#this is in regard to the story they posted on their tt

[girl-named-matty]

Hey to anyone who's stealing work from @dvinaamesca and going out of their way to crop water marks and re-edting their stuff: CUT IT OUT.

So much work goes into taking photos, editing them, and a lot more. When you just steal others work for your own, it's so petty I can't stand it. Creators WILL stop creating if you want to act like a jerk and steal stuff that isn't yours.

[herejusttosufferalong]

I have a theory regarding the Spain trip. As a preface, I'll say I believe for various reasons L and A are done since at least after the Italy trip.

So, a photo of L and A from the GQ event, the day she was wearing a tight long black dress and he a black silky shirt, appeared on my ig fyp today. I noticed that their haircuts there match their haircuts in Spain. Hers hasn't changed significantly during the whole summer but his hair grew quite a lot. In Spain it appears longer than after the WT but shorter than in Italy. After looking a bit, I found another photo of L from GQ (https://www.instagram.com/p/C9FoNwaxm7j/?igsh=aXNybjRmcTNuNmZy - pic 4) where a few strands of his hair fall on his forehead the same way they do in the cake selfie. As he probably grows his hair for s4, I don't think he'd cut it again after Italy. This made me think they went to Spain in close proximity to GQ, perhaps right after.

One of the TT creators shared she spoke with someone who works in PR, who said this kind of deals with hotels can be flexible but usually the celeb will have to post within the same quarter, so it means L could have been there anytime since the beginning of July. The GQ event was 3-5 of July, L posted the photos from Spain on September 7.

Why post now and not closer to the actual trip in the high of the vacation season? And if L and A are done how did she know to post her story a day before him? His last post before Spain was on July 6 and then he disappeared due to all the hate. I think this is when he went to Spain, exactly 2 months before he posted the photos from the vacation, which makes sense as a deadline deal-wise. As he wouldn't have wanted to receive hateful comments on a promo post, it also makes sense that he waited the longest he could before posting it, so the hate would die down. The last few weeks we witnessed L slowly coming back to sm - the bloopers stories, MD's posts, N's post - and he indeed started to get nicer comment, so safer time for him to finally post it. A must have known the deadline so she posted a day before him to let us know she was there with him. However, as I believe they are no longer together, he made sure to choose photos that make it look like he was there alone or at the very least not on a romantic vacation.

I’m intrigued!!!

[mushroomwarning]

A sorta long post on why I believe Lightbulb SHOULDN’T win season 2 and instead, the other three should be the candidates for winners

Before I start this off, PLEASE DONT BE MEAN TO ME WAUGHHH I’m just respectfully sharing my thoughts as someone who loves writing and I don’t even hate Lightbulb. I just don’t think she would make a good winner to make the story feel satisfied! So this isn’t LB neg, okay? Also keep in mind, I haven’t seen S2 in a hot minute so maybe I might get SOME things wrong but I’ll try my best to go on with my side.

Lightbulb

To start off, I’ll say it, Lightbulb as the possible winner of II S2 will be the most predictable and bland of the four possible contenders. Out of the four, she’s the one who’s managed to get the most out of the show, new friends, enjoyable experiences, a new pet, etc. She also has gotten a lot of screen time ( I think? ) and is a fan favorite for her wackiness n such. Yeah, she’s a little sad her friends are gone but she could always go and be with them if she just quit.

Her friends are waiting for her, honestly I’d say that’s a prize enough For her story, being able to go back and be with her friends, enjoying her time with them without worrying about the game anymore. She’s shown to be distraught with TT leaves, just go and be with your friends to stop being in this game that’s made people way more miserable. She’s got the winner attitude but it’s just. Boring. Predictable. Something that would not be that fun by a story standpoint tbh, at least in my opinion

The other three, I feel would make great winners in their own ways.

