#there's just something so delightful about this art

[songbird-and-her-fos]

Dance Lessons

Emmrich/F!Rook

Emmrich likes to indulge in the finer arts, including dance, and wants to share this with Rook. Sadly, Rook has little confidence in her dancing abilities

-

A quiet day at the Lighthouse. Lyrei “Rook” Ingellvar didn’t know what drew her to the small hidden room with the big piano, but she found herself there nonetheless. There were so many more enjoyable things she could spend her time with, she told herself, so why come here? Perhaps it was the instrument itself that attracted her to this seldom visited corner of the Lighthouse; Rook loved music, though she had never had the opportunity to learn to play. So her fingers only lightly grazed the ivories, never truly pressing any of them hard enough to produce a sound.

She missed music. Be it the lengthy elegies written for funerals back in Nevarra or lively drinking songs filling the air of taverns; she hadn’t heard any of that in way too long a time.

Hadn’t Bellara discovered an ancient Elven music box not too long ago? Just as Rook resolved to ask about it soon, someone entered the room.

“So this is where you’ve been hiding, dearest. I’ve been looking for you.”

She turned around, her face lighting up with a smile. “Emmrich.”

He held up the artifact in his hands. “I asked Bellara if she would let us borrow her music box; there’s something I want us to try with it.” He placed it on a nearby table. “I had at first considered trying to teach Manfred how to play the piano for us; he was very interested, but I think he needs to focus on his magic training for the time being.”

“Now you’re making me curious���, Rook said cheerfully. “Don’t keep me in suspense like that!”

“My darling, have you ever tried dancing?”

Rook bit her lip. “I haven’t. I’m not sure I would be any good at it, to be honest.”

Emmrich stretched out his arms to pull her against him. “Nonsense. I see how you move in battle; you are a born dancer if I’ve ever seen one.”

Her eyes flitted about the room, for the first time trying to look at anything but him. “I don’t want to embarrass myself; especially not in front of you.”

Emmrich leaned forward and kissed her. “I would never judge you, you know that. Come, we'll start with a simple waltz. Without music, so you can get a feeling for the steps first.”

Rook hesitated for a moment, but found herself unable to say no to him. Not when he was so excited at the prospect of dancing with her. “...Okay, but I take no responsibility for any damage done to your toes.”

“Marvelous! It's easy, really.” He placed one hand on her waist and took hers with the other. “Start by taking a step forward with your left foot, then a sideways step with your right foot…”

This “simple waltz” felt anything but simple at first. She executed the steps just as Emmrich instructed, but kept losing the rhythm and felt her face heat up every time she stumbled. Just when she was about to ask if it was time to stop, Emmrich paused.

“Rook, my dearest, you are way too stiff. Relax. Don’t worry too much about executing every step perfectly. Just focus on me.”

Rook took another deep breath. “Focus on you. Okay. I can do that.” She concentrated on his eyes, gentle and loving as ever. No trace of judgement or annoyance. He moved, and she followed, her mind easing to a pleasant emptiness that left space for the two of them, and nothing else. She barely noticed when his hand slightly moved and the music box began playing. It was an ancient Elven song, a far cry from modern ballroom music, but it still flowed into their movements like a guiding breeze. That was her entire world in this moment; music and movement… and Emmrich, smiling at her as if she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

“I knew you could do it.” Delight lit up his eyes.

“What can I say? I have an excellent teacher.”

Step by step, they twirled through the room, allowing themselves to get lost in the moment. One, two, three…

Emmrich’s hoarse chuckle slightly pulled her from her thoughts. “You are absolutely beautiful. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you.”

The corners of her mouth twitched upwards. “Says the stunning man in front of me.”

He laughed, and her heart did a little flip.

The song slowly fizzled out, and with a final spin, Emmrich, kissed her and then rested his forehead against hers. “I love you.”

“And I love you. And… thank you for teaching me how to dance. Maybe we can do this more often?”

“Whenever you like, my dearest.”

[ask-the-koopa-family]

AGAIN A STORY (it happened in the past...) about Mario and Bowser's relationship...

Art/OC/story are mine dont copy/repost!

