#these were my winners my fallen heros

[casboobs]

finland should have won, germany should have arrived second and moldova should have been third

[tootiecakes234]

This TikTok inspired me😭

So you and Katsuki are doing this challenge where the two of you take turns placing cups on top of your heads and the other person has a soft ball they are using to knock off said cup (preferably without hitting your partner). One person standing and the other sitting.

“Ok so do you want to throw first or sit first” you asked him.

“I want to not fucking do this”, he was looking at you like he was already over it and you hadn’t even started.

“Well that wasn’t one of your options, so I guess you wanna sit first. That’s good cuz I wanna throw.”

He mumbled something under his breath but the only words you caught were crazy and breakup. Whatever.

He plopped himself down and you handed him the red solo cup to put on his head.

“Is it gonna fit over that hair of yours?”, you giggled at him.

He turned around to glare at you and you shut your mouth before he got up and left you here.

There were more grumbles while he tried to fit the cup evenly on his head.

“Ok let’s get this over with.”

You moved to get behind him. You have 3 balls which means you have 3 chances to knock the cup off.

“Alrighty, here we go”, you were more warning him as you got lined up to throw.

You throw the first one it doesn’t touch him or the cup. You see Katsuki shoulders shake .

“That was a practice round. I’m gonna hit it with this next one”, you said a matter of factly.

“Sure you will”, he didn’t have to be so damn smug.

You threw the next one and it smacked him in the back of the head.

There are daggers in his eyes when he turns around.

“What?! I’m trying! Your head is too big a target for the little c- wait wait. I’m sorry. I take it back. Please sit down.” You had to pull out the puppy dog eyes cuz he was already on his feet about to leave.

“Fucking focus. Ya only got one left. I can’t be a pro hero dating someone with 0aim. It’s embarrassing.”, he said as he sat back down and sat the cup back up.

“Ok. Ok. I got it.” You rally did your best this time but it ended up hitting him in the head again. “Damn”

“You have absolutely no hand eye coordination. I can’t believe you’ve survived this long”

“Well the year is 2023. I don’t have to go around aiming and firing at people asshole.” Now you were grumbling.

“My turn. Sit your ass down.”

You sat down and placed the cup on your head.

“Ready?”, you could hear the grin he was sporting right now.

“Kat please down smack me in the back of the head on purpose. I was really tr-woah!!”, you screamed out of shock more than anything. The cup had fallen to the ground before you could finish your sentence.

“Now that’s how it’s done” you turned around to see him smiling.

“Beginners luck. You still got 2 more balls.”

“Hell yea I do.”, chuckling bastard.

“Come on. And can you give me a heads up this time.”

“Fine. 3. 2. 1.” And again the cup was tumbling off your head. “See the key is to picture where you want the ball to go”

“Shut up and throw the next ball Mr. Know it all.”

Katsuki was good at everything he tried and yes he was a professional hero but that doesn’t mean he gets to be smug.

“3. 2. 1.” The intention this time was to make it a moving target so you moved your head slightly to the side at the last minute.

Please explain to me why the cup was on the ground and the ball had knocked it there.

Katsuki made you jump a little before he whispered “Nice try pretty girl, but ya gotta be quicker than that”

“I don’t wanna play anymore games with you. You suck.”

“Wait no, let’s go again. I kinda like it. You wanna put some money on it.”

But you were already in your room and slamming the door.

Your boyfriend really sucked.

*this man is a sore winner and I’m 100% sure he gloated the rest of the day. Making little sly ass comments.

[flower1622]

Vampire Lovers

Chapter 5

Batman arrives at Jon's apartment that used to be Dick's. He is on the balcony. He notices the door was open and that the lights were off. He enters and turns the lights on to look around for clues. Something catches his attention on the place next to the TV. He gets close and sees a little space where someone could have passed the finger on it to take a little of the dust. Batman realises it must have been Damian. But, Batman knows he can't take the DNA because he knows Damian only uses gloves. So, he continues taking a look around the place. He goes to the kitchen and turns the light on. He walks around it looking for something, but finds nothing. When he was about to go, he noticed something shining on the floor. He gets close and sees that it was a little piece of glass.

- Damian. - Bruce whispers and takes the little glass very carefully with him and leaves to meet Clark. 

Meanwhile with Clark:

Superman arrives at Conner's apartment. He notices that the balcony door was open. He enters and notices that the place was pretty clean, but Clark knows that Ma always reminds Conner to clean his apartment. He looks around the place and finds a notebook on the floor. He takes it and looks at the writing. He doesn't think twice and leaves.

Clark arrived at Jon's rooftop where Batman was waiting for him. He lands on the floor and gets close to him.

- So, did you find something? - Superman asks staring at Bruce, who just opens his hand. Superman doesn't understand and Batman only stares at him as if he was ordering Superman to use his x-ray vision. So, Superman uses it and sees a piece of glass on Batman's hand. He looks at Batman.

- My son probably attacked yours from behind with green kryptonite, making Jon pass out and the glass fall on the floor. But, you? Any luck? - Batman asks with his serious voice. Superman only shakes his head.

- Unfortunately, no. Only a notebook with a writing that it's not Conner's, probably from Tim maybe? - Superman asks and Batman nods his head. Superman sighs. 

-  We need to find them and stop... - Batman stops talking because he feels the presence of someone else. Both Superman and Batman stare at each other. They know they were being spied. When they were about to say something, they get attacked, making both fall on the floor. It was a mini bomb that spread a toxin making superman and batman sleepy.

- Well...well, what do we have here? - Superman and Batman hear a voice coming towards them. Batman recognizes as Damian's. Then, a shadow appears next to Damian. It was Tim.

- Damian? Tim? - Batman asks still sleepy. Both only give dark smirks at him.

- Yeah. Did you like our new looks? - Damian and Tim showed Batman that they weren't using the robin costumes anymore. They were just themselves without mask and both were wearing black clothes and a black leather jacket. Batman only shakes his head.

- You wanted us to find you. You knew we would be here - Batman only says and tries to glare at his 'sons'.

- Wow, I guess we have a winner here! - Tim says sarcastically and gets close to the heroes on the floor.

- Tim? Damian? Where are Jon and Conner? - Superman asks weak on the floor, trying to keep himself awake.

- You mean us? - A voice asks and two new shadows appear. They get close to the fallen heroes. 

- Jon? Conner? - Superman asks confused while he looks at his son and his clone. Both were pale, had red eyes, fangs and were wearing black clothes with a black leather jacket. Batman only looks serious at them.

- Hey, dad! - Jon says with a dark smile making Superman feel a little scared of his own son. Other shadows appear too and get close to them. All of them also had pale skin, red eyes, fangs and were wearing black clothes. 

- Dick, Jason, Barbara, Supergirl, Cassandra, Stephanie, Alfred and Duke? You both turned them into monsters too!- Batman exclaims while he looks pissed at Damian and Tim.

- Of course! What did you expect, old man?! - Damian asks angry at Batman, who only grows at him. Batman tries to get his secret weapon discreetly, but Dick is faster and holds his arm with so much strength that makes Batman wince a little bit. 

- Don't worry, Batman! The transformation only hurts a little bit in the beginning, but then you will see the difference. You will feel so much better. I promise! - Dick says and punches Batman pretty hard that he passes out. Jon gets close to his father on the floor, who was looking at Batman passed out next to him.

- It's okay, dad! Everything is gonna be okay. You won't need to get afraid of kryptonites anymore! - Jon says with a big smile while he walks towards his father. 

- Jon, no. Please! - Superman begs, still pretty weak. Jon only touches his cheek.

- Everything is gonna be okay. I promise! - Jon says and sprays green kryptonite on Superman's face, making the hero pass out on the floor too.

- We almost have our family completed! - Dick says with a smile while he puts his hands on his hips.  The others, except Jason who was staring at a passed out Bruce on the floor, look at Dick confused.

- Almost? - Damian asks curious and Dick only nods his head. When he was about to answer Damian's question,  Jason interrupts.

- Yeah, little demon! Or do you think these two would let their women go? - Jason says and smirks. The others only stare at the fallen heroes on the floor.

'Yes! I can't wait to turn mom into one of us too' - Jon thinks and gives a dark smirk to his passed out father.

