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astrolook · 2 days ago

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💬🌟 Talking Planets: How Your Synastry Speaks Volumes 🗣️💞

Note: These are all based on my personal observations and patterns I’ve noticed over the years. Western astrology based. Let me know in the comments if any of this hits home for you! And feel free to leave what doesn’t resonate.

Synastry placements in the 8th or 12th are my least favorite. First off, the 8th house is not just about sex, and honestly, it’s overrated. The 8th house is about what the house person can offer like sex, resources, finances, or all of it. Not just sex. I don't agree with astrologers who's like "Mars/Venus/Sun in 8th house overlay?, Wow! It's intense, karmic bond...bla..bla..bla" or some $#!T.

Most 8th house synastry I’ve seen is either one-sided, purely sexual, or has that gold digger vibe. The planet person usually wants something from the house person.

12th house overlays are heavily one-sided too. If it’s mutual, kind of like the 8th house, it can get toxic fast. If I’m really looking for intimacy, I’d check the 2nd,4th, 5th, or 7th house overlays.

8th and 12th house placements, in both synastry and composite, usually show up in hot, chaotic relationships that burn out pretty soon. These overlays are also common in gold digger setups, sugar mommy/daddy situations, "convenience" relationships, marrying for money and all that. Both 8th and 12th is not SOULMATE BOND.

Now with the aspects, personally, I don’t consider synastry aspects with more than a 3° orb. It’s just not as effective, at least from what I’ve seen over the years. Anything under 3° really shows up in real life, good or bad.

Also, conjunctions are seriously overrated when it comes to relationships, yes but it also point to no growth and stuck in the same place but when it comes to family members, friendships, etc conjunctions are great aspects to have and trines too. But what I’ve noticed is, people who had a lot of trines and squares in their synastry ended up having relationships or marriages that were not only successful, but also exciting, balanced, and helped both people grow individually. Like real soul growth.

And let’s be clear, just because you have something like Venus square Ascendant in synastry doesn’t mean the other person finds you unattractive or ugly. People always try to oversimplify these things.

Every aspect, overlay, or placement whether it’s in synastry, composite, or natal has multiple interpretations. It might resonate, or it might not. But there are so many layers. Am seeing often that Venus square ASC interpreted as Venus finding the ASC ugly / unattractive or aren't their type. Nope, there's more to that.

Like, Venus square Ascendant could mean:

Venus finds you attractive, but your style or habits are a bit off to them but they’re still into you anyway.

They’re genuinely not attracted to you, and that’s just what it is and it's the most common interpretation I have seen out there..

Venus is like, “You’re not even my type, but I don’t know why I’m into you... but here I am.”

Venus feels insecure around you, thinks you’re out of their league and doesn't know how to approach you and fear of rejection too..

Venus is intrigued because you’re totally different from the people they’ve dated before.

Venus finds you exotic or intimidating maybe you’re from a different background, or just someone they never imagined being into, but they are. Like a forbidden, unreachable kind of thing.

Do you see the difference now? It’s never just one meaning. Astrology is like peeling an onion. The more you peel the deeper you get.

Signs work in a way that’s way more straightforward than people think. If you’re a Gemini Moon, you’re gonna naturally vibe with other Gemini Moons, Suns, Venuses, or Mars placements, no matter where they fall in the chart. It just clicks.

Take my earlier example about Venus square Ascendant and if Venus is in the 8th house in Gemini squaring your Ascendant in Virgo, that can actually get along pretty well. Venus might see the Ascendant as a sexy librarian they’d wanna go out with and Venus be like "I kinda feel insecured but damn she/he is sexy, would they even look at me?". Totally different from Venus in the 8th house in Capricorn squaring an Ascendant in Aries. In that case, Venus in Capricorn would find the Aries Ascendant super exotic and alluring, but also probably a bit intimidating. It’s not as comfortably aligned as the Gemini example as it’s more of an intense, magnetic attraction. Venus is like, “I can’t explain it, but I’m drawn to you.”

So, signs matter just as much as the placements. The vibe changes completely depending on the sign involved. This is how I read synastry.

Aspects don't exist in a vacuum.

When reading a synastry overlay or aspect, even in natal, we have to look at where the planet is actually falling. For example, going back to my earlier point about Venus square Ascendant, the surface-level aspect alone doesn’t tell the full story. Venus square Asc in general is one thing, but Venus in the 8th house squaring Asc in Libra is a completely different vibe than Venus in the 8th squaring Asc in Capricorn.

That placement matters.

When I’m reading synastry, composite, or natal charts, I always look at where the planets are and what house they’re in when I’m reading aspects. Like, instead of just saying “your Venus conjunct their Saturn,” I look at where that conjunction is happening. Because Venus conjunct Saturn in the 1st, 2nd, 5th or 11th house is not the same as Venus conjunct Saturn in the 8th or 12th.

If it’s happening in the 8th or 12th… yeah, no thanks. See you next lifetime. But if it’s in houses like the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 7th or 11th or something with more grounding or shared values, there’s actually potential there.

It’s not just what aspect you have, it’s where it lands. That’s what really gives the context.

Also, reading synastry like “Sun in 1st house overlay” isn’t enough. That’s just the general version and it’s honestly basic like a default theme on your phone. I’ve already made posts on Moon and Sun house overlays, but if you really want to understand how it actually plays out in your chart, you have to look deeper.

Like, instead of just saying “your Sun is in their 1st house,” it should be “your Sun in 1st house Gemini falls on their 9th house Gemini.” That’s how I read synastry. That’s when the picture becomes clear. You’ll actually start to see what’s going on between two people, instead of guessing based on default interpretations.

It makes interpreting way easier too. Those general meanings might or might not resonate, but when you look at both people's chart placements like that, it hits. It’ll either confirm things or call you or your partner out on stuff that’s hidden or not being talked about. That’s the kind of synastry reading that actually tells the truth.

Also, if there are too many Moon aspects or Venus aspects to the partner, but the other person doesn’t have as many Venus/Moon aspects back to yours, it could be a sign of unrequited love or just a crush that’s not going to really develop into something deeper. It’s a one-sided vibe, and those rarely turn into anything long-term or fulfilling.

Similarly, if there are a lot of Sun aspects to the other person’s chart, it means the Sun person’s identity is probably way too tied to the other person’s validation. Over time, this can lead to some unhealthy dynamics where the Sun person becomes codependent, constantly needing the other person’s approval to feel good about themselves. It’s all about balance, otherwise it’s a recipe for emotional burnout and codependent behavior.

So, that’s all for today, go away now! ✌️😎🌙

Wanna go deeper into the layers of your placements? DM me for a complete astrology reading or a 5 year/8 year marriage report or synastry reading🌙💬 and check out my pinned post for pricing + details 💫💸

Let’s decode your cosmic chaos together ⭐

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fancysigilsselfcaretree · 1 day ago

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As a daughter of a narcissistic mother, and a deadbeat dad who tried to use money i inherited to settle his gambling debt: THIS. I wasn't allowed to get therapy (even if my self-prescribed diagnosis were all validated years later) .. that's 4 years of medical treatment i didn't get. I was a child when my boyfriend took advantage of me, and didn't take a no for what it was - a lack of consent. But that didn't break me. What truly broke me is that had to function, because my mother's reputation was more important than my pain. Parentification aside, just as much as helping to raise my sister, my needs were never truly a necessity in the household. There were days i didn't get food (money wasn't even that much of a problem - it's just that my mom withheld it from me). She did read my diary. Privacy? Nonexistent. How do i explain to people that my mental illness is entirely based on trying to survive my mother? That BPD made me a human lie-detector, pattern recognition expert that can manipulate effortlessly.. not because i fucking wanted to, but because that is how i managed to not live in a constant battleground of gaslight, gatekeep, get-lost.

I'm 32 and i still fucking flinch when someone raises their voice at me. At least i don't instinctively cry anymore. But i still fear authority, external control, and talking about the really important things - the things close to my heart. I've had years of therapy. Fuck, i have to keep myself from thinking, what could have been if my home-life was safe, stable, supportive. Because that's truly what breaks my heart - the realization that i, like so many others, had no fair start in life. No opportunity to grow and prosper.

It is so fucking sinister that the only form of child abuse that society really cares about is sexual in nature. parents are free to control everything about their child's movement, presentation, eating, faith traditions, information exposure, socialization, and can restrict all of these things to an extreme degree as a form of punishment or in order to shape the child into whatever they want that child to be. and that's all considered completely normal, the parent's right! people don't even see the fact that a parent has the power to control so much about a child's life for damn near 20 years to be a problem. The only time they become concerned about child abuse is when the prospect of an outside stranger behaving in a sexual way toward a child is raised. and yeah a lot of really horrific sexual abuses are enacted unto children, but that's because they have zero control over their own lives and bodies in any other way as well. It is all about power and control. and typically the ones who are abusing children the most frequently are the ones who have the most control over them, the parents.

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saphig-iawn · 1 day ago

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My introductory sessions are made in such a way that they exist on their own without anything that will get their hooks into someone. So many inductions I've listened to try and thread this addiction or irresistance to bring people back. Why don't I do that? Because its safer. I want people to know that they can have an experience with me and be safe.

After an introductory session, the first thing I do is talk to the client about safety, and what I'm going to do to help them become resilient and practice hypnosis safely. If they come back after a while, I reinforce those safeties again. Why? Because there are people out there who are hoping to use hypnosis for their own gains and prey on people.

I was subject to one of those people yesterday.

I had someone try and covertly hypnotise me in the comments of my own post. I spotted them. I knew exactly what he was doing. His language, his cadence, his pattern. He tried to turn my own words against me initially, trying to turn the tables on me. I rebuffed him, but then his 'apology' was written in the same attempt to persuade, to soften, and to influence.

