#they’re so nasty i don’t trust them even a little bit

[danandfuckingjonlmao]

just so we’re clear, shit like this is why i would never in a million years willingly go to the phouse

[cobrakaisb]

day 'n' nite

summary: every friday night, like clockwork, the older counselors and campers waste their nights away at a party. usually you’re the one taking care of luke but tonight the roles are reversed and all the cards are laid out on the table.

word count: 3.1k

featuring: drunk!reader, happy luke + reader (hence the happy luke picture in the header), them being giggly and in love, a little sad at the end (but only a teeny tiny bit)

series masterlist ||| previous ||| next

giggles tumble out of your mouth, filling the already loud atmosphere with your pure joy. you clutch onto katrina’s arm, pulling her flush against your side, as your cheek rests on her bicep. she laughs at you, moving her arm to support your weight. 

you gasp, loudly, as her hand rests gently on your waist. “i have a boyfriend,” you snap, suddenly able to hold yourself up.

you stand, albeit a bit slowly, and move away from the girl. she does her best to hide her laughter, but fails. her laugh, however, builds up more anger in your chest, and you cross your arms.    

“oh he’s your boyfriend now? i thought you two didn’t do labels,” katrina teases.

you pout at her words, answering, “well luke says that not me. everyone knows we’re together.” 

“who’s together?” jade, a girl from the apollo cabin asks, sliding into the spot next to katrina.

you throw a nasty look in her direction, or what you assume is a nasty look. even in your inebriated state, you know that jade can’t be trusted. she was one of the first campers to hate on you, and she’s one of the few that continue to do so. once the novelty of hera having a demigod child wore off, most people left you to your own devices. there were still the occasional whispers and rumors, but jade and her friend group always seemed to be behind them. 

“none of your business,” you snap, turning your nose up at her like a fifth grader. 

she scoffs at you, “ugh whatever,” and walks away. 

you smile, a satisfied look on your face as you reclaim your seat next to katrina. she’s holding onto two cups, and you’re positive that one of them belongs to you. you reach for one of them, but she pulls it away, lifting it just out of your reach.

“i think you need a break,” she says, voice soft and caring.

“no ‘m fine,” you mumble, trying to reach for the cup again but completely missing. 

that’s the funniest thing in the world, and you burst into another giggling fit. katrina stares at you, a soft smile on her face. your hand comes up to cover your mouth, but your shoulders continue to shake with, now somewhat stifled, laughter. you can’t even register what’s so funny, but everything seems to have you in a giggly mood. one that only gets worse when luke walks across the way, followed by a group of boys who you know to be his friends.

“luke looks like a dragon prince,” you announce, pointing in his direction. 

katrina chuckles at your words; they make no sense. you, however, think they’re the most accurate description in the world. the orange and red hues from the large fire pit, courtesy of cabin nine, illuminate his features. he’s laughing at something one of his friends said, but his eyes are still deep and serious. the white scar tracing down his cheek shines brightly in the dark, and you wonder if landon knows he hurt his king. 

luke feels your eyes on him, because he turns and meets your gaze, smiling at you. you gasp as he throws you a subtle nod, like something out of a teen movie. your right hand clutches at katrina’s shirt sleeve, and you shake the material vigorously between your fingers. she looks to you, and notices the deep flush and dilated pupils. 

“he’s looking at me. i think he has a crush on me. oh my gods what do i do? i know my mother’s the goddess of marriage, but i’m not ready for this,” you ramble.

katrina laughs, again. luke looks your way, again. you start to panic, again. 

“relax,” katrina says, “he’s your boyfriend.” 

her tone is teasing, but you don’t pick up on it. all you feel is shock. your mouth falls open, and your head swivels between the curly headed boy and your best friend. 

“you’re lying,” you conclude. 

katrina shakes her head, “i’m not.” 

before you can refute her claims, the dragon king himself is in front of you. he slides into the empty seat on your left hand side, throwing his arm casually over your shoulder. there’s a can of something in his other hand, and he lifts it up to his mouth for a swig. you watch, with deep fascination, as his adam’s apple bobs while he swallows the liquid. when he’s done, he leans down to your ear, lips ghosting over the piercings that adorn it. 

“hi,” he whispers, pulling at your golden hoop helix piercing with his teeth.

you're stunned into silence. all that you can muster is a small gasp, and you turn to katrina, wondering what you should do. she’s already staring at you, but so are these other two guys, and a girl who you barely recognize. you point to luke with your thumb, asking a silent question. katrina nods, and one of the guys, another brunette, hides his laugh behind a red solo cup. 

you turn your head again, making eye contact with the cute guy next to you. you just stare at him for a while, and he holds your gaze the whole time. his right hand, you realize, is tracing circles on your exposed shoulder. the pad of his thumb is calloused and rough against your soft skin, but you like to contrast. you lean into his touch, shifting closer to him on the wooden bench. 

“ouch,” you mumble, lifting up your hand. 

“what’s wrong?” he asks, eyebrows furrowing in concern.

“i think i got a splinter,” you explain, holding up your palm for him to see. 

he inspects your hand, and there’s absolutely nothing there, but replies, “don’t worry. i’ll take you to the infirmary tomorrow.”

you nod, and he kisses your palm, right where the supposed splinter is. his lips are soft, you think, but then why is everyone giggling? you look around, but none of the four people surrounding the two of you provide any sort of explanation. 

“i know. my girlfriend makes me use this lip balm she really likes,” he says, and you’re still confused. 

“huh?” you ask, head tilting. 

“my girlfriend gave me this lip balm. it’s from glossy or something,” he answers, holding up the tube. 

you snatch it from him, looking at the label. even drunk, you know a high quality lip balm when you see one. 

“glossier! i love it there,” you exclaim.

everyone laughs again, even the boy next to you this time. you look at him, a shy smile on your face, as you unscrew the cap. you squeeze the tube, and lift the lip balm to your puckered lips. you rub them together, smacking them a couple times. luke doesn’t take his eyes off you; you don’t take your eyes off him. 

there’s relatively no distance between you two now, but you can’t bring yourself to care. luke doesn’t seem to mind either as he shifts his arm and way that pulls your body even closer to his. the little space that remained is gone, and your thighs are pressed together. you want to be touching him in some way, and lift your left leg to drape over his right one. you nudge his left calf with your converse, gaining his attention. you giggle at that, stifling your laughs with his shoulder. 

“she’s gone,” he observes. 

“oh i know,” katrina answers. 

“you smell so good,” you say, adjusting your head so that your cheek rests against him, and your eyes meet his. 

the two boys, the ones who you can’t recognize at the moment, burst out laughing. your eyebrows furrowed at that, a soft huff escaping you as you cross your arms and lean further into luke. you close your eyes for a minute, basking in his warm presence and the smoky undertones emitting from his shirt. 

“how many drinks have you had?” he asks, large hand rubbing up and down your back. 

“two,” you answer confidently, holding up two fingers. 

katrina scoffs, “try three cups of jungle juice and whatever else at the pregame.” 

“you pregamed?” luke asks, voice low against your ear. 

“mhm. cause what if they didn’t have any drinks i liked?” you reply, holding your hands up in defense. 

he chuckles at your words, humming in agreement as he kisses your forehead. that action, for some reason, registers as oddly intimate in your mind, and so you’re pushing him away. in your drunken state, you can't comprehend that he’s your boyfriend.

“i shouldn’t be doing this. katrina says i have a boyfriend,” you slur, shaking your head. 

“no, you said you have a boyfriend,” katrina replies. 

“well either way!” you yell, throwing your hands up in exasperation. 

“isn’t he your boyfriend?” one of the boys asks, pointing to luke.

“he can’t be. he’s too hot,” you answer confidently. 

everyone laughs at that, except for you and luke. luke’s cheeks are flushed red, but he looks at you with nothing but love and adoration in his eyes. he smiles at you, gently shaking his head in disbelief. 

you shrink back into yourself, slouching down in his arms so that the back of your head rests against his shoulder. luke’s hand fiddles with the hem of your jeans, fingers ghosting over your hips, and you squirm. you shove his hand away, covering your face with your own. 

“what’s wrong?” he asks, bending down so only you can hear him.

“i embarrassed myself,” you whine, peeking at him through a gap in your fingers.

luke chuckles, “it’s okay baby. i still love you.” 

you light up at his words, wrapping your arms around his neck. you pull his face down to yours, smacking kisses all over, only stopping to giggle from pure, unfiltered happiness. normally, you save the affection for the private confines of your cabins, but all of your reservations are out the window at the moment. 

luke smiles brightly at your actions, dimples and everything, as he squeezes your hips three times. it’s your silent code, an unspoken way for the two of you to communicate your love and appreciation for one another, and you smile happily at his use of it. you hug him again, burying your face into the crook of his neck. you can tell that he’s been smoking, and maybe that’s why his eyes are a little red-rimmed. you don’t mind, however, and opt to keep your head resting there. his arms wrap securely around you, cradling your body the way someone would hold a toddler. 

“tired?” he asks, rubbing a hand down your back.

you want to say no, but the giant yawn betrays you. 

“c’mon, i’ll bring you to bed,” he says, patting your thigh to signal for you to get up. 

you agree, holding out your hand for him to take. once your fingers are safely stowed away in his palm, you walk up to katrina. 

“goodnight tree,” you mumble, hugging her tightly. 

“g’night,” she replies, squeezing you just as tight.

with that, you let luke lead you towards the hera cabin as you focus on not tripping over your own feet. you stumble on the stairs, and luke squeezes your waist, holding you steady. he’s your rock, and you don’t know what you’d do without him. 

he opens the door, waiting for you to enter the cabin before following. you look around, and your eyes land on the giant statue taking up a majority of the room. you gasp, hands covering your mouth, as you meet your mother’s cold and calculating stare. 

“i don’t think she should be seeing me like this. can we go to your cabin?” you ask, turning to face luke.

“it’s a statue,” luke deadpans, shaking his head.

“but she’s all knowing,” you reply, pointing to the marble goddess. 

“you’re gonna be fine,” luke explains softly. 

you’re eyes are wide, and you continuously shake your head no. you grab onto luke’s hand, intertwining your fingers together. his hand is rough and worn from all the training he does, a testament to how long he’s been at camp. your mind wanders back to his position as king of the dragons, and you want to ask him if his hands are scarred from the claws of a rival. yet, it doesn’t seem appropriate, so you keep your mouth shut. 

“where’s you toiletry bag?” luke ask, letting go of you hand as he wanders around the cabin. 

“i don’t know,” you answer, following him towards the area you’ve deemed your bed. 

he huffs, standing back from the bed to monitor the situation. his hands are on his hips, eyes scanning the area for your bag with makeup remover, skincare, and other bathroom necessities. you find the pose extremely comical, and laugh. he looks at you over his shoulder, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. 

“what’s so funny?” he asks.

“you look like my dad,” you wheeze. 

he pauses, mouth agape like a fish out of water. he opens and closes his mouth a couple of times, but ultimately comes up empty handed. just when it seems like he’s about to say something, you’re bounding over to your bedside table, grabbing a bag that’s clearly overloaded. 

“found it!” you shout. 

luke cringes at the volume, but takes the bag from your hands without further questioning. he marches over to your closet, the one he helped you set up, and grabs a small towel from one of the shelves. you smile at him. he’s so endearing, you think, how’d i get so lucky?

“let’s go to the bathroom,” he says, tilting his head towards the door of your cabin.

you nod in agreement, taking his outstretched hand. luke smiles at you, allowing you to lead the way, despite your drunken state. he admires your beauty in the moment, although he knows you’d argue you’re anything but. your makeup is messy, your cheeks are flushed from all the alcohol, and your top is falling off your shoulder, yet he still believes that you can rival aphrodite. he shouldn’t think that, he realizes, as she’s one of the only gods he still prays to, but he does. 

the two of you enter the bathroom, and you're surprised by how empty it is. however, the peace and quiet is nice for a usually chaotic space. you decide on a mirror and sink in the middle of the collection, and turn to face luke, waiting for his approval. when he sets the bag down, and removes the towel from his shoulder, you know you’ve made a good choice. 

“alright, let’s take your makeup off,” he says, patting the small of your back. 

you fumble with the zipper of your pouch, trying and failing to get the bag opened. you pout, holding it out to luke, with a pleading look in your eyes. 

“i’ll help you. you want to sit on the counter?” he asks.

you nod, and turn around so your back is towards the sink and mirrors. you brace yourself, ready to test your physical strength in your drunken state. you fail the first attempt, not even making it onto the ledge. luke watches, amusement clear in his eyes, because it’s not like you to ask for help. 

“need a hand?” 

“no i can do it! i’m a demigod,” you answer, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. 

he chuckles at your response, but goes back to digging through your bag for the cotton pads and micellar water. he also takes out your face wash, moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, and other skin care items he thinks you might need. 

“luke,” you whisper, tugging on his sleeve. 

he hums in acknowledgment, turning away from the array of products to face you. 

“help?” you ask with a shy smile. 

“i thought you didn’t need it, cause your a demigod,” he teases, crossing his arms. 

you’re drawn to his muscles, flexing against his tee and you’re temporarily left speechless. he’s just so hot, you think. 

“gods i hope my mom answers my prayers,” you blurt out. 

“about what?” 

“us getting married. i really want to. i think…if we were in vegas, i’d drag you down to the chapel,” you reply. 

luke’s mouth drops open in shock, “you think about marrying me?”

“nonstop,” you answer, finally climbing onto the counter. 

he stands there for a minute, unsure of what to say or do. all he knows is that he thinks about getting married to you too. he envisions you, regal as ever, like the true daughter of the queen of the gods, walking towards him down an aisle. it’d be small. you, him, and a handful of close friends, but every single part of it would be meaningful. 

“let’s get you ready for bed,” he says, changing the conversation. 

“okay!” 

it takes him much longer than usual to get you through your bedtime routine, but he doesn’t mind if you don’t. and, you seem pretty content right now. you’re smiling and giggling, making goofy faces at him in the mirror with toothpaste smeared on your chin and a fluffy headband keeping your hair at bay. the whole scene feels oddly domestic, especially when he takes your towel and gently wipes the corners of your mouth. it’s serene. it’s perfect. 

“you’re perfect y’know that?” he asks, looking at you earnestly. 

you flush, turning away from him. 

“stop.”

“‘m not lying! you’re perfect for me,” he whispers, cupping your cheeks. 

you pucker your lips, and luke lays a gentle kiss on them. you burst into giggles, engulfing him in a hug. 

“i want to change. come back to my cabin? please?”

he agrees, following you to the end of the earth. it was an easy request, nothing too extraordinary.

“let me get my pajamas, and then i’ll be right back, okay?” he mumbles, kissing your forehead before leaving you alone with the eternal glow of hera’s flames. 

by the time he gets back, you're standing in one of his tee shirts and a pair of sleep shorts. he’s just wearing a tank top and flannel pants, put he comes up behind you to wrap you in his arms. you away for a minute, dancing to a song only you two can hear. then, you wiggle out of his grasp, climb into bed, and pull the covers up to your chin.

“come lie with me,” you beg, patting the spot next to you.

he wraps you up on his arms, pulling you flush against his chest. once your breaths even out, he sneaks out of the bed, waiting just a second to make sure you don’t wake up. quietly, he pulls the candy out of his pocket — two blue raspberry jolly ranchers.