[hel-phoenyx]

22) Competing

There's people that can go all their life without a competition. Not even harmless challenges or rivalry. Just perfectly happy living with others.

I envy those people.

My life has always been a competition. Against other nobility, against our ancestors, against the current sovereign, against my fucking family, I am always competing, and I am losing.

I remember the first time I went to the castle. I was twenty-four, a two-year-old in my arms, and neither of us had ever seen the inside of the king's abode, even though we were, ourselves, nobility. It was both because the Laangfisk didn't want us here, and because my parents cast me aside. The moment my brother was born and I lost the competition.

Yet I went in, because the king invited me. And here he was, under the throne, over him looming a big painting of Odin II. The one who killed my grandfather.

I know mom never forgave him. It took me years to understand why. She saw. She tasted the blood. She watched as his head fall of and as the killer stripped us of our titles. He won the competition. An ages long competition between two branches of the royal family now so far in blood that we can't even call ourselves relatives.

I looked upon that portrait and remembered the one of the defeated are now covered with a curtain.

He was on the throne and next to him was my little brother, the bane of my existence. The one that won the competition by being born. He open his eyes and cried and the seastorm marked my loss, for I am powerless.

My defeat cast me aside as I wasn't even aware there was a game.

And yet, he lost. He lost, too, because he isn't on this throne. He should be. We should be. We should be kings and queens and fighters and heroes and not standing idly in the shame of the defeat.

He lost to the one that invited me in this castle and is now extending a hand to me, the eternal loser.

"Kriss, was it ? It is nice to meet you."

Is it a ploy ? Do you want to humiliate me like your mother humiliated mine ? Do you want to kill me like your grandfather killed mine ? Do you want another tamed puppy next to you like the one who won't even look me in the eyes ?

Why are you extending your hand ?

What are you waiting for ?

Say something.

S̶̹͐ã̵͇͙̮ÿ̷͍͉̞́̃ ̴̝̳̞̗̑̆̅͠s̶̖̥͊̋̈́͐ͅo̸̼͇͒̀͝m̵̡͖͊ę̶̟̤̱͑̓̽t̵̬̄̐̏̾h̶̜̀͛͒͘į̸̠̖̅̍͆͒n̶̢̢͖̈́̈́͑g̴̟̯̓̎͜ ̴̡̣̣̞̆!̷̫̒!̴̮̭͍̰͘!̸͔̇̈́͠

My name is Kriss Haralsdottir and once, a long time ago, far before I was born, it was Kriss af Mundir. But losers don't deserve names. losers don't deserve legacy. Losers can't even remember they, too, descended of Hrotheim IX, the hero of the Coast, your hero.

Losers can't be apparented to winners.

My son is in my arms. My precious, darling, fatherless son. His father lost to you, too, and now I've lost him.

I can't stand being in front of the winner.

"It is.... Nice to meet you too, your Majesty."

Loss tastes sour on my tongue.

I can't bear to look at him no longer. So I look at Tyrfing. Look at the defeated gleam in his eyes.

He's happy to be there and yet he knows, he knows he betrayed everyone's expectations. He knows mom raised a winner, he knows mom raised a hero, a weapon, and yet he lost, the hero has fallen and the weapon is rusty. I've hated him all my life for his gifts, for how everything seemed to look so easy for him, magic, fighting, charm, relationships, he had everything and yet he failed.

How can you still live with that weight ?

How do you endure the path of the loser when you're so used to winning ?

I restrain a chuckle, sour and bitter.

At least I was used to defeat.

[hiemaldesirae]

The thing about your fallen angel Vox au is wouldn’t Vox forget about Alastor when she gets to heaven and if she does for about her would she get her memory back when she gets to hell

oh, this thing. well, im glad you asked this nonny bc i feel like i should probably address it.

so, correct me if im wrong since i havent actually watched hb aside from the music videos, but we dont know if winners forget about their lives when they get to heaven, and it doesnt make sense to me that they would personally. i know that this theory is based off of winners not necessarily knowing/showing any care for what happens to those in hell, but there is a plethora of other reasons that could be- including, most notably, the fact that they are denizens of heaven, where only the uppermost angels get the intel of what happens in hell.

it could make for good angst, but i personally dont think that the idea of heaven erasing ones memories fits even in canonical context. dont get me wrong, i LOVE a good amnesia au but if it doesnt make sense to me theres only so much i can let slide in the name of my self indulgence 🤧

and also just generally.... those two were so obsessed with each other in life that if vox did forget about al, it would probably happen similarly to percy/annabeths separation in heroes of olympus: though he forgot about annabeth, there was still a part of him that clung onto her "memory" in his subconscious. i imagine thatd be more or less what happens with vox, and perhaps eventually she'd just lose the battle with her curiosity and plummet down

[ladyazurith]

Hi! How are you? I saw the story giveaway you’re doing and thought I’d like to enter!

I’m a vil lover first and foremost lol, he’s my special little guy, and my biggest gripe is that. Not that many people can actually write him well imo? Like! They don’t do him Justice! They fall for the facade!!! They have fallen into the trap and it’s actually smth that happens to Carter’s character a lot too!!I wanted to try my own hand but kept on getting lost amongst bee hyperfixations so they’ve been put on hold. And then I saw this!!!!!

CaterVil is actually a newer ship for me, and I’ve never read any fics before but it was while I was perusing the tags that I came across ur blog. Gonna read your fics next lol but I thought I’d jump on the fic giveaway first lest I forget.

Anyways, my prompt was vil working on the music aspect of his career—(pop star vil lives in my head rent free I truly believe this man is triple threat material, I mean absolutely beautiful?? Come ON!!but if u don’t wanna explore that part, than maybe he’s trying for a role of some hero in a movie musical? Or smth idk) and he’s trying to write some original love songs, but he’s struggling cause he wants it to be authentic but he’s never BEEN in love before tho he’s played at it convincingly. So he asks cater for help writing a song. And cater HAS love songs ABOUT vil. And it’s ironic bc like vil knows caters got these love songs and they’re so raw and real but at the same time believes caters feelings for him are fake. When he finds out these songs are abt him oh my GODDDDDD. Culminates in vil succeeding at writing love songs. And they’re abt CATER.

Yeah okay I was listening to I want to write you a song by 1D when I was struck by this 😭😭😭

I feel kind of lucky in a way myself. I just made my random selection by Dice Roll and you were the winner. I had several different entries but not many with my favorite ship. Since you posted this anonymously; and I have no way to know who actually sent me this, I will go ahead and post the story publicly on Ao3 tagged as the contest winner, with a link to Tumblr. I hope you enjoy it Anon.

[kingdoms-and-empires]

Heey, sorry if this kind of question is not very related with your if and you can ignore it if you want, but i’d like to start writing and im not sure if CoG is a good place for it (considering all the drama going on lol) or it’s better doing it with Twine on Itch.io, i mean i love the community of CoG in comparison on Itch.io (cause the way people can interact its very limited) and the people there usually tried to help, but I think Twine can be used in a more imaginative way, the saves you can keep in your desktop etc (and you dont need to put up with some people with power on CoG) sorry, you are a writer I admire a lot so I thought i could ask you about it, if its not a bother, so my questions are:

why did you choose dashingdon over twine? And what do you think is better for amateurs?

Oh nice If you are starting to write, you'll probably be heading towards Hosted Games. Contrary to what people may think due to recent activities lol https://www.reddit.com/r/IFHub/

I actually think that Hosted Games is a great way to put your foot in the door. It'll look good in a resume if you really wanna get into writing as a career.

The idea is, Choice of Games wantes to let amateur writers create small stories that the company would host (ie Hosted Games), most times at a loss, so they could get experience writing. In the literary world, it's straight up demoralizing to try and get published, but Hosted Games makes it easy.

Even with all the recent drama surrounding the company, Hosted Games offers a market, a forums that can get you beta testers, an easy engine to code with, and brand recognition. If you want experience, want to do it as a hobby, or just see if you got the chops for writing Interactive Fiction, Hosted Games is a great place to do it.