Baseball

I’ll start with Baseball, definitely an underdog and a guy nobody expects to win. That’s why he would be a wild card as a possible winner! It would shatter people’s expectations completely, but here’s the twist…If Baseball were to win, it could possible tie back into his story with Nickel. with Baseball probably thinking Nickel would pressure him to share the prize with him and his thoughts of how much of a doormat he’s been for others, Baseball could make his own decision without others influencing him, giving up the prize and giving it to the second place winner, which could be Suitcase or Knife it doesn’t matter.

THAT WOULD BE COOL WOULDN’T IT? Something that ties together Baseballs story thematically eh eh?

Knife

Anyways, Now onto Knife. He’s different from the other three in that, while he hasn’t lost anything like Suitcase or Baseball ( if I remember correctly), unless you count his dignity, he hasn’t gained anything either, unlike Lightbulb. He’s very much a pretty intelligent and strategical person, very much someone who could easily win if it played his cards correctly. There’s also a bit of a lesson he learns from S1 to S2, due to Trophy.

He learns to become less rash, mellowing out after Trophy gave him a bit of a reality check to the way he acts, even if the way he showed him wasn’t the best in the slightest, Knife learns to control his temper, mellowing out and instead uses his smarts to advance more in the game without relying on others and even gives advice to people Like Suitcase, Pickle and Microphone as he goes on.

He learns to be a better person and would honestly make a good contender for first, to reward him for his growth and change, or maybe second place if you want to show his new found humbleness in regards to his emotions

Suitcase

As for suitcase, while she’s sort of predictable as well, she isn’t as predictable as Lightbulb due to the events that she’s gone through and honestly is sort of the most deserving thematically to win out of everyone. Unlike Lightbulb, she’s lost a lot, not really gaining many friends excluding Balloon and gained mental health issues due to the treatment Nickel was giving her. This game has not treated her well in the slightest and she gains growth as time goes on, learning to stand up for herself and speak on her own.

She very much deserves the prize but at the same time, I don’t think she would care if she won or lost. She’s lost a lot and learned from her experiences in the game

Conclusion!

BUT YES. these are my reasons for why Lightbulb should not win. The others have very nice thematic reasons for why they could win but Lightbulb basically gained way WAYY more then they have out of the experience

But yeah, my ranking would go

Lightbulb- not a winner, Fourth place

Baseball - First place ( gives up prize) or Third

Knife - First or Second place

Suitcase - First or Second place too

[jaylleoo14]

An Octopus's First Impression

I have so much brainrots but im not a good enough writer to put them into actual stories and stuff😭 AHHHH TEH PAIN (If it isnt obvious enough I have low confidence in myself with my writing ability TT) But yes, Hello! This is going to be my debut as a twst writer and perhaps for other fandoms too<3 for now I am most comfortable writing for twst though, but please do enjoy your visit on my page!

Azul has yet to make a proper introduction to you

Part II

>GN!ReaderxAzul

[disclaimer] A rather desperate and calculative Tako

[characters] Azul and the other sillies that get in his way X3

When you first arrived at NRC Azul was surely not one of the individuals you'd paid mind to. The first dorm leaders that made their appearances known to your acknowledgment first was Vil because of his striking awe-stunning and jaw dropping beauty, Kalim because of his outward friendliness and radiating-welcoming personality, and lastly Riddle because of his fierce strictness to follow the school rules accordingly (And along with other respective proper and prim mannerisms and clothing rules to abide by whenever your paths were crossed)

Idia of course did not make his presence known and you literally did not know of him only until later after meeting Orthro, and even then you've only heard of him and never actually seen him. I mean cmon, who has honestly?

Leona is always hiding away, lazing around somewhere as he naps away into his own comfort so you dont even encounter him until some magical fateful day, but thats a story for another time :)

Although perhaps meeting him already when everyone is asleep, you arent really formally introduced to Malleus. So until then, you technically havent met Malleus for multiple reasons that are rather lengthy to list.