#bowser

#supermariobros

#supermariobrosoc

#mario

In the grand throne room, Bowser stands near his throne, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon as he wrestles with thoughts from his past. Cherry enters, her face glowing with excitement, clutching a golden envelope in her hands. She walks up to him, gently nudging him from his reverie.

Cherry:

Bowser, look at what we've received! An invitation to a royal ball at Peach's castle!

Bowser: (raising an eyebrow, his suspicion obvious)

A ball? At Peach's castle? Why would she invite me to one of her events? And you know very well who will be there...

Cherry: (reassuring, placing a gentle hand on his arm)

I know you don’t want to see Mario, especially after what happened with... Betty. But maybe this is an opportunity to show everyone that we can move forward, that we’re not defined by our past.

Bowser: (clenching his fists, his voice filled with a rough edge of pain)

Move forward? You know what he did! How can I forget that, Cherry? Every time I see him, I relive that moment. It's not something you easily forget.

Cherry: (taking his hand, her gaze tender but steady)

I know... I’m sorry. I’m not asking you to forget, but maybe it’s time to show that we’re stronger than our grudges. Peach invited us; she might also want to ease the tensions. And we can’t live in the past forever... Betty wouldn’t want that. I’m not asking you to forgive, but to show the kingdom that you are no longer the tyrant king. That you are capable of nobility and greatness. Do it for us, do it for Betty... to show that nothing can bring us down, not even Mario.

Bowser: (looking down at their intertwined hands, his voice softening)

Do you really think that’s possible? That this ball could change anything?

Cherry: (smiling gently, her confidence unwavering)

I believe it can, yes. And even if it doesn’t, at least we would have tried. We’re together, and as long as we are, anything is possible.

Bowser: (sighing heavily, then meeting her gaze)

Alright. For you, Cherry. But I warn you, if he causes any trouble, I won’t hold back. Don’t expect me to be friendly with that plumber.

Cherry: (kissing him lightly on the cheek)

Thank you, Bowser. I know everything will be fine.

Later, at the Royal Ball at Peach's Castle

The castle is alive with color and light, flowers draping from every corner. Cherry, glowing in an elegant dress, enters the ballroom arm in arm with Bowser. The guests whisper in surprise, some even gasping as they look upon them. Peach approaches them with a genuine, welcoming smile.

Peach: (extending her hands warmly)

Cherry, Bowser, I’m so glad you could come. It means a lot to me.

Cherry: (smiling brightly)

Thank you for the invitation, Peach. The castle looks beautiful tonight.

Bowser: (nodding, his voice gruff but sincere)

Yes. Thank you very much, Peach.

Peach: (gesturing with a slight smile)

I’m delighted that you’re able to enjoy the evening. Cherry, I have something to show you in the greenhouse; you’re going to love it. Bowser, you’re welcome to join us if you wish.

Bowser: (giving a slight shake of his head)

No, I’ll... explore a bit on my own. Go ahead, have fun.

Cherry:

Alright, dear, see you later!

Cherry and Peach disappear into the greenhouse, leaving Bowser behind. He slowly makes his way to a balcony, seeking a moment of peace from the chatter and music.

The night air is crisp, the moon casting a gentle glow over the kingdom. He takes a deep breath, closing his eyes, as if letting the silence calm his thoughts.

A hesitant footstep breaks the quiet. Bowser’s eyes open slowly, and he doesn’t turn as Mario approaches.

Mario:

Good evening, Bowser...

Bowser: (without turning around, gripping the balcony rail, his voice cold)

Mario. What do you want?

Mario: (keeping a respectful distance, his tone sincere)

I just wanted... to talk. I know it’s not easy for you to be here. I didn’t expect you to come.

Bowser: (scoffing, his sarcasm biting)

Yes, being surrounded by people who’ve always seen me as an enemy, it’s a perfect evening for me.

Mario: (with a quiet sigh)

I’m not here to provoke you, Bowser. I know how you feel... about Betty. I know you blame me, and you have every reason to. What happened... was tragic. But I didn’t want it to happen.

Bowser: (turning to face him, his eyes blazing with anger)

Tragic? It was your fault, Mario! You... killed her!

Mario: (bowing his head, his voice calm but heavy with regret)

I know. And I live with that every day. But I’m here tonight to try and ease this hatred between us. It was an accident. I didn’t want her... to die. I know you may not believe me, but it’s weighed on my conscience too. I... I’m sorry.