If you want monetary gain, you're gonna be disappointed. The contract with Hosted Games is 75% to the company, 25% to you for earnings. You get limited to no help from the company while you make it, since the expectation is that you'll use the forums to beta test and polish your product. Because we have to remember...Hosted Games was made for lil titles that were usually 50k-250k words in length. The behemoths like Fallen Hero, Zombie Exodus, The Golden Rose, and Lords of Infinity that are over 1 million in terms of word count, was not in the mind of the company when creating Hosted Games.

Are they happy about it? Why of course! So are the readers. The quality of writing and length of titles are becoming better and longer as time goes on. More and more titles raise the bar, and more and more titles try to meet that bar and hopefully surpass it.

So if you want to succeed monetarily, ya gotta make bigger titles that honestly would be award winners if this were a contest of Interactive Fiction in the past. But, Hosted Games also has an interesting "partner" in all this.

Patreon.

If you create a popular title that people like, they may choose to support you financially to help you keep writing! There are multiple authors who work with Hosted Games that make very good money from Patreon and KoFi. Hosted Games asks (demands) that you publicly release your patreon demo after a certain amount of time. I dont remember if its 2 weeks or 4. I usually do 1 week cause i have an ego and like to see people talking about my game lol. They also have another deal that lets you keep the demo behind a paywall, but you have to give 25% of all your patreon earnings to them in exchange. You asked me if either Twine or Hosted Games was better for amateurs. I say Hosted Games. Build yourself a reputation, maybe even publish a game to get experience with that side of the business, and if you do well enough and have a following, go to Twine for a game and try to self publish and cash in. You may even be invited to Choice of Games instead of Hosted Games if you prove yourself to be a good writer.

I really hope this helps you and anyone else!

[merryfortune]

 aurora's were once called fairy lights

Written for the Winter Holiday Bingo

Prompts provided by @sweetspicybingo

Prompt: Fairy Lights

Title: aurora's were once called fairy lights

Ship: Peony/Sharena 

Fandom: Fire Emblem Heroes 

Rating: T

Word Count: 1,278

Warnings: None

Tags: Fluff, Love Confessions, Winter, Happy New Year

  The air was cool and crisp, glistening with the magic of not as of yet fallen snowflakes but it was close. So close. Sharena could practically feel them sparkle on the tip of her nose as she snuggled in close to Peony’s side. Her companion was providing some much needed warmth in the cold. Not just physically but emotionally, too.

   It had been… another long year of festivals and fighting, of winners and victors. It was exhausting but they had made it to the other side of it. Amazingly. Somehow. It was worth it though as every day, hard won as they were, brought them closer to the miracle of everlasting peace throughout all the realms, all the worlds.

   “Thank you for inviting me out here, Peony.” Sharena said as she closed her eyes.

   She continued to lean in against Peony’s form and huddled under the thick wads of shiny silk which their Hoshido kimonos were made up of. They weren’t just stylish, they were fully practical for the weather – and for fighting, too, which was another nice, added bonus, 

   Sharena sighed sleepily. Another few more minutes, she had to be awake for a few more minutes. That’s what she told herself. She wanted to see as midnight became the morning of a fresh dawn and a new year. She might even get to see that snow that she was looking forward to. 

   For now, she was just about to fall asleep and do none of those things. Especially since Peony’s shoulder made for such a lovely pillow. Even if it was a bit bony but hidden under her warm clothes, it was as soft as the most elegant goose feather bed in all of the Askr Castle

   “My pleasure.” Peony replied as she glanced down, adoringly, at Sharena. “Its such a pretty sight. Of course I had to share it with my best friend. If only she was awake to see it.”

   Peony gave a jostle and so much for her shoulder being a comfortable pillow. Sharena laughed as she was shimmied off Peony. Her eyes fluttered open and she changed how she sat. She wasn’t quite as well versed as kneeling in kimonos like the Hoshido royals – and other folks summoned from Hoshido – so she was sitting cross-legged. Though now, Sharena brought her knees up to under her chin and folded in on herself. That gave her plenty of extra warmth, too.

   She smiled as she looked up at the sky.

   “Such a pretty sight” didn’t begin to describe what Sharena was looking at from beside Peony.

   The sky above was magnificent. Gorgeous. Beautiful. Absolutely glorious. There were so many words for this marvel and yet every single one proved insufficient the more Sharena stared at the night sky.

   It was hung with a sleepy mystique from low-lying, grey clouds which were so close to blooming with snow. However, beyond those clouds like the furred hem of a noblewoman’s ball gown, the dim of the night was hale and full of heart rather than doom and gloom. It felt like a good omen to come regarding the next year ahead, of which there was not much time between that future and the current present. The stars – in soft, dulcet tones of white and blue - glimmered softly in the distance ever so far, far away like the heavens. And most peculiar and beautiful of all was this strange ribbon of light that flickered and played: the illusory and ever so elusive aurora. 

   Oh, it was truly a wonder to behold. Sharena felt privileged to watch the stars and clouds and the aurora play in the night sky. 

   Funnily enough, given who was accompanying her on this dewy hill, to the older Askr generation, aurora's were once called fairy lights. For good reason, Sharena could possibly guarantee as there was another sight, which captured Sharena’s attention and enthralled her. One much closer to her than the elements of the night sky. It twitched and flicked in the corner of her eye, right beside her. She thought it would be impolite to stare, especially when Peony was just as enraptured as she was with what was high above them but Sharena couldn’t help herself.

   She stole a glance following that first glimpse and her breath was magicked away, not even turning into a mist of condensation upon her exhale. Peony’s wings were utterly splendid, turning into a kaleidoscope as they caught and filtered with the starlight. They, too, glimmered in time with the aurora. Sharena’s demure glances turned to staring as she had to make sure that it wasn't her imagination bit no. The rhythm that Peony’s wings flicked to was the very same as the aurora's and for it, Sharena was mesmerised.

   She lost all sense of decorum as she became entranced and it didn't take long for Peony to notice.

   Peony laughed awkwardly, “Am I really that interesting?”

   “Yes!” Sharena enthusiastically replied. Then her face went bright red as she realised what she had said.

   Though the shock was shared. Peony smiled, the tips of her pointed ears tinged pink as she gracefully accepted such a heartfelt compliment. As loud and bombastic as it was. 

   “I, um, think you're really pretty.” Sharena continued, muddling through her words and her feelings. “I can't help but stare, you are so beautiful and I like you a lot. Even more than the scenery here with you.”

   “I like you too, Sharena.” Peony replied, light hearted and jolly.

   But Sharena frowned.

   Sharena was a very affectionate girl. She was very free with it, be it through words or gestures, Sharena was never afraid to show the profound depths of her friendship with people. Especially Peony. They were akin to bosom buddies. Not once did Sharena ever think that her nature would ever hinder the expression of her feelings.

   It was now or never and what a beautiful now it was. Just before the New Year, in front of this gorgeous scenery, when it was just them together. Sharena resolved to clarify and her seriousness came across causing Peony to pause.

   “No, Peony, I like you.” Sharena tried again. “I like-like you.”

   Peony was stunned to silence but her expression was elated. The tension which occurred between them as Peony savoured the feeling of being confessed to and Sharena awaited a reply, boldly hoping for the best. Her lips parted in a determined way and then, just as Peony mustered a reply, they were both distracted by a slight change in weather. The temperature dropped a few more degrees and they felt goosebumps on their arms under the sleeves of their kimono.

   The cold air swirled around them and the tension between them diffused as it finally happened. The first snowflake descended from the clouds in a lazy swirl. Both Sharena and Peony looked up to watch as it sauntered vaguely downwards. A smile adorned both their faces as they enjoyed the light snowfall. More snowflakes began to fall also, only to land on their heads or around them like jewels.

   Then Peony lowered her head, smiling from ear to ear, “I like-like you, too.” She confessed. 

   “Aah, I'm so glad,” Sharena exclaimed, “I've wanted to tell you for a while.” She sighed contentedly and her chest slumped forward on the exhale. Her shoulders slackened also.

   “I can tell.” Peony replied.

   Peony shuffled inwards and this time, she leaned into Sharena’s side. Sharena’s heart skipped a beat as gladness filled her entirely. Peony closed her eyes, her lashes fluttering and her wings flitting, casting prismatic lights, as she added one last thing to their conversation.

   “Also, Sharena,” Peony whispered, “happy new year.”