“please hera, let me marry her. aphrodite, keep her by my side, whatever it takes. please.” 

and for the first time in a long time, luke castellan makes a genuine offering.

taglist: @percabethlvr @iwantahockeyhimbo @hottiewifeyyyy @loveryoushouldcomeoverr @maraschinocherry3 @used2beeeeee @harrysnovia @cami-is-reading @mxtokko @cxcilla @obxstiles

[lewisvinga]

this little life | carlos sainz x fem! reader

summary; when childhood lovers y/n and charles break up, it sends the whole internet into chaos. what sends them into an even bigger chaotic mess was the reasoning behind their breakup and who she turned to for comfort afterwards.

fc; cindy kimberly

warnings; cursing, cheating, slut shaming

taglist; @namgification @louvrepool @locelscs @thehufflepuffavenger1 @minkyungseokie @goldenmclaren @ollieshifts @lavisenri

note; requested ! there’s a couple of typos on the tweets LMAO n i felt too lazy to fix ‘em🤕

masterlist !

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liked by carlossainz55, yourbestfriend, and others !

yourusername: moving onto bigger & better things.

yourbestfriend: AWOOGA

yourbestfriend: gorgeous gorgeous girls dgaf abt men

yourusername: gorgeous gorgeous girls would rather shop and drink lattes with their besties than deal w men

username: omg so it is true

username: YOU GO GLEN COCO

username: ‘better things’ CHARLES WAS PERFECT FOR U

username: any1 notice that carlos liked lol

username: he’s been following her for a few years now lol

username: just saying, why are u liking ur friends ex’s post a bit weird me thinks

username: well u thinks weird

username: ugh the makeup😻😻

username: im on mothers side of this divorce 🥸

username: whyd u break up w charlesssss

francisca.gomes: 😻😻 liked by yourusername !

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yourusername uploaded to their story !

[caption 1; 🥹] [caption 2; men who know your worth and treat you like you’re worth the whole world and more >>]

yourbestfriend replied to your story

yourbestfriend WHOOOOOOOOO

yourbestfriend that’s a hairy ass arm i know that’s not french boy

yourusername LMAO it’s not him don’t worry😁

yourbestfriend then WHO

yourusername maybe his not so little friend

yourbestfriend oh you bitch

yourbestfriend happiness looks good on u tho☹️ tell your new man that i won’t hesitate to throw hands at him

yourusername LMAO i’ll let him know😁

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liked by carlossainz55, yourbestfriend, and others !

yourusername: i think i like this little life 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨❤️‍🩹

tagged; carlossainz55

carlossainz55: 😍😍😍

yourusername: te quiero ❤️ [i love you]

yourusername: te quierooooo❤️‍🩹

username: uhm excuse me?????

username: oh !

username: well that’s….

username: this is such slutty behavior tbh, going from driver to driver months after breaking up w her CHILDHOOD BOYFRIEND🤢

username: literally a homie hopper

username: it’s such whorish behavior 💀

username: y’all talking abt y/n when this makes carlos SUCH a bad teammate, no wonder lewis is taking his seat

username: idc what y’all say they’re a FINEEEE couple

username: LITERALLY😩😩😩

yourbestfriend: hairy man gets a little pass from me……

yourusername: LMAOOOO

carlossainz55: u don’t gotta worry abt me trust🫡

username: this is SUCH nasty behavior from both of them

username: poor charles ☹️☹️

username: i always had a bad feeling abt her, guess its bc she’s a slut

username: breaking up with ur ex after dating since 15, then a few months get w his teammate?? that’s such gold digger behaviorrrrr

username: carlos is SUCH a shitty teammate, can’t even keep his dick in his pants and goes for his teammates ex, NASTY🤮🤮😷

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liked by carlossainz55, lilymhe, and others !

yourusername: think i like this little life more ever since the truth came out and i can live peacefully con mi amor. ❤️‍🩹

tagged; carlossainz55

carlossainz55: siempre contigo, mi vida [always with you, my life], through the good and the bad ❤️

yourusername: carlitoooos🥹🥹

username: she said FUCK the haters liked by yourusername !

username: how’d charles fuck up and fumble THEEE y/n

yourusername: bc his season ‘wasn’t going how he wanted it to be’ lolllll 🤓🤓🤓🤓

username: he doesn’t deserve u queen

lilymhe: cute but when are u and y/b/f coming to the paddock i miss my gfs 🕊️

yourusername: SOON MY LOVE

carlossainz55: why’re you trying to steal MY girlfriend

yourbestfriend: she was ours first MOVE BACK

yourbestfriend: gorgeous gorgeous girls find men who treat them right after dating liars and cheaters

yourusername: 😇

username: they could never make me hate u 💯

username: now can the haters stfu and focus on HOW FINE THEY ARE AS A COUPLEEEE

username: the first picture i’m so????

username: them<3

username: good for her that she finally found someone who treats her good🥹 yall were so co corned abt charles’ feelings w/o caring abt hers😕 liked by yourusername !

username: ppl alwayssss jump to conclusions w/o knowing the truth, but at least now we know💆‍♀️

[neptxn3]

Astrology observations I ☆*ೃ༄

♅ Earth Venus’ (+ degrees) have a traditional way of viewing relationships. Unless they have aspects stating otherwise, earth Venus wont complain about falling into traditional roles

Ex: Taurus Venus female will enjoy becoming a housewife (shopping/staying home).

Capricorn Venus male wont mind being the breadwinner.

♅ Virgo Venus underrated love language is words of affirmation. As much as they love doing small acts of service for you, a little bit of recognition for their hard work won’t hurt.

♅ Has anyone noticed Libra Suns like pretending to be a dumb blonde 🤨 I have 2 libra sun friends and they LOVE pretending like they don’t know stuff. I know their asses are lying when they look around to watch people laugh. Kim K is a good example of one, she acts like she’s ditzy but that woman is always plotting something behind the scenes like a mastermind.

♅ I hate the misconception around Sag Venus . Being ruled by the planet of luck, expansion, and foreign lands is accompanied by knowledge. When a Sag Venus enters a relationship they feel serious about they are willing to compromise certain aspects of their life to accommodate their partner, it’s only when their partners doesn’t wish the change when a Sag Venus will retreat. (They know they won’t be able to grow with you as a person).

♅ Mercury/Saturn challenging aspects will usually be slow in terms of communication (not intelligence) I find this placement has manifested itself as not being able to express your thoughts properly/poor memory/bad concentration, even speech impediments.

♅ Mars opposite Jupiter can be a mean girl aspect. How mean they can be depends on the mars sign, but this is an over abundance of anger when it comes to people being in their way to the point they can say some nasty stuff.

♅ Keep Pisces Venus/Mars partners on a leash! Underdeveloped signs (ruled by Neptune) will fantasize about things they used to do with their ex/romanticize people that they find ONE good quality in. These underdeveloped ones will have their heads up in the clouds 24/7🤒

♅ Scorpio Placements will try to convince you they’re mysterious and dark with some “hurt us and you’ll see real life hell”. I have met Scorpio STELLIUMS that are very chirpy. I’ll sit down and they will start telling me what happened in the 12 hours I didn’t encounter them. You’re not mysterious you just keep to yourself until you can find someone you trust.

♅ Libra moons are SO CHILL. I have a friend with an Aries stellium but her libra moon is pulling everything together. Libra moons could be so passionate (angry or happy) with a topic and they’ll never yell or raise their voice. Not the mention the ones I’ve met are SO pretty too 😭

[toptenpeeps]

I feel like a lot of spider-man media doesn’t dive into the vigilante part of being spider-man enough.

I feel as though every spider-person should dislike the police, even by a very small amount. Spider-man is a vigilante at the end of the day, and the cops aren’t exactly well known for accepting vigilantes with open arms.

I refuse to believe that Spider-man goes out every day, stops crime in New York, and isn’t exposed to dirty cops, cops that are assholes, cops that have heavy bias, cops that abuse their power, cops that overall shouldn’t be cops.

Peter Parker puts on the mask every day and, while he acknowledges that being a white man definitely saves him from a majority of problems with cops, as spider-man, he has to deal with cops that scream and shoot, cops that are a little to aggressive when catching someone, a little too okay with letting certain people go on the basis that there wasn’t ‘enough evidence’ yet suddenly are able to buy that new car they always wanted.

Gwen Stacy’s father is a police officer, she personally knows plenty of cops and she trusts them completely in her home, but as ghost-spider, she meets cops that talk down to her despite what she does, cops that dismiss plenty of women’s fear after an attack, cops that say nasty things about their wives when they think nobody can hear them, cops that look at sex workers with far to much disgust when arresting a criminal.

Miles Morale’s father is also a cop, and he treats every officer with respect when he works with the police as spider-man, but he isn’t blind to cops that sneer at black criminals extra hard, cops that are quick to reach for their guns, cops that frown just a bit harder when they pass by black neighborhoods, cops they use ‘us’ and ‘them’ when talking.

I’m not saying that spider-man should hate cops or that every cops is bias, or takes bribes, or abuses their power, I’m just saying that so many spider-man stories forget that spider-man protects the people and that police aren’t exactly the best at treating the people they’re supposed to help calmly and humanly. Just give spider-man that tiny bit of “I refuse to let you prioritize your job over people’s lives” when dealing with shitty cops.

(Please don’t kill me over this)

[soaqrudyz]

they’re in the rec room one dreary afternoon, rain is pouring outside, shaking the walls of the base, and all soap really wanted was a cigarette. he’d been stressed, needlessly, helplessly, and now his one healthy means of escapism is gone, too. he’s about ready to explode, pacing the room like a caged animal, muttering senseless complaints and half baked sentences under his breath.

he’s startled out of his back and forth pace by gaz’s hand on his chest. a snarl finds its way to his lips and he has to fight to keep from spewing all the nasty, venomous thoughts that lay behind his lips.

“you need to chill out, mate” gaz drawls, pushing him ever so slightly backwards. his feet follow, trusting, even through his sour disposition.

“think i don’t know that?” he snaps, “i fuckin’ can’t.”

“that’s why i’m here to help. you’re bringing the whole base down, and you’ll wear a hole in the floor with all that stomping around.”

they walk back until soap is knocked onto the ratty sofa that price found god knows where. gaz maneuvers soap’s head to rest on the arm, his muscles wound tight despite being stretched out. he’s angry. angry and confused and he didn’t fucking like the rain, why did it always have to rain?

“ghost.” gaz calls, and soap notices his looming presence for the first time that day. which was a little shocking, considering the fact that soap could (and had, he’d won 70 quid off the stupid bet) pick ghost out in a crowd blindfolded just from the feeling of his stare alone.

soap realizes he might’ve been more out of it than he realized. the embarrassment only makes his blood run hotter.

“this some sort of intervention?” he growled, hands balled into tight fists.

gaz rolls his eyes and leaves, muttering a quiet “good luck with that.” to ghost and patting his shoulder as he passed.

his brain was a mess, he needed to get back up, needed to do something, fucking anything. the restlessness makes his fingers twitch, makes him burn from the inside out, he’s so god damn angry he could burst into flames.

and then ghost flops down right on top of him, and everything but the roiling thunder outside goes quiet. ghost is a big guy, pure muscle with a (very attractive) bit of fat around his middle. he was twice, maybe three times soap’s weight, no matter how much bulk he was putting on.

he’s overwhelmed by the man. his hands and legs are completely pinned. the weight on his chest forces him to take deeper breaths, which, in turn, make his tense muscles relax. the smell of ghost’s shampoo and detergent makes him dizzy, the soft cotton of his balaclava rubs against his cheek, and soap is mortified to find out he’s getting sleepy.

his eyes try to close, but he jerks himself awake each time. ghost is warm. like a big fuzzy blanket fresh out of the dyer, and really after the day he had, who could blame him for letting go for a minute?

“feels nice..” he slurs, eyes slipping shut again, but this time he doesn’t bother prying them back open.

“go to sleep, johnny.” ghost sighs, an exasperated little thing, and soap can feel the vibration of his voice all the way down to the tips of his toes.

he listens, if not only because it was raining outside and he couldn’t smoke a cigarette.

[sadie-bug345]

could you the gang on a museum school trip please? <333

BYE cause this was requested so fucking long ago i feel so bad😭😭😭anyways im finally answering this amazing request‼️

gang at a museum🤓☝️

ponyboy:

actually pays attention to the exhibits

like bro is probably out here taking notes or smth😭

POINT IS:

pony’s into it and good for him

gets kinda tired of it halfway thru though

by then he doesn’t get whiny but he’ll def drag his feet everywhere the gang goes

not the best team player ngl

will stay at the same exhibit for hours and just think about life (??)

johnny:

just goes along w what the gang wants

i feel like johnnys canonically opinionless when it comes to these not so serious activities

just vibing ngl

splits off w dally and two and they jus make fun of peoples names and achievements

and you can just hear pony from across the room like

“guys stoooop the cotton gin was a very important invention considering-“

and darry just cuts him off💀

sodapop:

he and steve pair off and just wreak havoc i can’t even 😭😭

they race up and down stairwells, spread false info about people featured in exhibits

you name it

they’re the employees worst nightmare😭

but like after 15 mins they get bored asf and just mope around

darry probably sends them to go sit back in the car since they so clearly don’t wanna be there anymore💀

darry:

tries to keep the group in line but let’s be real:

is that even possible😭

eventually gives up after 5 mins of trying

just puts on his little headphones and informational tape thingy and death glares anyone in the group who he senses has made a disturbance

he was standing at one exhibit when he heard a big clatter behind him

confident it was two bit, soda, or worse-dally- he whipped around his head w a nasty look on his face

only for it to be a 7 year old boy who burst out crying cause damn if someone as strong and intimidating as darry looked at me like that, i’d do the same

bro was so fast to get out of there😭😭😭

dally:

yeah he a menace, are we surprised?

in general doesn’t really get a lot of fun w it though

cause he’s just put out about being there in general so it doesn’t leave his little brain a lot of space to come up w genuine mischief

kinda goes along w whatever two wants to do cause he knows two is always down w wrecking stuff

tries to hang out w soda but his upbeat energy left dally SO emotionally drained just hanging around him😭

two-bit:

GOOFY GOOFY

bruh races steve around the museum and they are SO loud

in general it’ll just be quiet and you’ll hear a loud cackle of laughter and you just KNOW two is within a five mile radius of your location

makes jokes about ANYTHING

”man, who names their kid seymour🙄” dally groans at an inventor exhibit as he struggles to find something to complain about at the normal, basic, museum

“why dal, seymour is my middle name! seymour BUTTS” 😀

and dallas is just like 🧍‍♀️

steve:

races two to see who gets through the museum faster

trips over a couch which makes the most ungodly clatter noise

everyone and their mother looks up disapprovingly at steve who’s already booking it to the stairwells💀

istg steve is just the type to spawn and despawn SO fast just in general

youll be walking outside the school and he’ll just be like “HEEEEY what’s goin on huh?” with NO warning lmaoooo

TY SO SO MUCH for requesting i’m sorry it took me so fucking long to write this😔anyways my requests are open and i’ll get to them in about a year, trust🙏

[cherryluvrx3]

Okita Sougo Not SFW Alphabet

Gender-neutral reader

CW: hard sadist/masochist dynamics. He’s gross and a freak, expect the extremes. Mentions of reader getting penetrated. Mentions of him having some nasty kinks.

Do people even care about Gintama anymore??? I just started getting into it and the lack of fics is heart breaking

I don’t even like hardcore sadism (on me) tbh idk why he’s my favorite but I love him soooo much my little Princess <3

———————

A = Aftercare (What they’re like after sex)

There’s different kinds of sex that you guys have, sometimes just regular or standard stuff you’d have with any other guy but other times full on BDSM fantasies that would make 50 Shades Of Grey look vanilla. With that being said, the aftercare would depend on what type of sex you’ve guys had. If it was something incredibly taxing and rough on your body, he’d show you a rarely sweet side to him. His hands would be the gentlest ever as he washed you and soothed any bruises he might’ve caused on your skin. He’d clean and tidy up before tucking you into bed. If you mention how nice he was the next day he’d flick your forehead and change the subject.

