#the-legend-of-weather-elf

[jackwhiteprophetic]

Guys sometimes I joke about the 9-1-1 Christmas elf and then remember I have literally worked as a Christmas elf for two years in a row (and counting probably). I need to start telling potentially gay people their families are beautiful.

[waythroughtheice]

Crossed Constellations, Part 1

For @absolutely-normal-about-x, who has graciously allowed me to play in the Legends Reborn AU.

“Ow ow ow ow owww,” Geo moaned, landing face first onto something hard, but slightly warm. “Where are we?” 

A slightly shocked, weathered voice as his answer. “This is the airship Flutter. Are you alright?” Geo blinked as a large hand appeared. He took it in his own gloved one, and let it pull him up. 

“X?” Omega-Xis yelped, shocked. 

“This isn’t X, Omega-Xis, he’s too….” Geo’s answer trailed off as he got a good look at the man--and it was definitely a human, or something like it, standing in front of him. The man was probably in his early forties, with ankle-length brown hair that was braided down his back to be out of his way. A good portion of his hair was white, leading to a pretty cool-effect where part of the braid was white but the other portion was brown. The man(?) was dressed in loose clothing, gray sweatpants and a loose cobalt blue t-shirt while barefoot. His face was slightly scruffy, and he had what Omega-Xis called a “Dad’s bod.” 

At first glance, Geo would swear that he’d never met this man in his life.

But at a second, his eyes--green, calm, intelligent, and old (and dangerous)--took Geo by surprise, and he knew. 

“X?” Geo yelped, not unlike his partner. 

X’s eyebrows shot up, and he firmly shut a book that was resting on a nearby chair shut. “That’s me,” he said. “But I don’t know you. Mind telling me your name?” 

Geo gulped. Though the question was kind and X’s tone light, his eyes were sharp, and Geo knew there would be no running away. 