And then there's Azul. oooooh boy. Despite how interested he is in you regarding your sudden magical predicament and trying to approach you, you somehow always seem to be going astray from your interactions with him

He's tried to approach you, ensuring he'd give a lasting impression on you as he's heading on over to greet you properly

though things dont go as planned when Lilia is suddenly snatching you away to go entertain a certain activity of his out of nowhere

Or when you're being chased by a random Savanaclaw student with a bread bun in your mouth and Grim buried in your side as your arm wraps around him securely, holding about 4x amount of food in his paws (Cater in the background taking pictures of this and posting it on his magicam #delinquent #hungry for some breadbunz #Getting chased #My junior is so cute and trouble some #Uh oh trouble!)

Perhaps if it weren't for those troublesome classmates of yours, ah yes - Ace and Deuce - then you wouldn't be stuck in a tree branch right now with that troubling huntsman below you trying to help you down and he would by now be shaking hands with you

Why are you just all over the place?! You've already met with that Lazy Lion when all he did was sleep on the floor and you miraculously tripped over him, resulting in him catching you in his arms before you fell face first into the hard cobblestoned floor! He didnt even do anything to try and approach you so why is it that despite all his meticulous planning on trying to approach you and make an appearance, it just never happens?! Not only that but you're now indebted to that second prince just for you to do him a solid and fetch him a meat sandwich. Seriously, what a waste of a perfect opportunity

Do you perhaps already know who he is? Is that it? Are you actively trying to avoid him?! You're stressing him out already here Prefect, hello?! Its very important for a business man to expand his connections, you know. You two have never even properly met! Now that wont do at all, he must make his appearance now. Especially when you can offer that lovely little dwelling of yours for a branch of his add on of the Mostro Lounge with some talking and persuasion of course :)

He's been carefully looking over your schedule, trying to figure out what classes you go to at what time and when; will we be able to cross paths here? What about when you head on over to your chem class? You have lunch with who and where? Noted, now he can definitely prepare to approach you now. Is he desperate? Of course not, he's just ought to give you a proper greeting is all! Its not weird that he's trying to remember your schedule and trying to talk to you and-

You're in the library, studying up on some topics you don't quite get in your history class. The library was rather quaint and tranquil, a nice aesthetically pleasing place to help you go over your lessons and to study. You had a test coming up in Professor Trein's class and that was something you did NOT want to fail in again. Failing once or perhaps twice or maybe even a possible third time but who knows was already enough to bring your grade down to get a harsh scolding from Riddle and a sympathetic look from Trey

Your face all in the book, your notes plastered and sprawled out on the side where they rest on the table, and your other needed stationary next to you, you were in a environment where no one was around for you to focus up and study hard

Well, no one around except for Azul

Perfect! This is a great opportunity to approach you now! No one is around and he can even talk up into having you indebted to him by helping you study! This situation is rather perfect if he says so himself

A confident look spreads across his face as he walks on over to you, a perfect and professional air surrounding him

"Good evening Prefect, It's a pleasure to finally meet your acquaintance. I do apologize on interrupting your study session here but I would like the humbling experience to introduce myself."

A nice and firm smile is sprawled on his face as his hand is outstretched towards yours to make a formal shake. You look up from your book and stare at his hand, soon taking it as you sit and ponder only for a second

"Oh, aren't you that guy who couldn't get above 10 inches off the floor while riding his broomstick?"

Crack. After finally being able to introduce himself for GOD KNOWS HOW LONG, you know him for THAT?! For sevens sake! Not as Octavinelle's Dorm leader, BUT "that guy who couldn't get above 10 inches off the floor"

God he wants to go curl away and hide now. His hand flinching as you mention so but you keep a firm hold on his to give him a proper shake, a little oblivious to his faltering demeanor

"I think Floyd mentioned you before too. You're that boss running Mostro Lounge he said right? I think he said your name was-"

"Azul Ashengrotto." Clearing his throat a little before he continues "It's a pleasure to meet you (y/n)" Azul is quick to regain his composure and returns the firm hold. How strong you grip and how long you shake is incredibly important in dealing with business, especially when wanting to make lasting impressions to expand your social networks