B = Body part (Their favourite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

His favorite body part might have to be his face. He likes that his cute face hides his true nature well. But he’d also like his hands because they’re rough and calloused from all his training and hard work and they look so perfect wrapped around your throat.

On his partner he’d also like their face. He probably has a folder in his phone just filled with different expressions that he’s brought out of you. Faces of embarrassment, neediness, desperation, shyness, defiance, humiliation, and his favorites being ones where you look utterly fucked out of your mind and brainless.

C = Cum (Anything to do with cum basically)

He loves cumming both on you and in you. He sometimes has an inner battle on whether or not he should pull out.

Cumming inside gives him a hot, proud feeling knowing that he’s marked you in a way so intimately. He loves spreading you open and watching his cum leak out of you only to swipe it back up with his fingers and shove it back into you, reprimanding you for wasting the ‘gift’ he left you.

Cumming on you, your face specifically, gets him shivering in satisfaction. Nothing strokes his ego more than watching his beloved with his sticky cum dripping down their face. The fact it’s so borderline disrespectful is what really gets him off. The way you’re letting him do this to you. And the sinfulness of it all spreads to your everyday life. He can’t help but think about it while you’re talking to and treating others with a smile like those lips haven’t been coated and defiled with his cum.

He’s honestly a huge asshole and sometimes cums a bit on your hair on purpose because he knows it grosses you out and pisses you off.

D = Dirty Secret (Pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

It’s an undeniable fact that he’s the dominant one in your relationship. The thought of anyone trying to top him is honestly laughable and something he’d never allow.

But…

He has on occasion, let his mind wander to fantasies of what it would be like to submit to you. Especially if you’re someone he’s been with for a long time and genuinely trusts and loves. He has a hard time expressing his emotions without reverting back to his asshole ‘I don’t care about anything’ attitude. He wants to tell you he loves you so dearly and that he’d gladly give himself up to you entirely but he can never bring himself to admit it.

So force the words out of him. Force him to admit how much he belongs to you. How his body exists to be used to entertain and please you.

As fast as his mind conjures up these thoughts though, he throws them out the window even faster. He’s so wrapped up in his own pride he can’t even let himself fantasize in peace.

Another thing he enjoys about this scenario is the thought of revenge. After having his body ravaged and used by you, he’d imagine all the things he’d do to you to make sure you don’t forget your place under him. Giving out punishment when you actually deserve it tastes much sweeter and he'd be so excited to pay you back for everything you did to him and then some.

All hypothetical of course! He’d never tell you any of these fantasies. Only way this could happen is if you follow your own selfish desires to have him submit to you and really follow through. You can’t half ass it because even though it’s something he secretly wants, there’s no way he’s going down without a fight.

E = Experience (How experienced are they? Do they know what they’re doing?)

Depends on how old he is at the time. At 18 he has an idea of what he wants and the things he likes but at 24, he’s pretty experienced and has been around. Not really any serious or meaningful relationships, just ones with masochistic sluts who let him do whatever he wanted

F = Favourite Position (This goes without saying. Will probably include a visual)

He has a lot of positions he likes and goes through but if he had to choose one… probably good ol’ missionary. Mainly because he’s on top and can see your face.

G = Goofy (Are they more serious in the moment, or are they humorous, etc)

He technically does joke but it’s more teasing and mocking you then actually trying to be funny

H = Hair (How well groomed are they, does the carpet match the drapes, etc.)

He’s well groomed, he doesn’t like it to be a mess but it’s not something he meticulously takes care of either.

His hair is slightly darker than the hair on his head.

I = Intimacy (How are they during the moment, romantic aspect…)

I guess it depends because like I said before there's different kinds of sex you guys have but usually, he’s not romantic. He’s just fulfilling his fucked up kinky desires.

J = Jack Off (Masturbation headcanon)

If he has a choice he’d prefer not to, he’d rather have you gagging and slobbering on him over his boring hand any day but if you’re not around or willing to, he’ll settle. He has pics of you to get him through it.

K = Kink (One or more of their kinks)

Ohhh boy…

Jeez I actually don’t want to like… expand on all of them cuz we’ll be here all day.. so I’ll just list them lol.

BDSM, leash & collaring, pet play, spanking, roleplay, choking, exhibitionism, public sex, oral, marking, recording, humiliation, desperation, orgasm denial, bondage, toys, rough sex, dirty talk, overstimulation, multiple orgasms, mind break, anal, face-fucking, cock worship, creampie, facials, saliva swallowing, spitting, corruption, degradation, discipline, objectification, crying, handcuffs, sensory deprivation, biting, breeding, wetting, piss drinking, watersports

I know some of these are gross but he’s a freak idk what to tell you I’m just being realistic 💀

I think it goes without saying but this is stuff he’s doing to you.

Also if you don’t like any of these that’s fine, he’s not gonna force it on you. I mean he’ll try to persuade you but if you seriously don’t want to then he won’t be seriously upset. It’s not like he needs all of these kinks to have sexual satisfaction, they’re just things he enjoys and gets off to.

Also.. remember his dirty secret? They’re things he wouldn’t mind you doing to him.

L = Location (Favourite places to do the do)

Your apartment because it’s a space where you both could prep for some real crazy shit and clean up easily. Since he lives at the Shinsengumi headquarters, there’s not that much freedom or privacy you both could have there. He likes the thought of public sex but understands if you don’t. Plus he’s a cop so he shouldn’t really be doing scandalous things like that anyways.

M = Motivation (What turns them on, gets them going)

Lots of things to be honest. He enjoys arguing with and pissing you off so that he could ‘put you in your place’ but he’s also a fan of when you’re obedient. He has a love/hate relationship with bratty types because he likes being in control but the thought of breaking you or forced submission is something he loves. Being super sweet and kind to him makes him think ‘ohh I have to ruin them..’ a sweet s/o would really bring out his corruption kink. Acting clueless to his sexual innuendos and advances will get him hot and he’d be more than willing to give a private demonstration.

N = NO (Something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

In early stages of your relationship, you dominating him is completely off the table, an absolute hard no. He has to build up his trust in you for you to be able to see such a vulnerable side of him.

Also, I’m kinda on the fence with this, I think he’d hate the thought of sharing you. He might like to show you off, like he’s done with walking that one girl on a leash down the street, but the thought of someone actually touching you would make him sick. He’s a very jealous person, he doesn’t mind people looking because he’s very proud to have you but he’s the only one allowed to use you. They can look, can’t touch.

Also scat and vomit stuff, that’s too nasty.

O = Oral (Preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc)

He lovessss receiving. If he could keep you on his dick 24/7 he would. He loves seeing your mouth stretched open around him while a mix of drool and precum leaks past your lips. The messier it gets the better, he gets so hot and bothered at the thought of ruining your pretty face, having it slick with a crude mix of spit and cum.

He’d totally slap you with his dick too lol like he’d pull out, give a few wet slaps to your cheek and lips before plunging back down your throat.

Oh yeah he’s a big facefucking enjoyer.

If you let him, he’d grab the sides of your head and use you like a fleshlight. He’d lock his legs behind your head and forcefully hold you down, choking you because he’s an asshole. As you struggle and cry he’d just resist the urge not to cum then and there.

Also like I mentioned in C, he loves cumming in and out of you. Usually he doesn’t warn you, you’re just gonna have to guess based on his reactions because he likes giving you evil surprises. Like boom cum down the throat and now you’re choking or boom cum in your eye. If you complain about it enough then he’ll start to warn you because he does feel just a bit guilty of seeing you in genuine pain and peril. Just a bit though.

He’s pretty skilled at giving but he doesn’t do it often. He makes it his personal goal to learn every little weak spot to drive you crazy, he wants to know you better than you do. So eventually he’ll become a pro at making you cum with his mouth but he just doesn’t do it much. It’s mainly like,, an entree or teaser before the real show.

In a situation where you're dominant though… SIT ON HIS FACE! FUCK HIS FACE! USE HIM!! He might cum untouched just from the aggression and thought of being used as an object hehe.

P = Pace (Are they fast and rough? Slow and sensual? etc.)

He’s a mix of it all and does whatever he feels like. Usually likes going fast and aggressive to overwhelm you but as soon as you’re about to cum he’ll slow down and mock your whines and begging for him to speed up. When you two are having a sweeter time together though, he’d go slow and deep, trying to enjoy and feel you as much as possible, kissing beneath your ear and neck and starting to speed up once he feels he’s about to cum.

Q = Quickie (Their opinions on quickies rather than proper sex, how often, etc.)

He’s fine with them, he doesn’t particularly love them but they get the job done when he wants you and there isn’t much time. But he’ll usually prefer to thoroughly enjoy you. Might see it as a personal challenge to get you to cum fast but sometimes if he’s feeling especially mean he’ll go, “I have to be in a meeting in 5 minutes, if you can’t cum that’s your own problem.” And he actually will leave you high and dry.

R = Risk (Are they game to experiment, do they take risks, etc.)

There’s a lot of things he’s into and willing to try. He’ll practically say yes to anything unless it changes the power balance between you too. Things like that might take some extra convincing and persuasion but he could also see it as ‘I scratch your back, you scratch mine’, if you want something from him, you’ll have to give up something in return. Wanna peg him? Then let him walk you with a leash so he could “potty train” you. A lot of times the odds are unbalanced but he’s hard to persuade otherwise.

S = Stamina (How many rounds can they go for, how long do they last…)

He can probably cum twice, three if he’s really energetic. He has good stamina from training and personal experience but he’s still only human. Most of the time is spent making you cum anyways.

T = Toy (Do they own toys? Do they use them? On a partner or themselves?)

Absolutely. He has so much shit with him you’d think he has a premium membership with the local sex shop. You don’t even know where he keeps it because again he doesn’t have much privacy back at the Shinsengumi headquarters since they have routine inspections but whatever. They’re pretty much all stuff he uses on you, he’s never really bought anything for himself/own personal use (like a fleshlight) and doesn’t really see the need to. He thinks toys should be used on his partner.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

ABSOLUTELY!!! Being a massive asshole is his whole fetish. He on a daily basis thinks of shit he could do to piss you off or tease you. Seeing you in tears, whining and crying is like fuel to his existence.

If he ever managed to piss you off to the point of tears, part of him would feel guilty but the other part of him would show through the rock hard boner he has in his pants.

During sex, he’ll ignore his own needy cock if it means making you suffer more. Hell, he might even cum just from the teasing he does to you.

V = Volume (How loud they are, what sounds they make)

He’s fairly vocal but it’s mostly degrading, mocking, teasing words or commands he’s barking at you. When he’s actually inside you he’ll try not to moan, mostly because he’s shy and a little embarrassed, thinking that moaning is a sign of being weak to how good you feel. He usually covers up his moans with more degrading words and dirty talk.

(If you ever managed to top him, he’d be a very bratty bottom. Talking nonstop shit to the point you gotta just gag him. Only take it off after successfully breaking him so that the only sounds he makes are fucked up babbles and whines of how much he wants to cum)

W = Wild Card (Get a random headcanon for the character of your choice)

Under normal circumstances it would be pretty hard to get him in a subspace or submissive mood but being incredibly loving and doting on him makes it hard for him to tease you. (This is something that would only work if you had been together for a while and he really loved you)

Late at night, laying in bed with him, start placing kisses on his neck and caress his body. If he asks what you’re doing just say “I’m just trying to give you some love,” and go back to smothering him in affection. It’s hard for him to accept at first and his natural instinct is to take control of the situation but if you stay strong and confident through it, by the end you could be on top of him and maybe he’d end up in tears by the overall intensity and intimacy of it all.

X = X-Ray (Let’s see what’s going on in those pants, picture or words)

He’s about an average size in length but is a bit on the thicker side. His tip is pretty well pronounced too. Not super veiny- actually he had pretty much only one thick vein you could easily see on the side. It’s a slightly tanner color than the rest of his skin and the tip gets reddish when he’s close to cumming.

Y = Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)

Pretty high, he’s a young active guy who (I think) is a bit hypersexual. A lot of the time he’s capable of control and restraint but sexual thoughts plague his mind often.

Z = ZZZ (… how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

It depends on how long you guys had been going for but usually since he has good stamina, he has enough energy to stay awake to clean up you and the area before he goes to sleep but if you’re topping him, he’ll probably be really sleepy and drained.

[monstersandmaw]

Male Demon x male human witch - Chapter Four - light nsfw

I'm so sorry this month has been unusually quiet. It's been a bit of a bonkers time, with Mr. Ghosti getting a new job, then my dad's memorial happening, me upping my coppicing work and chainsaw training, and also buying a freaking motorbike(!!), but I'm back on Patreon again, and here's Demon's chapter four!! I hope you still remember the story. If not, here are some catch-up links!!

Part One, Part Two, Part Three

Content: mutual pining, lusting after your new boyfriend, an old friend, some magic, some fancy sushi, and some light steamy content before it all kicks off next chapter... Wordcount: 2601

Thank you again for your patience and support, especially the folks on Discord who were so kind when I mentioned what the state of things was.

Preview:

Carefully, Demon slid his leg over the seat in front of Jasper’s and somehow made it back to his apartment without wobbling the bike and its precious cargo off the road.

His mind was spinning and his heart refused to beat in a regular pattern. It was a good job that neither Țepeș, with his supernatural hearing, nor Coco with her ability to detect desire, was nearby. Somehow, he managed to park the Panigale in the underground parking lot of his apartment building and secure it with both a lock and a curse without blowing anything up. 

Just a week, and I’m completely fucked.

Fuck.

He led Jasper up the stairwell and into the glinting main lobby, and past the doorman who looked up and nodded. “Afternoon, Mr. Mortlake,” he said politely, eyeing Jasper with artfully-bland curiosity.

“He’s with me, Dennis,” Demon said. “You can let him in any time.”

“Of course, sir,” Dennis replied with an expression that gave absolutely nothing away.

In the elevator, Demon let the doors close, then pushed the fingerprint-locked button for the penthouse. Jasper might not have noticed but it was also protected against shapeshifters, and even those under mind control, with a nasty hex.

“Seriously?” Jasper asked when he saw which button Demon had pressed though. “The penthouse? I mean, I shouldn’t be surprised, I guess… given that monster bike you own and the fact that you are a demon. You could probably have anything in our world you wanted, but still…? Also, ‘Mortlake’? Isn’t that where John Dee had a house?”

Demon just smiled. His witch was knowledgeable too.

Fuck. He’s not my witch. 

Gods, I could be his though.

Fuck, fuckfuckfuck.

“Do I even want to know how you came by all this?” Jasper asked, glancing around at the shiny elevator walls for emphasis.

“Made a few deals in the beginning with people who were rich as Croesus before they lost their bargains. Probably best if we leave it at that though.”

“Fair enough,” Jasper said, though his eyes were a little wide and there was a twist of unease in his emotions that Demon didn’t enjoy.

 It’d be worse if you had to tell him the pain you caused to balance the bargains you made when they couldn’t keep them though, his mind helpfully supplied.

As the lift sailed upwards, Demon cleared his throat and changed the topic. “I’ll need to adjust my wards to let you in. I… I don’t invite people home often. So far they’re only attuned to about three and a half people other than me.”

“Oh. Are you sure? About me, I mean. I don’t want you to feel like —”

“I’m sure.” I’m so fucking sure it’s scaring the shit out of me.

“Ok.” After a little pause, Jasper asked, “Who are they? And who’s the half?”

“Hm?”

“The people you trust enough to let into your home…” Jasper asked. “I’m mostly just curious about the ‘half’ though.”