I changed my tack, no longer talking about the content of my writing, but targeting why he felt the need to apologise. He persisted in his character, acting like some Dickensian villain using long words and run-on sentences to confuse his prey. Then it hit.

I felt helpless.

I was too polite. I should've been more clear and blunt. But I thought this person might have been reasonable. I realised that, no matter what I said, he already had his sights set on me.

No matter what I said, he would continue.

I am so lucky that I have friends in this community that came in and called him out and shot him down. He instantly broke character, and called his advances 'an invitation'. Called them paranoid for 'believing someone could be tranced like that'.

I felt sick.

They trawled his blog. He believes that if being hypnotised is consent, that no other kind of consent needs to be sought because if someone didn’t want to be hypnotised, they couldn’t be hypnotised.

I started shaking.

I was playing games with friends while all this was happening. I was masking what was happening because I was trying to have fun. But now I have time to think today, I realise that I'm not ok. I keep thinking about that moment I realised that he knew what he was doing and could not be pushed from the track his mind was set on.

Then it occured to me. What if it wasn't me, someone who has been practicing for so long and has become a resilient subject as well as 'tist? What if someone was just looking for a little bit of fun found themselves in his trap?

It is because of people like him, why I practice the safety measures I do with my subjects, and my darlings. Why I reinforce that they stop any time they want, regardless of reason. Why I tell them that they have the first and last say, even while under in trance.

Because there are predators and they do not listen.

#saphiposting #safe kink #hypno safety

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forsaken-headcanons · 3 days ago

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I’m part of the mcyt community as well as forsaken, and hybrids are a huge part of the fandom space, so I decided I wanted to assign hybrids to the survivors as if they were part of a mcrp (minecraft roleplay for those who are unfamiliar) along with hybrid related hcs for them smiles. Some will be minecraft mobs, some will be real animals NOT featured in minecraft, and there is like two bugs bc i love bugs smiles.

Starting off strong we have Noob as a butterfly! Specifically a painted lady butterfly. They have wings, antennae and no nose. In order to account for the wings, whenever they get a new top, they cut out the back almost completely, and sew string on both sides on the bottom to tie together so it doesn’t flap around uncontrollably. At some point after being forsaken, a killer (probably 1x) ripped off their wings in an attempt to kill them, which didn’t work, so they no longer have wings. Their antennae are still there though, and are used to express emotion and are used as sensory organs in place of a nose.

Second we have Guest 1337 as an ocelot! Minecraft ocelots were sorta left to be forgotten after cats were added as a separate mob TwT but that won’t stop me from making Guest a catboy!! He has the ocelot fur pattern on all his hair. The hair on his head, body hair, facial hair, all of it. The fur is blue instead of yellow to match his canon hair color. Its hard to see the pattern on his head hair due to all the combing and styling he did before being forsaken, but after he was forsaken, he couldn’t do much with it so it eventually got more clear as it got messier. He was bullied while in the military for being a catboy, ppl called him Lieutenant Whiskers. They only stopped after he beat the hell out of some newbie who threatened to cut off his tail “as a joke”. Speaking of his tail, he mostly keeps it hidden in one of his pant legs because he thinks its easier than either forcing it out the top of his pants or cutting a hole in them.

Next up is the wonderful 007n7 as an Enderman! His hybrid genetics aren’t as prominent as some other people’s, so he can’t use his teleportation without assistance (he made the c00lgui specifically for this). He doesn’t like eye contact, although it doesn’t really provoke him like it does real Endermen, it makes him really uncomfortable. As a result of this, he tends to look towards the floor. He is fine with looking at Dusekkar though because he has a pumpkin as a head. He is fluent in the galactic language (enchanting table language) and he also encoded the c00lgui in it. Bugs remind him of Endermites, so he despises them. Bug hybrids are alright, but they aren’t his favorite. 007 is also pretty tall (maybe 6’0-6’3?)

After that we got Taph as a Creeper! He’s furry all over, but it feels more coarse than soft. Unlike 007n7, his hybrid instincts are very prevalent. He is unable to speak, hissing instead. People obviously don’t understand him, and that’s why he uses sign language. Taph has four legs, but they’re hidden by his cloak.

Dusekkar is part phantom! Since phantoms burn in the daylight, he wears a pumpkin to prevent this. He has wings which he uses to fly. He can’t go too high though, as they are small. Dusekkar never sleeps as he is nocturnal and it always seems to be night in forsaken so idk

Shedletsky timee! Of course my boy is an avian. Avians aren’t mobs, for those who don’t know, but they’re typically what we call bird hybrids. Shed is a chicken avian, ofc!! He has those head wing things that some people give avians. He also has a bird tail (it doesn’t look like a chicken’s tail for some reason. He doesn’t know why) and small wings on his back that stick out of a small slit he made. It isn’t wide at all, he just took a pair of scissors and sliced through it carelessly. Shed’s chicken is real chicken, his reasoning is that since he isn’t full chicken, it’s not real cannibalism.

Chance would probably be a piglin. Piglins in minecraft are sort of like gambling. You give them gold, they give you a random item from their loot table (Not sure why they arent utilized more in minecraft casinos, piglin gambling would be really fun). Chance tends to hide his piglin features, like his ears are hidden under his hat, his tail is hidden in his pants, he tries to squish his hooves into his shoes (it hurts but he does it anyway), and he sometimes wears a mask to hide his fangs. He doesn’t have the mask in forsaken. His body is slightly fuzzy, but not furry. It’s also slightly tinted pink. He tends to collect (steal) gold items he finds. If you give him something with gold on it, he’ll do you a favor, or give you a gift in return. He definitely has a stash of gold underneath his bed. The coin he flips is also pure gold, and his flintlock has gold accents.

Two time is a death’s head moth 100%. They have their spawn tail present on their canon design, but rather than the spawn wings, they grow moth wings with a spawn-like pattern where the skull pattern would be. The way they expose their wings is through a large, diamond-shaped cutout on their back. It was cut out soon after joining the cult in anticipation for entering their second life. All members do this. (This is actually a hc i have overall for the spawn cult, not just for the hybrid version of two time) Two time’s wings are grey, black, and white. Their antennae are pitch black, but shift to a bright white in their second life. They are also fuzzy, which is most concentrated around their neck and cheeks.

Builderman and Elliot are hard to assign. We can technically have non-hybrids, but thats no fun.

I’m gonna say builderman is a vex. I don’t have much to say about him, but he has downwards pointed ears, sharp teeth, and tiny wings. He doesn’t see it as being worth it to deface his clothing to show them off, so they’re just sitting under his shirt. His hybrid traits aren’t too obvious, so the other survivors thought he was human at first.

I can’t really see Elliot as anything but human, so he’s the only non-hybrid on the list (girl in an all boys glmm ahh survivor). He’s definitely nervous about suddenly being the only full human after being forsaken, but he doesn’t let it get to his head. He ended up bonding with 007n7 because he’s mostly human, despite hating 007 previously. He does the same with Builderman. The three ended up forming a little group they call “Human Club”. Although two of the three members are hybrids, their hybrid traits are subtle enough to count as normal humans in Elliot’s eyes.

Anywaysss thats my hybrid au/hcs i hope u liked it smiles ^^ I may come back later with more hybrid content for yall if i can come up with anything. Yay!!

I’d like to go by Hybrid anon, if thats ok ^^

I always love headcanons of the survivors being hybrids! I feel like it adds more onto their character, and makes their designs a lot more interesting and fun!

And I certainly had fun reading this. You did such a good job at assigning the hybrids for the survivors, I like them.

It's nice to have you, Hybrid anon!

also ydid you just say minecraft.... heh... chicken jockey...

#forsaken headcanons #forsaken #forsaken roblox #roblox forsaken #hybrid anon #chance forsaken #noob forsaken #guest 1337 forsaken #007n7 forsaken #taph forsaken #dusekkar forsaken #shedletsky forsaken #two time forsaken #builderman forsaken #elliot forsaken #1x1x1x1 forsaken #mod ferland🌱🦌

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bigmoon-is-bigwife · 10 hours ago

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Ros will threaten and insult people constantly and then be surprised when they hate her because she was "just being silly." Girl, most people do not take death threats lightly, especially when you genuinely could kill them. 😭

I think there is definitely a part of her that loves the power of threatening and insulting people weaker than her and them not being able to fight back. It's addicting to her and she'll deny it but it's a constant pattern. She feels weak most of the time and this is the only time she can ever feel strong. It's cathartic for her to be on the other end of it. I think she feels if she can get ahead of it and assert herself as the threatening one, she can prevent herself from being the one being threatened again.

It's a constant cycle where she goes out of her way to be antagonistic to people and then gets defensive and doubles down when they retaliate. Then she takes the retaliation as them hating her and therefore all her actions toward them were justified because she can convince herself they were mean all along. And then she ends up alone and paranoid thinking that the whole world is out to get her when it's her own doing that caused this. It's a self fulfilling prophecy.

#girl with 20000 issues and she refuses to acknowledge any of them <3 #she also has INSANE trust issues with new people #like I feel to her anyone who isnt Aimsey or Yellow is immediately suspicious and she questions everything they do #she so terrified of being a victim again that shes always looking for even a hint of aggression even when nothing is there #she really has this mentality that everyone is out to get her and that has negatively impacted her relationship with most of the server #the realm smp #coyote howls #roscumber

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annoyedbreadstick · 2 days ago

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"There's one of them in every time. Somebody who's willing to help, who always has the necessary information. It's easy to spot them, if you know what to look for. A Guide always has short fluffy brown hair, and androgynous clothing. They have no makeup(or little makeup, depending on the time), and tired eyes. But most of all, they give off an aura that draws time anomalies to them.