Oh yeah. Definitely X.

~~~

“You travel through timelines?” X said. “That’s a new one, even for me. Sit, sit.” 

Geo awkwardly sat down at a small kitchen table at a cozy warm kitchen nook. A hot mug of--something was pressed into his hands. 

“Just some tea with milk and sugar,” X said. 

Oh. “Thank you,” Geo said. “I don’t know if I can….” He was in Mega Man’s form, so his ability to interact with the non EM world was limited. 

“We should detransform, kid,” Omega-Xis said suddenly. “It’s X. We’re safe.” 

Geo considered that, and nodded, letting himself split away until he was Geo Doran Stelar, a twelve year old human boy once more. 

The air felt heavy, and odd, and pressed against his chest. The surroundings suddenly felt malevolent, and against him. X made a small noise in the background, probably shocked at his appearance. 

Geo’d gotten that a lot from WAZA--they’d assumed that Mega Man was at least sixteen, if not older, since his Mega Man form looked like an older teenager or young adult. 

“Breathe, kid,” Omega-Xis said. “I checked. You can handle it.” 

Geo nodded and sure enough, the heaviness in the air slowly dissipated, and the black at the corner of his eyes faded. 

“That’s not as new,” X said mildly. “Are you a Cyber Elf?” This was directed at Omega-Xis, who was using the Hunter VG’s properties to be seen by people other than Geo, and to appear and interact with the physical world. 

“Huh? Whazzat?” was Omega-Xis’s eloquent reply. 

X smiled. “That answers that question. Though I guess you could also have amnesia….” 

“I’m an alien,” Omega-Xis said bluntly. “An AMian from the Planet AM.” 

“Aliens exist?” X asked, genuinely shocked. Then he grimaced. “Of course they do. Why am I even surprised anymore….” 

“They might not exist in your timeline,” Geo said anxiously. 

“We probably do,” Omega-Xis said. “But we might not’ve ever visited. The EM Waves on this planet are weak.” 

“EM Waves?” X asked. 

“Like radio waves,” Omega-Xis said, waving a claw. “My species uses it to bounce around and interact with electronics and stuff. The Internet and all that.” 

“Ah,” X said, nodding to show his understanding at the paltry explanation. Geo had no doubt that he did. X was really, really smart and it would be scary if Geo didn't know that X could always be trusted. “So you’ve met me before?” 

Geo nodded. “A few times. But you always look--” he faltered. 

X quirked a smile. “Younger, I’m guessing?” He said. “Blue armor, red jewel?” 

Geo nodded, relieved. “Uh-huh.” 

“Back when I was an android, then,” he said. 

“Yeah…..what are you?” Geo asked. 

X sat back with an amused-fond-exasperated feeling. “A Carbon, a sort of human-machine hybrid,” X said. “And before you ask, no I don’t know how I became one.” He gestured towards the drink. “Before it gets cold.” 

Geo took a sip, and smiled. “Thank you,” he said. 

“You’re welcome. If you don’t mind my asking…” X’s eyes roved over Geo and Omega-Xis before settling their intense gaze on Geo. “What’s a child like yourself traveling through different timelines? You can’t be older than thirteen.” 

“You ask that in every timeline,” Omega-Xis muttered under his breath. X shot him a sharp look before recasting his gaze 

“I’m twelve,” Geo said. “I’ve done this before. Omega-Xis is with me, so it’s okay.” 

“If you’ve met me when I was an android you’ve probably seen Maverick battles, if not seen parts of the Wars,” X said. 

“When I’m Mega Man most of the attacks phase right through me,” Geo said calmly. How many times had he had this discussion with X specifically? It was always X, too--seriously, no other adult seemed to really care all that much. 

(Well, if X wasn’t around Zero always did it, and if Zero wasn’t around Axl tended to. If not one of them, Ciel or--heavens forbid--Signas did it. Geo still feared the Signas debrief.

Dr. Hikari had been….weird. He hadn’t really said anything, but Geo knew he’d watched any and all battles very closely. But he’d still let him go without saying anything, so? 

Dr. Light, the few times Geo’d met him, seemed more resigned to having a twelve year old fight than argumentative.

Vent and Aile had believed him without a fight when he said he could fight, and Gray and Ashe were more interested in sparring with him.

So basically, it was only X's time that had adults that actually argued with him on this. It was so weird. ) 

“Most isn’t all,” X rebutted calmly. 

“I’m faster than light as Mega Man,” Geo said. “I run when I can’t fight and they can’t catch me.” 

“Hmmmm,” was all X said. “Why are you traveling?” 

“It’s kind of habit at this point,” Geo admitted. “I got used to jumping timelines thanks to an older adventure of mine that needed me to jump through space.” He decided to change the subject. “Are Zero or Axl around?” That was always a fair bet with X. Where one went, the other two followed. 

A shadow crept over X’s face. “No.” 

Geo winced. “Sorry.” 

“It was a long time ago,” X said. “Thousands upon thousands. I hold out hope that maybe, but we’ll see.” 

“Do you live with anyone?” Geo asked. If he didn’t, then Geo was going to come back to visit. The thought of X living alone was too sad. 

The shadow fled away. “Yes,” he said fondly. “My kids and two family friends.” 

“The Guardians?” Geo said, surprised. 

X blinked. “You’ve met them too, huh?” He asked wryly. 

“A few times….” Geo said. Not always nice, but they were good people. “We met sometimes on the other sides of a battlefield, but they were always good--to me, at least.” 

“Battlefield?” X said sharply. 

Geo took a pointed sip of his tea (a lesson he’d learned from another X) and didn’t answer. 

X sighed, and moved on. “Well, I woke up to meet my youngest son, Volnutt.” 

“There’s a fifth?” Geo said. 

X smiled. “There’s a fifth,” he confirmed. “Sweet boy, hardworking too. You’d probably get along well--you’re close in age.” 

“Where are they now?” Geo couldn’t help but ask. 

“Out and about,” X said. There was no mistaking the light in his voice or eyes. X was happy. “They’re a good bunch, my kids,” he said. “A lot of trouble, no mistake, but worth it.” 

“That’s good,” Geo said. X was happy. Pegasus, Leo, and Dragon, X was happy. It came off of him in waves of contentment-joy-elation. 

X wasn’t often happy, from what little Geo saw. Though he sometimes had happy endings--at least the couple of versions Geo had met, did--that was only after Geo had been involved in a few things, which he didn’t think was the norm. 

“Are you staying for dinner?” X said. It was kinda late, wasn’t it, now that Geo turned and looked outside. The sunset turned the sky and sea red as the waves lapped gently against the ship. 

Geo shook his head. “I probably shouldn’t--” Then his stomach growled, the traitor.

“Go wash up, and come back and help me with dinner,” X advised, and there was something in his tone that Geo immediately responded to. 

“Yes sir,” he answered, and got up. 

“Omega-Xis, stay here, would you?” X said. “Bathroom’s on the left, Geo. You're sweaty--go take a shower. There are spare changes of clothes about your size if you look under the mirror. They’ll be dusty, but they’re clean.” 

From the way X was eyeing Omega-Xis, it was probably going to be a very thorough Q&A session. 

Geo sighed. “I’ll be back,” he said. Better take a shower like X suggested. The more time X had to question Omega-Xis, Geo’d learned, the better. 

Omega-Xis, for his part, didn't even protest. He and X'd gone through this song and dance before, and it probably wouldn't even be the last.

[a-very-sparkly-nerd]

There Are Bridges You Cross You Didn’t Know You Crossed until You’ve Crossed

Ch3 of Don’t Leave Me 'Til My Sorry Life Has Ceased Prompts: Necessary, Monster The time has come to do the spell to kill Domina Profundis, and it's Callum's last chance to put everything as right as he can.

The trip to the mainland was unceremonious. They pulled on dark cloaks to shield from the raging weather and to avoid recognition, trekking through muggy swamplands to a hut made of rotting wood, a house that the witches from the fairytales always lived in.

Its occupant was, in fact, not a witch, but a dark mage, which were basically the same thing anyhow. His face was more marred than Callum’s now, buzzed black hair shot through nearly entirely with white, and a clouded-over eye that still seemed to see him, only ten times more creepy. Callum didn’t care for his name, because a name meant he was a human, too, and he was better than so few these days.

“Finally getting your revenge, eh?” the man chuckled as he rummaged through his cabinets.

“Tastes even sweeter after all this time,” Finnegrin replied. “I knew you’d hold onto it.”

“Knew what you’d do to me if I didn’t,” the man snorted, and he shrugged.

“I won’t deny that.”

He finally procured the unicorn horn, and Callum stepped back, breath catching in his throat. It gleamed silvery-white, the color of Rayla’s hair in the candlelight, spiraled and twisting much longer and much pointier than he’d envisioned. The end, the stump where it had been sawed off, Callum realized, stomach churning, was still stained with blood. Dark and crimson, smelling of mud after a long day and faded floral perfume instead of the usual vomit-inducing metallic scent.

Finnegrin clapped his shoulder. “He can carry it. Wrap it up real nice, won’t you?”

“Only the best.”

The artifact was delicately wrapped in a red cloth, handed to him with care. Briefly, Callum considered dropping it and hoping it would shatter into a million unusable pieces, but under Finnegrin’s stern gaze… He’d know it was on purpose, and Rayla…

He could do nothing but accept it, marveling at the priceless relic in his hands. Surprisingly heavy, was all he could manage to observe through his heartbeat in his ears. This was real. He was really going to just… repeat history, and roll the dice and hope they’d finally get to go free? Surely that couldn’t be the only option. There was always some creative solution.

And then they were being escorted out, the man likely unfathomably relieved to be rid of them, Callum thought with envy burning at his ears, and back into the raging storm outside.

“We should get out to her hunting grounds by sunset in two days,” the elf informed him, strolling leisurely with his hands in his pockets. “You’ll do it then and there.”

“Fine.”

“What, no sassy comment? Come now, they’re amusing.”