Demon’s lips lifted into a lopsided smile and he said, “Țepeș, Coco, and Oats, plus Oats’ kid. She’s the half.”

“Rude! Children are people too.”

Demon snorted. “This one’s half horse. Does that still count?”

“Half… horse?”

“Kelpie, technically. But so is Oats.”

“Oats?” Jasper looked baffled. He clearly knew about supernatural creatures other than witches and demons though. “Because he’s a kelpie? And horses like… oats?”

“Because he’s always got granola bars in his pockets for his kid. We’ve all got nicknames for each other. ‘Demon’ was mine for… obvious reasons,” he said. “It wasn’t meant with much grace to start with, but it stuck anyway. Same goes for Hot Stuff.” The doors pinged but they didn’t get out straight away. “You’ll probably have to meet Hank’s little family at Full Moon some time soon, but for now, I’m going to keep you to myself. Well, for tonight anyway.”

He stepped out of the lift and turned away from Jasper so that he didn't have to reveal just how much he wanted it to be longer than ‘tonight’, and how much the idea of what might come next terrified him just as much. The idea of Jasper walking away and Demon never seeing him again sparked an almost physical pain in his chest, just where his ribs flared. 

Read the whole thing over on Patreon now! Remember all my writing is now going up ONLY on Patreon, but anything that would have been free to read here on Tumblr will be free to read over on Patreon. Just become a free member, or join a tier and get early access, plus access to my huge archive of exclusive content.

[miitgaanar]

Whumptober prompt! Requested by @editoress!

No. 2: TRUST ISSUES

Amusement Park | Role Reversal | “You got away with the crime while the knife’s in my back.” (Charlotte Sands, Rollercoaster) for Vaela

This one's a bit of a treat for myself and my fellow members of Last Resort Movers Inc.: an AU in which Damak did not kill Zaresh, and our beloved nastyman was locked away, as Erosen had wished.

**********

The guards knew her at a glance, stepping aside to let her through with naught but a polite nod in greeting.  It had unnerved her at first, the recognition their exploits had earned them throughout Aeranth, but this was one area in which she’d quickly learned to be grateful for her tiny slice of notoriety.

Vaela offered them a small smile in thanks as the heavy door creaked open, stepping over the threshold and into the dark cell block.  The sun sat high in a cloudless sky outside these walls, and yet she’d never know it from the sparse light that trickled in through the barred windows.  Even now, the murky gloom made her skin prickle with unease as she walked the deserted halls, the scars at her wrists itching beneath the gloves adorning her hands—but she’d made this trek a dozen times over at this point, and found the sensation easier and easier to ignore with each visit.

There was another guard posted outside his cell, a dark haired half-elf with severe features.  He stood at attention as she approached, nodding as the others had in greeting, before making himself scarce.  Yet another perk of the life she had led these last few months.  For all of his faults, Delethil never denied her this, even in the face of Erosen’s pleas to put a stop to her near daily forays into the prison.

“Whatever you like, lass,” Delethil had said, his boots propped up on his desk, bits of dirt crumbling onto the requisition forms scattered across its surface.  “Just don’t make too big a mess of him, aye?”

As the guard’s footsteps faded to a dull echo, she heard a deep, all too familiar chuckle from within the cell.  Despite herself, she flinched at the sound.

“Darling Vaela,” Zaresh purred, standing from where he had been sitting against the far wall.  The rattle of chains accompanied the movement, and a near overwhelming sense of relief flooded her at the sound.  A part of her remained convinced that, one day, she would approach this cell only to see those chains discarded at his feet.  “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Just making sure that you’re where I left you,” she said, her arms folded tightly over her chest.  It was the only way she could keep herself from rubbing at her aching wrists.  “Unwanted things have a nasty habit of disappearing around here.”

“Ah, you honor me.”  His grin was knife-sharp, even after months of captivity.  It was strange to see him without the circlet, his dark elf features on full display.  The white ink of his tattoo stood out starkly upon his violet-hued skin, his ice-blue eyes bright and imperious.  “To think Aeranth’s mighty huntress still holds me in such regard after all this time.”

Vaela bristled.  “It does a girl good to see your ass where it belongs, that’s all.”

Zaresh hummed, a spark of amusement alighting in his eyes.  “Afraid I might appear at the foot of your bed in the dead of night?”

“More worried that one of the guards might get bored and decorate the walls with your innards,” she said, forcing a note of nonchalance into her voice.  “They’re no strangers to a bit of recreational bloodletting around here.”

His grin did not falter, and he moved to approach the cell door.  The chains at his wrists only allowed so much slack, forcing him to stop two strides from the bars.  “And what about you, little moth?” he asked, his gaze intent on her as he clasped his hands behind his back.  She fought the urge to flinch at the old pet name.  “You’ve become no stranger to blood and death, from what I’ve heard.  A far cry from the naive little elf girl I met in the market.”

There was a time when she would have stumbled back and away from the bars as he approached, her eyes averted to the ground, unable to meet his stare—but she remained where she stood, her gaze locked with his.  At this proximity, she could see how his features had sharpened, his cheekbones just a touch more pronounced, and his once silky, snow-white hair laid dull and limp upon his shoulders.

An ugly, dark satisfaction sparked to life in her gut, and a cruel smile of her own pulled at the corner of her lips.

“It seems like we’ve both become rather unrecognizable in that regard, haven’t we?” she replied, and his haughty expression flickered ever so slightly.  Her smile widened.  “Funny how life works sometimes.”

His eyes darkened, and that wolfish grin vanished.  “You’ll always belong to me, Vaela,” he said, his voice low.  Possessive.  A warning—one she had grown intimately familiar with.  “No matter the titles you earn or the feats you accomplish, you will always be my most precious little bauble.”

Vaela’s smile did not even flicker, and she let out a sharp, piercing whistle.  As if on cue, the distant echo of approaching footsteps sounded, announcing the return of the guard.  

“Weird,” she said, turning to leave, her back to the man who had once been the source of her every nightmare, “sure seems like the shoe is on the other foot now.”

And without so much as a backward glance, she took her leave, passing the guard with naught but a polite nod of thanks on her way to the entrance.

[billie-the-sleepyhead]

Gumworth week day 1: injury/recovery

Miles gets injured and gumshoe has to take care of him in the aftermath of coming home from an eventful investigation. (Rather loosely based off of a scene in the “turnabout teleportation” stageplay, specifically the 2016 version.)

Miles groaned as he opened his eyes, head feeling groggy as he started waking up, started feeling the bandages around his arms, left leg and abdomen.

He hadn’t felt the true extent of his pain immediately after the injuries had been sustained and subsequently patched up by his childhood friend, Larry, but now that he’d had a full night’s rest, and that he knew Kay was safe, he felt them. He felt just how hard moving was and the dull yet incessant throbbing of his wounds.

As he vaguely registered Gumshoe entering the room with something in hand he weakly turned his head toward him.

“Hey pal. How you holding up?”

“Everything hurts…”

“Yeah, it’s to be expected with what Larry told me caused these and the extent of them. You’re real lucky they’re mostly superficial.” The larger man said, gently brushing hair out of Miles’s face, making the prosecutor aware that he likely had bruising on his face and around his more severe injuries. “I actually got you some Advil, google said it or Motrin would help with your pain. I also got you some water to take it.”

“Thank you Gumshoe… I appreciate it.”

“Don’t mention it hun. I’ll get you an ice pack for that nasty bruise there if you want one.”

“Actually… could you stay here and hold me once I’m medicated? I… I’d like being held for a moment.”

“Of course.”

Gumshoe smiled slightly as he realized Miles had dozed off against him, breathing deep, slow and even as he kept himself gently pressed against the larger man’s side. Seeing his lover so unguarded and vulnerable made gumshoe’s chest feel warm, simply happy he was trusted so dearly and that Miles was alright after what had happened.

They’d come home from that investigation the previous day, Kay was actually sleeping off her own injuries and a mild cold in her bedroom down the hall right now. Miles had insisted on each of them taking a shower upon returning home, Gumshoe having to help him change his bandages. That had been when he’d been made aware of the extent of the injuries falling into that Bore pit had been.

Gumshoe could vaguely remember hearing Miles screaming some distance behind him while they chased after Kay when she’d run off but hadn’t realized he’d been hurt this bad.

Seeing him now, relaxed and sleeping soundly, made him feel a bit better. Right now all he needed to do was take care of his little family while Miles and his adopted daughter recovered from that ordeal. He could handle that, they could handle that.

[sickeningly-sweet-letters]

woohoo!! part two time!! not sure if this will be as long or good as the first one but i hope you still enjoy! ^^

CW: delusional thoughts, mentions of gaslighting, a bit of suicidal thoughts and implications of drugging at the end.

🌻 yandere online stalker x suicidal!gn reader part two

part one!

- they finally have you all to themselves.. they cant help but be nervous, i mean- you’re right there! sleeping peacefully like this was always your home all along! they couldn’t help but take more pictures. they might have a slight problem of having photos of you everywhere. on their bedroom walls, on their phone, the more the merrier, they say!

- your stalker does their best to calm you down when you wake up. aww.. you poor thing! you had a tough time but now you’re safe! why are you panicking? you’ll be safe now, away from all those mean and nasty thoughts so theres no need to panic! its not like you could break through those ropes anyway,. don’t waste your time on that, just focus on them and only them!

- they really did start acting like the two of you were are a married couple. they called all sorts of pet names, they cuddled next to you, they fed you, the list goes on! ..aren’t you so happy to be loved? so why are you looking at them like that? they’re just giving you everything you wanted.

- they do their best to be patient but they aren’t gonna hold back on their gaslighting guilt tripping.. its for your own good! come on, dear! you have to eat, they spent so much time making it! do you really hate them so badly? their patience only lasts for so long though, they will force you to eat if they have to.

- of course, you’ll have to bathe eventually, but even then. they aren’t just gonna let you go in unsupervised! they’ll give you some time to wash yourself but you better hurry or they’ll barge in to finish drying you off. they wanna trust you but what if you do something bad? you’ve been refusing to cooperate so this is really your fault.. can’t you be a good partner, please? they’ve done so much for you already!

- they really get worried about you, you’ve already said so much about how you feel and they feel like this is all necessary for them to make sure you won’t hurt yourself, but they’ll ease up a little once you finally start obeying them! you might even get to leave your shared bedroom! but you’ll probably end up having them cling onto your arm, they wanna enjoy their time with you, so why cant you try to enjoy it as well?

- it really isn’t so bad once you’ve gained their trust. you’ll get to free roam a little and they’ll buy you plenty of things to pass the time! but try to escape and you’re basically asking for them to double down on how overbearing they are. especially if you try to get out of this by trying to hurt yourself. it’ll take a lot of time to rebuild their trust, you could have just talked to them about your feelings! the two of you are partners now! they refuse to believe that you actually want to leave them, even when you take extreme measures to escape,

- but dont worry, they’ll be there to look after you after your little tantrum! you’re too weak to care for yourself now anyways, especially now that they know you’ll try to leave when they give you even a little freedom, they wont let you do anything alone again. try to watch what they feed you too, especially if it tastes odd.

see? you’re too weak to be left alone! you should have just been listened to them from the beginning. they only wanted to protect you from yourself!

[gixxnn]

dear self,

I know how you’ve been feeling today. You’re life feels empty, and the sad truth is that you have nobody to blame for anything that’s happened . Unlike most people, you haven’t blamed yourself, because you know that you have done everything in your capacity to make things work, to make things happen. I know how ambitious you are, and you do everything you need to do to make your parents proud, to make them happy again. You have no one to share your pain with. Mainly since your pain isn’t because of some tragic accident or loss of life, neither is it because of a sappy breakup or a nasty flu.

But you can feel your true self breaking down a little bit more with every passing day. There’s so much you want to do and so much you want to achieve and you know that you have it in you, yet it’s always a dead end.

You look back in time and see a different version of yourself, someone you can’t recognize now. You have no idea how to define yourself any more. You were a social maniac and have always found yourself the most comfortable among people, lots and lots of people, friends, foes, family, strangers and you managed to plant a seed of memory into everyone you’ve ever met.

Now you’re uncomfortable to be around people, you repel even making a healthy eye contact with someone passing by. I know you aren’t scared or tense to interact with them - to ask how they’re doing, but you’ve lost the urge to make bonds anymore.

You’ve met all kinds of people, seen through each one of them but you’ve realized that no matter how well you know and understand them, you walk right into a boulder beyond which you cannot see, beyond which you know there’s a spot where all their weaknesses lie, and you peek between the brick walls and recoil back - you have seen the ugly side.

This side of them is nasty and no matter what is said or done following it, you’ve lost your trust, you just can’t go back to square one all over again. You know you can never be the same with them again. And as you walk away from them, you know they’ve taken off a small chunk out of you. These chunks total up to the whole of you and you lose yourself running away from them. You cannot risk losing anymore. So you walk alone, and everyday you die a little more.

You now focus on the few people you trust and you’d do anything for them. I know very well how greatly you suck at expressing your love towards these people, somehow you feel that if you reveal it to them you’ll lose the love you have for them, they’re eager and hope to hear it from you. Your family wants you to say you love them. But you just cannot, because you’ve never learned how to. You’ve never told anyone confidently the way they show it movies, to confess love. You love them too much, it’s scary to say it loud. But you show it in ways nobody ever does.

You have your own weird ways, only if they could listen. Only if they could listen when you scream at them and cry out of guilt the very next moment, when you swear at them now and internally curse yourself next, when you ignore them because you do not want to say you’re sorry, when you plan big to see them happy, when you struggle to smile even as you’re dying inside only so they don’t sense your sadness.

You are scared to express that you are vulnerable and you are scared to admit that you are scared. You prefer to be an emotionless robot to them, because you’ll never be able to prove how much you care. They distance themselves from you naturally, and again, you die a little bit inside.

But you know you’re amazing at being a lioness when you want to, your wounds make you stronger and that’s how you like seeing yourself - a lioness on the hunt. And you walk with all your pride as you walk by the people you that you’d rather have by your side, again you die a little inside, yet you walk alone with all your pride.

Loads of Love, Self.

[talesfromthebacklog]

Tales From The Backlog: Dredge

8/10

Dredge is a rare breed. It is a subtle Lovecraftian open world horror that one could almost dare say is a cozy game. I love it when genres come together and make beautiful weird things.

🎣 Horror fishing. What a weird mix! But at the same time, it’s not. There’s been stories throughout all of human history of mysterious watery horrors and fisherman. It’s one of the oldest kinds of story we have. And yet it’s pretty rare in gaming to see.

The only other game like it that I can even think of is Fishing Vacation. (Also on my backlog…)

I have a complicated relationship with horror games. I love horror movies but at the same time video games become too personal. I’ve gotten better as I got older but like… some titles are still too intense for me. I get too real life stressed out.

I normally play horror like PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo or Until Dawn. As they provide less intense experiences. I feel like characters are being attacked. Not me.

With all that being said I had reservations on picking up this horror title. Starting a new horror franchise is like doing a trust fall. As I fall I have to hope the experience isn’t too spicy for me. And ocean horror in particular can be the most TERRIFYING of the lot. There’s no ground or sky in the water. An enemy can occupy any portion of the space at any moment. The rules of movement are different on the ocean, especially when you don’t belong there.

I can’t play Subnautica with creature aggression on. I can’t.

Thankfully Dredge has a very subdued horror experience. It’s spooky not necessarily scary. Which is perfect.

Dredge has so many elements that make for a good spooky fishing story.

Mysterious ocean? ✅

Mutant fish? ✅

Old people who’ve seen everything? ✅

BIG FISH WITH BIG TEETH? ✅

People randomly going insane? ✅

It’s all here baby. And I love it.

