that sounded humiliatingly close to a whimper. I dove quickly to grab the heavy flashlight again, and flung the light toward the voice.

My mouth fell open as my light touched upon the man. His massively tall frame was made to look bigger still by the shadows that the flashlight casted across the trees around him. It took me no less than two seconds to recognize him. The same man from the grocery store, and then from outside the restaurant. The one with Billy Black. His face was defined, dark and playful eyes surrounded by the facial structure of what could only be compared to a statuesque figure. A prominent set of dark brows sat above his eyes, and they came together now, straining as he threw a hand up in front of his face. “Jesus, wha-, fuck, can you shine that down?!” His voice came again, somehow alarming me more after I had observed him for the seemingly endless moment. It seemed my mind had forgotten he was a real person, only taking in his features as if I were watching from an outsider’s perspective. After a brief hesitation, I sputtered and directed the beam of the flashlight to settle at his legs, ensuring I could still make out his face easily. I was unsure how, but his facial features put me at ease in the same way the stranger Billy Black’s had, despite the fact that there was absolutely nothing calming about this situation. I was unsure where to begin.

“H-…wha-who-,” I stammered, then took a breath and began again, “Why are you following me?” My voice didn’t have a single ounce of the stone cold confidence I’d tried to instill in it. I swallowed hard as I realized my bear spray was the one thing I had to defend myself, and my grip on the can tightened slightly, my fingers cold and stiff.

The young man’s expression didn’t waver. In fact, the only change in his face was the small lifting of one corner of his mouth into the beginning of a smirk. I felt a wave of terror wash through me as I imagined the horrific fate I could be in for if this stranger had the intentions my inner voice was screaming at me to be wary of. Despite my accusation, his gaze softened then, and it almost looked like he was about to laugh. He exhaled from his nose in a short, sharp breath, the sound resembling the start of a chuckle but ending quickly as he raised his brows and found my fear-stricken face in the darkness. He leaned forward slightly, cocking his head to the side. His voice was low and velvety, and summoned goosebumps across my arms once again.

“Following you? You’re on my land, sweetheart.”

➡️CLICK FOR NEXT CHAPTER

A/N: Chapter 3 coming soon! Thank you guys for stickin with it thru to this point if you’ve read this far :-) I’m so excited for the plot to thicken 🤪 let me know if you want to be tagged in the next chapter’s upload!

-Ro

#fanfiction #fanfic #twilight #paullahote #Jacob black #Paul Lahote #imagines #fic #twilightfanfic #twilight fanfiction #romance #werewolf fanfic #werewolf #werewolves #edward cullen

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vixnovacoda · 1 year ago

Text

Doctor's Medicine || Chapter 8

Hannibal Lecter x Original Character

Word Count: ~4.4k

CW/TW: NSFW 18+, graphic, disturbing content, dissociation, canon-typical violence.

[Chapter 1][Chapter 2][Chapter 3][Chapter 4][Chapter 5][Chapter 6][Chapter 7]

[ao3 version here]

He didn’t want to save them the way they wanted. After all, it’s not what the good doctor prescribed. No. Hannibal had something else in mind entirely, and soon they too would understand.

———

“This new interest you have acquired begs questioning, Hannibal,” insinuated a starch-stiff blonde woman, the doctor’s very own psychiatrist, Bedelia Du Maurier. She was a temple of collected calmness, exuding a brand of cunning calculations that wasn’t too dissimilar to that of Hannibal Lecter’s, as she sat up straight within the confines of her home, the glowing dawn light filtering through the tall windows just out of reach to paint over her coldness in a warm palette.

While the other doctor kept to the shadows, placed across from Bedelia inside the otherwise plain and dull room. “I am only doing what is in the purview of my job as her psychiatrist,” dismissed Hannibal without batting a second glance at the accusation, legs crossed, leant back. Relaxed; far too relaxed.

“There are others who would disagree.”

His eyes narrowed, whetting knives. “And what is it that you believe?”

“I,” she said with a pause to mull over her answer, “believe you are indulging Emma Darcy’s sudden mania. Whether it is for her sake or your curiosity, that remains to be seen.”

“You make it seem as if she is some sort of experiment and not my patient.”

“If she’s not, then how do you see her?”

He drifted his glance elsewhere, to the outside world. “A fox running from its home and hanging onto the tails of a wayward bird,” became his response.

“Foxes are cunning beasts, both predator and prey, able to recognise a trap when they see it and entirely impossible to tame without having bred them to be against their nature. To do the impossible, you would have to be god.”

“It is not my intention to tame her.”

The calculatedness of their conversation was like a game of tennis, hitting back and forth until one rulents, except they used blades instead of rackets and their strikes were prods at each other’s brains. A game which both excelled at for the little undiscerning reactions on their faces. Until right then, when, ever a master at the game, Hannibal’s body language sharpened on all edges, muscles tightening and snapping his attention Bedelia’s way.

She had struck true and hit a nerve. “Tell me, Hannibal, is she the predator or the prey caught in your snare?” Bedelia questioned. She dared to go further, though knew whatever glimpse she witnessed would subside itself back into the shadows and under designer flesh to never be seen unless necessary. In the mind of Dr Bedelia Du Maurier, Hannibal Lecter was an endangered species, rarely seen but always there. He might do anything to survive.

Silence filled the room as a bitter aftertaste. Hannibal took his time to answer, for there wasn’t an acceptable one that sprang to mind, other than this: “I want to help her thrive .”

———

When the FBI’s curious consultant exited the newest site for information on the Ghost Writer case, there was very little left to do on an evening so quickly devoured by night’s starry teeth. Most subsided into their humble abodes, away from terror and horror.

As the moon rolled up on the horizon, Emma envied those working hard in the labs; stuck in the middle of multiple messed-up murders – in turn, she was disgusted by her envy. The case was just as much hers to work on, given the quite personal circumstances, yet instead of helping find a murderer (and Alex), Marcus had her stuck at a charity gala inside a museum, where forced interactions were a necessity – public image and all that. Emma didn’t just represent her sane self but the Darcy Estate, the family name, her father’s legacy. The pressure hung around her neck in the shape of a noose, where all it took was one wrong move and everything would be gone per the clause in her father’s will, back to the original state it was in before his passing. Sometimes she wanted to kick the stool herself and no longer have anything to do with the whole lot. Sometimes, she saw Marcus, who had been entrusted with the Estate’s funds – he who had been the closest thing to an uncle she knew from her father – and thought the better of it. That’s the thing with family, you have obligations beside the physical bodies. All Emma had left were those obligations and, despite everything, she felt a responsibility to see it through. Perhaps it was spite or some weird form of love.

People that didn’t know better would say money.

Imported jewels dangled from ears and an ample neck, and a red pooling fabric shifted snugly over Emma’s form as she took Marcus’ hand out of the car. The long satin dress gathered as a puddle around her feet whenever she remained still. Blood-like. Starting, wrapping from one shoulder and ending on the wet ground with a single slice on the leg to allow movement. Much more extravagant than she was used to; perfect for the occasion; suiting the location of the colossal pillared white stone building, carvings of ancient beings hid on the walls, and a gilded, former observatory roof glistened in the centre.

She fidgeted with her hair, piling it over her shoulder before following her overly-dressed agent up the steps, passing marbled, nude figures that held up the front of the museum in twisting positions. Every step forward brought the building higher and higher to the point of blocking out the moon. Intimidating with an open wooden maw, pouring out golden light and laughter and swarms of human bodies making their way to and fro. She stared down the entrance, stopping mere feet away while others – elite, chin-up, socialites – swerved around her as her mind briefly went to the case, carrying on with their chosen lives and ignoring how close hers was to ending.