“Nope.” He looked downward, to his soaked boots, tears pricking at his eyes. Where was the Callum who would have fought this tooth and nail the way Rayla was? Why was he utterly defeated ?

He tsk ed, practically begging to be clocked square in the face again. But he was only mercifully silent for a moment before he began whistling a jaunty sailor’s tune, the legend of that missing sailor Callum recalled hearing on Katolian piers when he was young, flipping that blasted coin with his thumb.

AO3!

[lumariea]

Stardew Curiosities

Location: Nestled in the heart of the Crescent Ward, Stardew Curiosities occupies a modest, ivy-covered storefront just off a quiet side street, blending seamlessly among local shops and residences. Positioned close enough to draw regular customers from both the Harborfront and Moonspire Isle, the shop is frequented by locals, mages from the Academy of the Arcane Wind, and the occasional elite customer from Moonspire. The crescent-shaped alley glows at night with enchanted lanterns, creating a subtle path toward the shop’s front door.

Shopkeeper: Fenwick Starfall, the eccentric and slightly reclusive half-elf wizard, has made his shop a local curiosity. Known for his storytelling and vast knowledge of arcane lore, he often spends his evenings discussing enchantments and local legends with customers over a cup of herbal tea. His shop is famous for the enchanting spells that cause its sign to change with the moon’s phases.

Key Features Inside:

Lunar Scroll Section: A dedicated corner displays scrolls tied to moon and weather magic, highly sought after by students and professors from the Academy of the Arcane Wind.

The Skylight Orb: Centered on a shelf is a large crystal orb that reflects the night sky. Fenwick claims it connects to Lumaria's floating islands, helping adventurers and scholars track celestial shifts.

The Crescent Cabinet: This glass case holds rare, precious items, including Bottled Stardust and the Moonlight Pendants—items that have garnered a local following among Crescent Ward residents for their subtle protective charms.

Services Unique to the Crescent Ward:

Apprentice Enchantments: Fenwick provides guidance and simpler enchantments for young magic students at discounted rates, fostering goodwill with the academy.

Dream Interpretation: As many citizens of the Crescent Ward work late or face unpredictable shifts, Fenwick offers readings and interpretations of dreams and omens—a favorite among the Crescent Ward’s superstitious locals.

Secret Features & Rumors:

A rumor whispers that Fenwick’s shop hides a concealed, spell-warded vault rumored to protect dangerous relics collected from across Lumaria. It’s said only those who can pass his “Crescent Challenge” (a subtle magical test Fenwick conducts) are granted access to his rarest items, kept locked away until the “right” seeker finds them.

[raayllum]

Stuff about the Primals from Tales of Xadia

Moon

This primal source is characterized by phases, a light that fades to darkness and then returns again anew. It is connected to spirits and the veils between life and death. It is cyclical, waxing and waning, thus those that draw upon it are also changeable by nature. The line between shadow and light, truth and reality, beginning and end… that’s where the Moon primal resides. This line does not disappear when the sun has risen; Moon magic is still possible even in daytime.

Sky

Much like the atmospheric phenomena it masters, the Sky primal source is also linked to speed, freedom, and clarity of vision. Sky magic is at its strongest up in the air, within the clouds or at the top of mountains. It embodies the dynamism of free movement, unburdened by the chains of the earth. Even though it is found in the powerful wind, rain, and other forms of weather, there is magic in even the barest breath or the weakest whisper. The mage relying on the sky needs only to look up.

Ocean

This is reflected in the magic that Ocean mages wield: dynamic, forceful, reaching everywhere and anywhere, within and without. It can also become surprisingly powerful in rain, giving this primal a powerful synergy with the Sky primal. Ocean magic also includes ice magic, giving mages another powerful offensive and defensive tool.

Sun

And yet, where this magic destroys, it can also heal. The lesser known side of the Sun primal revolves around restorative and illuminating qualities. Mages with strong control over their emotions can call upon Sun magic to illuminate the truth, heal sickness, and even purge dark magic corruption. The primal is at its peak power at midday, when the sun is at its highest point. Wherever there is light, the Sun primal can be invoked. A single candle’s flame in the dead of night is enough to call upon the arcanum and bring forth light and warmth.

The Stars

The most powerful and rare of the primals, Star magic is a mystery to most mages and remains the topic of intense debate among scholars. It has been centuries since the last living Startouch elf roamed Xadia, and as such, much of what we know about the primal is based on legends. Ancient texts hint at powers far beyond the scope of the other primals, including the manipulation of time and space. As far away as the Stars are, however, they’re ever-present to the inhabitants of Xadia, a haunting reminder of their smallness, their mortality, their grand insignificance in the face of the cosmos.

[dujour13]

Owlcatober 6. Family

Kenabres, 19 Arodus 4715

Dear Mom & Dad, Zarin, Fati & Layla,

While I’m afraid this missive bears bad tidings, know first that I’m safe among the brave defenders of Kenabres and in the hands of able healers. I won’t pretend to be well & happy; mostly it’s my morale that has suffered a blow, as you’ll soon understand.

This will surely be the first news that reaches you of Mendev’s recent misfortunes. You know already it has weathered constant siege by the forces of the Abyss for over a century, but sadly the arrival of our delegation coincided with a rare, concerted assault by rather more high-ranking demons than usual.

Of what befell us I’ll spare you the details, as much because I recall little myself: on the road outside Kenabres our delegation was attacked by marauding demons and none survived but myself.

By this same post I’ve written to the families of my friends and colleagues. At the very moment you read this they should be receiving the terrible blow I have had the misfortune to deliver. I don’t need to tell you how heavy a burden this duty has been. The pain of my wound is no rival for that in my heart. On the reverse I’ve listed their names and addresses; most are in Almas and perhaps would appreciate a visit, but especially Romi, who will be devastated and need help sorting her and Gilford’s affairs. Please give her all my love.

I don’t understand why I of all of them was spared, gravely wounded but left alive to be collected by passing samaritans, who kindly carried me into the city for healing. The folk here have, for the most part at least, been most obliging and helpful. (One passing gentleman suggested I be tossed in a ditch, and the Inquisitors here are excessively and insistently paranoid. However the silver dragon protector of the city, Terendelev herself, came to my aid right there in the city square as I was brought in, and the kind prior of the temple of Desna has been to see me since.) (Yes, you may tell Kyrash I met an actual dragon.)

My wound is coming along; please don’t fret. Besides grief, what I’m mostly feeling now is overwhelming shame, as if had I any decency whatsoever I should have perished alongside them, yet irrational as the thought seems I can’t shake it off. By now many times over I should have died and somehow Pharasma has turned her face from me at the last moment on each occasion.

Not to worry you! I believe the worst has passed and the city defenders, the ranks of which I’ve joined, have things well in hand. When our forces are gathered we will make one final foray to rescue the Wardstone and its protective aura will make Kenabres safe once again, and all will be well.

Though I won’t set out for home quite so soon. I wrote to the Council and plan to stay on in Mendev while awaiting the appointment of a new ambassador. There may still be a few tasks I can carry out to mitigate the total disaster of this mission.

In the meantime, I’ve taken up with a handful of brave souls among the city defenders and we’ve formed ourselves a merry little band of misfits, striking out into the city to rescue all the orphans & cats & stray Desnans we happen across. They are truly my only ray of sunshine in this miserable place. Let me tell you a little about them.

First, because she was first to leap to my aid when I was brought bleeding through the gates of Kenabres: Seelah, a fearless paladin of Iomedae from Solku, a bulwark against the pointed bits of demons and already a fast friend. I know what you’re thinking: thank all the good gods he has a paladin around to keep him from doing something crazy. Well, have I got news for you.

Next: have you heard legends of savage, mutant cave-dwellers beneath Mendev, light-fearing descendants of cursed crusaders? So they’re real. One of them has taken up with us—half-half-elf, half-a number of other things, and entirely an impressive hunter. This is the guy who tries to keep me from doing something crazy, but all he does is sigh and crack dark jokes so that’s not likely to stop me. I’m already fond of him. He still needs to come up into the sunlight if you see what I mean, but I’m confident we’ll get him there.

I also have some hope for Camellia, a kindred half-elf we took up with in the caves. I thought at first she and I might connect, but it seems she’s a typical highborn snob with too delicate a nose for the likes of us plebian Andorens, half-elvenness notwithstanding. Still she’s a fine fighter and does seem keen to slay demons at least. One thing that intrigues me: she’s in touch with the restless spirits of old Sarkoris, and I think that could play to our advantage.

In the streets of Kenabres we also stumbled across an encyclopedist, and for some reason she decided we were smart enough to merit her company, or perhaps peculiar enough to merit her curiosity at least. Mom, you’d love Nenio: she knows all the most useless trivia, and a few useful spells as well. She’s an accident waiting to happen but she’s hilarious. (Dad's thinking "not unlike someone else we know" right now, I can hear you.) Just need to keep her pointed at the enemy.