After the Federation legalized heavily regulated time travel, time agents were trained in what to do when heading to the past. We would always appear near a Guide, and though confused, they would always relay the basic information needed to ground oneself.

Manipulating the fabric of time is not a precise science, which is why Guides are required. Unlike some fictional works, we cannot simply set coordinates and a date and be on our merry way.

My name is Mæřÿ, and this is the story of my first Travel.

I had manifested in what looked to be somewhere in the 2020s, during the height of the quarantine, judging by the scarcity of people out and about. That would make finding the Guide slightly harder than usual.

I let myself wander around until I felt a pull in one direction, then let myself be led by the feeling. I came across an unassuming house, with blue paint and an untended lawn. I knocked on the door, feeling apprehensive about meeting my first Guide. Had I got the wrong house? Were my senses wrong?

My thoughts were interrupted by the door opening; just a crack, but enough to see to the other side. A child stood there, looking up at me.

"Could you bring your mother or father to the door?" I asked him. The boy nodded and scurried off back into the house, leaving the door open. I peered inside, seeing if I could catch some hint of the year. The living room, from what I could see, was cluttered with toys, shoes, and other debris. A bowl of popcorn sat forgotten in front of the television, gone stale a long time ago.

The child returned with his mother in tow, this time wearing a cloth mask decorated with a tie-dye pattern of red and blue. The mother wore a mask as well, though this hers was paper, resembling a surgical mask.

"Yes?" She asked me, her voice weary. Her hair was cut short and tied into a ponytail, frizzy from LA of care.

"Apologizes, but if I may inquire about the year?" I questioned, confident she was the Guide I seeked.

She sighed, recognizing the question from years of experience. "2020, during the Coronavirus quarantine. The date is February 2, the current president is Joe Biden. The iPhone 12 is coming out this year, and there's a store with a bathroom you can use to finetune your time about 15 minutes from here.'

I thanked her, but as I moved to leave, she stopped me.

"Do I get a pay?"

"What?" I asked her, not understanding her question.

"A pay. I've been doing this since I was 16, shouldn't I be counted as an employee?"

"Guides aren't counted as employees, they're a Timelinal Constant."

"Well we should be. I have to keep track of all the relevant political data at all times, just in case one of you comes knocking at my door. Shouldn't I be counted as an employee?"

"Ma'am, without you Missions couldn't be completed, this is an obligation." Her child looked between us before walking back inside, evidently bored of the conversation.

"If I'm so important, I should get a paycheck, shouldn't I? If the whole future rests on my shoulders or whatever bullshit I'm being told this time, shouldn't I be compensated for my work?"

I dug around in my pouch before handing her the business card for the Time Travel Federation. "I don't know Ma'am, but you can contact my higher-ups if you'd like."

She took the card, staring at the number on it. "And this will work in my time?" She asked skeptically.

"Yes, it's a separate line. It shouldn't be affected by time or distance. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go. I've wasted too much time already."

I walked away to complete my mission, leaving the Guide with the business card.

"And that, dear friend, is how I unionized all the Guides."

Ĵæme§ looked at me skeptically.

"Mæřÿ, you work in IT."

You once made a promise to yourself: if you ever met a time traveler, it wouldn't be a big deal. You’d tell them the date, the most important political conflict, a recent technology, and send them on their way. You now encounter a time traveler nearly every week.

#writeblr #writing prompt #writers on tumblr

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simon-roy · 2 days ago

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One of the funnest parts of doing a kickstarter (perhaps the only TRULY fun part) is asking online pen-pals if they'd like to contribute to the book. I was very keen on getting something from Tom Kilian - @tkilian on here - who I've followed for ages (and talked with about a couple story ideas, too) to do a piece, and lucky for me, he went WILD on it!

Above is the incredible final piece he cooked up. But below, here is his exhaustive process, in his own words:

When Simon approached me to do a pinup for A STAR CALLED THE SUN I was torn between impending deadlines for other work and the fact that I really wanted to do one. One of my all-time favorite Simon Roy stories, “The Oxpecker and The Elephant,” is appearing in this volume, and I’ve spent years wondering what happened to the two tiny human figures visible among the wreckage at the bottom of the last panel. That, I decided, would be my hook: imagining one of those possible futures where the events of the comic had become an oral history or creation myth for future generations of humans.

I initially had this overly elaborate idea of showing the same story told three different times around three different fires: one of miserable survivors in the comic’s immediate aftermath, one in this world’s equivalent of the Neolithic era, and one involving the ritual dance of a rich and prosperous culture.

First I dashed out a quick thumbnail for the Neolithic cave-painting scene. I figured that this idea was strong enough to stand on its own if I couldn’t make the more complicated idea work or started feeling pinched for time, which ultimately is what happened. I like the concept work that I did for the invented history though!

I started by feeling out some ideas for repeatable motifs that I could pull from the comic. Since I wasn’t drawing anything directly from the book, I still wanted readers to be able to make that visual connection. I also wanted there to be some visual link between the three time periods, and settled on four red dots (for the elephants’ eyes), paired braids (for their main feeler arms/trunks), the triangular “assemblage” symbol, and some kind of draping brood-skin shape that would be associated with motherhood in some way.

You can also see me working out some stuff like “how to abstract that weird spaceship from the opening into a 2-D symbol” and “how many points does a Simon-Roy-style star have?” (it actually varies, but I think the stories set on Altamira all use 4-pointed stars), as well as what materials would be available (leather, bone, something very like wood, probably pigment derived from the planet’s yellow soil).

The local mammal-equivalents don’t seem to have hair, but the ticks at least have quills. The idea of quillwork suggested a Native American inspiration for clothing and decoration, and since the first human settlements would likely have gone up near the shores of the Great Lake that pointed me towards the First Nations people of the Pacific Northwest.

Since the world of the comic appears to be very hot, I tried to communicate the idea of an advancing material culture without leaning on the crutch of “more clothes = more advanced”. My main angle was that in the Later Period the clothing could be more embellished and less practical, to reflect increasing wealth and specialization. Going by the comic, the standard seems to be that you can be totally comfortable in a loincloth, but that my prospective Oxpecker Lake Culture would have inherited the crew’s taboo against women displaying their breasts (the dresses seen here evolved out of the undershirts worn by the female crewmembers in the comic). Dusting red ochre skin dye on the shoulders and hands to mimic the pattern of the crew’s spacesuits then became a way to decorate oneself while still wearing minimal clothing.

I went through several different iterations of a formal shawl or wrap that could symbolically mimic Elephant brood-skin, as well as what they would be used for. I eventually settled on the multi-purpose blanket. Highly detailed to be given as gifts or to form dowries, with the elders draping them about the shoulders of the young in symbolic mimicry of how Elephants nurture their offspring.

Here I started working on ritual masks and costumes for the Later Period ritual dance. The events of the comic are now re-told in ritual dance during yearly solstice festivals. The three Elephants are represented by large, heavy, and expensive costume/puppets, whose fringed shawls (again reminiscent of brood-skin) and tasseled trunks move with the dancer. Each of the three Elephants from the comic would by now have accumulated various symbolic associations, as seen in the masks’ crests (meant to resemble assemblages) and robe decorations.

Settler and Tick masks are less elaborate, allowing the dancers more freedom of movement for athletic displays as they act out the story around the Elephant dancers. The male and female Settler masks are based off of the first two humans to approach an Elephant in the comic, while the War-Maker is based on that one guy with an atlatl. I imagined that in the mythic version of the story the last Tick bargains for its life with the War-Maker, teaching him how to kill his brothers in order to take their possessions.

Really surpassing my brief now, I started thinking about wall art for an Oxpecker tribal leader's grand hall. In a hypothetical 4th Age, new god images are emerging: filling similar roles but less 1-1 in their symbolism, and more work is going into glorifying the accomplishments of the Lake Culture – by this time now only one of several extant human cultures in the region. Notably the ship of the original settlers has been conflated with the boats that the people of the Lake Culture use to traverse the Great Lake. Many people probably believe that the spaceship was a fanciful metaphor. The double triangle, which originally meant "Elephant's Assemblage" is now a generalized one for "Land/Home". Possibly the conflation has religious origins: the visible world is Greatest’s assemblage.

I imagined that by the later period the humans would have spread out from their original home on the lake. Some people would move into the forests as hunter-gatherers (the Elephants appear to eat entire trees in the comic, which would regularly open up large forest clearings that could be exploited for game and fast-growing shrubs), some might have crossed the great lake, and some might build huge towers along Elephant migratory paths where they could latch on, hunt for ticks, and then hop off at the next tower. I like the idea that the Elephants would appreciate these humans, like reef animals visiting a cleaner-fish station, but that other humans would consider them unclean due to their diet of blood (by way of the Ticks, which at this point have been demonized).

Each culture might interpret the "two trunks, four eyes, red shoulders and hands" elements that I'd settled on for the original culture in different ways. Their religion and culture has probably morphed too: does the Lake Culture consider themselves superior, as the original humans? Are the Far Shore traders a Lake Culture splinter group who sailed across the lake, or are they the descendants of a different group of survivors who floated across in the aftermath of the Eviction? Are their weird island castaway cultures descended from a handful of people who floated away on a log at the end of the comic? How long until somebody realizes that megafauna are made of very large quantities of meat and other useful materials? Can Elephant and Man ever learn to communicate, perhaps in some far future Age?

At this point I’d realized that my original idea was much too ambitious and I tried a few layouts to prove it. We can also see some me working out different bonfire building methods and trying to work out a few steps of the ritual dance – a big development here is the idea that the elephant costume heads would be more like a hat rather than a mask to give the dancer added height. I also attached marionette poles to the end of the trunk tassels so they could be used for big, stately gestures in the dance.