[emyn-arnens]

For the meme Merry & Estella 72

“Tell me the story of the pie contest again,” Arabella begged, clasping her hands over her father’s knee and looking pleadingly between him and her mother, who shared a knowing look.

With an indulgent smile, Estella waved her hand and said, “If we don’t, we’ll hear of it for the rest of the day.”

Merry leaned back in his chair and adopted his storytelling voice: “Well, on one fine autumn day, just two years after I had returned to the Shire, Bywater held its annual pie-baking contest, and your mother had entered into it, as she was the finest baker in the Eastfarthing; but she faced stiff competition from Myrtle Burrows, who was the acclaimed pie maker of Hobbiton—and so your mother decided that something must be done to better her chances of winning, for she had her eye on me, you see, and she thought that winning the contest was certain to catch my attention. 

“So, as Milo Burrows, Myrtle’s father, was Hobbiton’s grocer and the appointed supplier for the contest—there are a good many rules to the pie-baking contest, of course—your mother planned to deal the blow at the source, as it were, and she snuck into the stores for the contest the night before (uncaught by poor Mosco, who had fallen asleep on his watch and paid quite dearly for it in the Hobbiton gossip afterwards) and portioned out her measure of sugar and then salted the rest”—at Arabella’s obligatory wide-eyed gasp of horror, Merry and Estella shared a smile—“and so she was the clear winner of the contest the next day, for her strawberry rhubarb pie surpassed all of the others, even Myrtle Burrows’, whose pie was uncharacteristically poor."

“How else would I have captured the attention of the hero of Bywater?” Estella said with a laugh, and she touched his face fondly and added, “You were quite sought after in those days, dashing about in your finery and stealing hobbit-maiden’s hearts, and none more than mine.”

Send me a number and two characters and get a five-sentence drabble.

[akshattejas]

Games Art and Design Contest; A Case Study Analysis of Winning Submissions and Artist

Blog #2

The first contest that we will be looking into is "Mission to Minerva", and the winner of this contest was Gavin Manners (Artstation), who is a UK based concept artist from Brighton who graduated as an interior designer from Kingston university back in 2009.

In his award-winning submission, the artist adopted a two-step approach. First, he gathered images of Earth from the space station, using these real-life visuals as a foundation for his artwork’s concept. During the composition phase, rather than relying solely on the provided static meshes, he employed diverse techniques like booleans and modifiers to reshape and experiment with the forms. This experimental process led to unexpected "happy accidents" that enhanced his final piece. He also ensured a balanced composition, featuring a clear hero asset and avoiding a cluttered or overly complex scene. Together, these choices contributed to a striking final render that ultimately secured him the top spot in the competition.

And according to judge Paweł Mielniczuk "Captivating composition, color choices, and lighting are all expertly done. Broad spectrum of light and shadow contrasts adds to the depth and clarity of the composition. Together with an intriguing narrative layer depicting a snapshot of a drama unfolding in space, this illustration truly stands out in the competition. Fantastic work!”

The second contest that we will be looking into is "People Are Amazing: The Post-Apocalypse", and the winner of this contest was MICHAELA MARIA WARTBICHLER (Artstation), who is an Austrian artist and CEO of her own company called Phoenix Digital Arts.

But this time well explore the aftermath of her success, So she was asked by the kitbash3D team to create a cover art for an upcoming asset kit, and in an interview with kitbash3d regarding the same she stated that she often draws inspiration from her own childhood days when she used to live in the middle of a forest in the south of Austria. Her main motives for this cover art project were to showcase the incredible details of the models and as well as to use the well balanced polycount to her advantage and build a huge-scale world.

She also mentioned that one of her favourite parts of doing these challenges is when she gets to move around in her own world discovering previously unexplored corners and happy accidents. She was also approached by Jama Jurabaev (The Mandalorian, Ready Player One, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) to work at his company.

When asked by the intervier to provide her final advice for the aspiring artists, she said and I quote "I actually would love to share a technique with you that I use. Whenever I am nervous or unsure about what decision to make in life, I picture myself as 100 years old with white hair, super experienced, and all those wrinkles of wisdom. Then I imagine what my wise Granny self would want me to do in my current situation. It will almost always be the same answer: do whatever scares the hell out of you the most! By doing this you activate your prefrontal cortex, which gets your mind out of that foggy cloud of fear and you can finally think clearly about what needs to be done. (Well, unless of course you are on a boat at the sea and you are afraid of the 15 sharks circling around you – DO NOT follow the fear and go for a swim)."

[bongaboi]

Barcelona: 2024 UEFA Women's Champions League Winners

Second-half strikes from Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas won Barcelona their third UEFA Women's Champions League title in four years as they beat Lyon 2-0 in front of over 50,000 supporters at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.

Prior to this encounter, Lyon had defeated Barcelona in all four previous matches between the teams, including the 2019 and 2022 finals.

But it was a case of fifth time lucky for Jonatan Giráldez's team as the holders asserted their recent dominance in this competition with an assured performance on Spanish soil, spearheaded by the brilliant Bonmatí, who once again proved to be the difference-maker.

It was Barça who started on the front foot, and Caroline Graham Hansen set up Salma Paralluelo early on following a mazy run, only for the Spanish forward's effort to be well saved by Lyon goalkeeper Christiane Endler.

Despite Giráldez's team enjoying the majority of possession, OL remained a threat, and Barça defender Lucy Bronze was fortunate to see her header skim off her own crossbar from a corner.

Just before the interval, Graham Hansen did brilliantly to burst into the box, but she could only drag a shot just wide from a tight angle to ensure there would be no first-half breakthrough as a tight, evenly matched period ended level.

Lyon captain Wendie Renard, playing in her 11th Women's Champions League final, had the first clear chance after the break, though she could only scoop her shot over the bar after the ball had fallen kindly for her in the box.

It was a case of cometh the hour, cometh the hero for Barcelona, as Mariona Caldentey's clever pass set away Bonmatí down the left in the 63rd minute, and the No14's dinked effort beat Endler via a deflection to spark delirium among the majority of the crowd.

Lyon pushed for a response, and the competition's top scorer for this season, Kadidiatou Diani, went close with a curling effort narrowly over the bar.

In the closing stages, however, substitute Putellas put the gloss on the victory with a wonderful crashing finish, and Barça celebrated joyously with their outgoing coach Giráldez as they earned a fourth trophy in what has been another sensational campaign.

Visa Player of the Match: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona) "Influenced the game all over the pitch in and out of possession. High progressive passes, high ball recoveries and scored a great goal." UEFA Technical Observer panel

Graham Hunter, Barcelona reporter So much of the talk from Barcelona's staff and players leading up to this final was about "maturing", "managing matches better" and "learning from bitter defeat". All those things needed to be true here. The finalists were so well matched, so full of tactical discipline and cleverness. It meant that before the twinkle-toed brilliance of Bonmatí could make its wonderful impact, there needed to be patience, calm and cold-blooded control, all leading up to an eruption of talent. Then an eruption of joy.

Vanessa Tomaszewski, Lyon reporter In the first half, Lyon struggled with Barcelona's possession. Despite creating opportunities, the French side made technical errors and lost possession easily. After the break, Bonmatí capitalised on Lyon's defensive gaps to score and Lyon failed to regain control, with wider gaps appearing in their defence. Putellas sealed the victory in the final minutes as, despite their best efforts, Lyon tasted defeat in a stadium dominated by Barcelona supporters.

Jonatan Giráldez, Barcelona coach: "It was an incredible game. I am really happy, and it's one of the best days of my life, for sure. We did an amazing job. I am very proud of all of them. When I decided in December to leave at the end of the season, people thought the team's performances might dip. We showed that wasn't the case today. An amazing performance, and a deserved victory."

Lucy Bronze, Barcelona defender: "We knew we needed to be a club that made history. It's not easy, it's hard to win it once, but to do it back to back, Lyon showed how difficult it is. This team's finally done that. I think we go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe."

Sonia Bompastor, Lyon coach: The disappointment is great, and losing a final is very hard, but Barça played a great game. Our lack of offensive efficiency has cost us, but I will need more time to analyse it. Congratulations to Barcelona on winning this final. They're a great team. We would have needed to play a perfect game to win but, above all, we should have been more efficient in attack in order to get a better result."