In his mind though he wants to quickly eradicate that impression you have about him, and thus he asks to join you - to which you complied - in hopes of overwriting and hopefully making you forget that horrific thing you witness regarding his flight skills

And of course Floyd just had to meet you before he did. Its not really surprising considering his boisterous personality and extroverted behavior when in the mood, but perhaps Jade has also met you then too. Considering that those two tend to be near one another

No, of course he's not feeling bitter that even those two slimy eels met you first. Of course he's not feeling a little irritated that they didnt try to strike you up into making a deal with him. Or maybe the fact that whatever those two were doing they'd at least try to make you two meet! Afterall, he did tell them to send you over once due to his interest in you. But he then adverts his attention back onto you when mention how you are currently studying for an upcoming test

You dont know him at all yet, so you let yourself be completely vulnerable. Looking like the smart and reliable gentleman that he is, you ask him to help you study. Oh how you make it so easy for him, he didnt even need to offer!

With a pleasant smile on his face, his slick and gloved fingers pushing up the frame of his glasses, he happily accepts with a sweet tone in his voice as you both sit together and go over the lessons together

[itsangelicasworld]

i love your teen titans dr so much!

what’s the lore behind it, if you’re comfortable with sharing? how’d you get into the group? what was your life like before it??

ahh, sorry for the random questions, i’m just in the process of scripting my own tt dr, and i don’t know anyone else who shifts there too! :((

OMG TYSM FOR THE ASK ANON!! It surprises me just how many people like my TT life, and it makes me SO happy to see other DC/TT shifters!! I'll answer the questions you listed here, and if you have any other ones, feel free to DM me/send in another ask <33. Though I'll try to keep it as quick as possible, get ready for a long post ahead tgyhugfgh. (Oh, and I'd love to hear about your DR👀)

Before I begin, I'd like to note that trauma doesn't really exist in this reality. Bad events still happen, and those emotions are still very real, but they can't have a negative lasting impact on me or the people I love. I JUST WANT MY FAMILY TO BE OKAY AFTER ALL THIS FTGHGFGHJ. So anyways, I was actually a kid villain before I joined the Titans! It's a long story LMAO. But in short, I was adopted by an underground crime group known as "The Syndicate" (work in progress title) when I was a kid. They trained me and used my powers as a weapon in heists. But they were really the only family I had. Until they betrayed me and I was sent to juvenile detention💀💀. After that experience, I hated anything that had to do with villainy, so I tried out being a hero. Not a total hero, but the effort was there. I've never looked back since!! In regards to how I met and became part of the Titans: we had actually interacted a few times before I joined them. I did have a record as a villain, but they stayed out of my business and I stayed out of theirs. UNTIL I HAD MY MAIN CHARACTER MOMENT. Basically, it was a normal day. The Titans were fighting a villain on a high rooftop in the city. There was a crowd below them (which included me). Just as the Titans secured a victory, Robin was caught off-guard, and ended up falling off the roof. Before the rest of the team even noticed, I jumped into action and saved him🤭🤭. Still stands as one of the coolest things I've done so far ngl. The Titans saw my skills, and said, "now wait a minute.. she might have potential". A few days later, they recruited me into the team, AND THE REST IS HISTORY!! Star was the first one to accept me into the group wholeheartedly, I love her beyond words😭🫶. There is a TON of lore to this reality, whether it's about me or the other team members or the general worldbuilding. So I will HAPPILY rant about it any time. Tysm for making it this far!! <33

[mightbeorphanedidk]

THIS JUST IN! DEER MAN ON A HUNTING HIGH LEARNS THAT A TV IS LOWKEY INTO HIM! (for safety reasons this is a joke. Vox or Alastor, please do not click on this.)

Good evening, pathetic sinners, I'm Katie Killjoy!