The last bits of development went into the dress and appearance of the Stone Age storyteller. I scaled the headdress back to a simpler four reddish stones and four tassels (two long manipulator arms and two short feeder ones). Her dress is a costly garment representing her respected position within the group. It’s made of the skins of several animals and decorated with their bones, quills, and teeth (the ticks have them, it’s gross!), as well as shells from the Great Lake. I hypothesized a Tapir animal – essentially a larger ground-dwelling relative of the Tick – to provide the settlers with meat and hides. This conveniently let me base all the colors and stuff off of the animals in the comic.

Lastly, here is the full set of cave paintings, since in the final image I prioritized atmosphere over legibility. Read from left to right they retell the story of the comic in simplified form. Due to the way I organize my color photoshop painting I wanted this linework on a separate layer from the final drawing, seen below. Huge thanks to the ancient artists of Lascaux Cave for the inspiration!

Huge thanks to Tom Kilian for this post, and all this marvelous world-building - I absolutely love it all! A whole new world, implied through a single piece...

#simon roy #comics #griz grobus #sciencefiction #kickstarter #speculative biology #speculative zoology #crash landing #scifi #tom kilian

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elysiansparadise · 3 days ago

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I love your content, you write so beautifully and passionately. The depth and understanding you have is so refreshing to read. I have an 8th house sun too! May I please request a post on pluto transiting ascendant in Aquarius :) xx

Hello my dear, thanks for loving my content. I truly appreciate your words. Here I have some observations.

Aquarius Pluto (T) in the 1st house

There will be a profound shift in your self-perception, which will eventually be reflected in others as well. You will recognize patterns you've acquired over time that don't belong to you, things you may have adopted from the environment you grew up in or the one you interact with, and you will work hard to put all of that aside so you can become the person you want to be. You will realize that there are many things that don't belong to you, things you weren't really, and it will be a period in which you will free yourself from patterns, philosophies, and ideals that don't represent you. You will take a step toward authenticity.

You'll detect patterns not only in yourself, but also in those around you. Don't be surprised to feel like you're the one putting an end to certain "chain" or inherited behaviors.

You may face a period of introspection in which you may prefer to rely on yourself and/or in which your social battery is easily depleted. You will need more time alone to connect with yourself, figure out what you want, and who you want to become.

You'll have a stronger presence, and many may perceive you as unapproachable. You'll often have to make the first move, as people may feel intimidated. This also shows magnetism.

“You've changed a lot,” some might say about you. I see it more as an “awakening,” realizing what things or people you want to let go of, what things you want to change in your life, and what you want to get rid of. A purge at its finest.

Life changes daily, for us and for others. But this transit shows us that while you will be decisive when it comes to initiating changes, those that are unexpected or beyond your control can create a lot of discomfort, and you may be reluctant to go with the flow.

A path to reconnecting with your true self, the search for who you are, and the conviction that you will no longer allow anyone else to project themselves onto you. This, in turn, will lead you to rethink and create new boundaries. It won't be an easy journey, since often what makes us realize this is the experience itself. You may experience things or meet people who will teach you the importance of standing your ground and honoring yourself.

#aquarius pluto #pluto #aquarius #1st house #ascendant #rising #aquarius pluto transit #aquarius pluto T #astrology #natal chart #birth chart #astro observations #astro notes

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theonlyonesora · 2 days ago

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The Quiet Equation - Part 3

Toto Wolff x You

The kiss changed everything.

Not because it was rushed, not because it was scandalous—it wasn’t. It was slow, intentional. Like he was memorizing the shape of your mouth. Like he was answering every unspoken word you’d never had the nerve to say out loud.

But it was what happened after that defined it.

Toto didn’t pull away quickly.

He lingered—his forehead pressed lightly to yours, the weight of his palm resting against your neck, his thumb just behind your ear. And he said nothing. You said nothing. The silence was full of meaning, and for the first time, it didn’t feel awkward.

It felt like trust.

That night, he drove you home.

No driver. No team car. Just him behind the wheel of a sleek black AMG, one hand resting on the gearshift, the other occasionally brushing your knee, like it needed to confirm this was real.

You didn’t go to your flat.

You went to his.

The house in Oxfordshire was all soft lighting and clean lines, stone walls and quiet wood—nothing flashy, but built with taste. Like everything he touched. His life was designed to be both efficient and beautiful.

He gave you a sweatshirt. Not one of the sleek ones with logos—just an old one. A little faded. From before Mercedes. Maybe before everything. It smelled like him. Musk, clean cotton, and a trace of bergamot.

He made you tea again—this time in a real mug, in a real kitchen, where you stood barefoot and blinking in disbelief while he gently set the cup into your hands and kissed the corner of your mouth like it was second nature.

You talked that night. Not about the team. Not about projects.

About Vienna, and your childhood. About the first car you ever loved. About being too smart, too quiet, too invisible until someone finally noticed—and how terrifying and comforting it was to be seen.

He told you, softly, “You don’t intimidate me. You inspire me.”

And you fell asleep with your head on his chest, your fingers tucked beneath the hem of his t-shirt, the steady drum of his heartbeat grounding you like a lullaby.

In the weeks that followed, it became a pattern. You still showed up to the factory like nothing had changed. Still wore your pass. Still took notes. Still kept your mind sharp and your words few.

But Toto saw everything.

His hand on your lower back as you passed each other in the corridor. The warm smile he reserved only for you when you walked into a meeting. The way he lingered in doorways just to talk for two more minutes.

He'd leave handwritten notes on your desk sometimes. Folded precisely.

You’ve ruined my ability to concentrate, and I don’t mind. —T

Or:

Dinner. 8pm. The place with the lemon risotto you pretended not to love. —T

And your favorite:

The way your brain works is art. I want to watch you think forever. —T

There were stolen kisses in quiet hallways.

Your knees brushing beneath private lunch tables.

A night when it rained so heavily you were stuck in the wind tunnel hangar together, and he just—pulled you in, arms wrapped around you as the storm howled outside. No words. Just breath, closeness, the faint scent of engine oil and cologne.

When the lights flickered, you didn’t even flinch.

Toto kissed the top of your head and whispered, “Safe with me, always.”

And in moments when it felt like too much—like the world might frown on what was blooming between two very different people—you found shelter in the fact that none of it felt wrong.

On your last official day at Mercedes, he took you to a quiet lake on the edge of the countryside. No one around. Just wind in the trees, a blanket laid out in the grass, and a little picnic basket packed by someone who cared.

You both watched the sunset.

He brushed a strand of hair behind your ear and said, “I know I wasn’t supposed to find this. Not here. Not now. But I did.”

You looked at him. That tall frame. That careful expression. That truth living behind his eyes.

And you whispered, “Me too.”

He didn’t kiss you this time.

He held you.

And somehow, that was more intimate than anything else could’ve been.

Parte 4 - Soon

#fanfic #fanfiction #formula one imagine #formula 1 imagine #f1 imagine #toto wolff #toto wolff x reader #x oc #x you #x reader #toto wolff x you #toto wolff x y/n #f1 fanfic #f1 fic #f1 x reader #age difference

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complete · 3 days ago

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A reminder too, that often the loudest "straight" voices who try to smear queer people as child abusers, are actually child abusers themselves. For example, I saw this yesterday: Nicola Murray, a leading Scottish TERF has just been found "guilty of three charges of assault, two sexual assaults, two of indecent communication, one indecent assault and two offences of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, all committed against minors between December 2002 and August 2022." That's a clear pattern of CSA and child abuse over 20 years.

"Murray was a lead voice last week when the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex under equalities law, meaning, for instance, that transgender women, who are biologically male but identify as women, can be excluded from women-only spaces."

"Murray, from Stanley, Perthshire, set up Brodie’s Trust seven years ago claiming she suffered two miscarriages after being abused by a former partner. It operated in Perth, Stirling and Dundee but widened services after trans critical group Let Women Speak donated £2,500 and supporters handed over more than £1,000 during an internet cash drive in 2021" according to The Scottish Sun.

"As of yesterday, Observer columnist and leader writer Sonia Sodha, LGB Alliance co-founder Malcolm Clarke, Rosie Duffield MP, For Women Scotland and many other very high-profile “Gender Critical” figures were still following Nicola Murray on X/Twitter." "Murray is one of Scotland’s best-known anti-trans activists; she was one of the key figures in the witch-hunt against Mridul Wadhwa, the trans woman driven out of her job at a rape crisis centre in Edinburgh." https://www.planetrans.org/2025/04/anti-trans-activist-nicola-murray-found.html

Similar with "gender critical" (ie transphobic) icon, radical feminist Germaine Greer, who is a rape apologist and a great fan of CSA, having written a whole book (The Beautiful Boy) about her "sexual appreciation" of minors, where she encourages the reader to sexualise young boys, saying: "A boy is only a boy for a very brief space. He has to be old enough to be capable of sexual response [this can happen from around 5 years old] but not yet old enough to shave [ie not yet a teenager]. This window of opportunity is not only narrow, it is mostly illegal." [emphases mine] These people aren't interested in protecting kids - they're interested in doing what they please, including vilifying innocent queer people with no reasonable basis or grounding in truth or actual events.

LGBT people, I need you to know that any “pedophile execution bill” passed in the US is meant to put you, personally, to death. When the right says “groomer,” they’re talking about you. When they say “predator,” they’re talking about you. When they say “pedophile,” they’re talking about you. Any actual child sex abusers who are convicted and executed would be, to them, a happy accident, a cherry on top of a law that’s meant to exterminate anyone who deviates from the cisgender, heterosexual norm.