This one I think you’ll enjoy. Yesterday we were summoned in extremis to rescue a certified degenerate aristocrat—a Count from the bluest of Mendevian blood—because, I’m not kidding, he was partying so hard he didn’t notice the demon invasion. He’s just as bad as you’re thinking and a lot worse. On the other hand he’s an aasimar with some talent for divine healing and he really does seem to detest demons, so we’re keeping him on hand for now. I have to admit, he’s democratic about dishing it out. (And actually kind of funny sometimes but if the occasion arises don’t ever, ever let him know I said that.)

I should also mention the elf orphan, Ember. By my best estimate she’s three times my age but a child by elf standards of course, and has suffered so cruelly at the hands of the Inquisitors I’m afraid her mind has come a little loose. But if it’s flapping in the wind, the wind is blowing the right direction. Her apparently boundless forgiveness may at first seem symptomatic, but I see in it the inspiration of genius. And I suspect I’m not the only one. She is blessed with divine protection and while mindless of her own scars is keen to heal those of others.

I’m not sure why I saved the tiefling, Woljif, for last. Perhaps because I have more to say, and more yet to puzzle out on his account. He is the face of what Mendev has become: part human, part demon, and those parts at constant war. (I can hear you Zarin: “But is that not true of all of us?” - Fair enough.) I had to pull some strings to get him out of jail. He’s proved to be very handy to have around since then but I keep catching him looking antsy as if he’s going to ditch us at the first chance. I don’t think crusading is exactly what he had planned in life, and I don’t blame him. You would be shocked at how they treat tieflings here. There's a whole lexicon of terms for them.

Indeed he seems to have taken the abuse to heart. All his life he’s been told he’s demonic vermin, and he seems determined to live up to it. Not that he’s actually a bad person—no, I’m hesitating as I write this because that’s what I’m still puzzling out. He is a bad person, and though he’ll have you believe it’s Society that made him this way it is also out of a heart made black by greed and spite. But if my first instinct was to tell you he’s not a bad person, it’s because there’s something underneath the cunning, something he thinks he’s hiding but that’s obvious to me—a heart that's fighting back against the blackness. He has the hopeful look you get from a stray cat before it bites you. Like if he’s just given a chance, and a little food, maybe he’ll let his guard down. Ok, I know what you’re thinking—yes, I have a project. I just hope he sticks around long enough.

There’s a good deal more to tell, but I should rest while the ta fortress we’ve taken refuge in is relatively quiet. By the time this letter reaches you I’m certain peace will have been restored, indeed because this letter will not have reached you if not—so take heart that if you’re reading it, we’re already celebrating our victory!

All my love & hugs to you and the jerboas. With luck I’ll be home to play our Crystalhue duet, Dad, and yes I have been practicing.

Sia 🦋

[titcrevette]

Day 3: Ghost, Maglor, White

The evening outside was cold, but the tavern was warm enough. The tradition the Men had created on those longest nights was of telling stories featuring frightening creatures.

The current one was about a local legend of The Ghost of the Shore. This ghost was said to be that of an ancient creature. The exact reason it was a ghost seemed to change depending who you were asking. Some said its body had been destroyed and only its soul remained. Others said it had been cursed by a god or a witch. Some said it was benevolent, others called it a malevolent spirit. The current narrator seemed to think that it would help the innocent and destroy those having darkness in them like it had been destroyed by the darkness in itself. 

The legend said that this being would most likely show when there the weather was foggy or stormy. It would be announced by the sound of a harp and the humming of an ancient melody along the wind. 

As the narrator of the story started to argue with another patron on whether the creature feared the white glow of the Star of High Hope because of his deeds or if the star was the creature’s lost hope, no one paid attention to the elf hidden in a darker corner of the room as he adjusted his hood and carried on cleaning his harp. 

[illarian-rambling]

Thanks for the tag and the fun questions @mk-writes-stuff!

OC Question Game

My questions:

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever watched someone do?

How do you usually talk to customer service workers?

What’s the most bizarre dream you’ve ever had?

I'll be ambitious for this and go with the extended Mortal God cast

.

1) What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever watched someone do?

Astra: "I saw some dickhead alchemist strip down to swim in the N'Diki swamp once. When I asked 'im why he'd do such a braindead thing, he jus' said the 'natural salts were fixin' to balance 'is humors.' I reckon the only thing the dumb bastard ended up gettin' balanced was his parasite to blood ratio."

Mashal: "I swear I've seen Astra pull a vial of acid out of her bra, use it to melt solid iron, then put it back."

Ivander: "In some distant corners of Unity, where the factory runoff meets the alchemical waste among the canals, fish speak to you. I swear it on my good name."

Elsind: "There was this spit-turner girl I knew once who took her tea with molasses. ...Maybe that's not so weird now that I think about it."

Avymere: "I watched a man die of fright once. I didn't think that was possible."

2) How do you usually talk to customer service workers?

Astra: "I try to be a little stranger n' normal. In an entertainin' way, ya know? Give 'em somethin' to chat about over lunch break."

Mashal: "Always treat a person of the lowest station as you would a person of the highest. It's the honorable thing to do."

Ivander: "It's a transaction. I don't want to be there. They don't want to be there. No need to pretend this is anything more."

Elsind: "I always get so nervous! I don't want to be rude, or make their lives more difficult. What if I'm a bad customer?"

Avymere: "Always make a point to be polite to the person who delivers your food, or else who knows what else may be delivered with it. Servants hold the lives of nobility in their hands. Ill-treated servants act on this."

3) What’s the most bizarre dream you’ve ever had?

Astra: "There was this one night - I'd had a touch too much to drink and maybe a lil' somethin' besides - when I went to sleep, only to find myself dreamin' 'bout fallin' asleep. Again and again, I'd dream about fallin' asleep, only to start another dream 'bout fallin' asleep. It was damn trippy is what it was. Last time I touch alchemist-blend kishra."

Mashal: "I don't sleep, so, uh, do I just make something up? I dreamt once that I was riding a horse, only to remember I can't ride a horse, even though I definitely know how in real life. ...Never mind, that was stupid."

Ivander: "There was this one dream I had where I was a soldier sent to fight a great bear. It slashed one of my companion's eyes, so we took snow off the ground to numb the wound. Except, the bear came back, so we had to leave him behind. The last thing I can recall was looking back at the blind man, snow covering his eyes, as he felt his way towards death in all its slavering glory."

Elsind: "I had a dream once that I was an elf. My face was always one thing, and it never slipped. My body was so rigged and stiff. I could only breathe and see and hear out of my face. It felt awful, which was... reassuring in a way."

Avymere: "When I was a child, I had a reoccurring dream about climbing a mountain. It was summer like summer never is in Skysheer - all flowers and buzzing bees, rather than melty frost and rain. I've rarely seen such balmy weather in my life, so I wonder why my subconscious decided to paste it over my home."

.

Tagging @frostedlemonwriter @kaylinalexanderbooks @somethingclevermahogony @wordfather and anyone else who wants to play :)

Your questions are:

What's your favorite legend and why?

How do you celebrate your birthday?

What's something you'd regret if you died without doing?

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 Faebound Book Review 🦇

❓ #QOTD Would you rather be an elf, fae, or human? ❓ 🦇 Yeeran is a warrior in the elven army and has known nothing but violence her whole life. Her sister, Lettle, is trying to make a living as a diviner, seeking prophecies of a better future. When a fatal mistake leads to Yeeran’s exile from the Elven lands, they are both forced into the terrifying wilderness beyond their borders. There they encounter the impossible: the fae court. The fae haven’t been seen for a millennium. But now Yeeran and Lettle are thrust into their seductive world – torn between their loyalty to each other, their elven homeland, and their hearts.

💜 I'm honestly struggling to write this review. Faebound is immediately spellbinding, the world-building vivid yet not too intricate. The writing is immersive, woven from threads of African and Arab cultures. This is the perfect read for Pride Month, especially for romantasy readers. The normalcy surrounding queerness and gender neutrality from the start is absolute gold ("[Their] gender was as flexible as the weather, accepted like the fall of rain, and change welcomed like the turns of seasons."); a breathtaking delight that fits perfectly into any fantasy realm. The story's sapphic relationship is layered and interesting; I only wish it was given more time to develop and blossom.

💜 Perhaps I'm biased (I have three younger sisters), but I absolutely love stories involving sisters. Yeeran and Lettle give the story balance, their distinct personalities and viewpoints of the world giving us insight without too much sway in one direction. The little "journal" at the end with everyone's handwritten notes was the perfect addition to the story; a cute glossary that's often necessary for hefty world-building.

💙 As much as I loved the writing, the characters, the themes, and even the setting...the plot felt lacking to me. There's a moment where the story slows as the characters grow complacent in their new surroundings, which would have been a great opportunity to delve into the mythology or culture. Puzzle pieces are set up a bit too obviously, too; the twists are easy to anticipate. Regardless, I'm curious to see how the story continues.