You start the game having lost your old boat and washed up in the town of Greater Marrow. The mayor is kind enough to supply you with a new boat and you venture out onto the sea and encounter increasingly worse Lovecraftian horrors.

The fishing is simple, but really fun. Mutant fish are probably the most satisfying to catch. They sell for more money and have a low drop rate in comparison to their normal counterparts. Getting one is like getting an onion ring in your fries. 🍟 So good!

They’re designed well too. I love how some of them are cute and some are GROSS:

Like look at this precious boy. I actually think that’s very cute. The face and the hooked nose are adorable. It looks like a lock pick. Love it. (Too bad takings these out of the water instantly kills them!)

And then there’s this guy:

Now that’s just an old fashioned nasty boy! Love it.

Dredge as a whole is a really pretty game with a lot of diverse locations to visit. My favorite visual in the game is that no matter where you’re at on the open ocean you can always see the lighthouse in the middle of the map. Even at night. It’s eerie and comforting.

Dialogue can be hit or miss with these smaller titles, but in Dredge you are invested in the world and the people you talk to. The game is just plain interesting, people speak cryptically but are honest generally. You get the sense that things weren’t always like the way it is now. Weird or bad things happen to people and you’re not quite sure why. And you want to know! On top of the solid fishing that’s what keeps you going in Dredge.

Dredge is technically an open world experience. There are quests, people to visit, and straight out the gate you could go explore the high seas!

But it really is better to stay home and fish for a few days. The game is… decent at explaining itself. Most things were covered with exception for how sanity works. A little bit more flavor text would’ve been nice. I had to google sanity and what triggers it (other than just being out at night).

Though I suppose horror is also about learning these things on the fly. If it prepped you for the scares that’d be missing the point, huh?

There are… enemies. But running into one is more like, “God DAMNIT my boat! 😡 ” And less “HOLY SHIT WHAT IS THAT? 😱”

Not a complaint. Even the enemies ruining your boat isn’t that annoying. Most of the time, your boat being damaged is your fault for not being careful or managing your sanity. So when you lose fish from being damaged you go “Why did I do that?”. I like it when the game is built well enough for mistakes to be obviously the player’s fault. The boat controls well and it upgrades over time so you know when you’re venturing out a little too far from town to be safe.

Though the enemies can be dastardly. My favorite one I’m not going to tell you about. Because if you play Dredge I want it to catch you off guard like it did for me.

Also you get powers as you find relics for a collector. So that’s rad.

The one thing I don’t like, but I get it, is the paranoia rocks that show up when your sanity lowers. Especially when an enemy is going after you. That’s messed up man. But also hilarious.

But it’s only hilarious when it happens to you. Not me. 😂

The only spoiler I want to give away, because I was lucky enough to be told this early myself: Don’t talk to the hooded cultists until you are ready. They uh… die if you don’t do the missions on time and apparently have the best stat books in the game. The stat books are awesome in general. And it gives you an excuse to talk to everyone multiple times.

You can also find research parts to unlock new equipment for your boat. And of course the boat is upgradable with old shipwreck parts you can find around the area. The game is called Dredge after all, not Fishing. You are given a Dredge machine to fish up relics, treasures, and boat parts. Upgrading and getting new equipment is well spaced out and satisfying. Money is easy to obtain as long as you have the right equipment and know the right spots. But I don’t feel like I have money in too much excess either which is awesome. The upgrades requiring parts you have to dredge up really help pace the game.

Other than that, Dredge is a simple short experience. The story is mysterious, sad, and often bittersweet. Dredge is largely a story about overcoming tragedy and pushing forward to do the healthy thing for yourself (and others). To not allow the continued suffering.

I have a soft spot for titles like this. Dredge really is wildly unique in the sea of gaming. That’s not a knock against other games, but when I see something this different it makes me want to support it! You know?

[robobirdie]

Some Fan Story Fun Protagonists interviews

While working when stuck with writers block I sometimes would take a break and have a little fun writing down what I felt the characters thoughts would be on certain things in the story. Some give some minor spoilers but nothing too serious about the main story or events in the story. They are fun humorous little tidbits some of which helped me with working out some concepts in my story namely character relations:

Cuisine

Jay- Why would anyone want to eat stuff here? Bugs, plants and shrooms grown in cursed soils, meat from bird lizards many of which are venomous, drinks that do strange things to you, candies that do strange things to you, candies with actual bugs in them do I need to go on? Don’t listen to Zane, he’s fine with it all because he’s used to eating bugs. He ends up swallowing them all the time cause they like to get close to his face to try and get his eyes. He probably finds it nice that their cooked for once and not live and squirmy like he’s used to. Between you and me he might actually like it cause he actually commented to me that they actually taste quite good especially when dipped in oil. I don’t care what you dip them in they’re gross no matter what. That knight Aaron likes some of them too; just more proof he’s not human. I dared him to eat one of these battered and deep fried tarantulas someone was selling and not only did he eat it but he actually enjoyed it and thought it was good! I even dared him to eat a live scarab beetle that was crawling in a planter and he did it! He didn’t even get sick! He’s not afraid to try anything even if it has bugs in it, comes from nasty reptiles, glowing plants or shrooms, could hurt you or does weird effects to you! I get why Zane wouldn’t mind this stuff as a nindroid he’s more resilient with a tougher system than us plus he’s normally got odd tastes, he likes motor oils and he can eat and his system can safely break down things that are poisonous, harmful or inedible for people like rotting meat, the pits from fruits like peaches and bones without getting sick or badly hurt. I also get why Cole will eat them he’s like a trash compactor he’ll eat anything but that Aaron, something has to be wrong with him!

Cole- Yha at first it was quite off putting, after a while though you get used to it and it isn’t too bad. Some of the bugs aren’t actually too bad especially when they’ve been battered and deep fried. You won’t notice much of a difference with other meats with them nor with the meat from the strange reptile creatures here. The fruits, veg and shrooms aren’t bad either even if they are weird looking. According to Zane it’s all safe and I’ll trust his judgement even if some others don’t. Yha some of the glowing things look off putting like these Lunar Grapes or these shrimps from this inland sea nearby but they won’t hurt you or make you glow, at least not much. You’re belly area will glow for a while and apparently your insides will glow for a bit longer but you can’t see it through your clothes; good thing cause if Jay sees the glow he freaks out. Despite that they actually taste rather good. They do make some pretty neat desserts here. They like to give them shapes or put decorative designs on a lot of their pastries. Don’t worry though even if it looks like a bug or has bug designs on them there is no bugs in them. You know I heard there was these shrooms they call Buttercakes and I had to try them. While they don’t taste like cake they do kind of taste a bit like pancakes with a hint of bacon. It’s not too bad. Honestly I don’t mind a lot of what’s here. Just give it a chance and you’ll find something you like.

Zane- I do get that some might not find some of the consumables of this place to their liking but I do not see what is so bad about it. It all provides the essential resources for energy production and the maintaining of one’s health. I have no problems from them and they are just as efficient for me as normal consumables in energy production even if they can sometimes give weird effects. The effects can be weird but they’re not harmful even if they are confusing. Anyway much of it does not taste too bad, I find quite a great deal not too bad or different from what we are used to plus many also tastes quite good with that Scymer oil as a sauce; as a human though you probably wouldn’t find the oil enjoyable. Also if I’m to eat insects I prefer this method over the usual way I end up eating them; it’s less painful and uncomfortable… like that cicada the other day; that was not only uncomfortable but embarrassing especially since the thing lasted for over ten minutes still making noise most of the time while in my system. That had Jay very uncomfortable and acting strange to me. Even more embarrassing is that’s happened more often than I’d like in my life… that was probably more than you wanted to know wasn’t it? Sorry I didn’t mean to regale you with that.

Nya- Yha not a whole fan of the insect stuff but the rest isn’t too bad. Quite a bit is strange but if you don’t think about what it came from or where it is grown then it’s not bad and won’t taste very much different than what you’d get anywhere else. I would recommend though that you be careful whose cooking you have. If not prepared right some things can leave you with weird effects for a while. If Cole, Kai or Jay offers you something be very guarded. They might have screwed up a bit. Don’t worry though none of its dangerous. It will just make you feel weird or at the worst sick for a while. That reminds me I need to remind Zane it won’t hurt any of their feelings or be offensive to decline having something they’ve made; some of the odd effects things cause confuses him and when he’s confused he easily looses focus and can become unsettled. A few have also made him sick which just makes Jay panic as he takes it as proof some things are dangerous instead of proof of how bad Cole, Kais and his cooking can be.

Lloyd- Yha the bugs thing is off putting, luckily just because some of their foods are shaped like bugs they don’t put bugs in their candies or cookies. You should be careful what you get though. They do like to make candies here that give weird often effects. Don’t worry it doesn’t hurt; there just for fun but it can really give you a scare if you weren’t expecting it. Luckily their effects are all temporary but they can be interesting. Candies that make your eyes glow or turn your skin a different color or make strange markings appear on your body, ones that let you walk on water another gives you the jumping skills of a cat, another lets you breathe under water for a short time, there’s even one that paralysis you for a couple minutes and I’ve heard of one that makes you look like a ghost. It’s weird and sometimes unnerving but they’re all at least harmless, well mostly harmless… you could accidently hurt yourself if you panic when you first experience them when someone surprises you with them. Aaron should have told me what those candies he gave me were before I had them… anyway they’re just for fun and playing around. Which reminds me I need to tell Clay to tell Axl and Aaron to stop using those candies to mess with Jay; I think it’s making him paranoid. Other than that a lot of the rest of the stuff here isn’t too bad, defiantly weird and sometimes off putting but it’s safe and doesn’t taste too bad just try not to think too much about what it’s made of or where it came from and it shouldn’t bother you too much.

Kai- Yha quite a bit of the stuff here is weird. It’s perfectly safe though so don’t worry. Still it might not taste too bad but I’m not a fan of eating bugs; I like to sneak any I find in my food into Jays. I like how it freaks him out then his scrambled attempts to sneak the bugs into anything Cole or Zane are eating. Outside the bug stuff I don’t mind most of it and it is fun to use some of the stuff like the strange candies or these glowing grapes to mess with Jay. These grapes they call them Lunar Grapes. When we found out about them some of us were curious about what they say about them that they can make your insides glow for a while. Aaron, Cole and Zane had some to test this out curious. It was true and rather gross especially since Zane was able to show us his inner workings to show how long it actually continues to glow inside you. That was rather gross if you ask me. None of them were bothered by the effects of the glow but it had Jay unsettled. Even funnier when Zane showed Jay his inner workings to show him how it made some of them glow Jay freaked out and began ranting how they were nuts and gross… he went on for close to an hour. Some of the others were creeped or grossed out by it like Lloyd and I think the knights Clay and Macy were too but I really wasn’t. I was more unsettled and grossed about seeing Zanes inner workings than the effects of those grapes had on them but the feelings were worth it to see Jay freak out. The effects reminded me of the time Zane ate a glow stick. I won’t admit who but someone tricked him into thinking they were just a fancy type of freezie treat. It made him sick and his insides glow for a while… I should have realised he would have taken what I said as literal and not joked with that.

Aaron- Some of the stuff here sounds like it was made on a dare and I was willing to take the challenge. Not to mention I’m used to eating some strange things. Axl’s family makes some pretty weird stuff like porcupine stew; it’s not as bad as it sounds. It smells weird but isn’t bad. Besides when you grow up rather poor with a big family you can’t really afford much so often have to eat whatever you can find or catch; bugs, weird critters and fish, strange plants and shrooms or anything the sea washed ashore weren’t that uncommon in family meals. Truthfully it wasn’t that bad and like that most of the stuff here isn’t too bad. Those bird lizards taste like chicken, I guess since they’re supposedly related to chickens in some way that makes sense, and the insects aren’t too bad either. It is a little gross though when you accidently get a live bug in your food and swallow it; I can tell you that’s a very bizarre and un-rad feeling. Though sometimes it can be worth it; that ninja Jay dared me to eat a beetle he found in a planter. I was not wanting to but I did it anyway just to see him freak out. Sure it was a bit gross and weird feeling but it was worth it to see Mr Jumpy pants get all grossed out and panicked. Anyway something’s may smell or look weird but trust me they’re actually quite good and some of them can do some pretty fun and wicked things to and with you. If you get a chance you should try these candies that have magical effects. They’re strange but so fun to play with just wait till the effects of the first are done before trying a different one. Many of them don’t react well together trust me. It’s not dangerous but you won’t feel too good from it. You can also trust me that they’re fun to use to mess with others especially when they’re high sprung and easily startled like a certain ninja. :)

Axl-Some of it reminds me of my ma and pa’s home cooking like their Tarantula Stew and Porcupine Stew. Things here might sound or look weird but truly it’s not bad. Scuttler Dumplings which are like normal dumplings but are filled with fried insects, Runner Pot Pie made from these runner creatures, Rhea-guar fried Rice, Balmora Brew which is a stew made with mixed veg ash yams and Kaguar meat, Deep Fried Tarantula with fried saltrice with peas and carrots in it and Sticky beetle and veg noodles just to name a small few are all surprisingly good. Their desserts aren’t too bad either; lots of interesting pies, cakes, cookies, ice creams and these magic tainted candies. I got a lot more to list off if you’re interested. They’re all better than you would think. As for the weird effects some things give it is a bit strange but some of it like those candies is cool. Especially when you want to prank someone like that skittish ninja Jay; he’s so funny when he gets all panicky.

Clay- Yha it’s strange even if a good deal of it isn’t too bad but it’s their ways and we must respect that. That said though something’s I’m defiantly not up for trying. Some of the things made with bugs yha defiantly those especially if they are made of spiders. Anything made with snakes too; yes they will eat snakes here. I don’t know what it is but something about snakes makes my skin crawl like with spiders. Anyway even though I am not into it I’m not going to refuse any though if someone offers it to me. That would be rude and disrespectful; I need to have a word with Lance about that. If you can get past what things are made from you might actually find a lot of it isn’t too bad. Everything from these Kaguar creatures isn’t much different from that of cattle and Aaron is right the stuff from these Repto-birds is not much different from a chickens and despite what they are grown in the fruits and veg grown in this place aren’t bad or too different from usual. If you truly give it a try you’ll find something you like.

Macy- I get they make do with what they can here and it’s not too bad but as someone not used to it a lot of it is off putting to hear of or see at first. You’ll defiantly be hesitant to try a lot of what’s here but don’t worry it’s all safe even the stuff with weird effects. You will actually be surprised to find it all not too bad as long as you get it from someone who knows how to cook things properly though. Never ask Lance to make anything for you, first off he dislikes doing what he thinks is peasants work and can’t really cook also be careful about taking anything from some of the ninja. Despite what they say Cole isn’t too bad he’s not as good as Axl but he’s not as bad as the ninja like to joke about; at least what he’s made while here hasn’t been too bad. Kai’s cooking is okay if you like things spicy enough to burn your tongue and nearly breathe fire with but Jays not too good especially with the stuff from around here. He freaks out over it too much to properly work with it. Also just a heads up if Axl or Aaron offers you a candy don’t take it unless you know what it is. They’ve been messing with some of us using those strange magic effect candies.

Lance- Would it kill them to have things made with normal ingredients? Who wants to eat furry lizards and bugs? Bugs! Gross! Then the shrooms and plants grown in this foul ashy soil? How poor do you have to be to be desperate enough to eat this stuff? It’s worse than commoners’ food! This ash is unpleasant enough on your skin why would you want to eat things grown in it or that feed off stuff grown in it?!