It should have been easier to walk through that vintage glamour, through marble-encased hallways, past grand hung paintings and champagne flute-carrying servers, but it was too much like her old life, pretentious and fake and overwhelming. Here she felt like a prized beast meant for harvesting till every last drop, made to be worth every last cent. Some people stared from paintings and statues, behind silver trays, luxurious clothed tables, centrepieces and drapery, because they heard of the value the Darcy Estate had accumulated and how its sole fortune heir came out of her reclusive burrow as she so occasionally did. To them, she was a rare sight.

To Emma, she hated it. Hated the way her revealing flesh shivered and her stomach sunk under their eyes. A reaction she shared with her late mother was that these people cared for one thing and one thing only; wealth and who had the most. They couldn't care less about getting to know the person behind it or anyone unless money was at stake, which practically made this gala a hunting ground for the rich. Add that along to the real danger of a serial killer possibly vying for her attention, that Alex, for all intents and purposes, was still missing, and it could not be any worse timing. If Emma intended to survive the night, then she’d have to move through the underbrush of people with care. Tonight was open season, after all.

“Do I have to do this?” questioned Emma, her head already on a swivel.

Marcus sighed. “You know better than I do about your requirements, Emma.” Which meant she had to, and that was a lie. He was there when they were read, she wasn’t. “Tell you what, let’s just stick it out until the first piece is sold, then we can head off, okay?” he offered in a move to please her, and she nodded. But it did not ease the crosshairs aimed at her head.

What unease she felt did not spill over to Marcus, however, he seemed comfortable, soaking in the light with a ravenous hunger that had been left untouched and rewarding his complexion by way of making him glow. It was safe to say he loved it, greedily. He would take whatever he could get, staying by her side through every held conversation, laughing along and grabbing passing refreshments when required, smoothing back his slicked hair to blend in, and adjusting the ivory cufflinks gifted to him by her father, so he remained pristine. Though he never went far from her. One would say that the agent was more her handler as he showed her off to all those who mattered.

A tight leash. That’s what the painting beside them read, A Tight Leash . Such an exposing piece – Emma found it odd yet very right to her predicament. A fake, surely. Not that the ogling hundreds cared, and not the living skeletons, trophy pairs or wannabes. As each man and woman had their turn, Emma became more and more stifled. The room shrunk, slowly dragging the ceiling down upon her head while Marcus, ever the artist, played oblivious. He tightened his grab of her arm in what he must have thought was encouraging, but it did the opposite. She wanted out. The noises drowned her head, and she wanted out. She was gasping for air, so she pulled back quite hard and stormed towards the nearest balcony, window or door. She tumbled and twisted. At various points, she lost her footing, and then quickly recovered without care. Half a mad woman amongst the sane; she had no clue where she was going, blurred walls and objects tend to look the same after a while.

Eventually, a cold breeze brushed her paled parchment cheeks as doors swung close and there was nothing else but the darkness of night and a stone balcony atop the cliff-edge, where she swore she could hear waves lapping even though there was no water in sight. Safe to say, it was peaceful. Just what the doctor would have ordered; away from bodies, dead and alive.

Emma leaned against the ledge, soaking in the gentle night with closed eyes, and she could almost imagine she was safe. “That was quite… the scene,” spoke another who entered after her. At first, the recognition didn’t register, but she had heard that man’s voice a thousand times in her mind, and immediately, her body tensed in trepidation. “I know, I know. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I just.” Muscles tensed turned clenched, fingers burning bright red. “Actually, I don’t care any more, Marcus. I cannot do—”

Then everything stopped when she turned around. Her quick-found, righteous anger rolled over her as fast as the confidence originally came to her as she realised her mistake. “Dr. Lecter?” she asked like the clear-cut figure dressed in fine black in front of her was not enough to believe his sudden appearance outside work or their sessions. How could she have ever mistaken that rich, velvet accent?

“We keep doing this,” said Hannibal, the same as ever. Normal.

“One of us ought to stop it,” responded Emma.

“Probably.”

And neither budged under the quiet dark. Constellations witnesses to their reluctance.

“Marcus?” he quirked his head, confounded.

New lines contorted around her nose, eyes, brow and mouth while she ran a hand through her hair and she fumbled her words, “Yeah. My agent. A scene?”

“Quite a few people noticed. It was hard not to. This would be the same man whose house you borrowed that became a crime scene, the ‘close family friend’, correct?”

“The very one. Who you obviously aren’t because you’re not going to try and kill me. God, this is a mess. I’m so sorry.”

The smallest of smiles crested Hannibal’s face, so small yet discernable nonetheless, then it stopped. He smiled ? At what? Her embarrassment, an inside joke or her insanity? A man like him could be thinking a million things, and it wasn’t fair that he knew her thoughts while she knew nothing of what rattled inside him. Then again, she shouldn’t care. She didn’t want to know (but, oh, how she needed to). “What brings you here?” enquired Emma ever so casually without realising she had spoken before the question left her sober(?) lips, and he slowly took up the space on her right.

“I was concerned about the welfare of one of my patients,” he said.

“Ah, I see.” she slumped against the carved grey mass. “So we’re patient and doctor this evening then,” commented her as she returned to facing the night horizon.

“Being colleagues typically requires us to be near a body

“Being doctor-patient typically requires a hefty bill.”

“And you are avoiding my point.”

“You’re avoiding my question. You know what I meant,” said Emma like a stern reminder, because today of all days, she deemed it fair and, plus, if she knew why a man such as himself was here at a charity art gala, then maybe she could avoid running into him at the next one (or maybe not). Hannibal pierced her fair gaze with an ease akin to sharpened metal slicing paper, careful not to let on too much. Never did give much away; everything he did was so subtle you had to really look. Otherwise, everything moved with purpose.

“Tit for tat. You tell first, then I will… open myself up for an unpaid therapy session, god knows I could probably use one right now,” she suggested after the brief stifling silence like he was the one demanding she spill her guts to him.

A slight head tilt; a new perspective. “Fairness for an equal footing. It does seem only right, lest we behave like unmannered beasts,” conceded Hannibal.

“You first.”

“The art. Out of all the things man has created, it is quite beautiful. It will never die.”

Emma stood still, more taken aback by the honest answer than she should have been.

“Not the answer you were expecting?” he asked.

“No. I mean, kind of. I’ve always had you down for a man with fine taste and the luxury of being able to afford it, but you’re not like them , the savages,” she replied with a pointed look aimed at the high society scoffing caviar, oysters and champagne down their wide open mouths and cackling imprudently behind the closed glass-paned door.

Hannibal did neither. If he ever did, Emma imagined he’d be more polite, and as he spoke he seemed to share a similar opinion, following her gaze in every way. “They are a different breed of stock. Though, occasionally, one finds the few worthy of sinking one’s teeth into.”

“That would make you sound superior.” Hannibal gave her pause from the corner of his periphery. “To which I’d have to wholeheartedly agree upon. Being around them suffocates me in mere seconds, they are a rotten lot, and with you, it’s… different, as is a fresh breeze in old lungs. It is how you put it, I am able to sink my teeth into you,” she admitted, and the truth it was. If he allowed, she would take a bite out of him any day to assuage her monstrous brain – which was another truth, since normal people don’t confess such things. Quickly, she picks back up, “which answers your point. I’m okay now, I think I should be. Just needed to get away and…”

“Stop wearing the facade you’ve so tightly adorned?”

“Yes.”

Hazardous winds slash at the joyous moon, dark clouds covering up the pale light in fractured distillation as curled strands of hair whip across Emma’s bared flesh. But she doesn’t feel pain or the cold or anything like she knows she should, except freedom when their sights lined up in each other's view. Dappled moon rays swarmed along his frame, washing the sharp edges of his silhouette in pale holy light and putting him closer to being a piece of art created by the greats and touched by god with the creases on his face the markings of an oil painting’s brush strokes; the kind of art you couldn’t tear away from. Emma watched as those warm maroon eyes of his trailed down her face and neck, her throat bobbing with a hard, silent gulp until he reached the small, discoloured circular burst indented on her shoulder like a star burning a hole through the deep blue cloth of night, a scar. But hers was anything other than a beautiful constellation. It was pain.