Bowser: (staring at him, his expression conflicted)

And you think a simple ball will fix all of this? That I’ll just forget? Do you think simple apologies will erase what you did?

Mario: (shaking his head, his gaze steady and resolute)

No, I don’t expect you to forget. I know nothing can ever bring Betty back. But we need to find a way to coexist. For Cherry, for Peach, for our kingdoms. I’m not asking for your forgiveness, Bowser. I’m just asking for a truce... so we can all move forward. We don’t have to be friends, Bowser, but we can at least try not to be enemies.

Bowser: (after a tense silence, finally releasing a heavy sigh)

I don’t know, Mario. It’s not as simple as you think. But for Cherry, for my family... I’ll try. But don’t disappoint me, and don’t think this means I’ve forgiven you.

Mario: (offering a slight smile, visibly relieved)

I understand. Thank you, Bowser. I don’t expect anything more.

The two stand together under the moonlight, neither quite willing to break the silence. The ball continues inside, but here, on this quiet balcony, a fragile truce is born, with a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, they can coexist.

[egophiliac]

still ruminating over Lost In the Book With Spooky Skeletons Part 1, so here's a selection of some of my favorite little bits! (...some more loosely paraphrased than others) (I just feel like Idia has no room to criticize in general, okay)

anyway, I'm sure we're just going to have a fun time celebrating Halloween and nothing bad is going to happen whatsoever! :)

[luck-of-the-drawings]

POOR GABRIEL MONTEZ! YOU NEVER SAW THIS COMING DID YOU? ALL YOU WANTED WAS POWER. SECURITY. SAFETY. & THATS EXACTLY WHAT YOU GOT! JUST IN EXCHANGE FOR YOUR BODY. LETS JUST HOPE NO ONE FUCKS THIS UP. LETS JUST HOPE YOU WONT HAVE TO CLEAN UP THE MESS.

[starflungwaddledee]

*caassssuuuaallly slides into your inbox* hey. hi hello 😎

im here for those sweet ol song asks, wanna share any you have for Starstruck and J??

do i have any, well i-- *drops a half dozen mean girlboss tracks all over the place* oh uhhh--

something in the way you're looking through my eyes don't know if i'm gonna make it out alive teeth - five seconds of summer

[estrangedandwayward]

Gold dragon gang outfit swap

[longagoitwastuesday]

Every day I am haunted by the fact JJK could be amazing but it will be just idk Bleach or something

[thelemonsnek]

they hate each other except for when they dont. but actually they do

[image id: a series of sketches of Day, a pokemon trainer oc, and Melli from legends arceus. Day is a white person with their hair shaved on one side, and is wearing glasses, a t shirt, a long jacket with stripes on the sleeves, and flame-patterned puffy pants tucked into boots.

In the first sketch, Melli stands side by side with Day. Day looks up at him, extremely unimpressed, as Melli says "oh your coat is just in horrible condition, your terrible galaxy team forcing you to work in the wilds in whats clearly such flimsy fabric just proves how bad you people are". Then, he says, "now I simply insist you allow me, the Great Melli, to repair and reinforce it with my superior sewing skills". He looks down at Day, very smug, as they startle, clearly not having expected an offer of help.

In the next series of sketches, Melli is sewing their jacket with Day watching. Empty speech bubbles hover above Melli as he explains it to them. Then, he hands the jacket over to an apprehensive Day, saying "now you try." Day begins sewing, now more confident and smiling a bit as Melli continues to instruct them. Melli grins, saying "see? how could you fail, being taught by the Great Melli ;)". Day looks at Melli, sick and tired of his shit.