🦇 Recommended for fans of The Priory of the Orange Tree, Girls of Paper and Fire, Spice Road, and Legends & Lattes.

✨ The Vibes ✨ 🥁 Queer FMC/Sapphic Ships (Queernormativity) 🍃 Fantasy Fiction/Romantasy (Fae & Elves) 🥁 Dual POV (Sisters) 🍃 Rivals to Lovers 🥁 Afro/Arab World 🍃 First of a Trilogy 🥁 BIPOC Author

💬 Quotes ❝ And where there is value, there is power, and where there is power, violence will always brew. ❞ ❝ ‘You are the fire of my heart, and the beat of my drum. I am yours under moonlight. Until the rhythm sings no more.’ ❞ ❝ Love and hate are oil and water, separate but similar, and sometimes they swirl together, making it difficult to tell one from the other. ❞ ❝ You look for ways to gain power over feelings that make you powerless. ❞ ❝ ‘We must let the wind of change ease our flight, not hinder it,’ ❞

[dragonbleps]

Ad: "This game is so beautiful, it's worth installing even for non-gamers!" Sponsored by Raid: Shadow Legends

The ad image is an elf woman in skimpy armor with her almost-bare breasts front and center. the ad even zooms in and out on them.

.

do you mind, im trying to look at the WEATHER. breast boobily somewhere else, im immune

[adleryoung]

A fox tod, dressed too warmly for the weather in a heavy coat, muffler, and gloves, came bumbling out of the woods. He spotted Zandar, picked up a stick, and gingerly poked her with it. I could barely suppress a giggle.

However, when Zandar awoke and yelled "WHO DARES?" in badly accented Elvish, my amusement evaporated. Was she going to kill this hapless oaf just for mildly annoying her? I was not about to put such villainy past her, so I drew my bow and got ready to intervene if necessary.

The fox squatted down and spoke to Zandar. She replied, and didn't seem to be in a murderous rage, so I discreetly pooked to a nearby bush where I could hear their conversation.

"Last night I had a particularly vivid dream," the fox was saying, "In which Hastur appeared and told me to find you here."

"Do you mean HESTER?" Zandar asked.

"It is possible I mis-heard the name," the fox admitted.

Who in the Netherhells was Hastur or Hester? This was curious and mildly alarming. Whoever it was would necessarily have access to some potent magicks to be able to speak to someone in a dream and pinpoint Zandar's exact location! What would such a person be up to?

"Was she a tall slender rabbit with light tan fur and black ear tips?" Zandar inquired with slight urgency. If she was describing Hester, this sounded like someone I should confront at some point!

"Oh no," the fox replied. "This was more goatlike, and definitely male. He was dark as ebony, and massive with broad shoulders … bulging, rippling muscles … a long, thick …" the fox trailed off and seemed to be in a daze for a few seconds. Then he abruptly cleared his throat. "Forgive me - I haven't introduced myself! I am Sir Conrad Dugal: Poet, author, folklorist, and historian."

"Charmed," Zandar acknowledged politely. I felt pretty sure she wasn't going to kill him now.

"Here," Sir Conrad said, unbuttoning his coat. "Take my ulster to cover your nakedness. We should not tarry here. These woods belong to the White Elf."

"Who?" Zandar asked innocently, as if she hadn't just spent almost a year in the presence of the august personage just mentioned.

"Legends tell of a radiant, white-furred elf lord," Sir Conrad explained. I grinned with pleasure to know that my plans for spreading my legend had worked so successfully.

"Beautiful, but dangerously mad," Sir Conrad continued, and my smile faded. "He lives alone, isolated from the rest of his kind. Some say he was banished here for some horrible crime. Supposedly his lair deep in the forest can be sought by the bold … or the foolish. I thought these were mere tales, but after this morning I am prepared to believe anything. Stupid rabbits thought they could settle here, and their faith would protect them, but the old spirits are still strong in this place."

Well, I couldn't say that Sir Conrad's information was inaccurate, but I had hoped the story would have presented me in a slightly more favorable light. He and Zandar began to walk away, and I followed at a distance so I could continue listening without being seen.

"The White Elf's moods are unpredictable," Sir Conrad continued. "Twere best not to draw his attention. Misfortune is said to follow those he meets."

"I've met him!" Zandar declared.

"I had hoped that might be the case. Tell me, what was he like?"

"As you said," Zandar sighed. "He's beautiful but insane. He thinks of no-one but himself."

Bah! That was hardly fair coming from someone with HER history!

"First I was kidnapped by a pair of villains," Zandar continued. "A dog and a spider."

"In the tales, there are often mortals who do his bidding," Sir Conrad added.

"They took me through the woods to a circle of stones. In the center was a doorway into the earth."

"The gateway to his domain is an ancient fairy fort called Albric Tor," Sir Conrad explained. How did he know that?

"The White Elf emerged and introduced himself as Lord Randall," Zandar said.

"HE DID??" Sir Conrad exclaimed in surprise. "That can't be right. Lord Randall was poisoned by his mortal lover."

How did this nosy lowfolk person know THAT??

"I saw his tomb in Faerie," Zandar admitted. "When I asked His Lordship about it, he said that was a different Randall."

"There is no instance in the lore of two elves sharing the same name," Sir Conrad muttered. "Each name is unique, and is regarded almost as a part of the elf's soul. Knowing the name gives one a degree of power over him. They also have a strict magical code of honor which obliges them to avoid falsehood. Not even a criminal like him would dare utter a lie. So, considering all this, it seems strange for him to have told you his name was Randall."

I breathed a sigh of relief to hear some of the inaccuracies in that little speech. Sir Conrad had just explained, more succinctly than I had ever heard, the basis of the silly name game which lowfolk invented and which we continue to play with them when it amuses us.

"Now that I think of it," Zandar mused, "he strongly IMPLIED that his name was Randall, but he never actually said so."

"Classic elfish tricks!" Sir Conrad laughed. "Being unable to lie does not mean he must always tell the truth! His name is one of our great local mysteries. Most folk call him Lordship or Squire."

"The rabbits called him Squire Young," Zandar recalled.

"You mean he was HERE, and the rabbits KNEW him?" Sir Conrad demanded incredulously.

"That happened later."

"I'm sorry, please continue your story."

"He took me to his realm," Zandar continued. "He used me … sexually."

UNFAIR! She was a fully consenting participant in that! She was just playing for Sir Conrad's sympathy!

"He tricked me into giving him the crown of his dead brother, King Estmere."

All the slander spewing from Zandar's mouth was making me see red! I didn't "trick" her into giving me the crown! I was completely straightforward about it!

"King Estmere is dead?" Sir Conrad yelped in surprise. "Did he actually say he was the King's brother?"

"He definitely said that," Zandar confirmed.

"Great Auk!" Sir Conrad cackled excitedly. "If that's the case, then I know the White Elf's name!"

I couldn't allow him to divulge that information! I pooked quickly up into a nearby tree, apported a lute, and began to sing some enchanting Elfsong to distract the lowfolk. It worked like a charm (because it IS a charm, obviously) and Sir Conrad was completely captivated. However, I failed to take into account Zandar's remarkable throwing arm.

Zandar picked up a rock, and with unerring aim (not to mention blatant disregard for the fine arts and quality craftsmanship) she threw it, smashing my lute! Were there no depths to which she would not sink?!

[worldsneverfilled]

Legend of Lan Verse - Pantheon (WIP)

Luhren

Carderen

The Father Domains: Nature, Life, and Family Dwarf Created all life with his sister. Despite this, there's a fierce rivalry between the two. Creation was more of a competition than a desire to create life for the act of creation of itself.

Leta

The Mother Domain: Death Elf Benevolently rules the After, a matronly guardian for the dead. Her assistants help her literally carry the weary souls to the afterlife where they will find a home made just for them and their families if that is what the souls wish. Death is rarely feared in Luhren or Garthspire because of her; it's welcomed when the time comes. Noctre acknowledges her existence but not her authority. This has caused tension in the After, where the two butt heads about how to tend to the dead. To keep the peace, they tend to stick to their followers and leave those of the other be, much to the dismay of the few who worship one or the other while being a citizen of their opposing nation.

Jek

Daughter of Carderen and Leta Domains: Craft and Trickery Dwelf Nothing trickier than the act of creation and invention. Her name and symbol can be found in most workshops and smithies with an alter that includes a prized tool as thanks for her guidance in a craftman's workplace. In the textile arts, there's always a symbol or the first letter of her name included in the piece in honor of her. Unfortunately, invention does not come without consequences; the tools she inspires are sometimes weapons of war.

Gadren

Sister of Leta Domains: Hearth, Home, Agriculture, and Famine Elf Works in tandem with Carderen in leading the home life, and guides the crops with precision and wisdom, though she also has domain over famine and plagues. She's also credited with the tides that she uses to playfully splash her husband. The oceans are harsh and unforgiving, however, and she can be fickle. Her rage stirs up hurricanes. Favors pears.

Larn

Sister of Carderen Domain: Weather Dwarf Wise and inventive with a temper of her own to be feared. She wields the fires of the heavens to rain down on the world when the mortals have angered her but is otherwise docile. While her domain does not include agriculture, she is regularly thanked alongside Lets for providing the rains that water the crops. Flooding, however, occurs when she's taunting Lets.

Meltra