It was a reminder.

That is when the sound of waves lapping upon rocky teeth reached her ears. Danger. She was getting too close. But there is no water, only dry land. Dry land surrounded them for miles and miles. Is any of this real? Emma questioned herself, reality and him; if he could just be a figment created by her subconscious to calm her in a moment of stress.

She withdrew back, breaking contact and covering up the age-old scar once again. The line redrawn. Real or not, she couldn’t make the same mistake thrice. This had to remain professional, no matter how good it felt to think there might be someone who spoke the same language as her soul – that was his job, to ‘understand’ . He couldn’t actually understand her. She was messed up. There was no way.

Thunderous applause drew her attention to the inside where people emptied the floor and searched for their seats as the band took their thanks. “We missed the dance,” murmured Emma solemnly, realising the long passage of time that must have passed.

“Must have been an elating experience. Do you dance, Emma?” pondered Hannibal, who, thankfully, maintained the distance she had carved.

“In the sense that I am trained, yes.”

“Then it seems we both missed out on a good thing.”

He tried bringing her back, but her mind was caught elsewhere. Reality came crashing so hard it took her a few seconds to catch up as the professional in her recalled the event’s schedule. Drinks, dancing, then…

Like it was written across her face, Hannibal interfered, “The auction will start soon. Unless you intend on missing that as well?”

“No. No, I mustn’t,” sighed Emma, and she rubbed her forehead before straightening up and composing herself for what would be hell on earth the second a man declared her a mine to be dug for its gold, that or the berating Marcus was going to lay out on her. Smoothing out the creases of her dress, she reached for the door handle when Hannibal held it open and followed her inside where the warmth smothered them both upon entry.

For once here, people ignored the pair as they manoeuvred around and a murmuring silence began to fall into place. What could not so easily be ignored was the slickened Marcus, shoving his way through the crowd with veins and a jaw that looked like it would pop at a moment’s notice. Hannibal regarded the man while the sea of people kept them separated. “That agent of yours doesn’t seem to be too happy,” he said.

“Yeah, well, he doesn’t appreciate being made a fool when my father’s money is at stake. The man enjoys his fake wealth,” said Emma, searching for an escape from both men, but no door, seat or direction would accomplish such a task unless it meant mingling with the unsavoury. No, she had one choice, and she was not in the mood for Marcus’ reminders of duty and inheritance. Plus, time was drawing near when the auction would start and two single seats glistened in the distance, far from Marcus’ reach, close to an audience he wouldn’t dare start anything in front of. “Do me a favour, Dr. Lecter, please. Sit with me,” she implored the doctor, though it was less of an ask and more of a desperate command.

Hannibal had to admit that it was almost appealing. “I do not think that is a good idea,” he told her, but he did not leave her side.

Seats were getting full. Her spot was compromised by a couple walking in its direction. She had to come up with something. “Every second I spend here builds up pressure in the mask I wear. If Marcus speaks to me, I’m not sure how long it will last before I lose myself again. But if you join me instead, I will be okay. Which is what you want, right Dr. Lecter? To ensure I am as you intend me to be, better?” Against her better wishes, she tried to appeal to him. He was her psychiatrist, after all. Emma Darcy’s mental health was his concern.

“Very well, then,” gave in he, and she swore he smiled, but it must have just been a trick of the lights dimming as they made their way to the front table, not a second wasted. They moved past the couple, taking the last seats at the table, each other only an arm’s reach, and Marcus was forced to stay at the back while the first auctioned piece was put into place on the stage with a large red cloth, and the black-suited auctioneer approached the podium, standing front and centre, ready to do the job he was paid so much to do.

“You never did mention why it is that you are attending, Emma,” whispered Hannibal, leaning towards her.

“Oh,” she said unexpectedly, like the thought never occurred to her that someone wouldn’t know because everyone else already did, and she gestured Hannibal’s focus towards the veiled object looming behind the auctioneer. “The painting belongs to my mother. My family’s estate donated it for the auction, so we could help raise money for the gala. We’ve been doing it for years now. Only this time, it just so happened that I was in the area, so Marcus insisted that it would be a good idea,” answered her in a fellow hushed voice, and never removed her eyes from the would-be painting. Silence fell over them all, the spotlight gravitating all focus on that shining stage. Their excitement was so palpable one could taste it in the air, like sweat from the back of a pig fed only on truffles. But none felt as Emma did as she sat on the edge of her seat, not in that same excitement. She sat full of nerves, worms wriggling around her stomach. It had been decades since she last saw this painting, and now she would see it again. It was to be a reunion.

“Alright, ladies and gentlemen!” echoed the auctioneer’s voice.

Emma’s fingers tapped, restless.

“Now, we know you’ve been waiting for this moment so let us not keep you waiting any longer and let’s get to donating some money. Tonight we have a very special piece lined up for you, generously provided by long-time supporters of our wonderful cause.”

Unknowingly, the rhythm became a pacing heartbeat. A hand enveloped her wrist, making hers look ridiculously small. Hannibal meant nothing by it, only that she should stop and stop she did. Emma really was unsuited to these environments. One would be better off throwing her at a crime scene or the morgue.

The auctioneer carried on, smiling ever so. “For those with religion on their minds and walls, this is an original, never-before-seen, oil painting done by William-Adolphe Bouguereau that was first discovered by Marie Harker in 1925 and passed down her family for generations until now.” A couple of staff stood ready by the painting. Gloved palms grabbed the red cloth. “The Woman in Red!” cheerily announced the man as off went the covering, blood-like rivers billowing from the motion before pilling into a puddle on the marble below.

It did not get the reaction he hoped.

Glass shattered. The first sound: a crescendo of champagne flutes breaking. A dozen, maybe, maybe more. But no oohs or ahhs . In fact, the first sound physically made by a human after the unveiling was shrieks so loud they could shatter the already broken glass. People had even run from their seats, and all because of the blood that dripped from the real-life heart stitched into place, held by an all too real hand where dark skin stretched in a manner that could never be replicated without the use of actual skin, and a face. The face with shiny eyes, rosy cheeks, lips plump, and pores so visible, changing by the light and not paint strokes. The face that seemed alive. The face Emma would recognise a mile away, especially when she sat right up close to that red-robed woman stretched onto a canvas, holding heart and dagger, a solar eclipse purifying the action as it christened the black halo that was her hair.

A reunion it was indeed, for there solved the mystery of missing Alex Bennet, now deceased.

The pulse in Emma’s throat throbbed.

Her stomach felt empty at the sight.

She did not run like the others. She did not cry. Instead, as Hannibal carefully inspected her reaction, her other hand grabbed his and shock took her in a myriad of ways. But mostly due to the one single thought she disgusted herself to think, yet hungered for nonetheless: it was beautiful.

———

“And have you helped her?” was the question brought up by Bedelia, the psychiatrist’s psychiatrist.

If this had been asked at the beginning of their doctor-patient relationship, Hannibal would merely admit a fleeting fancy to a woman who struggled on the occasion, that she was merely another patient like any other. He had seen a glimpse of who she could be under the facade society forced her to hide under, an endangered species on the verge of extinction. But that did not have to be the case. Not anymore. Not for either of them. And he was interested in seeing what might happen, more than anything, to the woman who dared to be inspired by the Chesapeake Ripper voluntarily and whose mind drank in crimes against human nature like a fine red wine.

A short smile deigned his face. “I am beginning.”

“Then this fox must be careful where she steps.” One wrong move, and she would be better off dead. If Bedelia appeared concerned, then she did not show it.

Hunger struck a cord inside the man, the doctor, the being. He was well and truly intrigued. So much so that inspiration filled a desire.

And what is desire if not hunger?