Jestro-I’ve had meals made by monsters so I’m not too bothered by it all but the bug thing is still gross to me especially anything with spiders. And some of the fruits are strange like anything that glows doesn’t seem right to me and I’m not sure how safe exactly everything is. If not made right some of the stuff can do weird things with you; that doesn’t seem safe to me. Also those magic candies are a bit unsettling.

Environment:

Jay- Where should I begin! Giant bugs, strange feathery reptiles with bad attitudes and lethal venoms, plants that can kill you! That’s not to mention the volcanic activity that’s turned the whole place foul and unimaginably dangerous. How can the people stand living here! If I lived here I’d be packing my bags and leaving as soon as I could. Did I forget to mention this highly unsettling cavern system filled with darkness, glowing creatures and alien fungi that has this mind control over these un-dead plant animal hybrid monsters? Then there’s monsters or better yet just call them demons cause that is what they are which you can encounter anywhere here and some people like to summon or make bargains with these things! Then there are all sorts of ruins scattered through the wilderness some of which are filled with killer robots or these demon monsters and have you heard some of the diseases you can get here? They’re more like curses! Conditions that make you like a reptile scales included, curses that turn you into vampires or were-beasts, curses that turn you into monsters or rot you into zombies! And I haven’t even covered these Asher beings who traded being human for being monsters and want to destroy us! Why is everything here so unsettling? Do I need to go on? (he continued to rant and babble for nearly an hour but the interviewer didn’t wish to continue recording his rant; summarized he’s not happy with the environment and a lot has him scared and there were some things on this Zane and Aaron as well, is he scared of them or something?)

Cole- A bit unpleasant yha. The ash and weather defiantly aren’t pleasant or relaxing but we aren’t here to relax. Something about this place is somewhat unsettling but it’s overall not too bad; defiantly not as bad as Jay thinks. In fact I feel some kind of connection to this place; I think it has to do with the volcanic activity it surrounds me with essences of my element. You know I find the effects the volcano has had on the region kind of interesting. Geological activity is part of my power so it’s interesting to see what this power can do. Despite the destruction it’s caused it’s also created much life and created new ways for beings to adapt and thrive. Apparently despite the ash not being very healthy the symbiosis the various fungi of the region have created with plants makes the plants grow better and healthier than a lot of other regions which benefits the hardier animals of the region. Despite what Jay thinks they’re not all that bad. Yha the bugs are kind of unsettling especially the really big or creepy looking ones but they’re not all that bad. Sure those reptiles are quite dangerous and often have nasty attitudes but they’re not as bad as many claim and I wouldn’t really blame them for their attitudes. I’d probably be as cranky as them too if I had to survive in this landscape and face evil monsters that want to turn my pelt into a rug all the time too. Sure the really big insects can often be creepy but they’re not too bad and most are actually rather chill; you can rest on those large beetles and they don’t mind it just going about their business as usual.

Zane- There is an air of unnerve to the place but I think that is just because we are not used to such an environment. Despite the potential dangers I find much here rather interesting like how the flora and fauna have adapted to the harsh conditions caused by the high volcanic activity here along with the usual seasonal changes brought on by the cool temperate latitude to the region. Yha many fauna and some flora are very dangerous and can be rather aggressive but I think many forget when looking at the flora and fauna is they live in a harsh environment where they must fight everyday to survive so they have good reason to have lethal weapons and foul attitudes. They wish to survive and live their lives like anything else and in the wild especially a place like this that requires cold, calculating and dangerous temperaments; they cannot afford to be passive and friendly. Along with the natural aspects there is the artificial ones. These various ruins and their inhabitants made by a now extinct race. Many like to label their inhabitants many of which are much like me as monsters but I don’t think that’s true. They don’t see that just because these beings aren’t made of flesh and blood doesn’t mean they aren’t living things nor that they are monsters… that I’m not a monster… I mean they aren’t as bad as people think they are. If I wasn’t worried of falling victim to this demon known as the Black Stag I would love to do much exploring to many things here. The natural environments, the ruins, the architecture, I would also love to get a deep look into this Blackreach place. It is such an intriguing biome to delve into; to learn how life has adapted to the sunless stone encased environment.

Nya- Things aren’t too bad despite what Jay thinks. Yha a lot of things here have bad attitudes but I wouldn’t blame them. They’ve got it pretty tough not to mention this ash has made things kind of unpleasant. In fact the ash makes a lot of things here unpleasant. You’ve probably heard my brother or Jay complain about it but yha we’re all having problems with it even Zane. His skin is at the least more resilient to the effects of the ash but his senses and a good deal of his internal synthetic structures don’t tolerate the ash very well. Apart from that if it wasn’t for how harsh and unpleasant the ash makes things this place might not be so bad. The insects yha those are kind of creepy but not all are bad even if they’re rather big. Not all the reptiles are that bad either; Venom-fangs are defiantly rather nasty but they do have some redeeming qualities. They do make great parents and are very loyal and caring to their friends and families. That said this place defiantly is not a place I would want to go to relax.

Lloyd- Something about this place is unsettling. The place is strange with an alien like feel to it and yha there is quite a bit that is unpleasant. The tree sized mushrooms, strange sometimes dangerous plants, these strange mammals with reptile like traits, strange bird reptiles though those are all mild and not really any worse than animals in our realm even if they are strange. These un-dead and monster class monsters on the other hand are pretty nasty. The demon class ones are especially nasty and can make travels here pretty nasty. That aside the volcanic activity is pretty nasty and can make conditions kind of nasty as well but things might not be as bad as it is if it wasn’t for this strange darkness that coats the place. You can’t see it but it’s there you can feel it. There is something of the Oni about this darkness but at the same time it’s something worse. I hate to know what it is.

Kai- First off this ash is very unpleasant. I don’t think it’s very good for your skin let alone your health and the smell; it’s an unpleasant burning smell. Secondly the bugs are a bit unsettling. There is quite a few that are pretty big and some have some pretty nasty powers or abilities; the sting from those Burning Hornets really burns. These ruins of technology based beings are kind of unsettling too. Did I also mention the strange reptiles? Some of them I guess are kind of cute but a lot of them have some bad attitudes but most of them are no worse than Cole when he’s hangry. Overall this place defiantly is not the kind of a place I’d think of to want to vacation in but I guess it could be worse.

Aaron- Yha the ash is unpleasant and there’s this so un-cool darkness feeling to everything but other than that everything’s actually quite rad; well maybe those venoms aren’t rad but apart from that things aren’t too bad. Those shrooms are surprisingly comfortable and strong; they have an internal woody skeleton that helps hold them up. Some of their tops make for some nice places to nap when you don’t want to be disturbed; other than flying creatures no one can reach you up there. Just have to remember to put your phone on do not disturb mode if you don’t want to be found while having a nap. The creatures aren’t that bad; no worse than Axl when he’s hangry. Many of them are pretty cool and besides they’re just animals not monsters though they do have those here and a good amount of them are defiantly not that pleasant. You defiantly want to stay clear of those dudes if you can. Other than that things aren’t too bad.

Axl- I guess it’s okay. Defiantly not the nicest place we’ve been but at least the foods decent and I guess it could be worse. Things are still pretty lively here despite how bad the conditions are. Yha some of the creatures are pretty moody but you can’t really blame them. They’ve got it pretty hard so they can’t really help but be tough and moody. Though their attitudes might not all be because of the environment. There is this really powerful monster here that can turn the animals on you at any time. It is unnerving to not being able to trust the animals of this place; how can you tell if they serve this monster deer and wish ill to others? Outside that it’s not too bad here; weird but not too bad.

Clay- To be frank while I get this place is tough so the flora and fauna has had to become equally tough to handle it often making them not the nicest I don’t have trouble with them. They’re strange defiantly and yes dangerous sometimes very much so and sometimes rather moody but they’re not that bad. Sure the volcanic activity leaves some pretty unpleasant conditions and the large fungi give an air of an alien quality to the environment here but not much else is different from what we’re used to. It all isn’t that bad, defiantly not as bad as some like that one ninja keep claiming it is, and isn’t something to be bothered by or worried over. What I have trouble with is this strange and unpleasant darkness that coats the place. It’s not a natural darkness, defiantly magical in nature and makes the place feel very unsettling. It unsettles me to think of what could be causing it and even more unsettling those who live here don’t seem to recognise that it is here.

Macy- It’s not too bad. There is defiantly things here that are unsettling and unpleasant but we’re knights we can handle it. Yha a lot of creatures are dangerous or at the least moody but as long as you know how to properly deal with them you shouldn’t have too much of a problem. They are just animals after all. Monsters however are a different story. Those are a lot harder and nastier to deal with. Outside that things aren’t too bad. Yha that volcanic activity is not very pleasant and the large fungi are weird not just that they exist but some also look real weird. All that being said I have to agree with Clay that there is something unnaturally dark here that makes everything seem oddly more sinister than they actually are and strangely only us and the ninja seem to be aware of it.

Lance- Everything’s so rustic and peasenty here; it’s so unpleasant. It stinks, this filthy ash is everywhere, the bugs are large and gross and don’t let those fuzzy reptiles fool you with cute looks. They often have rude manners and bad attitudes not to mention many have venoms or powers that further make them nastier. There is these large shrooms and strange plants some of which will actually attack you! And let’s not forget the monsters many of which are giving us more work as if we don’t have enough already to deal with. At least I was able to find a spa here to make up for all the rustic-ness of this place.  

Jestro- In my time of evil I was in some pretty unpleasant locations so this place doesn’t bother me too much. It’s defiantly not the nicest and still pretty rough and wild but not too bad. A lot of the creatures here yha are quite moody but if you don’t do anything to get on their bad side they aren’t that bad. The monsters on the other hand are pretty bad, most are a lot worse than those I have worked with before. That being said I’d prefer the lava lands to this place. It was a lot more pleasant and welcoming than these Ash Wastes. I can’t tell what it is but there is something very unsettling here; it’s nice to know I’m not the only one to sense it.

People/Balmora

Jay- I don’t like it. The place is creepy, the weathers unpleasant, around half the people are beast folks of animals that would want to eat me! They say they’re still people despite their bestial looks but how can we believe that to be true. I’ve heard some of the cat folk hiss when mad and those hyena folk can be pretty nasty when hungry, even worse than Cole; they also laugh a bit like real hyenas when they find something funny. For some reason quite a few of those here seem to find amusement in scaring or pranking me; what’s so funny about scaring me! That’s not to mention how rude they are, not everyone’s rude but a lot of folk here are and quite a few don’t like us. Those not from this region aren’t too bad. The fact their beast folk is still scary but they aren’t much different from people back in Ninjago. The people around this place though tend to be rude or mean I guess they kind of match the town. It’s pretty unpleasant all run down; on the outside at least. Inside places and this Under City are pretty nice and well kept well most of them. Some are kind of unkempt or unpleasant, creepy even. The place this place is in though is far from pleasant… (he began to rant on about the environment like he did in a previous interview so we had to stop him).

Cole-I get despite their bestial looks these are still people but I still get the urge sometimes to pet them like their animals especially the kids. I’m pretty sure too they won’t like me trying to get them to play with a laser pointer. The towns defiantly not the best; very run down, not many are very nice, many hate us just for existing, they especially hate Zane even though he’s never done anything to deserve it. Sure I guess to some he may look scary especially to little kids but unless you make him real mad, like what Jay and Kai can sometimes do, he won’t hurt them. He’s a lot softer than what his skin shows. He’s like a shepherd dog; he defiantly could easily kill you and likely will if you deserve it but it takes quite a bit to get him to that state instead he’s more friendly and caring. Aside from that it’s not too bad here. The ash and weather are miserable, they at least have plenty of nice restaurants just remember they’ve got some weird tastes here and a decent community center with a really nice pool and hot tub. The Under-city is quite impressive and very nice; sometimes if you’re lucky you can see some of the students from the bards collage practising their music or plays to entertain others there. Despite the conditions it’s pretty nicely decorated here too though I think some of the decorations like displays made from the skins of droids and robotics are unsettling to Zane. I can see where he’s coming from there; I’d be pretty unsettled to if someone was using human skins for decoration like that. Sure in a museum it’s fine that’s for learning and generally things are treated fairly well in a museum but in a public space yha no that’s not nice.

Zane- The town has many very interesting aspects such as the architecture and the technologies they utilize to operate various aspects of city workings and defences. Some of these are repurposed or reworked from the old Scymer folks technologies. The place overall is defiantly run down and shows effects from volcanic activity but they still try to keep it looking nice here. They have the Under-city to give everyone a space to get away from the harsh conditions outside. They have plenty of park and nature zones for people to utilize that are kept looking pretty nice. They even have greenhouse like buildings creating large sheltered areas in some of the parks to let people enjoy nature and natural light without the effects from the volcano. They’re very nice places… though some of the decorations they use in them is a bit unsettling to those like me. Statues are fine but they have the skin from a Scymer Hoofivore as decoration in one. I would be fine with it if it was being displayed like in a museum and was being treated with respect but it isn’t. It’s posed in an aggressive manner and has a few ballista bolts stuck in its hide and people like to photograph themselves often in rude or unpleasant ways with it. The plaque claims the creature was caught in the wilderness from one of the Stags attacks then they gutted it and stuck it’s exterior on display. I won’t say who told me but they say that’s not true. They say it was found fatally damaged in a ruin and set it up for display like that to be threatening to those like me; not just the ones who serve the Stag but that are kept by the town. It’s to let us know they’re not afraid to do terrible things to us. Outside that I guess the town wouldn’t be too bad if it wasn’t for the people. Why does everyone hate me? I haven’t done anything wrong?

Nya- It’s okay I guess. The towns defiantly seen better days but you have to be impressed with some of their ingenuity here in how they combat effects from the wastes. They use very interesting technologies here to give people a place to escape the harsh conditions outside, keep structures maintained and to help combat a lot of the monsters of the region. I’d love to get a better look at these innovations but the people of this realm are not comfortable with letting us do that; all because of these ridiculous superstitions about elemental masters and beliefs that we could be evil. I’m getting real annoyed by that. We’ve done nothing wrong yet most of them hate us. We’re not going to do anything wrong; our powers don’t make us monsters. They especially hate Zane and have been very mean to him for no good reason. The rest of us get things pretty easy compared to him. They largely just say rude things to us but it’s mild compared to what they say to Zane and they’re willing to physically threaten him. We took him with us to do some shopping to get food for our stay here the other day and one guy tried to shock him with a wildlife shock rod to get him to leave the area and Zane wasn’t doing anything wrong. Another person refused to talk to him when he went to ask about something while another talked to him like he was stupid or a child and was going to call the guards to ‘help’ him which we know most likely meant to lock him up probably in some cage like an animal. There is no reason for how they treat him here and don’t get me started on how some of them seem to like to scare Jay just for amusement. He’s already getting a bit paranoid about some of the things here we don’t need anything else working him up… (The interviewer broke off the interview as she was getting mad and they were scared of what she might do when mad)

Lloyd- The towns nice. It has a lot of impressive structures and is full of culture. I think I’m with Jay a bit on the people here in that they can be a bit scary. I know they can’t help it that they have traits of animals including dangerous predators but it’s still unsettling especially since when mad they tend to growl a bit like an animal and show off their teeth. You know even the ungulate ones have sharp looking canine teeth like the others and the hyena folk have some rather large teeth. Nowhere near as big as a real hyenas but still pretty big compared to the other beast folks. All of them kind of have teeth that resemble those of a bear; it takes a while to get used to. Also I know they can’t help it but they get fur everywhere. Luckily none of us are allergic to fur plus according to their scholars the beast folks fur isn’t the same as those of the animals they resemble so they lack the allergens we could be allergic to. That being said though careful if you get scratched; they can’t help it either as their claws or hoof nails are sharp and can easily accidently cut you. They have thicker skin than we do so they usually don’t cut themselves and most here don’t seem to realise that so can accidently scratch you. You can get an infection from even the cleanest individuals’ claws; they can’t help it. The people aren’t really that bad and those outside this region and the kids here aren’t bad but most of the grownups and teenagers here really dislike us and are rather rude to and around us. Apparently they don’t like outsiders much especially elemental masters; to them our powers make us more of a type of monster than people. It’s not a pleasant feeling to be disliked like this.