Husband of Jek Domains: Night and Day Kobold Created the stars in the sky as gift to his wife. Is also credited with creating the winds as a way of playing with her hair. Seen as the most benevolent and docile of the gods, few fear his wrath for he feels little anger.

Kevlek

Partner of Larn Domains: Science and Medicine Human Brilliant but chaotic, a short attention span, and zealously seeks to know all things at all costs.

Tahr

The Giant Domains: Sleep, Dreams, Justice, and Youth Orc Guards the young; the protector with fatherly love for children of all walks of life. He's a gentle giant unless someone harms a child, and then his wrath is to be feared. His name is a curse on all who lay a hand on the young, and his wisdom is called on for justice in the courts. Like Metre, he's trusted and rarely feared. However, despite his domain over sleep and dreams, he cannot actually make people sleep; he only watches over them as they dream. He's worshiped the most by parents and those that live by the Pianes Mountains.

Felth

The Young Domains: War, Disease, the Hunt Harengon A fierce warrior who kills all without mercy. She's welcome only out of necessity and fear of her temper. At the end of the day, though, she just wants to relax with a cup of tea and nurse her neverending cold. Works with Gadren to bring insect plagues to devour crops when mortals have crossed a line.

Related myth here.

Rotren

The Patient Domains: Time, Magic, Service Dragonborn Where waiting pays off because the time will always come. A generally serious man with a fondness for puzzles. He's credited with the creation of coffee and other such stimulants that appear to make time shift in the mind. He's known to walk among mortals and sit among them in taverns and cafes alike. Be wary of an overdose though; mortals can handle far less than the gods.

Sahdlor

The Dead God Domain: Murder and Thievery Unknown None know their face and live to tell the tale. Feared by all and hated by the other gods. They're rarely invited to equinox festivals with the other gods, and none with good intentions invoke their name. Sahdlor is the chosen patron of most thieves' and assassins' guilds. Some businesses may throw a few food offerings at them now and then, causing problems with a competitor's business.

Garthspire

Gods in Garthspire are mostly the same as those found in Luhren, but there are a few extras. The same with Noctre.

Fereken

The Seer Domains: Divination and Charity Thri-Kreen A grumpy god with no tolerance for nonsense, but doesn't take their bitterness out on those in need. They hate their designated domains, but why inflict their misery on others? Not well liked among the other gods but not hated either since their domain of charity is invaluable. Their followers are severe and sincere, and slightly fear his wrath.

Related myth here.

Ebonel

The Farseaker Domains: Traveling and Archeology Unknown She wears a hooded cloak to shield her face from the elements and those who would know her business. Travelers are rarely turned away for fear of it being her in disguise. She's polite and a good guest when she does make an appearance. Ever curious, scientists and historians seek her wisdom when looking into the past for answers about the ancestors.

Noctre

Woqueren

The Bloodied Domain: Blood and Death Elf He replaces Leta in the pantheon and is feared by all. Blood mages study the art in his name. He's not usually welcome at family gatherings either.

[writerwithbrainrot]

Chapter 1: The World that Turns

In the world of light, legends of a world parallel to their own are now nearly forgotten. Who would have believed the dark of legend would plot to enter where they don't belong.

Warning: Swearing, violence mentioned, let me know if I need to add more!

｡☆✼★━━━━━━━━━━━━★✼☆｡

The festival in Castle Town couldn't have happened on a more perfect three days. Perfect weather, light breezes with a full sun casting warmth on the kingdom of Hyrule. Birds tweeted happily, and villagers were loud in Castle Town.

Gorons, Zora, Hylians, Rito all setting up their stands or games for people to enjoy. Many chatting happily, more than pleased to be born in such a unified time in Hyrule's history.

A boy in green rushed through town, panting and rushing to meet with his friend. Link had slept in, again. And he had promised Zelda to be in the garden before noon. And the sun was already high in the sky.

Link panted, rushing through a back ally and to a large stone wall. Pulling out a basic grappling hood, he threw the rope up, letting the hood grab onto the top of the wall. He pulled and started to climb the wall, panting and grunting as he reached the top and hopped over. He looked around, stepping a few feet forward, seeing no one in the magnificent garden and gave a sigh of relief.

"Link!" Zelda's angry voice exclaimed, and Link jumped, dropping his grappling hook. "Why are you late?! Again?!"

Link turned to see the beautiful princess Zelda, her white and pink dress flowing softly with the breeze, blond hair swaying softly and circlet crown shining in the sun. "Zelda! I'm sorry, I slept in, I didn't mean too!" He said in a panic.

His old friemd sighed, face falling into something of sadness. "I apologize. I shouldn't have snapped at you. . ."

"You've been really stressed lately." Link said, frowning. "Do you. . . want to talk about it?"

Zelda nodded, walking away to a stone bench under a nearby tree. Link followed, and sat down after Zelda, not missing how her elf ears drooped. "I. . . must confess, I do not know how to explain this. Oh. . ." she paused "This is quite difficult. . . "

Pulling out an old dusty book, she showed it to Link. "See, recently- exactly a week ago, I was outside here, in the garden when I felt it. Have you ever . . . say. . . dropped a peice of glassware and somehow your parents know even though they were far away?"

Link nodded. "Yea, Mrs. Green somehow knew a broke a pot despite being in town."

Link lost his parents at a young age, and Mrs. Green took him in, teaching him how to garden and care for the earth around them. "These things are a gift from the goddesses." She'd tell him.

"Well, it was like that." Zelda explained. "I was outside, it was a perfect day, and there was still water from the previous night's rain when I felt it. Like something had entered Hyrule uninvited, something. . . Unwelcome, dark, evil. It's not as strong, as if it had left but still, I can feel it's presence Link. Like it left something behind. . ."

Link offered a hand to Zelda. She look at his calloused hand and then his face, to see a kind smile. "I don't doubt it. But today will be the first day of the festival. Let's not let things like taht ruin our moods."

Zelda smiled, and held his hand, her white glove now a little dirty from the dirt under his nails. "You're right. I should at least tell Impa, however."

Link nodded, "What's this book. anyways?" he asked, gesturing ro the book Zelda had brought with her. She took her hand back.

"An old book I found in a forgotten corner of the library, covered in dust. Its a book of old legends. I wanted to show you one." she said, gently opening it and flipping to her book mark. The page had a added painted picture of a dark landscape, covered in fire and death. "It tells about a world that is parallel to our own. This world, the Dark world as this book calls it, has no heavenly guidance and the things that live there have no morals. They did awful things, and attempted to take over the light world. They were defeated by a hero in ancient times and the dark world was closed." Zelda explained. Link nodded, but Zelda only closed the book. "It only speaks of the evil crimes committed, but not of the reason why. That troubles me, even if it truly is a mere story you tell to children so they behave. . ."

A voice called to them, ans Lady Impa appeared, the middle aged sheika still so beautiful and strong, white hair in a bun and sheika armour on. She was a powerful woman, and despite her looks and strength and standing in the royal family, she refused to marry, instead choosing to help raise Zelda.

"Impa!" Zelda said, standing up and leaving the book where she had been sitting. Link followed behind, smiling and bowed to Impa. "Oh, did father decide to let me go to the festival this year?"

Impa smiled, and Zelda beamed, letting out a small squeal before grabbing Link's hand. Link blushed, his ears turning pink as Zelda rushed into the castle. "Lets go, Link! I wnat to see all the nice things there!"

"Now wait a minute, Princess." Impa said, appearing in front of the two. "Your father said I have to accompany you, and that we must wait until he his done with his meeting before you can go." Zelda's ears fell, and Impa continued. "It is only for your safety. He cares for your well being. I promise you will get to see everything that this festival has to offer. Have patience."

Zelda nodded and turned back to Link. "Lets go back outside. It is truly a gorgeous day today." she said, dragging him back outside to the sunlight. . .

»»————-　★　————-««

The Dark world was rarely ever warm. Hot, blistering hot from a volcanic eruption, yes, but it was usually always cool. You'd have to wear some outwear to even go into town, it was always like this. There was no sun, only a moon that would go from full to empty through the hours and then ful again. And occasionally, it would become red. casting the land in crimson colored light.

Unity always had been scarce, and often times forced to keep what little peace there was in the dark world, the fire breathing monsters of Death Mountain, for example, never got along with the monsters and inhabitants of the shadow forest, either the fire kind trying to ignite the forest or the forest monsters messing with teh structer of death mountain. Creatures of the sky always fighting with the village piglins, hoglins and shadow people and the Ku.

It was always difficult to share as well, as food was hard to grow and come by, trees were always empty or dead, or poisonous. Water was heavily guarded by the Ku as well.

However, there were the ones in charge of each region of the Dark world, the strongest of all monsters. The Overlords. Each one ruled over every section of the Dark World.

Speaking of the Overlords, the lead overlord had called a meeting, an urgent one. He was in his palace in the Dark mountains, his main area of rule. He was considered the head of the overlords, as he was created by the God of destruction. Ghirahim made sure to act like it to.