#fanfiction #fanfic #hannibal #hannibal nbc #hannibal lecter #bedelia du maurier #hannibal fanfic #hannibal fanfiction #hannibal lecter fanfiction #hannibal x original character #hannibal x oc #original female character #original character

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buddys-follows-and-likes · 1 year ago

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hi hello!

I looked at this blog and I am super interested I am looking politely. Anyways. What do the elements entail? What're the specific abilities/notes you have for them? just curious SORRY

No need to be sorry!

Anyway, this world is probably gonna go through a major rehaul, so don’t get too used to any of these concepts.

I’ll put them under the cut, cause this is gonna get long.

Fire monsters are lizard dudes who can breathe fire and exude heat. They can only eat meat.

Sound monsters kinda look like tropical birds from the neck up, but their bodies are humanoid and they have dinosaury tails. They like to sing and have the most advanced medical technology.

Toxic monsters look like snakes and have arms, but no legs. Their septic bite is deadly to all other monsters. They eat venomous plants, mostly, so it’s unknown where the stereotype of them chowing down on grandma when they get a bit peckish comes from.

Psychic monsters look a bit like cats with red gems in their foreheads and can read minds and see into the future if they’re born under the moons. They used to live on a volcanic island (the volcano’s smoke blocked out the sky) until they moved to the rainforest.

Metal monsters look like little gray drakes with sharp claws, frills, and tail blades. They eat metal because it strengthens their scales. They’re known for being anti-social due to them being naturally solitary.

Plant monsters look kinda like six-limbed jaguars with rainbowy fur. Their tails are prehensile and they can hang from trees, but it’s not the most comfortable. They only eat plants.

Air monsters look like Utahraptors with more flight-able wings. They can’t hover or perform complex flying tricks because their bodies are too heavy. It’s said that half of all of them are gray, chatty, and huge people pleasers. Apparently, the other half is brown, chatty, and huge people pleasers. It used to be canon that they didn’t eat birds because they could talk to them, but not anymore.

Electric monsters look like little velociraptors and like to run. They can fire electricity from their mouths. It used to be thought that they were just loners, but it’s a known part of their culture now that they just go on long solitary trips that can last for weeks, sometimes up to a month.

Crystal monsters look like ceratopsians with rocks for horns. They’re named after whichever gemstone they eat first, as their horns will grow with its color and texture. Other than minerals, they also eat underground-dwelling moles, bugs, mushrooms, and fish.

Earth monsters have the heads of ceratopsians, and the bodies of lions. They have designated “breeding nights” once a month, as they’re not raised by their parents, but their siblings instead. They lay 3-6 eggs at a time. Romance isn’t really a thing in their culture, so they’re often dumbstruck when they realize that it’s real and not something that other species invented to write saucy books.

Ice monsters are pretty much anatomically identical to polar bears other than that they have blue manes that run down to their long tails. They’re fancy and have a class system that updates every month, which determines how “useful” you are to their society.

Water monsters are “cetacean mermaids”. From the hips down, they have normal cetacean bodies, but above that, they have humanoid bodies with cetacean heads and narwhal horns on their foreheads. It used to be canon that they didn’t eat fish because they could talk to them, but not anymore.

Light monsters look like fuzzy critters with any combination of “cute” traits (floppy ears, fluffy tails, short snouts, etc). Their queen, with the help of a book and an evil plant, colonized their entire continent, which is different than the one the previous 12 live on. They cut down all the trees, killed off the Dark monsters, and integrated the Faeries as second class citizens.

Faerie monsters are kinda bird and kinda bug. They start off as birds with talon-hands in place of wings, then they go through a month-long metamorphosis in at age 12 or so, which is when they get the cool butterfly wings on their backs. In Light monster society, they don’t get to choose their jobs, and if they’re born able to spin a special kind of silk, they’re sent off to textile mills where they spin it and are only let out to breed and create more special silk spinners.

Dark monsters look like any kind of theropod, with dark blue feathers all over their bodies aside from their hands, feet, and face regardless of which they resemble the most. They were pushed off into a corner of their continent, a place which is now known as the Dark Forest. They’ve been conspiring to overthrow Queen Shining (queen of the Light monsters) ever since she drove them out.

And that’s the last of the monsters! There’s critters too, if you care to read on them.

Trolls look like ugly cute little fuzzy guys with big noses and ears. Their opposable fingers allow them to learn various tricks and even to be service animals.

Goblins look like upright standing, green-skinned pig things that live in the forest and like to steal whatever catches their eyes, which is most often shiny things and treasure (bonus points if it belonged to a monster). Their tails are also absurdly long, which can seem like an evolutionary disadvantage since that’s how they so often get preyed upon.

Orcs, for lack of a better comparison, look like Moblins from Breath of the Wild specifically, other than that they have green skin, a slightly more stocky build, tusks, and a less disproportionate arm:leg ratio. Orcs know how to use tree branches as weapons and that they can tie rocks and bones to them to make them more effective. Troops of them go to war just about every day, and it’s unknown if that thing about them eating rivals’ babies is true or not.

Ogres resemble large theropods, but they stand more upright and have way longer arms which reach down to their hips. They are extremely rare, so it’s unknown if they even exist. They apparently live in far-off, remote caves and only come out when they’re starving.

Rocs are giant, beautiful birds of paradise with colorful tails and head feathers. Both sexes show off to attract each other.

Unicorns are decidedly more majestic and pretty than monokeros, for some reason. No one exactly knows what their horns are for, since it would be less than practical to fight with them as they jut straight out of their heads. Unicorns live in large herds and run around, going wherever the wind takes them.

Monokeros are related to unicorns, despite not really resembling them. They have three toes instead of two, short tails, and horns that can resemble hadrosaurs’ crests. Their crests are colorful, and the ones with the prettiest crests end up breeding. They don’t tend to live in groups, but ones with young babies will probably form them.

Yeah, if you couldn’t tell, this was originally just an uninspired Wings of Fire rip-off. I’m trying to rework it into its own thing, but I’m so far deep into rip-offness that I’ve started subconsciously replacing the word “dragon” with “monster” when I read the books lol. In any case, if you have any more lore questions, don’t be afraid to ask!

Also, thank you for being my second ever ask! I’d give you a silver star, but I couldn’t find any on Google images. So instead, you get a verbal thanks!

#askworldbuilding #askmonster #critter #second ever ask!!!#old #Terastria

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lilflowerpot · 2 years ago

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Hello! :> I've just found this blog after finishing LB, and've been pouring over your lovely posts about Galra biology/ phenotypes (thanks for that one btw, the inexplicable diversity of non-hybrids was always… puzzling), and my inner paleontologist got curious. What do you think the last common ancestor of all Galra might've been like?

I'm assuming the species would've already become obligate bipeds, but still with a reduced tail at this point. Is fur or bare skin their ancestral condition (ie. did Kyx/ Byal evolve their hair from a smoother ancestor, or did Aalk & Dox both disinherit their forebear's fur)?

From what biome did this proto-Galra emigrate (ie. from more resourceful, but competitive jungles -> to less hospitable, but unpopulated deserts... or the reverse)?

Kyx & Byal seem like sister taxa- more closely related to each other than to the other types (presumably only diverged by temporal partitioning?). Aalk & Dox, though both hairless, don't seem as similar... given the Aalk's increased size, loss of the tailed gene, and their unique dermal plating, could they be considered the most 'derived' type? And Dox, perhaps the most 'basal'? All this is making me want to draw a cladogram...

(That could be where the root of some biases about more supposedly 'superior/ advanced' phenotypes stems from...? Human prejudices can often fall along similar lines.)

Sorry for the overly-long ask, but your world is just so thoughtful! Thanks so much for sharing it. :>

((For the sake of both your sanity and mine, I'm going to do my very best to keep my answers focused and in the approximate order that you asked for them!))