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mairella · 1 day ago

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★ ⠀⠀⠀⠀BARRYS!SISTER!READER

warnings: mentions of drugs, illegal street racing, stripper job, prostitution, toxic relationships

A flick of Anora Mikheeva, a pinch of Jennifer Check ( except she does eat boys, Rafe can tell you all about that.. ), Teal Van Doren to whoever has read Royal Elite Series and Nikova Banks from Devil’s Night. Georgina Sparks and Katherine Pierce when it comes to getting what she wants, which doesn’t take much. Maddy Perez absolutely. Fiona Gallagher on her good days, because she has done a lot for her family. Raquelle and Jade West.

BARRYS!SISTER!READER⠀⠀⠀⠀shes hoodies and oversized jackets, wears leather, tank tops with insults on ‘em, flare jeans, jean shorts, black leather knee high boots, rose patterned tights, minimal but silver jewelry, hoodies with a skull printed, or a snake, she has a pet snake called Lucifer which her mother named after she died, but she calls it Hissifer as a child, trainers, oversized shirts, black leather and lace, tights, tube tops, unapologetically dresses like a hooker, denim jeans with a thong poking out.

BARRYS!SISTER!READER⠀⠀⠀⠀smells of cocaine, cigarettes, leather, oud sometimes, earthy, smokey…

BARRYS!SISTER!READER⠀⠀⠀⠀who street races to get racks, doesn't drug deal but always likes a bit of coke up her nostrils, has a weird obsession with snakes that kinda freaks out her brother barry.

BARRYS!SISTER!READER⠀⠀⠀⠀bitchy, toxic, aggressive, hot tempered, brutal with her words, and the reckless wild card, always putting up the tough front, she trusts no one, not even her own brother, in her mind? she's on her one, even with family. a bit too psycho for her own good, when she's in a relationship, she's a bit overbearing even if she doesn't mean to. years of trauma that makes her jealous and with the constant fear of losing

BARRYS!SISTER!READER⠀⠀⠀⠀started racing from the age of fifteen to make her own money because she knew she couldn't rely on her brothers drug bs, so she illegally street races, which usually makes her end up in fights with people over money and who's winning or not, she comes home with bruises on her face sometimes or she doesn't make it at all. everyday's like a war zone.

BARRYS!SISTER!READER⠀⠀⠀⠀secretly hooks up with her brothers customers and those who he owes money to, sometimes they don't even come for the drugs, they come for her. but it's difficult to get them off her when she's done with them. has personal beef with ruthie.

BARRYS!SISTER!READER⠀⠀⠀⠀she talks to herself a lot in the mirror, barry thinks she's crazy or something, but really it's just her letting things out, she has a tendency to break a vase in her path so yeah. her and barry are really distant, they do care about each other but they're so busy wit their dirty work, barry keeps her out of trouble because they already got enough problems, when she's asleep, he cleans up her cuts from the fights she gets into because he thinks it'd be weird to do it when shes awake because they're not really affectionate, they usually bicker or bully each other, he doesn't tell her about how he secretly checks up on her while she's racing from the sidelines, he didn't know getting rafe to check up on her would lead to something sparking between them..

BARRYS!SISTER!READER⠀⠀⠀⠀hooks up with rafe on her free time, but doesn't know how possessive he is over her, they have a deep situationship, that basically outlines their whole relationship, rafe gets turn on by her shouting at him or fighting anyone, when they're arguing, he hardly pays attention to the argument, he's just staring at her like he's turned on but she thinks it's because he can't take her seriously, he always comes back to her whenever there's an argument with Sofia or Sarah or Ward to "let off some steam", they have a sexual relationship with HEAVY strings attached they just don't want to acknowledge it, a bit toxic but it’s the reality of most relationships x

BARRYS!SISTER!READER⠀⠀⠀⠀she has a few secrets… she used to strip a club from figure eight because she knew it’d pay better, it was when she and her brother were struggling with money and she knew she had to do something about it so she would leave during the night and sneak back up in the daylight, years of sneaking around helped with that, but she lied to Barry saying it was a job at the country club, which she also paid a worker there to LIE for her, even on the days she wasn’t so comfortable or when she was tired she still went to her job, she did both private venues and ones for the simple public eye. but then stopped after street racing, she still steals as she used to when she was younger, hides a gun under her bed since 18 in case anyone she stole from came for her, was in and out jail for burglary, graffiti and home robberies but it’s a known secret for Barry since he was enlisted in an army.

BARRYS!SISTER!READER⠀⠀⠀⠀she hid that side of hers that actually had a hobby which was art, and she found that out a few times after she graffitied a guys house for snitching on her to Officer Shroupe about having a gun, she also got arrested for a day for assaulting ( as in punching ) an officer. but because of her criminal record and because of her not exactly having a full education she doesn’t have any ambitions for her talent, so she just keeps it as a hobby to do whenever she’s not working or sleeping with her brothers customers…

please do not claim, rewrite ( without permission if I originally wrote it ) copy or steal my work. my work is my own and it will stay that way. thank you, from mayra.

you will always be loved, barrys sister, even if you’re a bit scary, you are very much a real person

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shizu-nagita · 2 days ago

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The stars are crying. (Pt.2)

I hate tumblr for its paragraph limits. Harebell, Golden berry belong to chibi’s productions, First Jam belongs to allimili, First water belongs to jirai . Their blogs are in the masterlist.

masterlist:

| ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ |

Foop!

A Small crack in the air opened up, revealing an inky darkness splattered with stars, and yet nobody at the parlor, all lavishly dressed, batted an eye, the sight familiar enough to know that the light of Eternity had arrived.

The void shimmered, then yielded, and Star Swirl Cookie stepped into the Pearl Parlour. The air, thick with the sweet perfume of moon orchids and the salty tang of the nearby sea as a soothing melody played in the background.

While first Water cookie had asked her to be her bridesmaid, she had told her specifically not to buy a specific dress or theme, instead she had requested them to arrive in their own colors.

{ It just feels sort of wrong to force you to wear something that you usually aren't in, i would just love it if you arrived in what you liked!}

And so, her gown was a star in the twilight hues of a starlit night. Layers of gossamer fabric, the deepest indigo fading into soft, shimmering violets at the hem. Tiny, hand-stitched constellations of silver thread twinkled across the bodice and flowed down the skirt, catching the soft, pearlescent light of the parlour and scattering it in delicate patterns on the polished floor,around her shoulders, she wore a shawl of the same deep indigo, its edges trimmed with delicate silver lace.

Star Swirl Cookie’s fingers clenched, her eyes nervously darting around the extravagant , intricately decorated room, swirls of blue, white, and gold melting into each other with a delicate dance as people chattered away, completely unaware of another’s panic, some even staring at her.

But there is someone , one who noticed when no one else would .

"Star Swirl Cookie!" A familiar voice called out, her voice as light and airy as a summer breeze. "Over here!"

Star Swirl Cookie, her expression a mixture of surprise and relief, turned towards the sound of her name. Her gaze met Harebell Cookie’s, and for a fleeting moment, a spark of recognition passed between them, one of relief, and one of joy.

Harebell Cookie's bridesmaid attire was a breathtaking testament to her inherent wonder, a visual symphony of soft hues and whimsical details. The foundation of the dress was layer upon layer of fine tulle, each dyed in a gradient of periwinkle that deepened into soft lavender at the lower tiers, creating a sense of ethereal depth. These layers weren't stiff or structured, but rather possessed a fluid, almost cloud-like quality, allowing them to billow and sway with her slightest movement.

The bodice was a delicate tapestry of the same pastel tulle, intricately gathered and ruched to create a soft, almost sculpted effect. Tiny, iridescent seed beads, like captured starlight, were meticulously sewn into the fabric, catching the light and adding subtle, shimmering highlights. The neckline was a gentle sweetheart, framing her delicate collarbones and accentuating the graceful curve of her neck. Thin, almost invisible straps of shimmering silver thread rested on her shoulders, adding a touch of delicate support without detracting from the ethereal quality of the tulle.

The embroidery of moonflowers and shooting stars was a focal point of enchantment. The moonflowers were depicted with delicate, silvery petals outlined in the palest lavender, their centers adorned with tiny, opalescent beads that seemed to glow from within. The shooting stars were trails of shimmering amethyst and pale violet thread, each leaving a tiny, sparkling trail of silver sequins in its wake, as if they had just streaked across a twilight sky. These celestial embellishments were scattered across the bodice and flowed down the skirt in graceful, organic patterns, creating a sense of movement and magic.

Adding to the whimsical charm were delicate, almost imperceptible details. Tiny, hand-stitched silver threads formed miniature constellations between the larger embroidered motifs, adding another layer of subtle sparkle. Here and there, tiny, iridescent sequins, shaped like miniature crescent moons and five-pointed stars, were scattered amongst the tulle, catching the light and creating a sense of inner luminescence.

The skirt was a voluminous cascade of the layered tulle, creating a soft, dreamy silhouette that seemed to float around her. As she moved, the different shades of periwinkle and lavender within the layers created a subtle, shifting play of color, like the twilight sky deepening into night. The hemline was deliberately uneven, adding to the whimsical, almost fairy-like quality of the dress.

Finally, peeking from beneath the swirling layers of tulle were her dainty silver slippers. These weren't simply shoes; they seemed crafted from pure moonlight, their surfaces catching and reflecting the light with a soft, ethereal gleam. Tiny, delicate straps of shimmering silver thread crisscrossed her ankles, adding a final touch of delicate enchantment to her already captivating attire. The entire ensemble was a perfect embodiment of wonder, a visual poem of pastel hues and celestial magic.