Kai- It’s okay I guess if you like that worn and kind of rustic aesthetic look. It’s strange they claim to not like technology yet use a great deal of it here especially some pretty advanced stuff. Why don’t they just admit they don’t like technology when it borders close to a living thing or is a living thing? They defiantly are superstitious to technology but they’re not afraid to adopt it. Most have cell phones, they have TV’s and fridges and other common daily electronics, they do though have some weird customs around them. They often lock their phones and laptops in special boxes at night to apparently keep the Stag from hacking them. I’m no expert but I don’t think that would work would it? Anyway yha the beastial looks can be a little unsettling especially when you see those teeth; their canines are fangs that’s a little unsettling to see especially on those that look like deer and antelopes. Quite a few here also kind of look worn; lots of scars, some have tattoos and piercings, some even have fake horns or antlers surprisingly though most have some pretty well kept fur and hair. It’s got to take them a lot of work to keep both the hair on their heads clean and the fur that coats their body. Sure their body fur is rather short though some have rather bushy tails but still that’s a lot of work. I did notice they have a lot of different grooming supplies here including ones for on the go even shedding and flea combs. I’ve also commonly seen them just brushing themselves while just sitting idle. You know I’m not really hairy or have a fur coat but I tried some of those brushes they have and they’re not too bad. Is it strange that I kind of see why they like to just idly brush themselves; something about it feels nice and rather relaxing.

Aaron- Do you know how hard it is to resist to not try to pet the people especially the kids? I can’t help it; I know they’re people but their beastial traits sometimes get me confused and I mistake them as actual animals. I accidently used that noise you use to call over a cat the other day at a shopkeeper to get their attention. In my defence they were of the cat folk and surprisingly they responded to it. You know I wonder what is their relation like to the animals they resemble? Clearly they don’t seem to relate to hoofed animals; they eat them just like we would and it’s not just the cat and hyena ones. There’s a really good barbeque place here run by two of the ungulate dudes and they love their meat and really dislike salads. It doesn’t bother them that their eating animals they share traits with. The people aside the towns not too bad; defiantly run down and a bit dirty but I think that gives it character. It’s not as bad as Lance claims it is here. If your just thinking about and looking at the negatives that’s all your gonna see. If you’re open to things you can find something nice here. That Ghost Fence is interesting and you get some pretty wicked views from those towers, some of the local watchtowers and windmills give some nice views too. There’s some pretty nice places you can hide to when you want a nice nap where you won’t be bothered by anyone. Some planters have some pretty dense foliage, atop some of the large fungi in greenhouse gardens and in the storage room of the Scholars centers main room, they have some nice floor cushions in there to nap on, are some examples of this.

Axl- I’m a little confused about the people from this realm. They say they’re people but their animal looks keep confusing me. Are they fully human, are they part animal or are the looks just that looks? According to the scholars here they are human just with cosmetic traits and some minor physical differences from the animals they resemble. I think I understand that even if they are a bit scary especially if they get mad. They sometimes bear their teeth and growl especially if really mad and they aren’t afraid to utilize those claws they have. Outside the confusion over their beast-ness and how they can be a bit scary at times they’re not too bad even though allot of those around here are not the nicest to us. At least the town itself isn’t too bad. It is worn and the weathers not the best and a lot of the plants and animals are strange but they’ve got quite a good deal of good restaurants here. Warning though if you’re going to go to these restaurants careful who comes with you. Not only can it not be fun with them but some of those here know a few spells or have special potions they might mix into your food to teach you a lesson for disrespecting their ways or creating a scene. What they do usually wears off in a few hours or you can get someone in the Scholars center to help fix it. Lance is not a good one to take with you. He’s very picky and was kind of rude. That’s where we found out about that. He angered a server who gave him something that turned him blue for a few hours. He was not happy with that. That ninja Jay also is not a good idea; he’s jumpy, grossed out by a lot of things especially some of what they make here plus he tends to make a scene when he’s disgusted, scared or angry. It’s a bit embarrassing when you’re around him and he’s acting like that in public. Cole’s always a good one to bring along, Kai and Aaron too. Even the metal man Zanes good to bring along, plus I think he likes when he’s included in things and treated like he’s just a normal person, but if you bring him you have to be protective to make sure no one’s going to hurt him. The people of this region have a strange dislike to him and the ninja are very protective of him; I don’t blame them.

Clay- I don’t mean to offend anyone and I know with the conditions here it’s probably hard keeping this place looking good but depending where you go this place can look pretty run down. Not everywhere is like that. Public regions of the Under-city and the insides of many places are in pretty decent shape and looking good. Less public spaces tend to show more wear and aren’t what most would consider beautiful. Makes sense though that’s where all the dirty work that keeps public areas clean and working happens. Despite the conditions here the people of the town take great pride in their town and a good deal try to keep their places looking nice. They like to decorate with colored and decorated fabrics and various styles of lanterns and lights around here. It’s pretty nice. They also use plenty of decorative native flora both indoors and outdoors, they like to use various modern and rustic kinds of design; when I mean rustic I don’t mean it like how Lance means it. Sorry you probably don’t understand that, Lance uses the word to mean run down and dirty. That’s not how I’m meaning to use it. Anyway aside from the town the people aren’t too bad. Many have this strange and uncomfortable dislike to us because we aren’t from here and we’re not mean or suspicious to droids. I guess we got it lucky though as I and my team aren’t as disliked as the ninja but still we’re not much liked either. Maybe if we perform some of our knightly duties and aid the town they’ll warm up to us. Not sure how the ninja are going to improve their image especially to their pal Zane but I’m sure they’ll think of something.

Macy- The towns defiantly seen better days but they still try to keep it looking nice. They try very hard to keep things clean and they keep their gardens, planters and parks well kept. Makes sense since outside farming, mining and some minor lumber work the town’s only other economic sources are tourism and research and most of the researchers are from nicer looking places so keeping the place looking nice really helps draw in the tourists and keep researchers happy. They also have to do a lot of work to keep the place safe. Elsewhere here they have police and some region use knights here they call them guards who fulfill both roles and boy do they have quite a bit of work. Not only do they have to deal with everyday criminals they have cranky animals, monsters, cultists and these Ashers to deal with as well. Maybe that’s why so many are so cranky here; still doesn’t give them the right though to be so mean to us. Sure we’re not being hated as bad as those ninja but still many make it clear we’re not that welcome here either. Maybe if we help them out they’ll see we’re here to help them and they’ll open up. Speaking of the people, this is funny, when they heard I was a princess they wanted to give me special treatment you know gold color to my armour, a room to myself, a servant that kind of stuff. I declined because I don’t need any of that. I’m a knight and they can treat me just like any other knight. Hearing how they were willing to give specially treatment to me and not him Lance was not happy. He went on a bit of a rant in the scholars center about his dislike to being treated as a commoner and angered one of the scholars here enough they decided to punish him. They hit him with a spell that turned his skin green and made his hair into kelp for three hours. He locked himself in his room in the Fortrex the whole time but quite a few saw him and they gave him the nickname kelp hair for a while. He’s not happy about that but the rest of us find it amusing.

Lance- One word to describe this place; rustic. At least they have a hot tub, a spa and some clubs. Unfortunately I have to share them with commoners when I use them. Apparently our coin isn’t compatible here and we’re the opposite of popular here. We’re nobodies to these people, do you know how unpleasant that is! A good deal also don’t like us and no matter what I do I can’t win them over; how can they not like me? Is it because I don’t have looks from a beast? And speaking of beastial looks I know they can’t help it much but could they try to keep their shedding down. I’m not pleased with finding their fur in my bed or my clothes. At least they take care to keep parasites to a minimum here. They have all sorts of combs and cleaning products and even medicines to keep fleas, lice and ticks at bay. That’s a good thing. Surprisingly Clay actually agreed with me that we should take some of these preventative products and shots they have here to keep from catching anything from here; he even got the ninja to agree with it too. Quite a few of the things here do some pretty nasty stuff to your skin and hair. Last thing I want to do is catch anything that could mess with my looks. I’m still trying to find good quality skin products here. We don’t know how long we’re going to be here for and I don’t have enough of my normal products to last for very long. (he continued to babble on about his looks and cosmetic stuff so our interviewer left to his dislike)

Jestro- I’m used to ending up in places you could consider dumps you know dungeons, ruins stuff like that and while defiantly not beautiful it is a lot better and nicer here than most places I’ve ended up in. It’s fairly clean, the weathers not the most pleasant but fair, no monsters well at least no monsters are roaming in the public trying to enslave you, the people aren’t the nicest but I’m used to that… not many back home are nice or friendly to me either. Then again when you turn bad and wreck havoc to them yha I can see why they don’t like me too much. At least the knights are being fairly nice to me now. Anyway the people are kind of scary especially when they have the looks of carnivores. Also when you see them in dim light it can be scary; their eyes reflect like a cats in the dark! Clay says that’s because they have that thing in their eyes like animals do that reflects light. Apparently they can see better than us in the dark but not as good as a cat. They also have better hearing and smell. I also found they don’t like when you touch their tails without asking; I got scratched from that. Their fur often looks so soft though and I sometimes forget they’re actually people and not humanoid animals.

The Black Stag and his Minions

(part 2 is taken from views midway through the section)

Jay- (in part 1) A living nightmare! Why does a demon have to take such a gentle, innocent and majestic innocent creature like a deer and turn them into a monster of nightmares? I’ve heard all the horrid things it can do and I’ve seen what happens to those who encounter him how scared and terrified they are. They get so scared they can end up losing all their hair even their fur, they are constantly checking over their shoulders, every little sound scares them and that’s just some of what you can get if you’re lucky to live! You don’t want to know the nightmares you’re put through if you don’t survive! I’d rather sit next to an Oni than be anywhere near that thing? To make it worse are his minions. Mindless heartless savage machines and beasts that want to devour us or drag us to be tortured by their demon master! Even worse I’m pretty sure Zanes becoming one of them! He’s acting a little off and trusts them even over me! I’m his pal his brother I should be the one he trusts over those monsters! He wants to help those monsters and be friends with them and he keeps telling us they’re not evil monsters! I think they’ve done something to him and it’s turning him into one of them; he’s being too friendly to these monstrous minions of this thing. That’s not right! Who knows what that monsters corruption will do to Zane but I’m pretty sure it won’t be nice for the rest of us!

(in part 2) Words can’t describe how terrifying that thing is. All those rumours we heard are true! It’s a demon worse than the Oni; it’s like something that crawled out of the darkest pit in the darkest woods in the universe. Even though his minions say he isn’t I’m pretty sure that thing is always somehow watching us skulking in the shadows waiting to strike us down and torture us! That reminds me I was right; the others tell me to drop my paranoia but I’m not paranoid! I warned them that thing had done something to Zane! That it warped his mind to turn him into a monster like his other minions. I’m surprised it didn’t turn him into one of those bird monsters again to attack and torture us more. Zane pretends to be on our side and toil away with us but I know better. He’s helping that monster get us. It used Zane to lure us into his trap so we’re now his slaves! Who knows what that monster has planned for us?! It’s already ensnared Zane and I think Coles starting to get his mind warped by that monsters minions. How long till they start messing with the rest of us?! Does he want to turn some of us into his monstrous servants or does he want us to tear each other apart in some cruel game for his enjoyment? I don’t know but I’m going to make sure I don’t fall for it.

Cole- (in part 1) Something about that thing I find very unsettling. We’ve never faced anything like this monster before and I’m pretty sure we’re not ready to face this thing. Then again I don’t think anyone could ever be ready to face something like this. A demon that even Oni fear; how monstrous does something have to be to earn that title. Can I tell you something in confidence? I think I’ve seen that thing in some of my dreams; they were never good dreams. In a few of them… I don’t wish to describe in detail what it did to us but let’s just say it was bad, very bad. As for his minions, I’m pretty sure the others might not like to hear it but I’m not entirely sure they’re as evil as everyone says they are. Zane might be right about them. They’re not evil monsters, just misunderstood. After all if this Stag thing has rule over you I wouldn’t disobey it’s orders or desires; that can’t end very well for yha.

(in part 2) That thing is worse in present than what dreams could come up with. Feeling him control me like a puppet was bad enough but to be in the full presence of that thing, no thanks I’d rather be in the presence of the Oni again than be near that thing! As for his minions my suspicions and Zane were right. They’re not that bad. Many are actually quite nice and friendly. Just careful what you say around them though many take things a little too literal sometimes. Also don’t listen to anything Jay has to say about the Stags minions or Zane. None of it is right and quite a bit of what he has said and done to and around Zane are highly uncalled for; I think he’s lost his mind.

Zane- (in part 1) I really don’t want to talk about it but… I won’t deny that monster is a demon and I am terrified of falling to this thing. I know I’m not strong enough to fight it and I don’t think the others even together are strong enough to save me from it. That incident in the mine proved it… what it did to me was if I could put it in one word terrifying. It wants me I can sense this and it terrifies me. I’ve felt its hold and what it can do… there are no words I can think of to describe how terrible its hold is. I do not think though his minions are what others think they are. They are not the monsters everyone says they are. They are victims to his cruelty and terror but because they have nowhere else safe to turn to they have to suffer under his tyranny and behave how he wants just to have a chance to live. I do not understand why the others can’t see this. They refer to them as monsters but I won’t see them that way; I think that’s made some of the others distrust me. I’ve caught them talking when they thought I wasn’t around, some of what they say it’s not very comforting and a bit scary and threatening to me, plus Jay keeps acting strange to me and has asked some weird things to me.

(in part 2) I knew it wanted me now I’m trapped here with it. You would not understand how terrible that feels. As for his minions I was right about them; they aren’t monsters or evil and are much like me. At least I’m not alone while trapped here. I have the others with me and they, well most of them, are no longer thinking I would side with that monster. It’s nice that they finally see what I see and don’t think something’s wrong with me though Jay… not only does he still think something’s wrong with me but he thinks I have betrayed them. I don’t understand why he thinks that. Some of the things he says or does towards me does not make me feel nice. He calls me a monster and many other undesirable and unpleasant terms and it is very unpleasant being ostracised especially by your own brother.

Nya- (in part 1) I would have to agree with Jay on this one that thing is a living nightmare, his minions I’m not too sure about that. I don’t think they’re entirely the monsters others say they are but they’re not good either. They are following evil and doing evil acts but not because they’re inherently evil. They’ve just been programmed to be that way and I doubt they’re truly that monstrous, defiantly not as bad as what Jay thinks they are. Man eating droids, demons taking the form of machines, droids that want to rip out his heart and eat it or make Zane eat it for some cruel joke; I think he’s being a little paranoid and over dramatic. Not to mention none of us have any clue where he is getting some of these ideas. While I don’t fully believe some of his ideas I would have to agree with him that this Stag and its minions are doing something to Zane; something bad. He’s been a bit off and oddly trusting to the monsters that serve this demon. As far as I can tell he’s not under any form of control and is doing it out of free will but I think that makes it worse. What could this thing or its minions have said or done to make Zane willingly side with some of them?