Daniëlle van de Donk, Lyon midfielder: "I'm very emotional. Nobody likes to lose a final and we were here to win it. It's a shame we didn't create enough. Barcelona deserved the win, but I'm proud of my team; we gave it our all. I wish we could have pressed them a bit more, as I think that could have made a difference."

Key stats Barcelona have become only the fourth club to successfully defend the title after Umeå (in 2004), Lyon (in 2012, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020) and Wolfsburg (in 2014). The Spanish side's third European crown leaves them behind only Lyon (eight) and Frankfurt (four). Bonmatí scored for the second time in a Champions League final, after also netting in the 2021 win against Chelsea. Putellas struck in her third Champions League final, following goals in the 2021 and 2022 editions. Barcelona have become the first Spanish women's side to claim a quadruple, having also won the league, Spanish Cup and Spanish Super Cup this season. Lyon's Kadidiatou Diani finished as the competition's top scorer this season with eight goals. Wendie Renard has played a part in all Lyon's 11 finals. She has been captain for seven of them. Line-ups Barcelona: Coll; Bronze, Paredes, Engen, Rolfö (Batlle 67); Bonmatí, Walsh (Putellas 90+2), Guijarro; Graham Hansen, Paralluelo (Brugts 85), Caldentey (Pina 90+2)

Lyon: Endler; Carpenter, Renard, Gilles (Becho 81), Bacha; Horan, Egurrola, Van de Donk (Hegerberg 81); Diani, Dumornay, Cascarino (Majri 63)

Roll of honour: Finals

UEFA Women's Champions League: 2024 (Bilbao): Barcelona 2-0 Lyon 2023 (Eindhoven): Barcelona 3-2 Wolfsburg 2022 (Turin): Lyon 3-1 Barcelona 2021 (Gothenburg): Barcelona 4-0 Chelsea 2020 (San Sebastián): Lyon 3-1 Wolfsburg 2019 (Budapest): Lyon 4-1 Barcelona 2018 (Kyiv): Lyon 4-1aet Wolfsburg 2017 (Cardiff): Lyon 0-0aet, 7-6pens Paris Saint-Germain 2016 (Reggio Emilia): Lyon 1-1aet, 4-3pens Wolfsburg 2015 (Berlin): Frankfurt 2-1 Paris Saint-Germain 2014 (Lisbon): Wolfsburg 4-3 Tyresö 2013 (London): Wolfsburg 1-0 Lyon 2012 (Munich): Lyon 2-0 FFC Frankfurt 2011 (London): Lyon 2-0 Turbine Potsdam 2010 (Madrid): Turbine Potsdam 0-0aet, 7-6pens Lyon

UEFA Women's Cup: Two-legged finals 2009: Duisburg 6-0/1-1: agg 7-1 Zvezda-2005 2008: Frankfurt 1-1/3-2: agg 4-3 Umeå 2007: Arsenal 1-0/0-0: agg 1-0 Umeå 2006: Frankfurt 4-0/3-2: agg 7-2 Turbine Potsdam 2005: Turbine Potsdam 2-0/3-1: agg 5-1 Djurgården 2004: Umeå 3-0/5-0: agg 8-0 Frankfurt 2003: Umeå 4-1/3-0: agg 7-1 Fortuna Hjørring One-off final 2002 (Frankfurt): Frankfurt 2-0 Umeå

[xxxtyty]

[7:07:27 PM] <Rockhard> Well, well, well. Eliza the bitchslut.

[7:08:29 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> Despite being in chains, I try to keep some dignity and hold my head and set my jaw as your guards lead me into the room, flanking me on either side and holding my chains tight. My clothes of fine silk were a little torn and distressed in the scuffle, but it pulls against my curves and accentuates me more than it did before. I glare at you.

[7:09:41 PM] <Rockhard> Aww, why the sour face? *I burst out laughing*

[7:10:30 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> I blush, looking around, terrified. 

[7:11:39 PM] <Rockhard> I stand up and walk over "Cat got your tongue? Why so quiet?" I grin in your face

[7:13:58 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> “What am i doing here?” I ask softly. 

[7:15:31 PM] <Rockhard> "You know the rules of war: the winner gets the kingdom AND the princess. Surely you know this?" Input my finger under your chin and raise your eyes to lock on to mine

[7:16:58 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> I bite my tongue, trying to pull away. “I will never be loyal to your kingdom. Please make my death swift.”

[7:17:47 PM] <Rockhard> "Death? Ha! You truly believe I will waste a face and body like yours on an execution?"

[7:19:05 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> “…body like mine.?” I repeat slowly, eyes growing wide as I try to pull away from you. “No… no!”

[7:21:29 PM] <Rockhard> "Its so cute that you think you get a choice. Guards! Take her to my chamber and strap her down tight!"

[7:22:25 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> They are strong and I look like a child having a tantrum as they drag me away, fallen so far from royalty. 

[7:23:48 PM] <Rockhard> Minutes later you hear my footsteps approach "... and I am not to be disturbed for the next hour!" The door opens as I stride in, only pausing to look you up and down

[7:27:19 PM] <Rockhard> "Well well, finally some alone time"

[7:27:27 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> I was strapped tight like you said, unable to move as I glance up at you in fear, begging you silently to leave me be. 

[7:29:02 PM] <Rockhard> "How is your kingdom now? Where are those heroes to save your pretty ass now?" I send a sharp spank across your undefended cheeks

[7:30:06 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> I yelp, starting to cry silently, tears streaming down my face. “No… no no…” I repeat quietly. 

[7:31:13 PM] <Rockhard> I pull on your nipples and pull my face right up to yours. "They are nowhere. You are mine now!"

[7:32:26 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> My nipples grow hard to the touch, and I try to pull away but the bindings tightly kept me vulnerable and open for you

[7:33:06 PM] <Rockhard> "Don't pretend you don't like this, slut!"

[7:34:04 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> “I am not a common whore!” I retort sharply. 

[7:35:04 PM] <Rockhard> "Your hard nipples tell a different story" I reach back and slap your ass again, still tugging your nips

[7:35:54 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> “I cant… that’s not me! Please!” I cry out, the twisting and tugging making me sensitive. 

[7:37:10 PM] <Rockhard> My grin widens "We'll see" giving your nipples one final tug before heading behind you. You hear rustling of clothes and a belt buckle hitting the floor

[7:38:40 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> I try to turn to see what you are doing, to no success. “What are you… what..”

[7:40:09 PM] <Rockhard> You feel a big throbbing rod enter your tight pussy

[7:41:45 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> I cry out, piercing my virgin hole and pushing against my tight walls 

[7:42:50 PM] <Rockhard> "Mmmmmm my gosh, they weren't lying when they said you were a virgin. No princess around here is a virgin so I didn't believe it"

[7:45:14 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> I try to cry out again, my pussy starting to moisten at your attention. 

[7:46:14 PM] <Rockhard> "Oh yes, your tight pussy likes my visit!" I begin to thrust deep and rhythmically

[7:47:42 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> The guards outside can hear my desperate pleas for help, but they ignore it, instead letting it turn them on. 

[7:48:53 PM] <Rockhard> "Thats it, beg for help! Beg like the desperate whore you are! You know you like this!"

[7:52:44 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> “I am not your whore!” I cry out between thrusts, crying. “Stop!”

[7:54:01 PM] <Rockhard> I spank your ass and squeeze it firmly as I thrust harder "Its so cute that you think what you say matters"

[7:56:35 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> “You’re evil,” I sob, feeling my pussy dripping from your attention and starting to drip to the stone floor. 

[7:57:42 PM] <Rockhard> "Evil is a matter of perspective, sweetie, and your dripping pussy seems to disagree with your words" I speed up and rail you harder

[8:00:44 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> I gasp with each desperate thrust, shaking my head and continuing to protest as my pussy milks you over and over, pulsing subconsciously. 

[8:01:19 PM] <Rockhard> "Keep moaning, whore, it makes me want to go harder"

[8:09:00 PM] <Rockhard> "Are you ready to take my cum, slut?"

[8:10:44 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> I Shake my head desperately. “Not inside me!! No!!”