Her eyes, the color of a twilight sky, sparkled with excitement and understanding as she spotted Star Swirl Cookie standing amidst the crowd. A playful grin spread across her face, she raised a hand in greeting, shifting closer to her through the crowd as First Jam closely followed by. As Harebell Cookie, a whirlwind of periwinkle tulle and boundless energy, finally reached Star Swirl's side, she inadvertently shifted, revealing the figure standing just behind her. It was First Jam Cookie, and their presence seemed to radiate a gentle warmth that contrasted with the cool, pearlescent light of the Pearl Parlour.

First Jam Cookie's attire seemed less a gown and more a manifestation of gentle dawn breaking across a field of fresh cream. The fabric, a whisper-thin silk the color of purest, unsweetened cream, flowed around her with an almost liquid grace, each subtle movement creating soft, ethereal ripples, as if stirred by a celestial breath. The material possessed a delicate luminosity, absorbing the ambient light and radiating a soft, inner warmth.

The neckline was a serenely elegant curve, a gentle arc that highlighted the smooth, graceful lines of First Jam Cookie´s dough, suggesting a quiet strength and inner peace. The sleeves, crafted from the same weightless silk, billowed with an almost imperceptible movement, like the unfurling petals of a sacred white blossom caught in a divine sigh, hinting at a gentle, giving nature.

Adorning this heavenly expanse were accents of a deep, luscious crimson, the very essence of First Jam´s signature , appearing as if brushed onto the fabric by an angel's fingertip. Delicate embroidery, depicting stylized strawberry blossoms with softly rounded petals and slender, swirling vines that seemed to climb towards the heavens, adorned the bodice. These weren't mere stitches; they appeared like delicate veins of lifeblood, subtly pulsing with a gentle energy as they trailed down the skirt, grounding the ethereal cream with a touch of earthly sweetness and organic beauty. A slender ribbon of the same rich crimson was tied loosely around her waist, a gentle embrace that subtly defined her form, adding a soft, vibrant focal point like a sunrise on a snowy landscape.

First Jam´s long, flowing red hair, with its unique, subtly glistening texture reminiscent of warm, freshly stirred jam, cascaded down their back in luminous waves, catching the light and appearing almost like molten starlight, a fiery yet gentle halo. Atop First Jam Cookie´s head rested a simple circlet, woven with an almost divine artistry from pristine white blossoms that seemed to emanate a soft fragrance and tiny, glistening red berries that resembled solidified drops of celestial ambrosia – a natural and understated crown that spoke of purity and quiet joy. Her entire presence exuded a serene and benevolent aura, a heavenly being gracing the earthly celebration with their gentle light.

First Jam…

Just like how others described her.

Was divine.

Star Swirl Cookie just gave a small smile, looking First Jam Cookie and Harbell Cookie up and down, amazed at the sheer beauty of their outfits . “You guys… look magnificent . Truly, Harebell, you need to tell me where you got that fabric from.”

Harebell lets out a small chuckle, amusement on her face as she just smiles. “ I made it! Wonderful isn't it? After all, I didn't spend 4 hours just on design for it to be mediocre, this is First Water’s wedding!”

Star Swirl Cookie’s body tenses, her heart suddenly aching at the reminder, before being forced to relax as she takes in a deep breath, steadying her nerves.

"It truly is a sight!" Harebell Cookie exclaimed, her periwinkle eyes wide with genuine admiration as she gazed at First Jam. "Oh, First Jam Cookie, you look utterly ethereal in that gown! Honestly, if I didn't know you better, I'd think you'd just stepped off a celestial cloud – practically divine!"

A blush, the color of sun-ripened raspberries, bloomed delicately across First Jam Cookie's cheeks. They brought a gloved hand up to gently touch their face, their gaze drifting away with a shy smile. "Don't... exaggerate so, Harebell. It's a special day, all for First Water Cookie. Being here for them is the most important thing."

A comfortable quiet settled between them, punctuated by the soft murmur of conversation as more guests filled the pavilion. The gentle melody that had played earlier transitioned into the lilting strains of a waltz, and couples began to drift towards the center of the room, their movements graceful and slow.

Harebell Cookie watched the dancers for a moment, a wistful expression flickering across her face before she glanced at First Jam, then shook her head with a soft sigh, resuming her cheerful chatter.

Star Swirl Cookie observed this exchange, a subtle understanding dawning in her starlit eyes. A small, knowing smile touched her lips, and she gave Harebell a gentle nudge with her elbow. "Hey," she murmured, "I'll slip away for a bit. You two enjoy yourselves!" She offered a reassuring grin, then gracefully retreated towards the laden beverage tables.

Her jeweled heels clicked softly against the marble floor, the intricate patterns echoing the gentle sway of waves as she carried a plate laden with vibrant fruits to a less occupied table. Settling down, she observed the joyful scene, her gaze lingering on Harebell and First Jam as they moved together on the dance floor, their steps fluid and harmonious. A genuine, if slightly wistful, smile touched her lips.

[ Even if a part of me aches… this day deserves to be perfect for her. ]

A familiar presence settled beside her, a silent weight that brought a sense of grounding amidst the emotional currents. She turned to see Silent Salt Cookie, his lavender hair a calming hue in the vibrant room, his gaze holding an unspoken question.

A small, grateful smile touched Star Swirl’s lips. Silent Salt Cookie… he had been her anchor, the one who had patiently guided her nascent understanding of the world, a steadfast presence in her often-solitary existence.He had cared for her when she was just a small starspeck, unaware of the reality she had just spawned in. While others saw him as stoic and cold, she knew the quiet understanding that lay beneath, a rare soul who sought to comprehend her solitude without judgment.

A comfortable silence stretched between them before a soft murmur, barely audible above the music, reached her ears. "....How are you feeling?"

Star Swirl stilled, her heart giving a momentary lurch before settling back into a steady rhythm. Her hands fidgeted in her lap as she picked up a bright red strawberry, the juicy sweetness staining her lips as she avoided his gaze. Silent Salt Cookie’s amethyst eyes seemed to bore into her, seeking the truth beneath her carefully constructed facade.

"I'm fine," she said, her voice even. "There's nothing to worry about. I can bear it. I am eternity."

He regarded her, his gaze unwavering, a subtle narrowing of his eyes visible through the gap in his helmet, as if trying to decipher the unspoken emotions swirling within her. After a long moment, he released a soft sigh, a sound that held both acceptance and perhaps a hint of knowing. He reached out a gauntleted hand and gently patted hers before silently retreating back into the shadows of the room, leaving her alone once more. Star Swirl continued to nibble on the fruit, the sweetness a temporary distraction from the ache in her soul.

Then, Golden berry Cookie walked over, The joyous melody of the wedding waltz filled the Pearl Parlour, a swirling sea of pastel gowns and celebratory chatter. Her movements were fluid and graceful. Star Swirl turned, her gaze landing on a Golden Berry Cookie as she approached.

Her dress was a deliberate study in understated grandeur, a visual representation of her quiet strength and perceptive nature. It was crafted from a luxurious, flowing fabric in a shade of deep indigo, reminiscent of the twilight sky just before the first stars appear. The material possessed a subtle, almost liquid drape, moving with her every gesture like a silent wave.

The silhouette was an elegant A-line, gently skimming her slender figure without clinging, offering both comfort and a timeless grace. The bodice was simply constructed, perhaps featuring a softly gathered neckline or a subtle sweetheart shape that framed her face delicately. There were no excessive embellishments, allowing the richness of the fabric and the strategic placement of her accent color to speak volumes.

The "bright yellow" was incorporated with thoughtful artistry, appearing as intricate, hand-stitched embroidery that traced delicate, stylized vines and small, abstract floral shapes along the neckline, the narrow straps that graced her shoulders, and a subtle, flowing pattern that cascaded down one side of the skirt. The golden thread caught the ambient light with a soft, internal shimmer, like captured starlight against the deep blue canvas. The design wasn't overtly floral or whimsical, but rather possessed a refined, almost celestial quality.

There, along the dress were small, meticulously crafted appliques, also in a warm, burnished gold. These weren't flat, but possessed a subtle three-dimensionality, resembling tiny, stylized golden berries or perhaps miniature, unfurled leaves. They were strategically placed – a delicate cluster at her shoulder, a scattering along the bodice that subtly drew the eye, and a few near the hem of the skirt, creating a sense of visual harmony without overwhelming the deep blue.

The waistline was subtly defined by a narrow belt of the same deep indigo fabric, fastened with a simple, understated clasp of brushed gold. This provided a gentle cinching point, enhancing her slender figure without breaking the smooth flow of the gown.

The skirt cascaded to the floor in soft folds, its movement graceful and unhurried. The hem was clean and unfussy, allowing the richness of the fabric and the subtle golden accents to remain the focal point.

¨ Planning on passing out again?¨ Golden Berry Cookie asks, her jeweled heels clicking against the floor as she stops in front of Star Swirl Cookie, standing as she raises an eyebrow, pupils examining Star Swirl Cookie .

Star Swirl Cookie sighs, bringing up a piece of cantaloupe, its flavors sweet and refreshing as she gently pulls out a chair for Golden Berry to sit in, offering another plate of fruits .

¨ Will you ever let that incident go? ¨

“No,΅ Golden Berry Cookie says almost immediately, pausing only to take a seat next to her where Silent Salt Cookie used to sit just a few moments prior, picking up a piece of pineapple as she pops it into her mouth, perfectly manicured nails glinting in the light. “Frankly, I don't think I ever will, It's good blackmail material. ¨

Star Swirl gives a dramatic gasp, hand placed over her chest as her shawl swayed to the side from the force of the movement, ¨ You wound me, how could you ever black mail your friend ?¨

Golden Berry Cookie scoffs, ΅Oh please, you have enough dirt on me, this one piece of information will only get first Jam Cookie to lock you in a bed and keep you there for only a mere week.¨

Golden Berry cookie´s eyes trail over, locking onto the sight of First Jam Cookie and Harebell Cookie dancing together in a rhythm only they knew, her grip tightening as her eyes darkened with sorrow.