All living people share exactly the same set of ancestors before the Identical Ancestors Point, all the way to the very first single-celled organism.[1] However, people will vary widely in how much ancestry and genes they inherit from each ancestor, which will cause them to have very different genotypes and phenotypes. [1] Rohde DL, Olson S, Chang JT (September 2004). "Modelling the recent common ancestry of all living humans". Nature. 431 (7008): 562–6.

My personal thoughts as to the appearance of the galra's last common ancestor is that it was a furred desert-dweller that, yes, must have been an obligate biped—a term which here means, for anyone not in the know, the form of bipedalism (walking on two legs) that is assumed as a habitual means of movement as in the case for humans and kangaroos, rather than being assumed on a temporary basis for specific short-term purpose—and still tailed at the time, though this was likely on its way to being evolved out seeing as it's a rare and recessive trait in the modern day.

Now I might be wrong regarding this next part (because I had to read up on what you meant by "sister taxa" so am low-key learning as we go) but yes, the Byal and Kyx branched from the common node of their desert dwelling ancestor. In their case, temporal partitioning occurred due to their circadian rhythms evolving to mediate the interactions between those galra sharing the sparse desert hunting ground; smaller galra were more successful hunting during the day, owing to their less-noticeable stature and swifter reactions, which lead to the circadian rhythms of larger galra shifting to allow them to hunt at night, when their dominant competitors were less active. Ultimately, this lead to the divergence of their phenotypical traits, with the Byal evolving a thicker coat and better night-vision to help them during their waking hours, while their large ears dispersed heat during the day to prevent heatstroke.

Importantly, the Aalk and Dox are still the same species as the Kyx and Byal (ie. they're all galra), but the two of them branched off from the common node immediately preceding that of the Byal/Kyx divide, though Aalk are indeed the most derived—meaning specialised—type, as their pheotypical traits stand the furthest from those of the proto-galra common ancestor. From their desertous origin, they migrated to Daibazaal's mountainous regions, triggering their fur to change from stand-alone strands to that distinct outer armor of scaled plates (formed of keratin like those of the rhyahl, though structured quite differently) to better protect their inner epidermis from the increased UV exposure risk of their new, high-altitude environment.

Other descendants of this same proto-galra migrated instead into Daibazaal's thick jungles, where they lost their fur altogether to compensate for the drastic increase of humidity, the sebaceous glands that served to oil their fur, emulsify sweat, and delay dehydration in the desert, evolving to instead produce a different compound comprised of two pigments (one red, one orange) that work in tandem to both produce a natural antibiotic and absorb harmful UV rays. This second group found new purpose for their tails as semi-arboreal creatures, and so natural selection maintained this recessive trait most firmly in those who would become Dox. So, no, the Dox are actually equally as "derived" as the Aalk, and of all the phenotypes it's likely the Kyx (despite their loss of the tailed gene) who would be considered the least divergent from their ancestral counterpart, and therefore the most "basal".

The historical prejudices of which phenotypes are considered "superior" came later, when the tribes started to actively war against one another, and those who possessed greater raw physical strength tended to have the advantage, particularly seeing as the majority of Daibazaal's terrain was so barren and so offered very little in the way of a tactical battleground. Notably, this is also where that idea of the Dox being "underhanded" came from: because their home turf //was// so diverse and difficult to navigate (poisonous plants, venomous fauna, sinkholes and swamps and terrain unlike anything the rest of the galra had ever known) they—knowing it would be a loosing battle if they were to war with larger phenotypes head-on—were able to fight tactically.

#//gosh// this was fun #know that i am very pleased that you actually enjoy my horribly long and rambling science posts it genuinely means a lot!!#I also saw that you were one of the first to like my punnett square post so consider yourself greatly appreciated #Ao3 Little Blade #sa screams back #galra history & culture

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localbugguy · 1 year ago

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Pest Control and Pet Safety: Expert Tips for Pet-Friendly Pest Management in Temecula

Hello there, pet lovers of Temecula! We know that your furry friends mean the world to you. They bring boundless joy and companionship into your lives. But, there’s one thing that can disrupt this harmony – pests. An infestation of spiders or other creepy crawlies can be an absolute nightmare, especially if you’re concerned about your pet's safety. Fear not, for this article is your ultimate guide to mastering the art of pet-friendly pest management. Let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to a pest-free and pet-safe home!

1. Understanding the Challenge: Pets vs. Pests

Pets are curious creatures, and pests can be sneaky. This collision often leads to problems. We delve into the common issues faced by pet owners dealing with pest invasions and provide actionable solutions.

2. Why Temecula is Prone to Spider Infestations

Temecula’s warm climate and lush surroundings create an ideal habitat for spiders. We explore the reasons behind the prevalence of spiders in this region and how to safeguard your home from these eight-legged invaders.

3. Local Bug Guy: Your Pet’s Best Friend Against Pests

In Temecula, we are fortunate to have the Local Bug Guy, a pest control company dedicated to serving Murrieta, Winchester, Menifee, and Wildomar. Discover how their expertise and pet-friendly approach make them the go-to choice for pest control.

4. Pet-Safe Pest Control Methods: The Ultimate Guide

Say goodbye to harmful chemicals! We unveil a comprehensive guide to pet-safe pest control methods, ensuring your furry companions remain unharmed while you tackle the pest menace effectively.

5. Creating a Pest-Proof Environment for Your Pet

Prevention is key! Learn the art of pest-proofing your home to create a haven for your pets. From sealing cracks to proper food storage, we cover it all.

6. DIY Pet-Friendly Pest Control Hacks

Get crafty with DIY solutions! Discover simple yet effective homemade pest repellents that are safe for your pets and family. Bid farewell to spiders without breaking the bank.

7. The Role of Proper Waste Management in Pest Control

Are you aware that improper waste management attracts pests? Discover how taking responsibility for your waste can dramatically decrease the risk of a pest invasion, guaranteeing the safety of your cherished pets.

8. Gardening Tips: Keeping Your Garden Pest and Pet-Friendly

For many pet owners, gardens are an extension of their homes. Learn gardening techniques that repel pests without harming your pets. Cultivate a garden where your pets can frolic freely.

9. Spiders and Indoor Plants: Finding the Right Balance

Indoor plants add charm to your home, but they can also attract spiders. Discover the types of plants that repel spiders and keep your indoor space green and spider-free.

10. The Science Behind Pet-Safe Pest Repellents

Ever wondered how natural pest repellents work? We delve into the science behind these wonders, explaining their efficacy and safety for your beloved pets.

11. Why Regular Pest Inspections are Crucial for Pet Owners

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered!

1. Can spiders harm my pets?

Beware of spider species that can harm your beloved pets, especially if they bite them. Maintaining a spider-free home is vital to shield your furry companions from harm.

2. Are Local Bug Guy’s services safe for pets?

Absolutely! Local Bug Guy uses pet-friendly pest control methods, ensuring the safety of your pets while effectively eliminating pests.

3. How can I keep spiders out of my pet’s bedding?

Regular washing and vacuuming your pet’s bedding and using natural spider repellents can help keep spiders away from your pet’s resting place.

4. Are there natural ways to repel spiders from indoor plants?

Natural remedies like citrus peels, vinegar, or essential oils can deter spiders from indoor plants without harming your pets.

5. Is professional pest control necessary if I haven’t noticed any pests yet?

Prevention is better than cure! Even without visible pests, professional pest control services can ensure your home remains pest-free, providing a safe environment for your pets.

In conclusion, your pets deserve a pest-free haven, and with the proper knowledge and assistance, you can achieve just that. Embrace the pet-friendly pest management techniques shared here and let your pets roam freely, knowing they are safe from creepy crawlers. Remember, a happy pet means a comfortable home!

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#pest control near me #pest control #pest control services #pest control companies #ant control #local pest control near me #local pest control #ant pest control #pest services #bug control #spider control

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arclundarchivist · 1 year ago

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Spectember!

So this is gonna be a little different from many of my normal posts.

I have been a massive fan of speculative evolution/biology for a very long time, probably ever since I watched The Future is Wild when I was a kid.