Zant, the overlord of twilight and ruler of the twilight zone, walked through the halls of Ghirahim's palace, his gold shoes tapping agaisnt the floor and his long sleeves following behind him as he walked. Yuga was with him, cape flowing behind him, a circlet with a single stone on his orange hair. Yuga was the overlord of the fallen kingdom of Lorule.

"Zant, I must say," Yuga started, glancing at thr man in thr helmet, "It has been a long while since we have gathered like this. When was the last time we gathered?"

"Two years ago." Zant said "the Zazaks and Hinoxs tryed to dig through Death mountain to the Dark mountains.".

Yuga laughed "Oh Zant! I always aspire to have your memory!" he paused, and hummed hearing the flapping of insects. The men turned to see a swarm of Black and red butterflies and dragonflies approaching. They became a group and formed into the overlord of nature, Reader.

"Reader! Old friend!" yuga said, excited to see the nymph. "Is that a new flower crown? I must say, I will need an exact copy of it for my newest painting!"

"I appreciate you noticing." Reader said, bare feet touching the cold floor, thin clothing made of cotten adored with vines and berries. "I worked hard on growing the new species."

They joined the two overlords in their journey through the halls. These three seemed to get along the best, despite their cruel natures. "I must say-" Reader began "The weed walkers are growing up just nicely, they've learned how to echo locate. I feel like a proud parent."

"That sound wonderful, Reader." Zant said, still looking straight forward. The trio turned and began to climb up a set of spiral stairs to the meeting room.

Reader opened the door, letting the other two enter first. Looking in, they saw Cole, the overlord of energy and head of the train systems in the Dark world. He smiled, his horns freshly polished, for with it looked like. "Ah! Zant, Yuga, how wonderful it is to see you both again! Reader, it is always so refreshing to see someone using their manners!"

"Cole." Reader said, walking over and shaking his stretched out hand, "It is always nice to see you. How are the mines?"

He smiled again, letting out a laugh. "Wonderful, they've found many veins of fuel and metal! In the mist of our mineral crisis, it is such a relief to find."

Reader took their hand back and saw Zant and Yuga sitting down. They went to it in their chair, between Zant and where Ghirahim was supposed to sit. "Where is Ghirahim?" Reader asked, Cole grinned.

"He left to speak to Maud, I believe. Something about a change of clothes." Cole said. Reader hummed, and grew some vines out of their hand, and started to fidget eith the thorns.

The doors opened and Ghirahim entered, swaggering over to his chair and sitting down. "Ah, how wonderful ut is to see you all once more. Where is Vaati?"

"Hasn't arrived." Cole said "I believe he is planing on skipping this meeting."

Ghirahim growled at Vaati's insolence, the missing overlords actions taken as an insult. Reader's ears fell in disappointment. "Ah. . . I see. . ." They said.

"Chin up, sweetie." Yuga said "It is not a big deal, besides, he doesn't deserve your respect."

Suddenly, a glass window slammed opened and the wind picked up, making hair fly and clothing flap until the overlord of wind and ruler of the sky, Vaati, materialize in the room. Reader's ears perked up and the others make a form of being displeased.

"Vaati." Ghirahim started, watching the wind mage sit down in his chair "You're late."

"Duely noted." The purple haired mage said "However, I am here now, am I not?"

Zant spoke up. "Shall we begin the meeting, then?" he suggested, not wanting anyone to start a fight. silence before Ghirahim cleared his throat.

"I'd like to start by saying that the west ocean is starting to haul less food than before, and even that was in need of rationing. Reader," he started, and Reader snapped out of their staring at Vaati "Is there anything you can do about this?"

Reader sighed and shook their head. "Unfortunately, no. If I could create new aquatic life, I'd have to use a sun stone to do so if I want to make non-predatory fish. However, who the mineral crisis happening, I'm afraid I cannot."

Ghirahim huffed "Alright then. Well. . . Other than the flying monsters slowly going out of control-" he glared at Vaati "I shall tell you the reason why I have called you all here."

The room became tense, and all eyes were on Ghirahim. "A week ago, a door to the Light word was opened."

Gasps came from Reader and Cole, Zant sat up straighter, Yuga let our a soft "Excuse me?!" and Vaati -for once- payed full attention to Ghirahim, eyes wide.

"That isn't possible!" Yuga exclaimed, "The only door to the Light world was destroyed eons ago by the old residents of Lorule! Are you saying there was a second door built?!"

"I'm not saying g that exactly." Ghirahim said "I'm saying that somehow, somewhere, an entrance to the Light world was opened. It may have been a door or a portal was ripped open. Either way, a way out of this dying world was made."

Reader squealed a bit. "Oh that is wonderful! Ah, if we could get our hands on such wonderful, such powerful light magic, think of how well off our people will be! The crops would grow again, and fish populations would grow, and think of how the mines and the living beings would prosper!"

"If we could get our hands on the power in that world," Vaati started, "I cannot even begin to imagine the boundless amounts of power I could hold and learn!"

"How do we know this isn't a hoax?" Zabt said suddenly. "If a way to the world of light has truly opened, then how come the Twili haven't become ill or empowered by the influence of power?"

"Then it is most likely a door." Cole said "portals are harder to keep contained, but the doors can lock themselves close. That means we can invade that Light world and take what ever we can!"

Chatter rose up in volume, but Reader tryed to speak up. "But what of our people?! They are not ready to fight a war!"

Their voice was drowned out, until Vaati's wind spiked, whipping around the room, silencing all. Vaati looked at Reader, and their face turned a bit red. "What were you saying?"

"u-um." the started "Thank you, Lord Vaati. If we go to war, with our people nearly on the brick of starvation and so unhappy, wouldn't taht hurt the people and us more?"

Zant spoke "We shall make do. In the end, the power we shall have will be much worth it."

The meeting dragged on, the overlord creating a plan to scout the land for the enter center to the light world, ans lasted until the moon was almost pitch black.

The overlords were departing, Vaati santering to a window when Reader's voice spoke to him. "Lord Vaati." Theysaid, he turned, glaring. "May I speak to you?"

He thought for a moment but agreed, following them to an empty room. Vaati stood near the window, tapping his foot. "Well? What is it? I am a busy king."

Reader lit up brighter than the moon, flowers blooming on their flower crown as Reader told him what they had been dying to tell him all meeting.

"I opened the door to the light world. I know where it is."

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Uh oh! A door to the world of light has been found and opened?! This isn't good!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, have a good day/ night!

The idea of Overlords came from Hazbin Hotel.

[rvchelking]

—OCS as OBSCURE ASSOCIATIONS, pt. 2

I was tagged by @perpetuagf in this fun little game. thank you! i thought i would explore my two (recently) new ocs: Samantha Hill (House of Ashes) and Scarlet (Baldur's Gate III) so there we go! I'll tag @stacispratt and @strafethesesinners

ANIMAL: otter. a butterfly. maybe a sand cat.

COLORS: red and white!

MONTH: late september.

SONGS: brave new world by kalandra; sound of war by tommee profitt x fleurie; breath of life by florence and the machine

NUMBER: either 2 or 13

PLANTS: red rose with occasional thorns, tulips and dried herbs

SMELLS: raspberry; the smell of the forest after the rain

GEMSTONE: red obisdian.

TIME OF DAY: sunset.

SEASON: autumn.

PLACES: deep deep forest, desert island, balcony with vines

FOOD: apple pie with cinnamon, red juicy apple, sugar cubes

DRINKS: cherry wine

ELEMENT: water.

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS: libra; virgo; cancer

SEASONINGS: anise and saffron.

SKY: red skies at dusk, dark blue before the storm.

WEATHER: cloudy and misty.

MAGICAL POWER: mindcontrol.

WEAPONS: the magic that runs in her blood.

SOCIAL MEDIA. probably none.

MAKEUP PRODUCT: lipstick.

CANDY: cotton candy.

METHOD OF LONG DISTANCE TRAVEL: teleporting.

ART STYLE: light and space.

FEAR: becoming a mind flayer.

MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURE: well, since she's an elf, that would be forest elf! but like, a cunning and quiet one, not a rascal.

PIECE OF STATIONARY: bookmark.

THREE EMOJIS: 🧚🏻‍♀️🎲🌿

CELESTIAL BODY: the moon.

ANIMAL: puma; capra genus (since she's an archaelogoist and she can climb )

COLORS: grey, dark brown, beige

MONTH: either april or november.

SONGS: sacrifice by zella day; phoenix by league of legends ft cailin russo, chrissy costanza; another reason by fifth dawn

NUMBER: 7

PLANTS: vines

SMELLS: old books, the smell of sand, freshly baked bread

GEMSTONE: black tourmaline.

TIME OF DAY: right after midnight.

SEASON: early winter.

PLACES: abandoned buildings, archaelogical sites, egypt and iraq

FOOD: steak and fries, chicken broth

DRINKS: craft beer, earl grey tea

ELEMENT: fire and earth.

ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS: scorpio, gemini, virgo

SEASONINGS: chili powder.

SKY: clear blue skies.

WEATHER: the storm.

MAGICAL POWER: speaking dead languages.

WEAPONS: an ice pick :P

SOCIAL MEDIA. instagram or blogspot.

MAKEUP PRODUCT: perfume.

CANDY: sour candy.

METHOD OF LONG DISTANCE TRAVEL: helicopters.

ART STYLE: Egyptian Revival! also does sumerian cuniform count?

FEAR: losing jason kolchek.

MYTHOLOGICAL CREATURE: tbh not to be a hater (I love you Sam), but i'd say demon. but not like, destructive. she'd be extremly smart and tactical. she'd make pacts with others and always win.

PIECE OF STATIONARY: a pen.

THREE EMOJIS: ⛰🌑⛏

CELESTIAL BODY: 50% mars 50% venus.

[dollarbin]

Dollar Bin #3:

Fairport Convention's Angel Delight