The final two sketches show Day in their newly repaired jacket. They stand looking down at it, smiling in surprised delight. In the first, they face the front, and in the second, they've spun around to look at the back of it. The cuffs of the sleeves, bottom of the jacket, and a couple gashes on the back are the most significantly repaired portions. The shoulders are now embroidered with Hisuian Decidueye inspired patterns, and the gash on the back has been repaired to mimic rays of light. End id]

[embarasseddragon234]

i made some pics to use as icons on my trait stamper(it started as Persona 5 themed) and i really liked the Screamer and Op i did, so here they are

[quietlyblooms]

vanilla sunday meme

is your muse easily flustered? do they blush, swear, etc.?

i was thinking about this during a reply the other day! and the answer is, i think, no. chiyo perfected her mask to hide her real reactions, and that means she won't blush easily over just anything. you can likely flirt with her without chiyo ever breaking a sweat; she'll grin and laugh at you, take it all as a joke long before she shows embarrassment. or, if you catch her in a mood/push her buttons enough, she might just tease you back. chiyo's a competitive soul, so :' ) if you're purposely trying to get a reaction, she's just gonna return that effort :' )

but!! this is the case if you try to use words on chiyo. words can't touch her mask, but you can. if you physically get in her space, turn her face towards yours, put a hand on her lower back to guide her, etc. then chances are that chiyo will get a lil flustered. chiyo craves physical touch, to be close; you give her that, and she can't hide her reaction very well bc she's embarrassed that she wants it so much, that she's very much thrilled to be close to you. it's like being caught red-handed :' )

[biblically-accurate-soup]

thinking about that one JillianEve video where she talks about the disconnect from the items around us and the growing normalization in not knowing where the things you use come from and how there are made? yeah

[just-a-mod]

Percy is showing off to the pretty lady Zalla again

this time with get effort

and cloud bunnies

it's working 8)

Percy as always pays rent with @honeycomb-cacube

Zalla lives rent free in my head

[egophiliac]

What do you think of Rook's savanaclaw card? <333

I didn't get him (and I need to save my keys for Silver's birthday, sob) so I looked up his groovy, and I'm not over how incredibly dramatic and epic and cool it looks in direct contrast to the absolutely ridiculous context. just look at that dynamic action and his majestic sparkling tears and keep in mind that this is pretty much right after a bunch of characters have been dance battling for his soul.

and then even the actual moment of the groovy is just like

this is NOT a negative in the slightest, I love it all, this truly was an incredible update in so many ways

[givemaycoffee]

Which Zelda games have you played?

Less than I would like tbh. I have a lot of older brothers who did not want to share time on consoles growing up.

I have played to completion:

Ocarina of Time

Majora’s Mask

Link to the Past

I have partially played:

Minish Cap

Spirit Tracks

Twilight Princess

Phantom Hourglass

Four Swords

the new Links Awakening (which is on me - I own it and just haven’t finished it yet)

[bethegaycowboy]

i have read next to nothing this year and, while i am trying not to feel too angsty about it because I KNOW that there will always be years where i read more compared to others and i know that reading habits fluctuate, i still do feel a bit angsty... mostly because there is so much i want to read (literally dozens of books on my bookshelf ready to be read & quite literally hundreds of books on my TBR) and it’s frustrating that i feel unable to pick them up :(

[styxxthegoat]

If it's from a school they've likely replaced it already, but you also never know. If you don't read that copy as often as you did as a child y'can always stop by the school's front office and just "happen" to have found it while cleaning out the attic/house/basement/old stuff you haven't looked at in years.

As an aside, if you ever find books from a public library, please do return them. Time does not matter. And if you're afraid or facing anxiety, just know that we're all human. That they won't be passing judgements on you. A school might be mildly perplexed but if the book isn't banned and it's still in a readable state then there's nothing preventing them from letting more students find their start to reading.

If you don't want to address anyone directly, just look up their address online and mail it to them. You can also call them to communicate the book if you find that you want it brought back.

I don't disagree with the sentiment of books finding their people btw 💜

I'm just offering this bit of information in case someone else had wanted to, but didn't know they still could.

When I was like 8 I stole my schools copy of the graveyard book because I loved it so much and didn't like when it when another kid had it. Should I return it back, it's been like 10 years and I'm pretty sure it's all new staff?

If you want to.

Some twenty years ago, I was talking to a senior librarian from a library somewhere in (as I recall) the rural appalachians, who was telling me that my books were the most stolen books -- or at least the most never-returned -- books they had. I told her that I was sorry, and asked how they felt about this. And she smiled, and she said, "We like to think our books have found their people".

And while I would never approve of stealing from a library, or taking books that other people would need, I think at that moment I decided that perhaps, sometimes, and in some circumstances, it was good that the books in question had found their people.