And amongst speculative evolution fans, September is a month where many creatives decide to use it to make all manner of possible beasts, both future and fiction.

So I finally decided to take a crack at it (and then forgot to post yesterday 0.0.). I have been worldbuilding for sometime, working on my own fictional setting called Arclund, amongst others, so here is the first beast I really delved into (And likely the only one that will have art).

----

tol’Gorga, Orcish Horse (Equius dentis ruudashi) are a rare breed of equine that evolved on the brutal planet of Ruudash, before being transplanted to Arclund during the Ruudashi arrival. Scholars have long been curious about the manifestation of a number of animalistic species across several worlds, with them often following similar body and behavioral plans such as dogs, cats, pigs, and horses.

However, the tol’Gorga, while a true equine, is quite different from its cousins across Materia. Their thick fur often comes in shades not seen in other equines, particularly purplish grays, greenish browns, and rarely an Appaloosa-like pattern of white and flinty blue. They are large beasts, rarely standing shorter than 6’ 3” at the shoulder.

And then some more distinctive changes.

Their forward-facing eyes, which have keen night vision, the slit pupils more closely resembling the eyes of a cat.

Their sharp tusks jut upward from their lower jaw, a feature commonly found amongst Ruudashi fauna, implying some manner of common ancestry.

But what truly sets them apart is their diet and stance.

tol’Gorga are able to stand and walk on their hind legs, which are much more heavily muscled than their already impressive forelimbs. This form of locomotion is not found in any other breed of equine but can be seen amongst the Duckbills of the N’Jando jungles.

They seem to prefer this form of locomotion in most cases, excluding when needing to run.

Their forelegs have particularly thick and heavy hooves, and while, as noted, their back legs are quite strong and their tusks can do some serious damage, their main weapon is their front hooves.

Powerful enough to crack stone with one swift punch-like kick, they are an effective predator deterrent.

On to their diet, and while all equines are given to minor cases of omnivory, tol’Gorga lean more towards carnivory. Ruudash was a harsh land even prior to its fall, and as time went on, the tol’Gorga adapted to the increasing rarity of plant life by gaining more and more omnivorous tendencies.

While they could hunt, they favored themselves as scavengers, much of their diet consisting of carrion. Their thick tusks and heavy molars allow them to crack and consume bone/pierce thick hide.

On Arclund, however, those that have escaped Orcish pasturing have entered into much more actively predatory lifestyles, stalking and running down deer, goats, and antelope, depending on their resident territory.

Their hardwiring as opportunistic scavengers, despite their size, dwarfing even the largest Human-bred plow horse, can be explained when one looks at the other fauna taken from Ruudash.

Ruudash, despite its harsh nature, grew its fauna large. The Dire appellation used by common folk often refers not to a magically altered specimen of a common species but instead to the Ruudash subspecies.

Wolves and Big Cats the size of Brown Bears, Boars and Bears the size of Elephants, the Mastodons(also prone to cases of omnivory) were all animals that were higher on the food chain than the tol’Gorga, saying nothing of the Sophont natives or Hydra, the world’s apex predatory in most environments.

The tol’Gorga’s heavy hooves worked well against predators adapted to resist or regenerate from slashing or piercing attacks, while their tempers and ability to ignore seemingly lethal injuries made them as scrappy and tough as any beast that walked Ruudash’s deserts and scrublands.

Females are typically larger than males, and the largest lead herds of up to fifteen individuals.

These herds are commonly females and their young, and a handful of stallions, though young Males are often nomadic, being the lowest rung of the tol’Gorga hierarchy, relegated to look-outs when the herd grazes or rests, and females have been seen tripping these males when fleeing a predator, sacrificing them so they and their young can survive.

Orcs, as with many other Ruudashi megafauna, have long tamed and enjoyed the company of the tol’Gorga, and many tame herds can be found in the lands the Orcs have claimed as their own.

However, feral populations have spread far afield, descended from escapees from Orcish pastures or having outsmarted the few non-orcish breeders that have tried to raise the ornery beasts.

tol’Gorga are also noted to be much smarter than their other equine cousins, showing problem-solving capabilities comparable to those of various ape species.

Curiously, tol’Gorga seem to have an affection for Smallfolk ancestries such as Gnomes or Halflings, listening to their directions more often and attacking them far less than even Orcs. Some scholars posit that this means there was another people on Ruudash at one point that bonded with the equines, but never made it to Arclund for one reason or another.

As with other horses, there are variations of tol’Gorga, and three breeds will be discussed as follows.

The Marduni, are perhaps the largest, with small Ogres being able to ride them without issue. Noted for their unique silver manes, this breed has been raised as war mounts for the Orcish Paladins that were some of the first that joined Relae’s call to push back the horrid taint of the Lesion.

Marduni have been noted to consume the flesh and bone of demons with little to no ill effects, though many Mavendor have commented on the disconcertion felt watching a horse dig through the belly of a fiend for its melting sweetmeats.

The Ishtari, are the smallest and the fastest, their fur taking on a dusty orange shade that allows them to camouflage into the surrounding desert.

While they seem utterly wild at first glance, each and every one of the Ishtari tol’Gorga is owned by the Malakan People, Fiendblooded Half-Orcs descended from a city cursed at some point during the Separation.

Some claim that the Ishtari breed also shows signs of Fiendish influence in their appearance.

And the last is rumored, a Mutaform of Caliendo, that descended from a trapped band of war horses following the Cascade. These rumors claim they have dipped even further into carnivory, with limbs more closely resembling the Raptors of N’Jando and Southern Zentris.

#spectember #speculative evolution #fantasy creature #fantasy world #arclund #Original Work #OC

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senqv · 2 years ago

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FOLK OF THE GREY WAVES.

blue lock ! mermaid au featuring : alexis ness , michael kaiser , kurona ranze x gn! reader

warning(s) : kaiser tries to kill you once purposefully and once accidentally ( what’s new ) , biting , dead fish rip , lmk if there are more !

a/n : can you tell i was an ocean loving child

alexis ness !

prolly a dolphin mercreature … you know how the media portrays dolphins to be cute little angels but actually they are wild. yea

he has a curious nature as a dolphin, but also, as we know, incredibly intelligent

he can’t speak too much, but communicates with little thrills and chirps <3

you learn his name after he draws it out onto the sand, he really likes how you say his name !!

alexis also likes to ‘study’ you, as you say, and he is extremely fond of wrapping his tail around your legs — he doesn’t have them, after all, so he’s really curious on how they work !

he always leaves some gifts for you by rocks for you, like shells and clams with pearls in them <3 sometimes he finds some weird human contraption that was dropped into the sea and brings them to you as well

you bring your own gifts for him too ! he’s quite fond of flowers; especially lavenders, the sweet smell really appeals to him. he’s kinda sad that he can’t bring them underwater though :(

a regular bottlenose dolphin is about 2-4 m ( around 6.7 - 13.1 feet ) in length, so he’s quite big — bigger than you at least.

despite his large size, he’s very gentle with you, brushing his face over your palms and examining your legs with apt fascination. his fingers are nearly floating above your skin, because you’re so small compared to him that he really doesn’t wanna hurt you (*⁰▿⁰*)

he’s always mimicking you smiling. it’s his favourite expression !! it gets a little unsettling sometimes because you can tell that something has angered him but he’s still like :)

and then suddenly some people who have bothered you have develop a fear of the sea and refuse to go near it and you hm

splashes water on you to express his displeasure. and then he nudges you down when you try to tackle him as revenge … and somehow he is surprised you went down so easily ??? like huh have you not seen the size difference

overall really cute 10/10

michael kaiser !

if dolphins are bad this guy is an orca. the worse subspecies of dolphin fr they r such menaces ( but also my favourite ocean species LAWL they r too cute )

probably tried to kill you the first time y’all met ??