[8:11:24 PM] <Rockhard> "Oh yes!" After a few more pumps you feel jets of cum spew inside you

[8:13:04 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> They burst past my cervix and into my womb, inseminating me deeply and completely, no hope of infertility. “Mmmmmm…” I whimper, your hard dick still streaming. 

[8:14:32 PM] <Rockhard> I thrust a couple more times, ensuring my balls fully empty into your womb. "How much fun was that, slut?"

[8:15:58 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> “I’m… not… your slut..”. I manage to gasp out. I panted as my horomones pulsed through me, soaking you inside me. 

[8:18:11 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> Making me yours. 

[8:18:44 PM] <Rockhard> "I don't think your body and mind are in agreement. Do you want to fo again?"

[8:20:47 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> “No!” I cry out desperately. “I’m not your slut! Stop!”

[8:22:38 PM] <Rockhard> "You are mine now, I will cum inside you as often as I please. You are my breed slut for as long as I wish you to be." I say this as I massage your clit

[8:23:35 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> I start to whimper at the sensation, my body continuing to soak up every potent drop of your cum. “I… mmm… stop…”

[8:24:43 PM] <Rockhard> I keep massaging, seeing your will break before my eyes "You are my breed slut"

[8:25:47 PM] <CapturedBreedingPrincessEliza> I start to nod. “Mmmmm….”

[celestial-kit]

Everything Has Changed

I’m not sure what this is, I was just thinking about what Bakugo might be like when he first feels an attraction for someone... and then this happened. 

Pairing: Bakugo x reader 

Warnings: Fluff, brief mention of penetration, slight NSFW themes, Minors DNI

______________________________________________________________

I headcanon that Bakugo doesn’t start exploring his romantic and sexual attraction to others until after he’s graduated high school. He’s always been observant, so he could recognize when someone was attractive, but he was never actually attracted to anyone because he was so focused on everything else. Winning sports festivals, doing work studies, training to stay on top of his rivals and teammates. It just never occurred to him that he could be a hero and be in love. 

He starts to recognize that he is a romantic and sexual being when he meets you. It wasn’t love at first sight, but rather a series of events that sparked a heat inside him that he had never felt before. 

You meet because you both start working as sidekicks at the same agency right out of high school. He didn’t pay much attention to you at first because you were quiet, focused on doing your work and getting experience in the field. Your boss often paired the two of you together for patrols, your quiet nature making it so that you don’t rile Bakugo up like some of the other sidekicks. It was on your 5th patrol together that Bakugo first recognized your skill as a hero. 

It was a rather quiet day, not much happening as the two of you strolled the streets. You didn’t talk much outside of the occasional comment about where you should patrol next. As you were about to turn a corner onto a new street, a man dressed in black pushed past the two of you, running at full speed. Behind you, you both hear a woman cry, “My purse!” Bakugo briefly looks back over his shoulder to try to determine where the cry came from, while you automatically pushed forward to chase the bandit, sprinting after the man that was admittedly twice your size. When you caught up, you took your bo staff and swept his feet, making him fall forward on his face. You quickly clambered onto the man’s back, using your body weight to pin him, kicking the purse out of his reach, and zip tying his wrists together. The whole interaction took maybe 15 seconds, but it took Bakugo by surprise. He didn’t expect you to have the courage to jump into action so quickly, and he hadn’t realized that you were so strong. He knew then that he had been underestimating you, and it made him take you more seriously, and pay more attention to you.

The first time he realized he was attracted to you was the first time you sparred together. After that day on patrol, you started talking more, you learned about each other's training habits and quirks. He learned that you focused a lot of your training in martial arts. Since you were smaller, you knew you needed to know how to counter opponents that were bigger than you, and martial arts gave you the skills you needed to do that. One evening after work, you asked Bakugo if he wanted to train with you, and he said yes, expecting to pin you quickly and go home. You both agreed not to use your quirks and the winner would be the person that could pin the other for 5 seconds. 

Bakugo was much larger than you, his biceps the size of your head, bulging when he reached out to try to pin you. You skillfully dodged each of his advances, using his momentum to land your own attacks and keep him off balance. Frustrated, Bakugo finally let loose a growl and lunged at you, attempting to use the sheer size of his body to force you down. You placed a hand on his shoulder when he neared you, kicking your legs over the both of your heads into a semi-cartwheel and forcefully brought one knee down into the middle of his back, the pressure making Bakugo’s legs go numb and his body to topple to the ground. He found himself in a similar position as the bandit that you had taken down on patrol, with you sitting on his back, his arms pinned behind him and his cheek against the ground. He looked up at you from the corner of his eye, a frustrated frown painted on his face. You can’t help but to let out a quiet giggle and a simple “I win” as you give him a small smile. 

Your hair had mostly fallen out of the ponytail you had put it in before your match, pieces of it sticking to your forehead with sweat. Your eyes glowed with pride as you sat on top of him, and Bakugo could feel a faint blush creep onto his cheeks and blood rush south as he imagined you in this position above him, sinking onto his full cock with that same look in your eyes. When he got the feeling back in his legs, he pushed up on his arms, bucking you off his back and stalking towards the locker room, keeping his back to you to hide his semi-hard length. 

 After that moment, Bakugo couldn’t stay away from you. He never admitted his feelings to you, of course, but that didn’t stop him spending time with you, taking in the way you always greeted him with a gentle smile, how you never flinched when he yelled at the other sidekicks, your lightweight touch on his back as you tried to get around him in the copy room. You started getting dinner together, too. It wasn’t a date, despite what Kirishima said, Bakugo just wanted to eat dinner with a friend who he was incredibly attracted to.

You took turns recommending places to eat, trying new things, and rating them at the end of dinner. This week it was your turn and you had been craving Pho, so you recommended a restaurant near the agency that served it. You laughed at Bakugo as he piled his Pho with jalapenos and sriracha, trying to make it spicier. You enjoyed every bit of your meal, even bringing the bowl to your lips to drink the remaining broth of your soup. After you were both finished, Bakugo paid the bill and you started walking home.

“I rate it a 10,” you say, satisfied, rubbing your full belly. “What do you rate it?” You look at Bakugo expectantly.

“Tch,” he scoffs, keeping his pace slow as he walks you to your apartment. He wants to take his time, he doesn’t want to say goodbye yet. “It wasn’t that good. 5,” he shrugs.

“What? You’re too picky, that was a good meal,” You say with a pout.

“I’m not picky, I just have high standards,” Bakugo says as he feels a water droplet land on his cheek. He pulls a hand from where he had it shoved in his pocket, reaching out to feel more droplets hit his palms. He looks up to see gray storm clouds over your heads, so he reaches out to grab your hand and starts pulling you quickly to your apartment building. Just before you’re about to make it to the safety of an awning, the rain starts to pour and you both get soaked. 

After pushing inside your building, you ask Bakugo if he wants to dry off in your apartment. He nods, letting go of your hand and following you up the stairs. Inside your apartment, he finds himself lingering in your living room while you change into dry clothes and search for a towel for him. When you return, you’re dressed in sweats and a white t-shirt that does nothing to hide your hardened nipples from Bakugo’s gaze. You bring him a fluffy towel, pulling him down to your level and plopping it on his head, drying his hair yourself. 

He grunts at the action, unsure how to process the affection. When he looks at you from under the towel, he can see a smile on your face, but your eyes are dark and it’s like there is something else plaguing your mind. He watches as your eyes wander down his torso, taking in the way his dark, wet shirt clings to his muscles, and then finally lands on the space between his legs where he can feel himself hardening. You release a small gasp, but don’t pull away, instead simply bringing your eyes up to meet his for a few seconds before you lean in and place a short kiss on his lips.

Bakugo’s eyes widen when you press your lips to his, confused at first, and then closing them after he finally processes it all. You like him. You want him. And he wants you. When you pull away from him, he stands to his full height, dragging the towel off his head till it hits the floor, and then he’s grabbing you by the waist to pull you into a searing kiss. You gasp again and Bakugo takes the opportunity to slip his tongue into your mouth, doing his best to make it clear how he feels, that he wants you, he needs you, and he doesn’t want to waste another moment without you. 