(in part 2) I’m with Zane on that monster Stag. It’s a demon through and through. What it can do to you and the darkness it exudes are some of the nastiest things I have ever seen or felt. As for his allies they aren’t actually what everyone says they are. Zane was right; after feeling what that thing can do I get why they serve him. It’s not out of a willingness to do his bidding; it’s out of fear. I need to have a talk with Jay so he’ll see the truth and stop being so paranoid by those who have to serve that monster. He’s starting to take out his paranoia on Zane and it’s hurting his feelings. He’s already been through enough and being trapped here with that demon hanging around isn’t doing him any good. Zane doesn’t need more to make him feel worse especially from his own family.

Lloyd- (in part 1) I don’t want the others to know but deep down that thing is the scariest thing I have ever seen or even just heard of. It’s like something that crawled from the darkest reaches of existence, a true demon. What does it want? What can it do? What is it willing to do to us? I don’t want to find out. As for his servants they might not have started off evil but clearly being under that things rule has turned them into monsters at least for the robots. I’m not too sure about the animals; they might just be victims to his hold and not willingly aiding him like the droids. Those droids, unfortunately I think some of them have started to mess with Zane and not for anything good. He’s become oddly trusting and defensive of them even when he knows nothing about them. I’d think he’d be wise enough to see the danger trusting them poses and not let emotions rule his judgment of them but it looks like he isn’t like these things have done something to mess with his thinking. I don’t want to do anything drastic or to hurt Zane but if they have done something… I don’t want to think about what we might have to do to keep him out of harm or worse from him causing problems and harm to others.

(in part 2) Zane was right, his minions really aren’t monsters despite sometimes appearing to then again some like those Samurai only act that way to live up to the reputation the Stag wants from them to appear as living demons. Outside that they’re actually rather nice to meet and when not on duty would actually surprise you with how un-monstrous they are; I found one of those Samurai likes to knit and create rugs and tapestries in its spare time. Sure it makes some creepy looking stuff but it’s not the hobby I would first expect from something said to be a monster. That master of theirs though the Stag after meeting him in person I’m pretty sure he is some form of demon. What kind though I don’t know and I dread finding out.

Kai- (in part 1) Truly I’m not sure what to think. This thing defiantly sounds scary but how much of it is really true. Given the superstitions of the area they could just be over reacting to this thing. They have a superstition to place a large golden scarab beetles shell over your doorway on moonless nights to prevent monsters like those under the Stags rule from entering your home or to eat Lunar grapes during moonless nights to prevent being possessed by dark spirits. Lunar Grapes are these strange grapes which are actually quite good though they have an odd faint light blue glow to them. Jay wanted to follow this superstition but when he saw the grapes and their glow he refused to touch them. He dared Aaron to eat them to prove he was crazy. Aaron did it just to spite him and drive Jay crazy. He even got Cole and Zane to eat some of them just to mess with Jay. He tried to get me but I wasn’t going to. Glowing food doesn’t sound healthy to me. Anyway back to what we were talking about I think the Stag is a monster and a pretty bad one at that but I’m not sure if he’s monstrous enough to class as a demon. As for his minions the animals are just that animals; they’re not actually evil as for the robotic ones. Well I’m not sure. I don’t trust technology much so it’s hard to tell what’s true with them but I don’t trust any of them. (when its commented about Zane technically being a robot and if he trusts him he says) Yha I sometimes forget he isn’t truly human but I do know that and yha I trust him; why wouldn’t I. Zanes special; very special. He’s not like other droids and nothing like those monsters. That being said I think some of those robots this Stag has have been doing things to him. He’s been a little weird lately. I don’t know much about it but I’m pretty sure Nya or Jay could figure it out and help him.

(in part 2) Okay that thing defiantly lives up to the hype. I don’t think anything in your nightmares could match that monster. The people aren’t lying, he’s a demon. As for his servants I was right about the animals as for the technology based beings. They’re actually not that bad. They remind me a bunch of Zane; I can see why he was so willing to trust him. Probably because of what he is they were willing to show their true side to him unlike with the rest of us. They probably didn’t feel safe revealing their true side to the rest of us because they might have thought we were like the other people of Balmora and wouldn’t trust them. Given what they’ve had to go through I wouldn’t blame them. I wouldn’t blame them for serving the Stag either. If I had no other option but to serve that thing to stay alive I’d do it out of fear too.

Aaron- (in part 1) I would like to say I could be fearless about that thing but that would be a lie; a far out lie. There is something not right and disturbingly dark about that thing. Fear is an understatement about how I feel about it. I’ve never seen, felt or even heard of a monster like this cervine monstrosity. I really don’t want to face this Stag monster but we really don’t have a choice. As for his allies I don’t think they’re entirely that bad. They are just animals and sentient machines after all, well some are actually both at the same time really but you get my drift. They’re not inherently or truly evil just under the wrong leadership. I don’t think they’re actually out to get anyone or do evil things. You ask me they’re more like the Stags dogs than monsters.

(in part 2) Do I have to talk about it?! I thought just seeing that thing was bad but to have it overtake you is far worse. It’s cold is worse than cold, there’s this worse than nightmarish emptiness feeling he brings and leaves and I could swear while he had a hold on me my heart wasn’t beating or at least I don’t remember feeling it. I don’t think I was breathing either. It was hard to tell with how numb it made me feel. The feelings he left me with afterwards were so un-rad too and they lasted for a few days. I felt in danger, every sudden noise or quick movement startled me, the cold hollowness, the numbness… it was horrid. I can understand why those that serve him do so; to either willingly do something or have that demon take hold of you to make you do something I would willingly do what it wants without question. Whatever it wants you to do is in no way as nasty or terrible with what it can and will do to you. His so called monsters I was right about. They’re really not monsters and actually quite nice. That potion they gave me really did help with my condition and they have not given us any harm or reason to trouble. They just like to chill and do their thing unfortunately though they have to live in the shadow of that monster. I’d rather hang with them then be anywhere near that master of theirs.

Axl- (in part 1) I’m not going to lie that thing scares me. It’s one monster I don’t wish to ever face. That being said what’s with bad guys taking a gentle animal and turning them into monsters. He can turn things as innocent as butterflies into monsters. Just look what it did with that gentle droid the ninja have Zane. He can be a bit scary at times especially when you make him mad but he’s no monster. That thing turned him into a monster just for its own entertainment; not once but twice and it seemed to enjoy it. How cruel does something have to be to do that? His minions on the other hand; they don’t really seem that monstrous. Why would animals want to be evil and the bots I don’t see why they would want to be evil either. What would they gain from it?  

(in part 2) That thing is worse than I thought. Seeing what it did to the ninja and Aaron, no wonder they call it a demon. They had no choice or control and it did terrible things with and too them. They weren’t themselves for a while afterwards as well. It was so unsettling; I’ve never seen Aaron so skittish and jumpy before; that’s not like him! Those beings that serve that monster were nothing like him. They were nice, friendly and helpful. They’re not monsters like everyone was telling us. Seeing what that monster did with Aaron no wonder those poor beasts and droids serve him the way they do. The poor things must be so scared to live under that things rule.

Clay-(in part 1) I don’t like the looks and sounds of this thing this dark Stag. It’s worse than any form of monster I’ve ever heard of. I dread to know what this thing could ever want and I doubt we would ever want to find out. As for those minions of his I’m unsure what to think. We haven’t really seen much proof that they are actually as evil as many claim they are but then again we have no true understanding of why they serve him so their motives and behaviours are quite unknowable as well. I have noticed though that Zane has shown a strange trusting to these things which the others tell me isn’t normal for him. If it’s not normal and he’s becoming trusting of those who serve this monster it can’t be a sign of anything good. Hopefully nothing comes of his trusting that it’s just a phase or something like that, if that’s possible for those like him. If not then it can’t bode well and we may be in danger from one of our own.

(in part 2) That monsters true being is far worse in person than anything can describe and what it can and is willing to do... no wonder they call it a demon. That thing is an enemy I never wish to face and would rather just turn and leave its presence but we really don’t have a choice plus we’re knights and it would not be a knightly thing to turn and run from a monster so dangerous and threatening to the defenceless. As for his minions not only have we found proof that they aren’t monsters but they are actually great allies. They truly wish to help in their own way even though they must appear to be monsters for their master. Considering who that is I get why they do his bidding. I doubt things go well for them if they disobey and I don’t think there is much they can do to escape it. They don’t get along with Ashers in fact they enjoy being a thorn in their sides to hinder them and the people view them as nothing but demons so they have no choice but to serve this monster and live in fear; no wonder Zane felt for them.

Macy- (in part 1) This Stag being sure does sound terrible, hopefully it never desires for our home lands. I don’t think we’d ever be able to stand against it and win. I don’t think even those ninja could stand a chance against it. That poor nindroid Zane surely hasn’t fared well against that monster, thank goodness we were able to save him both times. He doesn’t deserve to be a puppet for that monster. That demon I don’t want to face but unfortunately we have no choice. It is our duties as knights to protect our kingdom and the defenceless if we have to face this thing to do that then I’ll do it even if it scares me. As for his allies I don’t think the animals get much of a choice about serving him and even if the robots do willingly serve him it is probably because they have been programmed to and not because they’re inherently evil. When it comes to the animals I’m pretty sure they’re not doing the things they do out of free will. They probably have no choice and are forced against their will to be puppets to that thing.

(in part 2) I was right I don’t want to face that thing. That thing is no monster; it’s something worse far worse. Nightmares can’t even depict how nasty that thing is and what it can do. Just its presence feels like all light in the world is sucked out leaving a deep dark emptiness that can paralyse even the toughest warriors. Trust us we’ve seen and experienced it firsthand. As for those minions of his they’re actually not bad. Poor things get the worst of it cause they have no option but to serve a demon and are wrongly judged by the people because they aren’t human and are believed to be inherently evil.

Lance- (in part 1) Do we really have to face this thing? All the hard work we have to do just to get to this thing plus this nasty environment we’re in aside this thing defiantly seems worse than any monster you could imagine. Hasn’t anyone also remembered what was said that this thing has no weaknesses and can’t be harmed by anything! Why even try going near this thing? Why waste the effort if it will be of no use? Maybe we should just throw in the towel this time. We’ve had a taste of what it can do and it is in no way pleasant or relaxing… that reminds me I need to find a good masseuse in this place. No offense to them but these beast folks don’t give the best messages. It’s those claws and hoof nails. They can be a little sharp sometimes. Anyway as for these minions yha when they’re serving this demon they can be quite monstrous like worse than movie monster monstrous. It’s real strange though cause when this Stag thing isn’t controlling them they’re oddly peaceful… it’s kind of creepy. What are they up to? I don’t know but I don’t like it. Animals are just animals but those robotics… yha they’re a lot more complex and unnerving. I’ve seen what those metal skin beings can do. Trust me it’s not pretty or pleasant and he wasn’t even under the Stags control the one time. He was just mad at me for mistaking him as a squirebot for a while. I guess that wasn’t too bad though compared to when that thing has him under its control. That is far worse and gross; I’m not going into that and trust me you wouldn’t want to know about it. Just thinking about it makes me feel sick.

(in part 2) Okay this Stag can be a lot worse! Thank goodness it never tried to use me as its puppet. I don’t think a simple message would take away the damages that thing could leave! Aaron was in no way himself for a few days after that thing treated him like a puppet. It was creepy to see him acting so strange. I guess I was a little harsh in judging those bots to be fare though you have to admit they are a bit creepy especially when they’re skulking around in the shadows. Even that Zane who I admit I shouldn’t have mistaken and treated like a squirebot is a bit creepy. In my defence I’ve never met a bot like him before. Our squirebots enjoy serving us; it’s what they were made for. I guess not all bots are the same. Anyway despite being creepy those bots that serve this Stag monster are not too bad.

Jestro (since he doesn’t appear till part two his view is from part 2) This thing is a monster I would never want to associate with. I’m sick of being turned evil and I’m pretty sure this things corruption would be far worse than what I have dealt with before. I’ve heard what it did with those ninja and I saw what it did with Aaron. It was so disturbing to see normally fearless Aaron acting like a frightened kitten for a few days. As for these bots and creatures that have to serve this monster I understand their view. Sometimes you have no choice but to follow evil; I wasn’t given much of a choice the second time.

To read the story this is related to you can find it here:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/34894561/chapters/86888878

You can also find images pertaining to the story here: https://www.deviantart.com/nerdy-hyena/gallery/72478681/story-project

[talesofourworlds]

Sometime after the Dragon Incident, Ludger has another stroke of luck: Magilou’s Menagerie is in Port Zekson at the same time as him! And with Victor’s newest mission in some weird island he didn’t catch the name of, there shouldn’t be a surprise dragon wrecking the port today. Although… some might argue the Lord of Calamity’s presence is much worse than any dragon.

Maybe one day, if she was willing, one of their tribe could help take in that malevolence. It sounds like the worst burden a person could be forced to bear. But… maybe Ms. Crowe has her reasons.

“Miss Magilou!” Ludger’s waving over to her, bumping past a few folks crowding the stalls near the docks. “Can I have a moment of your time? I promise, only a moment!” 

When she either stops or he catches up, Ludger takes a deep breath and smooths out any wrinkles or rebel strands so he’s in top condition. Okay, say it confidently! “Magilou, I wanted to tell you thanks for bringing cheer to our troubled world. Even though your critics haven’t been kind, I think everyone’s gotten a little something out of your performances!” 

They say any publicity’s good publicity, right? And if people are talking about you with smiles (even if cruel ones), that’s way better than an act you forget the next day! With time, he’s sure those heckles will be from enjoyment and not ironic enjoyment.

Though for this next bit, Ludger has to lean in and whisper, “And also, I think rebelling against the Abbey’s the better thing to do. Whatever they’re doing with Lord Innominat right now, they’re refusing to tell us. I don’t see why they’d bother when we’re helping them unless they know we wouldn’t like it.” 

But he didn’t seek Magilou out for gossip mongering– there’s a special something he wanted to give as part of his thank you. She might’ve seen part of it sticking out from behind him thanks to its unique shape, yet Ludger did his best to angle it behind him for the golden moment. And it’s… an almost perfect replica of Magilou’s old hat! Though at the back is a chain and clasp the exact same blond shade as Magilou’s hair. 

“I thought after the dragon blew yours away, you could have two hats: your performance hat, and your combat hat! The chain attaches to your shirt, and with the chain being close to your hair color, it’ll blend right in! Now if a dragon comes flying in, your hat’s not going anywhere!”

Pardon his smile, he's perhaps too excited as he almost forces the hat into Magilou's hands. “While I can’t help you guys directly, especially in these trying times, I hope nothing but the best for you and your menagerie."

"Thank you for everything you do!”

"Oh, heeey! Yeah, you got all my time. What's up?"

The answer was a little surprising. Thanks for bringing cheer to the world? Magilou smiled at that much. If only he knew that she actually was allying herself with the Lord of Calamity herself. If she told him that, how would he react? There was no way to know for sure. Naturally, she kept her mouth shut. No sense in breaking that sense of trust they'd built up.

Equally surprising was his little revelation. Rebelling against the Abbey was a good idea. Well, that she could gives a thumbs up to. At least some people who'd allied themselves with it, like Eleanor had before, had some sense!

"Yeah... it's some pretty nasty stuff they have cooked up, huh? I've only heard the rumors." Not exactly the truth, but she didn't need to go into detail. The next thing she knew, though, she was being given a gift. She'd seen a bit of it poking out from behind him, sure, but the hat was lovely!

"Well, look at that! This is all kinds of thoughtful," she praised. "You have my thanks, Ludger! No one will ever see it coming when it blends in with my hair~"

"I owe you my thanks, too. You did get me out of a pretty nasty situation with that dragon," she said. It had been her own fault that she'd gotten into that situation in the first place, but still.