Star Swirl Cookie looked at Golden Berry Cookie´s forlorn expression, legs crossing as the other took in a deep breath, as if schooling the rampaging emotions underneath her facade .

In a way, they weren't so different .

They both yearned for an unobtainable dream .

Star Swirl Watches a myriad of emotions flicker in Golden Berry´s eyes before watching her sigh and lean back in her chair, picking up one of her signature golden berries and eating it, golden juice smeared on her lip as she elegantly wipes it away the next moment with a napkin

Then, a clear, resonant voice, amplified by unseen magic, filled the pavilion. "Attention, esteemed guests, could we have all the bridesmaids make their way to the bride's dressing room, please?"

Star Swirl looked up at the source of the announcement, the magical sigils shimmering in the air, undoubtedly a creation of the Fount of Knowledge's power. With a sigh, she straightened, the layers of her starlit gown billowing softly around her as she smoothed out imaginary creases. Rising gracefully, she made her way towards the far end of the room, where she could now see First Jam Cookie and Harebell Cookie waiting at a doorway, their expressions a mixture of excitement and anticipation.

[ Don’t let them know. Today is special. Don't ruin it with your greed.]

The air in the Pearl Parlor shimmered with anticipation, the scent of freshly baked cookies mingling with the delicate fragrance of moon orchids. First Water, resplendent in a gown of shimmering pearls,Tides of seafoam curling around her in a form of a long, resplendent gown, stood at the altar, their eyes sparkling with a nervous excitement that mirrored the nervous energy buzzing through the room.

Instead of a traditional veil, a delicate mist, seemingly spun from moonlight and sea spray, drifted around their head and shoulders, occasionally swirling and revealing glimpses of their bright, watery eyes. Tiny droplets of condensed moisture clung to their translucent hair, sparkling like scattered diamonds.

And then, there they were: the bridesmaids.

Harebell Cookie, a vision in periwinkle and purple, fluttered towards the altar, her laughter light and infectious. Her platinum blonde hair cascaded down her back, framing her face, and her eyes, the color of a twilight sky, sparkled with genuine joy.

First jam gracefully walked down the aisle, dress billowing out in softer cream curves as the light reflected off the bright fabric, casting her in a gentle, otherworldly glow , the light filtering through her hair created patterns of dark red swirls, taking her place right by Harebell Cookie´s side .

Then came Golden Berry Cookie, her long sleek dress spreading out in a delicate train across the marbled floor, midnight blue hair billowing out and framing her features perfectly, the golden accents on her body accentuating her color palette even more, yet a turmoil of emotions flickered in her bright honey eyes , her gaze locked on Harebell laughing with First Jam Cookie.

Following close behind, Star Swirl Cookie moved with a quiet grace, her starlit gown trailing behind her like a celestial wake. Her expression was serene, almost serene, a carefully constructed mask that hid the breakings of the soul within the vessel, carefully observing her surroundings, trying to find something to distract her from the main couple before ultimately closing her eyes .

[ It is her choice. Respect it.]

She repeated that thought like a mantra, like a wish that might come true if she prayed hard enough, as if she truly could be content with first Water´s wedding and ignore the burn inside her chest.

And as she opened her eyes, her breath hitched, iit seemed that no matter how hard she tried, she would still be enchanted by the mere sight of First Water Cookie.

[ She was beautiful in her prime.]

First Water Cookie, on her wedding day, was a vision of oceanic splendor, a being seemingly sculpted from the very essence of the sea. Their gown was a masterpiece of liquid grace, a breathtaking testament to the beauty and power of their element.

a dress that wasn't simply made, but grown from the depths. The base was a shimmering fabric, the color of the deepest ocean trench, a rich, velvety blue-black that hinted at untold mysteries. Over this, layers upon layers of translucent material flowed, each catching the light and mimicking the undulating movement of waves. These layers weren't stiff or structured; they moved with an ethereal fluidity, creating the illusion of constant, gentle motion.

Adorning this oceanic canvas were countless pearls, each one unique and luminous. They weren't simply sewn on; they seemed to organically bloom from the fabric, clustered in patterns that resembled swirling currents, cascading waterfalls, and the delicate froth of seafoam. Some were tiny seed pearls, creating intricate patterns that traced the curves of their form, while others were larger, more luminous spheres that caught and refracted the light, scattering rainbows with every movement.

Woven throughout the gown were delicate strands of what appeared to be solidified moonglades, shimmering silver threads that mimicked the play of light on the water's surface. These threads created subtle, shifting patterns, like moonbeams dancing on the waves, adding an otherworldly luminescence to the already breathtaking dress.

The neckline was a graceful, sweeping curve, reminiscent of the horizon where the sky meets the sea, leaving their smooth, water-kissed dough bare. Sleeves, crafted from the same translucent fabric as the flowing layers, billowed out from their shoulders like ethereal seafoam, their edges shimmering with a delicate, iridescent sheen. They moved with a gentle, undulating rhythm, as if still connected to the ocean's tides.

Instead of a traditional veil, a delicate mist, seemingly spun from sea spray and moonlight, drifted around their head and shoulders. Tiny droplets of condensed moisture clung to their translucent hair, sparkling like scattered diamonds, completing the image of a being born from the heart of the ocean.

And inevitably, her eyes drew towards the Virtue of Knowledge, Shadow Milk Cookie, entranced by First Water too, adoration and love etched into his face as heterochromatic eyes gazed lovingly upon First Water´s form.

Her heart clenched with envy.

First Jam, ever perceptive, caught the flicker of emotion in Star Swirl’s eyes. A subtle shift in their expression, a fleeting shadow crossing their features, acknowledged the unspoken undercurrent between them. It was a silent acknowledgement, a shared understanding of the complexities that lay beneath the surface of this joyous occasion.

And then, Harebell, ever the optimist, broke the silence with a mischievous grin. “Ready to catch the bouquet, Star Swirl?” she teased, her voice light and airy.

Star Swirl managed a weak smile. “As if I could ever catch anything that falls from the sky,” she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.

Harebell chuckled. “Never say never, Star Swirl. After all, even the stars sometimes fall.”

Star Swirl looked away, unable to meet Harebell’s gaze. The words, meant as a playful jest, echoed with a painful irony. Stars, like dreams, could fall. And sometimes, when they did, they left behind a trail of stardust and a lingering sense of loss.

As the ceremony began, Star Swirl tried to focus on the vows, on the radiant joy that emanated from First Water and First Jam. But the echoes of her own unspoken feelings, the haunting memories of a future she could never truly claim, continued to linger, a discordant note in the symphony of celebration.….

Smile, because it is her wedding day, and she would want you to be happy.

| ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ |

The wedding vows were a blur to Star Swirl cookie, having tuned out a long time ago, Harebell bristling with excitement and tears in her eyes , her hands clinging onto First Jam Cookie’s arms as First Jam just stood there, posture elegant and graceful as she watched the procession with a knowing eye.

Star Swirl didn't see periwinkle crimson, and amber eyes dart back to her, as if attempting to gauge her emotions before turning their attention back to the main two, a hint of concern in their eyes as she just stands there, a smile on Star Swirl Cookie’s face.

[ Oh how I wish that could've been me. But.. In the end i suppose we were not destined to be together, for the water will always gravitate towards the moon, and never the stars ]

Star Swirl cookie sighed, retreating to the back of the room after the vows were made, the words too sharp for her to bear as she stilled near the corner of the room, a cocktail in her hand as she held it by the delicate stem of the glass.

¨ Hey, Star Swirl? Are you… Okay?¨

Eyes widening, she looks up to see First Jam in front of her, crimson eyes flickering with worry and concern as she steps closer, her robes swaying with each movement in a graceful sway .

[ Even as the world continues on, someone will come by , going backwards to bring another with them towards the future.]

A small smile, tinged with sorrow spreads across Star Swirl Cookie´s face .

¨I…. I'm doing alright, thank you for worrying. ¨ Her hands fidget with the sleek fabric of her dress, twisting and pulling the fabric in one hand as the other sets down the cocktail .

First Jam´s head tilts to the side, before shaking her head and sighing . ¨ Sometimes I wonder why you hide yourself away, but… take your time. We have enough of it.¨ She offers her hand, pearly white satin gloves shimmering in the light.

Star Swirl Cookie stared at her hand, before sighing. “ Thank you, for understanding.¨ Her hand hesitates, before reaching out to take First Jam Cookie´s hand.

¨ What sort of friend would i be if i didn't give you time? ¨ First Jam gives a small laugh, amusement dancing in her eyes as she gently tugs her towards the center, where First Water, in all her pearlescent glory laughed, the aquamarine ring on her finger glimmered.

Star Swirl Cookie felt her soul slowly crack open, the eternity she longed for now out of her reach, but that was okay, as long as she wasn't alone, as long as they Stayed, She´d be alright.

[ Or well, that's what i thought]

“Star Swirl Cookie! Come on, you're missing out on the fun!!!” A bubbly First Water dashed over, cold gloved hands grasping her wrists as she pulled Star Swirl Cookie further into the fray of people, First Jam cookie giving a small smile as she laughed at the display.

[ Even if the sun fell from its place in the sky, I would still chase you.]

And so, with a smile tinged with yearning, she allowed herself to be pulled into the center of the party, First Water Cookie’s energy infectious as she laughed and danced with the others, Golden Berry Cookie watching from the sidelines sipping on a cocktail created from her own golden berries, elation dancing through the air.

Yet, we were all blind.

We all decided to ignore the truth, we all decided to stop pursuing our reality, allowing ourselves to get lost in a single moment as one of the pillars of the world crumbled, the virtue of change wasn't there .