When you part from the kiss, Bakugo looks into your eyes, trying to gauge your reaction, and he finds you smiling with glossy eyes and bruised lips. He gives you a small smirk and you giggle at him, aware that he’s not the type to lay his heart on his sleeve, confess his love and tell you how he feels. But you know how he feels, he tells you in the way his grip tightens around your waist, in how he pulls you into his chest and tucks his head into your neck, in the way he breathes in your scent and hums against your skin. Bakugo has feelings for you, and now that he has you, he won’t let you go.

[gale-gentlepenguin]

So a while back i had the Last session of the first campaign i ever ran.

I can still remember it vividly.

The group thought they had bested the big bad, only to be betrayed by the man who had sent them on the quest to collect the 7 world hearts in the first place. Though his plan failed when he summoned a monster to kill the guardian of the hearts, because that monster crushed his skull like a balloon and proceeded to kill the guardian. The guardian gave the heroes all the magical power he could (healing them and restoring their spell slots)

Now with all of the hearts in his hand. He created a small dimension for them all to fight. The winner would gain the 7 world hearts, and the losers would die.

The heroes took a moment to prepare themselves and they went inside the portal.

There they saw the monster they had killed when it was much weaker, now at full power and on par with a literal god.

This was it.

And they fought.

It was an epic back and forth, many had fallen only to be brought back with just barely enough time.

Both sides were on the brink... healing spells wasted... spell slots drained.

Most of them on the brink of death.

The barbarian of the group, the one that had lopped off its head last... stood there, it was his turn.

The monster glaring at the nearly dead barbarian.

If he failed his attack... he was dead next turn. And this monster would likely kill the rest of his team in another round of attacks.

First attack hit

Second attack miss

The final attack.

Natural Twenty and a brutal critical.

I looked at the player and smiled

"How do you want to do this?"

The group screamed in victory.

And I remember the player's description perfectly.

'I tighten my grip on my AX, I look right at the monster's face.'

"Dont you ever come back"

'I jump in the air and bring down my Ax right on the monsters head As I slice him clean in half '

And with that the final battle ended.

The most powerful monster I had ever created.

A being that could make a tarrasque seem like a minor inconvenience.

CRUSHED by the heroes that I remember back from level one nearly died to goblins.

It was an epic tale that I will never forget

[13uswntimagines]

Loser Buys Dinner (Lindsey x Reader)

Request: team goes to an ice rink and the reader is really good at ice skating and the team didn't know. you can add a pairing if you want

Author’s Note: Special Thanks to @literaryhedgehog​!!! Also this one has a slightly awkward ending, but we thought it fit. 

You stared at the sign as Kelley brought the car to a park. Ice Town skating rink blazed in neon letters as the outline of a skate seemed to circle around them. Around you, you heard the chattering of your teammates as they registered where you had come for today’s team bonding activity. They at least were excited. You unbuckled your seatbelt and followed Rose out of the car, still not taking your eyes off the neon image circling around your vision. It was fine. Today would be fun. 

“Hey fun size, you excited?” Lindsey bounced up to walk at your side. You flicked your head slightly to clear your thoughts and turned to smile quickly at her.

“I guess. It’s definitely been a while since I’ve ice skated.” 

“Don’t worry,” Lindsey said grinning, “I’ll stay with you the whole time if you’re worried about falling.”

“I won’t fall,” you said matter of factly. Lindsey raised an eyebrow. Before she could challenge you to a competition that she would lose, you said “if anything I’m worried about you. If you fall you’ll get frostbite.”

If Lindsey was concerned about the cold, she didn’t show it. She was from Colorado and was quite used to the terrible temperature. While Kelley had instructed everyone to wear layers, Lindsey was only wearing a jacket and flannel over a pair of skinny jeans. She grinned at your comment and shrugged. “I’ll be fine. What’s it going to be, like 30 degrees?”

“Yes. That is literally the temperature ice freezes at.”

“It’s just your California blood that makes you chill faster,” she smirked, elbowing your side. 

You rolled your eyes at her and entered the building. As the smell of the ice rink washed over you you inhaled deeply through your nose and exhaled through your mouth, intentionally relaxing the muscles that had tensed up at the memories the smell elicited. You still felt your spine straighten from habit, but chose to ignore it. 

“Are we sure this is a good team bonding activity. Like what if we break our legs before the game?” Rose asked, strapping a skate on her foot. She had always been the clumsier of the team. 

“We ran it by the coaches and they signed off on it so long as we’re all willing to be serious. Looking at you Sonnett. No fooling around on the ice. There are walls to hold onto if you feel unbalanced Rosie, but it’s a good chance to practice our flops if you feel like you’re going to fall. Remember- fall back and protect your head.” Carlie said with a grin.

“And then you want us to roll on the ice for the pretend ref?” Lindsey asked, quirking her eyebrow up at the ludicrous implication. There weren’t going to be any hands going near any skate paths. 

“The pretend ref would assume you were throwing a temper tantrum if you did since NO ONE will be skating at each other,” Beckey said, looking up from tightening her skate to catch the eye of each troublemaker on the team. 

Emily frowned, there went her idea of trying to joust with their umbrellas. 

“You alright?” Lindsey asked, sliding her hand along your lower back. 

“Yeah,” you said, looking at the rink logo imprinted in the center of the ice. 

“Well you’re kinda blocking the entrance to the rink,” Lindsey said very close to your ear, sending a shiver down your spine. When did she get so close to you?

You blinked away the feeling of a spotlight and thousands of eyes in your back to look back at her. Then you grinned slowly, “Just… creating some anticipation.” 

“I know you Californians probably don’t know much about moving on the ice, but you’re not supposed to just stand and stare at it,” she said, kissing your cheek. “just remember that I won’t let you fall,”  

You raised your eyebrows at her, then turned around fully to face her, still blocking the entrance intentionally. “Wanna make a bet Linessie? Because I think you’ll fall more than I do today.”

“In your dreams short stuff,” she snorted, refraining from saying that she had fallen for you already. 

“You taking the bet or not?” You said, a little louder this time so that you caught the attention of Emily and the rest of the youngins.

Linsey’s grin grew to match your own, “I’m always game, you know that,”

“Loser has to eat like Carlie for a week?” You proposed, sticking out your hand for her to shake.

“Hm, those stakes aren’t high enough. Loser has to eat Alex’s weird vegan shit for a week,” Lindsey said, her lips ticking up at your scrunched nose. 

“That would be cruel. I’m not doing that to you. Loser pays for winner’s Costco run?” 

“I think you’re just scared you won’t be able to eat ice cream for a week,” Lindsey scoffed, crossing her arms. 

“Okay, I tried to go easy on you,” you said, shaking your head dramatically. “If you’re willing to eat like Alex for a week, I’ll take that bet.”

“You’re on pipsqueak,” Lindsey shook your outstretched hand, squeezing it a little too tightly. 

You grinned at her and holding her gaze stepped backward onto the ice, crossing one foot over the other to gain speed as you glided to the center of the floor. 

It felt natural, as though the last 12 years had only been 2. You did a quick counter turn, letting the muscle memory carry you over the ice. You did a twizzle and grinned. Not too shabby. 

“Holy fuck,” Lindsey said, her jaw dropped as you glided effortlessly across the ice. So much for her plan to be your hero on the ice. Your protector from the cold. 

“Shoulda pretended you were the terrified one,” Emily snickered, bumping her lightly as she passed her. You may be oblivious to Lindsey’s feelings, but the rest of the team was not. 

Lindsey shook her head and skated off after you, not as smooth on the ice as you were, but pretty damn close. She had always preferred hockey over figure anyway. She easily caught up with you, skating relatively close behind you. 

You saw her and turned, arabesqueing a leg into the air behind you. Then you leaned into a tight camel spin so you looped around Lindsey as she moved. 

“You forwards are always such show-offs,” Lindsey rolled her eyes, catching your outstretched hand once both feet were back on the ice and pulling you close to her. 

“Cause diving headers and Bicycle Kicks are totally not showing off either,” you said, scrunching your nose at her. 

“How did a Cali girl like you learn to skate?” She asked, moving so she was behind you again, holding your waist as you skated. 

“Some way most girls who don’t live in a frozen wasteland do,” you said, shrugging. “I took lessons.”

“Wasn’t action-packed enough for our little firecracker?” Lindsey questioned and you could practically hear her eyebrow ticking up. 

You fought to keep your smile normal. “Believe it or not, there was a time when I wasn’t a firecracker and didn’t like being the center of attention.”