orca LOVE to play around with their prey. he definitely tried to flick you into the air but then decided that he was quite fond of you and now you’re his human. like um .ok ?????

really likes shiny things ! tinkers around with the bracelets and rings you wear, it’s cute how his pupils dilate a little when a glass bead reflects against the sunlight just right

he would really like for you to swim with him, but the sea is horrendously cold during the winter …

he doesn’t really understand that concept, so he tried tugging you into the water once, and you could barely submerge half your body you froze up and had to get out :(

kaiser refused to let you go afterwards for a long time, wrapping his arms and tail around you, a grumbling sound from his throat and warm breath against your neck <3

his fins twitching and his huge tail slamming on the deck nervously as he massages your arms to get the blood flowing again

he can’t let his favourite human die too fast yknow :( but the asshole attitude returns after he knows you’re fine. mf

he brings you his catches; huge fish, turtles, sometimes even smaller dolphin species as ? gifts ?? and lowkey gets offended when you explain how you can’t haul all those back to your house

again — he is huge. male killer whales are about 6 - 8 m ( 19.6 - 26.3 ft ) in length !! sits you on his lap as he marvels at how tiny you are compared to him

after thorough observation, he mlems at you face and you can’t tell if the grin he sports is him telling you that you’re going to be his next meal or something else

really likes it when you trace the patterns on his tail <3 he hides his face in his arms so you can’t see his expression but his tail is thrashing really wildly !!

possibly a 10 when he’s not trying to kill you

kurona ranze (黒名蘭世) !

do i even need to say it ??? shark boy <3 i’d say hes a lemon shark mercreature !! omg i love lemon sharks they r the cutest

just putting it out here that lemon sharks are possessive of their humans and get jealous when they give other sharks too much attention LOL

kurona wraps his tail around you when he wants your attention and just in general when you’re near him !!

like ness, he is really curious of your legs. tried biting them once or twice — it doesnt hurt, but the occasional bite marks on your calves and thighs are hard to explain to your friends

his teeth are really cute to look at tho !! very spiky, and he grabs your hand so you can feel the groves of his triangular teeth and his tongue licking at your finger-pads

really likes swimming with you — you don’t even have to tread water cause he’ll just hold you by the waist and swim like that !! strong boy

kurona knows a lot about the ocean (since he practically lives in it ..), he brings you to see tiny glowing jellyfish at night and little bioluminescence plankton in underwater caves !! he gets really happy when he sees you excited over them

his eyes dilate … like a lot. they get huge when he sees you cause he loves you <3

really enjoys getting pets ! he’s not too expressive but you can always hear some gentle purring when you run your fingers through his hair

brings you small coral and pearls as gifts <3 sometimes he feels mischievous and just spits out some kind of fish at your feet just to scare you _:(´ཀ`」 ∠): wtf kurona !!

loves laying his head on your lap to hear you muse about the stars and constellations at night <3

deadass tries to lean his near 3 m ( 11 ft ) self on you like . hello

really likes stars a lot, his tail was practically wagging when you gave him a bracelet strung of star-shaped beads !!

he brought you a really pretty starfish afterwards as thanks

kurona automatically starts licking at your wounds if you have any, and he’s really careful not to get saltwater on them

doesnt like it when you’re hurt in any form :(

10/10 sea puppy bf

now i lowkey wanna sketch mermaid au blue lock adjdjhsjasjsj

#— sen’s works <3 #MERMAID AU MERMAID AU #little me is so happy that i finally get to use that useless ocean knowledge somewhere #orcas and whales are my favourite animals <3 #blue lock #bllk #alexis ness #alexis ness x reader #michael kaiser #michael kaiser x reader #kaiser x reader #kurona ranze #kurona ranze x reader #kurona x reader

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a-very-tired-raven · 3 years ago

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introducing, Kuriis(pronounced cure eyes)!!!

Kurris, are a type of owl and moth like monsters. They're super calm, curious, and intelligent.

The name 'Kurri' comes from a common monster word 'Kurriis' which means 'curious' and is pronounced the same.

Like previously mentioned, kuriis are incredibly curious, and are very gentle monsters. They have long moth like antennae, fuzz, and moth like legs/pinchers on their back shoulders.

While most kuriis have a regular brown shaped heart patten on their faces, a handful have soul shaped ones (see the one with the upside down heart). Because of this and their generally smart nature, they are seen as wise in the monster community and hold a symbol of goodluck

Some more descriptive facts

• like previously mentioned, they have moth like grips on their shoulders, that can carry a limited anount of things

• while their eyes might have a pretty blank look, these are very expressive monsters, especially with their antennae, which they use not only to Express themselves, but to communicate with others of the same species

• their necks can extend and reach up to 6 feet, which they use both to look closer at things, or to intimidate

• those that participated at the FireFlower Festival, might remember an 'owl like monster' named Ace. He's also a Kurii, and ill be drawing him when i can

• kuriss have very sharp claws, but know how to gently use them in order to avoid hurting others.

• since their absolutely covered head to toe in moth like fuzz and feathers, they make excellent cuddle partners!!!!!

• adding on to patterns on their coat, while most kuriis have random patterns on the back of their head/back, a handful have fake eye patterns(bottom left kurii, which also shows extra limbs)

• there are also two different antennae types(as shown above). Most common are the thin type, most similar to moth antennae, and then you have the more uncommon thicker, almost feather like type.

• Kuriis dont come in many colors, most are white or black, which a very small population being brown and grey

• i have a special deisgn for kid kuriis, that i will be posting later

Feel free to ask any questions yiu want about this monster species

#jeep.jeep #covencalls #talon.scribbles #kuriis!

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spidermilkshake · 2 years ago

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Ancardia's Unusual Animals--The Cherufe

Classification: Beast (crocodilian)

Habitat: Volcanically active regions along the tropics, especially on the Isles of Bleeding Rock and on the islands of the Sea of Sibili.

The Cherufe is a curious species in the crocodile family, one which is adapted to live strictly in the tropics close to volcanic activity. They are a common sight on the slopes of small shield volcanoes and along the sides of solidifying lava flows, and are also a very good indicator of the presence of accessible hot springs when they are spotted in the undergrowth areas away from lava rocks. The beasts are, as you might guess, very strongly magically attuned and are almost entirely resistant to extreme heat and flame, able to walk right across cooling lava flows which still measure in at over 250 degrees Celsius. Cherufe are generally laidback, opportunistic omnivores, basking in the extreme heat of geothermal activity and the tropical sun most of the time and feeding on a variety of things found in the vicinity. They commonly scavenge carcasses of animals which succumb to the hazards of volcanoes or extremely hot springs, and are also known to browse on the fruit and foliage of a number of plants found in greater density around volcanoes—such as coffee berries, ash succulents, air plants, tree ferns, passionflowers and mountain orchids. They are astoundingly comfortable around humanoid presence and attack only when provoked or approached too closely; in many areas, the local group of cherufe become a default source of disposal for kitchen scraps.

While some cultures regard the cherufe with reverence and forbid hunting or harassing them for any reason, alchemists in the Heartland, Nechola, and the Ayn Coastlands covet various materials from these creatures for a number of purposes. The blood of cherufe is perhaps the most valuable as it is the base ingredient for a potent potion against some of the most fatal inflammatory diseases, but some mages seek out the hides of cherufe for their natural baseline of enchantment—making them some of the most powerful raw materials for items that provide immunity to fire and heat. Cherufe are not easy quarry at all—measuring an average of 3.5 meters in length at adulthood, in addition to their powerful jaws full of large, conical teeth and heavy, scute-plated tails, the cherufe also employs its natural arcana to spout plumes of flames up to 20 meters in length, heat an area around themselves up to ignition temperature to ward off attackers, and emit defensive flumes of heated, toxic ash clouds. In spite of their great strengths, cherufe are nonaggressive and prefer to flee whenever possible from fights.