(And I'm Tom Tre--)

People give two shits and a fuck about you, Tom. Coming in tonight with our top story: The Radio Demon has learnt some incredibly horrendous news regarding his fellow co-worker of the AV3, The Television Overlord! Recently our reporters (R.I.P Whatever their names were) discovered a chilling scene in the forest surrounding the ring of Pride!

Alastor, otherwise known as the Radio Demon, is widely known for fucking off for days on end hunting some pathetic sinners, but his most recent trip turned out to be a bit more docile than usual! If you don't know him, here is our rendition!

(This is not actually The Radio Demon. Please do not hunt us down, Sir, this is not what we think of you. Hunt the unpaid intern who drew this, not us)

Here is what our reporters caught on scene! Thankfully we found their camera, but the cameraman is no longer with us. One less unpaid intern to pay, and we get footage on top of that? Amazing!

As we can see in the footage, the infamous Radio Demon appears to be on yet another murderous rampage, seeing more blood than reason!

(Ha! They should call him the Deer Demon, look at how he acts!)

You are a limp-dick virgin, don't add more to that. Anyways, it looks like our face of the AV3's got the hots for a special rampant deer! Just how low is he willing to stoop for some attention from the guy?

It's so sexually depraved and one-sided I'm starting to think the TV will resort to flirting with a brick wall!

More on tonight's program; Video Killed The Radio Star (Except the video in question is completely, utterly, repulsively, disgustingly, obnoxiously down bad for said radio)

Pssst! Are you some stranger who's seen this and is interested? Check out my AO3, where I write tons more one-sided RadioStatic! I also write tooth-rotting fluff, angst, and Vox being pathetic for an outd__4t3d.!#%>RaD1o very handsome and superior overlord! I would also pass my TT, but I don't post on it so I see no point.

Ao3: MightBeOrphanedIdk

This fic: Video Killed The Radio Star (Except the video in question is completely, utterly, repulsively, disgustingly, obnoxiously down bad for said radio) - Chapter 2

Series: Vee!Alastor AU

Thanks!!

[velvetvexations]

The "ideal range" including being cishet. If anyone says the words "AFAB privilege" to you, get the fuck out of there. No trans person has any privilege over anyone else.

Transphobes are very aware of trans men and other trans people who menstruate who aren't women. Transphobic cis women and TERFs especially are pissed at "making mentruation gender-neutral" because of their "divine femininity" bullcrab based in bleeding once a month and being able to get pregnant, because "men couldn't handle that" and that makes them ~special~. So men* and other people who aren't women doing those things (literally just... menstruating and some of them getting pregnant) and "visibly"** doing so pisses them off. (*I mean both trans men and intersex men (wether they're trans or cis or both or neither or whatever) btw, **visibly meaning just existing and not hidding in a hole when they're pregnant and, well, TERFs simply just having to see menstrual products that aren't plastered with Venus-symbols and "GIRL POWER" and all that shit, and hear people say "pregnant people" and "people who menstruate". Because apparently that is enough to "destroy womanhood" and "erase women". But those terms aren't used for trans women primarily, but trans (and intersex!) people who menstruate and get pregnant but who aren't women. Idk how people keep forgetting that.) (Has nothing to do with the rest of the ask, but my TikTok did that literally twice. I saw the beginning of some extremely transandrophobic videos and the app shuts down before I can even get angry or scroll. And then I get a cute dog video instead, which is what I'm actually on TT for. I don't know. I think that's funny because those two exact instances where the only times that happened. Probably my brain's just fried rn and it's not actually as funny as I think but whatever.)