“Not a firecracker, impossible. I’m pretty sure most defenses are terrified of you, especially after you made that English defender pee her pants when she went after Mal,” Lindsey carefully pulled you into her chest resting her head on your shoulder, mindful that you two were still hurtling along the ice. 

You grinned. “Well, she deserved it.” You leaned out to the side then in again, pulling you both into a gentle spin. “But yeah, around middle school I dropped out of skating. My partner for pairs skating broke his ankle skateboarding and,” you paused, trying to find the words to explain, “I just really didn’t like singles.”

“Is it bad that I’m glad he got hurt? Cause now I get to be your pairs partner and you never have to be single again if you don’t want…” Lindsey mumbled, glad that you weren’t facing each other. She wasn’t sure she could have looked you in the eye and finally shot her shot. 

“Well, I am known for being a damn good team player, even if I am a showoff,” you nudged Lindsey playfully. “But I refuse to eat vegan for a week. I need my chocolate icecream.”

“Well,” said Lindsey with a dramatic sigh, “how about we amend the bet. Loser pays for dinner on the first date?”

Lindsey waited just a second for your agreement, enjoying the feeling of you in her arms, and then she gently pushed you away. You slid easily across the ice, turning just in time to see Lindsey “trip” and fall to her knees. 

“Guess I’m buying,” she said smirking up at you, her blond hair framing her face. 

“It’s a date loser,” You smiled so wide, your pink cheeks started to hurt. 

“You’re supposed to flop backward, Linds,” Carlie called across the ice.

[heldtheline]

alistair + amell | an unhappy ending

Spotify link (25 songs, 1:37); it was them against the world and the world won.

This playlist was inspired by a DAI playthrough I did a few years back. It was based on my canon DAO/DA2 world state, where Alistair is King, Amell is his mistress, and mage rights for everybody. I was about a quarter of the way through when I realised that my Amell & Alistair couldn't last. So I was inspired to tell their story.

tl;dr version: Amell & Alistair are super naive about the realities of ruling a kingdom, Amell is stridently 'mage rights or mage fights', lots of political bullshit, loving people is hard

worship; years & years. my longing drives me crazy for you | my kingdom for your graces | i'm not gonna tell nobody | i'm not gonna tell nobody 'bout you

The Landsmeet has ended. Alistair now has a kingdom, a Queen, and a mistress. But he's still the same ol' Alistair.

sinners; lauren aquilina. and let's be winners by mistake | the world may disapprove | but my world is only you | and if we're sinners then it feels like heaven to me

Amell has never really liked playing by other people's rules.

bedroom door; broods. so shut up the bedroom door | and shut out the world some more | i know your head gets sore when you're not near me | and drop your clothes on the floor | you've had a hard day I know | i've had a hard day too | i can forget with you

The Arlessa and the King spend some time together.

save tonight; eagle-eye cherry. tomorrow comes to take me away | i wish that i, that i could stay | girl you know I've got to go, oh | lord i wish it wasn't so

And in the morning they must both return to their duties.

don't let me down; the chainsmokers + daya. i think i'm losing my mind now | it's in my head, darling, i hope | that you'll be here when i need you the most | so don't let me, don't let me, don't let me down

The mages were promised their independence. Amell would like to know when it is coming.

take on the world; you me at six. and just say the word, we'll take on the world | just say you're hurt, we'll face the worst | nobody knows you, the way that I know you

The Vigil has fallen & now Anders is missing. Alistair reminds his love that she always has his support.

secret love song, part ii; little mix. why can't i say that i'm in love? | i wanna shout it from the rooftops | i wish that it could be like that | why can't we be like that? 'cause i'm yours

This arrangement was her idea in the first place, but Amell didn't realise that it would be so ... restricting.

sleep it off; niki & gabi. let's call a truce inside each others arms | cause it's a lie to think we're better off apart

The burdens of leadership are taking their toll on our dear Wardens.

half light; banners. when you're in the half-light | it is not you i see | and you live a half-life | you only show half to me

Amell is working on something. Alistair is worried about her.

the other side; ruelle. i don't want to know | who we are without each other | it's just too hard

Amell is suffocating in Denerim. She plays the part of the Hero because she loves Alistair but she is meant to do so much more.

are you with me; nilu. so wake up and stay with me | cause i'm starting to think | that i never actually had you

Amell wonders where she features on Alistair's list of priorities these days; not as high as she once was, she suspects.

armor; landon austin. after the war is won | there's always the next one | i'll do what it takes to make this right

Alistair recognises the part he has played in the plight of mages in Ferelden. He can't make things right but he wants to try.

worst of you; maisie peters. so give me your worst excuses, any reason to stay | give me your lips that taste of her, i'd kiss them again | i'd rather you walk all over me than walk away | give me the worst of you | cause i want you anyway | so take me to every party and just talk to your friends | why don't you let me down, i'll let you do it again

Amell shares the man she loves with his wife. She lives in luxury while her childhood friends have been killed or, worse, made Tranquil. Putting Alistair on the throne was supposed to change things for the better, but it's made it all so much worse.

oceans; seafret. we hide our emotions | under the surface and try to pretend | but it feels like there's oceans | between you and me

Things are fine. Absolutely fine. Things between the King and the Warden are absolutely not strained. (And the Hero of Ferelden is absolutely not using her wealth and position to undermine the Chantry. Absolutely not.)

fall for you (acoustic); secondhand serenade. the best thing about tonight's that we're not fighting | it couldn't be that we have been this way before | i know you don't think that i am trying | i know you're wearing thin down to the core

They have been in love for nearly a decade but relationships are hard, even without the weight of a crown.

battlefield; jordin sparks. i never meant to start a war | you know i never wanna hurt you | don't even know what we're fighting for

Alistair has returned from Kirkwall and his reunion with Amell is a bit rough. She is tired of fighting about mages; he is just tired.

which to bury, us or the hatchet?; relient k. this didn't turn out the way i thought it would at all | you blame me but some of this is still your fault | i tried to move you, but you just wouldn't budge

In the middle of yet another argument, Amell reveals something that Alistair has long suspected: she only convinced him to take the crown because she thought it would be better for the cause of mages. That's going to take some time to process.

landfill; daughter. don't you dare look back | walk away | catch up with the sunrise

Kirkwall's chantry lies in ruins. Amell has become politically expendable, much to the relief of Eamon & Anora. Amell dares Alistair to walk away.

killing me to love you; vancouver sleep clinic. it’s growing faster than you’ve grown | now you’re stronger than yourself | i’m fighting for you | i’m hiding for you | but it’s killing me to love you

The war that Amell has been wanting is finally on the horizon but Alistair feels like he's been fighting it for years.

monster; dodie. we shout in our heads, "are you still in there?" | well, this ends bad then, we knew it would | so we won't eat our words, 'cause they don't taste good

Amell & Alistair argue about Anders, mages, and freedom. Sides are chosen, words are said... hearts are a little broken.

already gone; sleeping at last. remember all the things we wanted | now all our memories, they're haunted | we were always meant to say goodbye

One of them was supposed to die in the battle ten years ago. Maybe their love truly wasn't meant to survive for as long as it did has.

who knew; pink. when someone said count your blessings now | 'fore they're long gone | i guess i just didn't know how | i was all wrong | they knew better, still, you said forever | and ever, who knew?

Their relationship survived time, political scheming and even an Archdemon but it couldn't survive them.

capsize; frenship & emily warren. up at night i'm awake cause it haunts me | that i never got to say what i wanted | oh my god, oh my god | i’m not the same as i was with you

The Warden has gone missing.

hymn for the missing; red. why did you go? | i had to stay | now i'm reaching for you | will you wait, will you wait? | will i see you again?

The mage rebellion takes shelter in Redcliffe. Most posit that it's due to the town owing its survival to the Circle. The truth? The King had hoped that this would be enough to bring the Warden back home.

you and i; pvris. i know it's warmer where you are | and it's safer by your side | but right now, i can't be what you want | just give it time

Once again the Warden's home is the road; alongside a few treasured companions, she travels in search of answers to a variety of questions regarding the Calling, but also about the nature of spirits. When she has the answers she needs, if Ferelden still welcomes her, she will return.