That was the scariest part.

No one decided to piece together the facts, having just labeled his disappearance from the recent events as just a coincidence, not bothering to check on him, not bothering to see if he was alright.

In this world, ignorance is a sin with consequences .

And unfortunately, the consequence would bring down an era.

After all, watching your creations die over and over again could break someone.

| ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ |

It's been… a few centuries ever since First Water had gotten married, yet the sting wasn't any better, the sight of the Fount of Knowledge and First Water together still burning a hole deep into her heart but she just stayed silent, unwilling to ruin their happiness all because of her greed.

But that was not what bothered Star Swirl Cookie.

An unsettling discord hummed beneath the surface of Star Swirl Cookie's usually serene perception. A feeling so profoundly wrong, so utterly out of sync with the familiar rhythm of eternity, gnawed at her. It was a persistent itch in her awareness, driving her to meticulously comb through the intricate tapestry of her schedule, her fingers ghosting over celestial alignments and diplomatic arrangements. Multiple passes through her inventory of stardust and enchanted artifacts yielded nothing amiss, yet the feeling persisted, a shadow clinging to the edges of her consciousness.

The unease clung to her throughout the day, a subtle tremor beneath her practiced composure. Even the bright, effervescent company of Harebell Cookie, usually a balm to any lingering worries, failed to dispel the growing anxiety. It felt as though an unseen darkness was slowly encroaching upon their vibrant civilization, a silent predator poised to seize its opportunity and plunge the world into an era of shadow.

Unable to bear the mounting tension any longer, Star Swirl instinctively reached out, her fingers latching onto the cool, smooth fabric of Harebell's sleeve. The sudden tug halted Harebell in her tracks, her broom sighing as it lowered gently to the ground. Turning, her periwinkle eyes widened with concern, the usual sparkle of wonder replaced by a genuine curiosity.

"Star Swirl Cookie?" Harebell asked softly, her brow furrowing. "What's wrong? You seem... deeply troubled."

"I-I…" Star Swirl stammered, the simple words catching like thorns in her throat. Harebell Cookie's concerned expression swam in her vision, the vibrant colors blurring at the edges as a crushing weight, heavy and inexplicable, settled upon her shoulders. A profound sense of wrongness permeated the air, a silent scream echoing in her soul, yet the source remained elusive.

"Hey, calm down," Harebell said gently, her voice a soothing balm. "It'll be okay. Take a deep breath with me. That's it." She met Star Swirl's gaze, the familiar sparkle of wonder now replaced by a sharp, knowing concern that sent another shiver down Star Swirl's spine.

Star Swirl swallowed hard, the metallic tang of fear coating her tongue. A cold sweat beaded on her brow as the jarring absence of something – a fundamental element of her existence – pressed in on her, a physical discomfort that went beyond mere anxiety. The eternity she had always known, the endless, predictable rhythm of time, felt fractured, altered in a way she couldn't comprehend.

A fragile whisper escaped her lips, a question born of a desperate need for confirmation. "Does… something feel off to you today?"

As the words hung in the air, a cloud drifted across the sun, casting a sudden, ominous shadow over them. Harebell Cookie stiffened, her periwinkle eyes widening with a dawning panic that mirrored Star Swirl's own growing dread.

"It… wasn't just me?" she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper, fear laced in her voice.

Star Swirl Cookie’s breath hitched, a strangled gasp trapped in her lungs. Her starlit eyes widened, pupils dilating as a raw, primal terror clawed its way up her throat, leaving a bitter taste of dread.

[If it reached Harebell… then that meant…]

The unspoken thought hung heavy in the suddenly stifling air, a chilling premonition of a widespread corruption, a creeping tendril of darkness reaching even the most vibrant souls.

“Do you know what’s happening?” Star Swirl Cookie whispered, her voice a fragile thread, her usual bright gaze fixed on the horizon. The sky above them was a cruel paradox – a canvas of brilliant sunlight tainted with an unsettling undercurrent of gloom, as if a beautiful painting was slowly being stained by an invisible ink.

Harebell Cookie shook her head, her platinum blonde hair swaying with the tremor that ran through her. “I don’t…” she confessed, her voice barely audible. “The only thing… the only terrifyingly blind thing we can do… is try to find out.”

A palpable tension thickened the air between them, a silent acknowledgment of the unseen threat that clung to their world. They lingered for a moment, drawing a fragile comfort from each other's presence before the inevitable parting. Star Swirl Cookie's grip on Harebell's sleeve loosened with a reluctant slide, yet her hands trembled, betraying the storm of unspoken fears churning within her.

"If anything… shifts further," Star Swirl pleaded, her starlit eyes locking onto Harebell's, "tell me. Please. Don't hesitate."

Harebell Cookie sighed, a puff of worried air that ruffled her platinum blonde hair. She offered a strained nod, her usual buoyant energy dimmed by the encroaching dread. "I'll try," she promised, her voice barely a whisper. "I'll alert you the instant I sense anything… significant."

Star Swirl released a shaky breath, her fingers fidgeting nervously, picking at the delicate skin around her nails. It was a meager reassurance, a fragile thread of hope in the growing darkness, but it was all she would get for now.

"Thank you, Harebell Cookie," she murmured, her voice heavy with unspoken anxiety. She watched as Harebell offered a tight smile before mounting her broom. The lavender fabric of her dress billowed in the wind as she ascended.

"Be safe, Harebell!" Star Swirl called out, her voice echoing with a desperate urgency.

"You too, Star Swirl!" The distant reply drifted back, the words faint but carrying a sliver of warmth against the encroaching cold. Star Swirl watched until Harebell's form was a mere speck against the unsettlingly bright sky, the fragile comfort of their brief connection fading with the distance.

Taking one last look at Harebell’s retreating figure, she turns, her own starlit robes billowing the wind as the tendrils of dread gnaw at her mind, her body moving towards her parlor .

[ We just have to pray that everything will be okay.]

| ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ |

The air in Star Swirl Cookie’s pavilion, usually humming with a gentle celestial energy, suddenly fractured. It wasn't a sound, but a visceral severing, as if invisible cords binding her to something fundamental had snapped. A cold dread bloomed in her chest, a hollow ache where warmth had once resided.

Something has been lost. The thought wasn't a whisper, but a chilling pronouncement in the silent chambers of her soul. A sickening lurch twisted in her gut, her lungs constricted, as if an unseen hand had squeezed the very air from them. A piece of her essence, something intrinsically tied to the delicate balance of eternity, seemed to crumble and dissolve within her, its precious dust slipping through her immortal fingers.

What… happened? The question was a silent scream in the sudden void.

BAM!

The ornate doors to her pavilion exploded inward, splintering wood flying across the polished floor. A guard stumbled out, his face a mask of terror, streaks of viscous, bright red strawberry jam oozing down his charred armor. Flames, an unnatural, furious crimson, licked at the edges of his plating, casting grotesque shadows that danced with his panicked movements. The ethereal starry gauze draping the walls now bore sickening crimson stains, stark against its delicate shimmer. The guard collapsed at the threshold, his breath rattling.

“Your… lady…” he choked, blood bubbling at his lips. “The Virtue… of Change… he corrupted…”

Disbelief, sharp and cold, pierced through Star Swirl’s dawning horror. She rose as if pulled by invisible strings, her starlit eyes wide with incomprehension. She moved towards the fallen guard, her flowing robes whispering against the bloodied floor, and gently gathered him into her arms, her celestial magic instinctively reaching out, tendrils of starlight attempting to mend the horrific damage to his broken form.

“Don’t speak,” she commanded, her voice surprisingly steady despite the turmoil within. She gestured sharply to the remaining guards, their faces etched with fear. “Half of you secure the pavilion and protect any civilians. The other half – assess the situation outside! Now!”

With a desperate urgency, the remaining guards surged into action, their footsteps echoing the frantic beat of her own heart. Alarms, sharp and insistent, began to toll throughout the surrounding area, their mournful clangour creating a chaotic symphony of fear as cookies rushed in and out, their frantic movements a blur against the backdrop of encroaching chaos.

Her hands pressed against the guard’s ravaged chest, shimmering sparks of pure starlight weaving into the blackened, crispy edges of his burnt flesh. Her brow furrowed in fierce concentration, a silent plea etched on her face, dread and panic on her face

The horrifying truth, the reason for her and Harebell Cookie´s shared, creeping unease, was because the Virtue of Change, the very linchpin that filtered and maintained the delicate equilibrium of their reality, had fallen. Corrupted. And in its absence, there was no guiding hand, no internal compass to signal the catastrophic shift, leaving them adrift in a world subtly, devastatingly, unmoored. They were blind, stumbling towards an unknown abyss, the very foundations of their existence silently eroding beneath their feet.

What…? Why would he do this?

In the end, I will never know.

But I will try. I have to try to uphold eternity, even as it crumbles around me.

Her hands faltered, the immense weight of expectation, the unwavering belief of her people in her power, suddenly felt like an unbearable physical burden, pressing her down as surely as the lifeless weight in her arms. The guard beneath her chest stilled, his ragged breathing ceasing altogether.

A choked voice from behind her broke the horrifying silence. “Your lady… he’s gone.”

What? No…

Star Swirl Cookie looked down, her hands now slick with the guard’s bright red jam, a stark and horrifying contrast to the ethereal glow of her magic. His chest remained motionless, his once terrified eyes now fixed on the empty expanse of the ceiling.

When…? When did I stop trying? When did I fail him?

But the answers remained lost in the unfolding catastrophe. For in that moment, as the scent of smoke and fear filled the air, a terrifying certainty took root: from this day forward, the pillars of their world would begin to fall, one by one, and Star Swirl Cookie, the supposed guardian of eternity, would fall with them.

| ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ |

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