This album has never looked promising. John, Paul and George didn't break up and then let Ringo call himself The Beatles; Lou, Cale, Sterling and Mo didn't want what's his name to make a record and claim it was by the Velvet Undergound. And Dave Swarbrick had about as much of a right to lead Fairport Convention in 1970 as Lepidus had to lead the Roman Empire in 48 BCE. Right?

Well, let's dive back into the dollar bin and find out.

A year earlier, when Sandy Denny left Fairport to form Fotheringay with her loser boyfriend and Ashley Hutchinson beat his own retreat to assemble the first and greatest incarnation of Steeleye Span, there was still plenty to love about Fairport Convention. Richard Thompson, the band's gawky genius, was writing increasingly uncanny and harrowing songs. Now Be Thankful and Farewell, Farewell are so good that it seems like the band's pimply medieval apprentice had snuck off with the spell books and everyone's maidenhead. He was even learning, reluctantly, to sing.

What's more, the band's producer, Joe Boyd, was still firmly in the mix. Boyd had already played a role in many of the greatest records from the whole wonderful era, from The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter to Five Leaves Left. Thompson and Boyd made the band still vital.

What's even more, Fairport had already shown it could weather change. Two lead singers had already come and gone prior to Denny decamping. And, just before she left, they turned a fatal car crash into Liege and Leif, the founding, and greatest, record in the history of Folk Rock.

But in 1971, after a solid and occasionally brilliant 5th record and a (retrospectively anyway) historic tour of the US that saw Fairport blowing away Linda Ronstadt before inviting her on stage to play whatever she wanted with them, Thompson followed his muse right out of the convention's Full House and left Swarb in charge. Boyd was no fool; he hightailed it out of there as well. Dave Swarbrick, a homely but masterful fiddle player hooked on "diet pills" (as in Speed), was now the front man of one of the greatest rock bands in history. Uh-oh.

The cover for the next record, Angel Delight, is fitting: there they are, (see above), the lads left behind by everyone important, grinning savant-like midst the remains of a burnt out house. The joke is apt but discouraging: see here, the cover declares, the losers left behind in the wreckage.

And just take a look at these hobbits !

Seriously, doesn't this look like a Multiverse alternative of Aragorn (that's Thompson, in the middle) with Tolkien's plucky halflings? Moving right to left we've got the drummer, Dave Mattacks, standing in for Merry: Mattacks is the awkward, moody one in the fellowship with a forever kink in his neck, too shy to take off his looking glasses or his granddad's coat. Next up it's Dave Pegg, oddly tall for a hobbit, whose grandfather, legend has it, once rode a horse.

Beside Aragorn/Thompson we've got Swarb himself. Forever enveloped pipe smoke, he's a merry trickster whose sideburns run all the way down his four foot frame to his giant, hairy feet.

Finally, there's Simon Nicol at furthest left. After Thompson leaves he's the only guy not named Dave in the band, and they all lived together! Just imagine the conversation at dinner.

Nicol, looking up from his kippers on toast: "Dave?"

All three Daves, eagerly: "Yes Simon?"

Nicol: "Never feckin' mind."

Though Nicol was the only founding member left at this point, he was just 20, a young Took still not old enough for pipe weed. Clearly he's the only guy in the band with a chance of one day getting himself an elf wife.

Without Thompson, Denny, Boyd, Hutchings or even Ian Matthews, there's none of Frodo's constipational anxiety, let alone Gandalf's enormous eyebrows, left to be found in this band. If there's a ring of power to protect they've already lost it.

But drop the needle on side 1 and Angel Delight sounds instantly promising. Swarb's has clearly learned to sing and we bounce along merrily to the opening track, Lord Marlborough. Perhaps these hobbits know the way to Mordor after all!

Don't get too excited. Track 2, Sir William Gower, finds them playing like Fatty Bolger. The song surely records the exploits of yet another British miscreant, war hero or goofball but it's hard to care when the noodling melody sounds like the band is sitting in an 80's middle school circle at midnight, crank calling confused old ladies who happen to answer the seven digit meandering melodies the boys are making up on their parents' push-button phone. Swarb calls out the numbers while the other boys cackle and chase: 7! 8! 3! 4568! "Hello!" Swarb hollers into the phone. "Sorry to call so late mam.  May I speak with a Sir William Gower please?  What's that now? Wrong number? Well, what about a Mr. Head?  First name Dick?"

The boys may fall over laughing but the song is a plodding bummer. So let's skip ahead to some greatness. Wizard of the Worldly Game isn't a dollar store tabletop Harry Potter knock off for 2-4 players that currently ranks last on Board Game Geek. It's a downright magestic song. Youtube contains zero tracks from this entire album (perhaps Muggles are forbidden to hear Angels Delight unless they brave the dollar bin) so I can't play it for you here. But it's lovely, with Swarb's tenor rising from tender to belting as the boys emerge from their respective holes on Bagshot Row to encircle him in stately harmony. Nicol is no Thompson on the electric guitar, but he knows it, and his solos here are patient and wonderful.

Journeyman's Grace, one of several songs co-written by Thompson before his departure, wraps up side 1 and it's a barnburner, with lyrics that are as oddly captivating and ineffable as anything Thompson would go on to write in his prestigious career:

Leave my weary flesh and bone to a circle made of stone Take me to the mountains for my pleasure. And if the dead man won't depart, drive a stake into his heart And let me ere deliver him his leisure.

The band hands the song's lead vocals back and forth like a hot tater, and listen to Swarb on the final chorus, hitting a high note and holding on like a puffed up Disney rooster.

Let's wrap up this visit to the dollar bin with a concert performance of the song from this era. Watch Swarb shuffle! Turns out the guy's yet another Fairport genius, and the band is in good hands after all.

[countessofravenclaw]

The 2022 writing Advent calendar: Day 13

13. Can reindeer really fly

We are once again continuing our adventure at te north pole with the Holy trinity. Go read days 3 & 9 if you have not already!

“I can’t believe Santa Claus let Luna sit on her lap,” Simon laughed after they were walking out of Santa Claus’s office.  “He probably thought she was still a child.” Gastón joined him in the laughter. Nina and Ambar, who were walking behind them, just rolled their eyes at them.  “That was so much fun!!!!” Luna was still jumping up and down as she and Matteo excited last from the building. “Santa was so nice. And I got finally to present my Christmas wishes in person.” “Luna, Christmas was a week ago,” Nina noted to Luna as she and Matteo caught up with the rest of them.  “Yeah, I know that,” Luna just shrugged, “I meant for like next year.” “You mean this year.” “Yeah, sure. Earlier the better! Maybe now I will actually get that banjo.” Luna threw some pretend dagger eyes at her friends. “You want a banjo?” Ambar asked dryly in complete disbelief. “YES! I have been asking one for years.” Luna nodded, “No one has gotten me one.” “And maybe that is a blessing…” Ambar whispered to Simon. “What?” “Ah, nothing.” Ambar shook her head, “How much time do we have left?” “The bus leaves here at 12:15, but I have no idea how punctual the Finnish busses are in this region.” Gastón answered looking at his phone, “The weather is probably quite a big component in that. But today’s is not that bad. Can’t imagine what would happen in a snowstorm. To answer your question, we still have about an hour.” “We should probably go eat at some point.” Matteo pointed out. “I read that there was this restaurant that was completely built out of the snow here,” Nina explained. “No way!” Simon exclaimed, “How is that even possible?” “I guess the same way they built those huge sand castles. Apparently, that is another tourist thing in Finland. Somewhere called Lappeenranta they built one every year.” “OMG!!!!” Luna suddenly exclaimed. Matteo quickly grabbed her arm so she was not able to run away. “Look at them! They are real?” “What are real?” Everyone turned to look where Luna was pointing.  She was pointing towards the reindeer yard.  “Hold up a second?” Gastón asked, “You did not know that reindeer were real?” Matteo exchanges a skeptical look with Matteo.  “Well, I thought they were just fairytale creatures.” Luna started speaking, “Just like dragons and unicorns. I mean Santa Claus is not real, I know that, so I thought his reindeer were not too.” “Luna, quiet down,” Simon hushed her, forgetting that it was pretty unlikely that any of the people around the understood what Luna had been saying in Spanish, “You can’t just shout something like that out loud. There are children around. You’ll end up in the notty list for good.”  “Uuuups.” “Well, anyways. Reindeer are mostly native to arctic areas like Northern Europe and I think there are some in Canada.” Nina explained. “The whole their affiliation with Santa Claus comes from a lot of legends.” “Well, can we go see them?” Luna asked jumping up and down once again.  “Well, why not.” Ambar nodded. “They are cute, you are right.” “Hey! Can these reindeer really fly?” Luna asked the reindeer keeper, who was also dressed as an elf.  “Ööööö, Anteeksi?” The keeper asked bit confused.  “Luna.” Matteo reminded her. “Sorry about that.” He started speaking English. “We are tourists from Argentina. She was just asking you if these reindeer can actually fly.” “Oh noh,” the keeper laughed, “These ones don’t. Santa has a lot of different reindeer for different purposes. These guys right here don’t fly with him on Christmas Eve, but still are very important to our small village.” “Can we meet Rudolf?” Luna asked. “What?” She said once she saw all the others staring at her. “I wanna see his red nose.” “I wish you could see him,” The keeper responded, “But Rudolf and the other Flying Forces are resting. They had a long journey on Christmas Eve flying all around the world, even with the earth’s rotational speed regulator. But if you really wanna meet him, keep your eye open next Christmas Eve and you might catch a glimpse of him.”