Gregarious and social, cherufe continue to be fairly non-violent in their conspecific life. When the breeding season comes around, large cherufe adults contest with each other over idea high ground for nest-building, attracting mates by securing the best sites. If another cherufe attempts to claim the same nesting spot, they enter a ritualized combat that involves rearing up on their hind legs and pushing against each other chest-first; the victor is whichever one manages to push the other one over. Pairs which maintain their nesting spot dig a pit and lay their clutch of eggs within, usually numbering between 12 and 18 eggs, and take turns brooding the clutch and protecting it from various egg foragers for about 26 days until hatching. The hatchlings stick close to their parents for the first year of their lives, often riding on the parent’s heads and backs, learning how to forage and scavenge while also hunting insects and rodents. After a year, the young cherufe are about one meter long, and their rate of growth slows considerably; cherufe reach their average adult size at roughly 6 years of age, and only become able to breed at about 8 years old. It’s unclear what the normal lifespan of a cherufe is due to poor records and a general inability to tell one large cherufe from another—the known record among captive cherufe reached over 60 years of age, so it is assumed most cherufe can reach between 50 and 70 years of age in a normal lifespan.

#ancardia #ancardian homebrew #bestiary #mixed media #creatures #animals #Ancient Domains of Mystery #ADOM #Dnd-like #Cherufe #Chilean mythology #crocodilian #lava crocodile

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kiwikipedia · 3 years ago

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I GOT A RESPONSE FROM @milfjaster AND @batfam16 LETS FUCKING GOOOOOO

Physically speaking, all Kel Dor are biologically the same (Im electing to ignore the breasts because they’re not mammalian, there’s literally no reason for them what the fuck) and every Kel Dor can sire or bear children. The only real variations among Kel Dor that are clearly visible is the varying heights, and even then, there seems to be no real difference in identity.

For example, Plo Koon measures in at around 6′1″ but his sister— Sha’s mother— is 6′3″. On the other hand, their Uncle is a towering 6′7″

Gender is rather fluid because of the lack of physical differences among Kel Dor, resulting in a lack of gender roles and such among the people.

Kel Dor grow rather slowly until they reach around eighteen-twenty standard, in which they shoot up to their average six-foot-something height in most cases. It’s rare for them to be below six feet tall but it does happen every so often.

Kel Dor have 28 vertebrae with ribs going from sternum to pelvis, though like the human ribs about half way down they no longer span across the whole torso. Their bones are denser with less bone marrow than humans as well, but just as flexible.

Kel Dor lung strength is much more than a human’s or any normal mammal would be, with Jedi Master Plo Koon’s being around forty-seven minutes.

The tusks and skin of a kel dor is very expensive and prized among black markets. What is a lesser known but still prized are the chiten of their nails/talons.

Kel Dor tusks are also used for communication.

Communication among the Kel Dor varies. There is a mental aspect, verbal aspects, and physical aspects.

The Kel Dor have a spoken language, one that is both spoken on the same sound frequency as humans and one that is not, as the natural Kel Dor voice does not reach the Human Ear very well off of Dorin / out of Dorin's unique atmosphere.

So, that said, the Kel Dor can communicate on a wide range of sound waves, both on and off Dorin. It's not unheard of for Kel Dor to have conversations outside the normal hearing range of Humans, though semi discernible by Sentients who can hear on other ranges.

They also can communicate with varying clicking, whistling, warbling, and similar noises. Physically speaking, their tusks convey certain things as well, such as happiness, frustration, and so on.

They aren’t actually entirely insectoids nor do they really eat them like many assume but they find it funny and occasionally are known to emulate the terra insect “mantis” to trip others up.

In the event where a Mask is not possible to use or a Kel Dor wishes to forgo a mask off planet, A small opening in the soft part above the collarbone is created. A small tube is then inserted, however this prevents them from using their vocal cords while the tube is open. A low resting collar over this opening is to be set and has the same mechanics as their masks in order to do the anti-ox filtration. This can later be closed surgically and very little harm is done to the Kel Dor in the long run.

Many Kel Dor have medical implants that allow for this secondary option to be used along with the mask depending on the situation. The port where the tube is held is able to be modified to seal air tight in the even that the collar is not needed.

(There is speculation that they did evolve from insect or bug-like creatures on Dorin, but if that is true or false is unknown to anyone but the Kel Dor)

Since I dont like the unmasked version that is canon/legends canon of the Kel Dor...

Kel Dor appear to be toothless initially though their teeth are actually retractable and also razor sharp.

(If anyone’s curious, what I imagined them to look like before i saw it is really close to this by Ink)

They also have this long ass tongue and a secondary set of jaws that collapse against their mouth and throat so they don’t fucking destroy the inside of their own mouths and throat.

Kel Dor have a slower metabolism, allowing a fully grown Kel Dor to be able to go anywhere from a week to a month without needing to eat a full meal. Off world, Kel Dor sometimes eat small portions once a day instead of eating a full meal all at once.

Kel Dor also have a smaller intestine system due to the extra organs in their bodies— namely, the egg pouches and egg sacs. Once the eggs of the young are lain, they are housed within the egg pouch until born.

(Not really NSWF as in sexy times entirely but there is reproductive talk under the cut)

(There is one (1) sexy time note though)

Kel Dor eggs need to either be fertilized or lain, depending on what role the kel dor plays in the sexual relation. Should a kel dor be the one penetrating, then they eggs will be lain internally- in the case of this act with another Kel Dor using the mid abdominal slit for the egg pouch will suffice. The bearing partner’s own members will fertilize the sire’s eggs while their own are reabsorbed into their body.

Should the Kel Dor be the one to bear the children, and the partner is not another Kel Dor, then the eggs within the ovaries/egg sac must be fertilized. This is done through the other partner penetrating the slit between the legs. It is not unlike the vaginal slit of mammalian sentients, but lacks most of the same anatomy as one. The eggs then are carefully lain externally and then manually inserted into the egg pouch.

Kel Dor on average do not bear more than one child at once, but more than one egg is often lain— six has been the average with eight at most, but nonetheless, all eggs should be incubated.

Sexual activity purely for pleasure is not uncommon among bonded pairs, however Kel Dor do not have “casual” sex between unserious partners, as it signifies marriage among the Kel Dor.

A Kel Dor’s member and ovipositor are both kept within the body as well, as both are fairly sensitive to oxygen along with just being softer tissue in general. The slit where they are kept is located lower/mid abdomen— about under where the navel.

Dorin Doctors, Healers, and Scientists have developed medical implants and medicines that keep the mating cycle / heat cycle at bay. Implants are only given to those who live off-world and are surgically placed within the body. Those who live on Dorin simply take medication through injections. The implants last for about six years before needing to be renewed and no side effects have been seen. Kel Dor off planet also have the option to use injections as well, if they prefer.

Kel Dor can obviously produce children with other Kel Dor, but can also produce other non mammalian species through both siring and bearing. There is a very rare chance of bearing with a mammalian partner, but it is mostly written off as impossible.

Often, the children will take after the bearing parent, however if force sensitive enough to be considered possible Jedi, they will have the Kel Dor silver eyes no matter their outward appearance. They will often also inherit the Clan’s unique force gift and be natural telepaths. Their hands might also be taloned as well.

But in general, children among Kel Dor are rare. This is in part that Kel Dor reproduction in general is somewhat difficult— and that no one is sure why there is a low hatch rate / low number of children who survive.

The average egg clutch is anywhere between four to eight but often only one or two of the eggs survive. Twins are rare in Kel Dor society and when they’re born, there is great celebration.

#I probably shared like all of these already in my other Kel Dor post but meh #props to Bassoon and Bengi for helping with these as well #long post #star wars headcanon #penguinkiwi headcanons #Kel Dor #Star Wars #Star Wars: The Clone Wars #Star Wars: The Expanded Universe #Star Wars The Prequel Trilogy #Star Wars: Legends #headacanons #star wars headcanons

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