TRFs barely want to acknowledge you exist, they seem to think no one else could possibly care about you and that you should simply be thankful they allow you to reblog their posts about how all transphobia is transmisogyny.

while hes a virulently antiasian asshole, among other things, so his actions arent surprising, there are others who share his opinion. like i get the sentiment behind it. chinas attitudes and laws regarding lgbtq rights are appalling, let alone its treatment of lqbtq+ people and their advocates. but saying you wish this non-western thing was remade in the western is still a racist thing to say when the the western media has readily and blatantly stolen from non-western stories, media, etc and remade things verbatim just with an all white cast. i know people want more rep and i understand that but please consider what youre saying especially when you are consuming media whose countries of origin circumstances and culture you do not understand. also it was really weird that james somerton got called out on tons of shit, rightfully so mind you, including but not limited to plagiarism, misogyny, transphobia, being a scammer and yet no one said a word about his out right antiasian racism when he was making multiple videos talking out his ass about asian media. idk just think its kinda strange.

I didn't know about any of that, but it does sound like Somerton.

[kimyoonmiauthor]

Disability and Worldbuilding

I will state you can't change the actual disability, though you could theoretically make up ones. This isn't going to be one of those "Oh let's play roulette and give your characters a disability you've never heard of before". This is a short post trying to ask you to look at how disability is thought of and treated in your society and maybe changing the longtime European default settings to one that could look at disability on a cultural level.

Europe's ideas of Disability over time

There's some loose thought that Druids were semi-Shamanistic and if that was so a few things are true: Higher likelihood of acceptance of LGBTQIA, though this was likely erased by later Christian Missionaries, but some stories do survive that indicate this might be true. Of course LGBTQIA isn't a disability, but putting it out there that Druids likely accepted it from Historical thinking.

But also it's likely that disabilities, particularly congenital, etc weren't regarded the same as they were later.

Mental health disabilities were likely? treated as a cause of celebration because those people were closer to understanding the divine. Many Shamanistic religions are like that.

Then Romans came, and Romans, unlike the "sanitized" version of them were not anti-sex, homosexuality, but there is evidence that there was some "kill people with disabilities" mentality probably leftover from the Greeks. (Baby death by exposure for having a disability).

This belief system probably synchronized with Christianity in Europe, and thus by the time you get to Shakespeare in the 1500's, etc, it was commonly thought that if you had a physical or mental "deformity" (language of the time period) that it was punishment from God. This is why in much of the plays of the time period physical disability comes at the heels of a moral failing in plays. If you notice, this is a more extreme version of the previous. But the justifications have changed and the culture has changed with it.

(Lucy Worsley goes over this when she talks about Shakespeare and Richard the III—often disability was feared, mocked, and hated.)

Your arm got chopped off in battle and somehow despite the terrible medicine, you survived, well the Church would tell you, "You know what? God willed it because you were evil."

TT Ultimate in blame the victim?

Of course with the advent of science, some of this started to change, but was still prevalent until the late Victorian era where it changed. (You can watch the doc Victorian Pharmacy to get an idea of when the Humour system finally died, etc.) But then Eugenics kinda took over the mantle of what had been put in earlier with a more extreme version and justification to go after LGBTQIA, (Mostly the first 4 letters, to be honest) They used Wallace and Darwin's work (unfortunately it got Darwin's Grandson) to argue against disability.

But then this history also attacks ND identity too.

But do you need to write an antagonism towards disability? Couldn't you expand on the supposed Druid version and play that up?

You do not have to do the whole "Punishment from God" antagonism. And it may be inconsistent as well. Some disabilities are more liked than others. Finding and asking about the justifications would make this a good bit of world building to work on.

[gladdygirl18]

Okay okay so uhmmmm..... I feel like I'm gonna cry from how happy and loved I feel rn...... 🥹🥹🥹💖💖 (blue me, pink GF)

So yesterday night, my GF, our 2 friends, and I were watching Fairy Tail (the GMGs specifically), and I started teasing my GF about something that's gonna happen later on in the show (lovingly, ofc). When I got back from getting something to drink, I walked up to my GF and smiled, being a brat. She scoffed and held out her hand (does this whenever she wants me to sit next to her or on her lap). I took her hand and she yanked me onto her lap. A few seconds passed and she started poking my sides before she really started tickling, scribbling across my sides and kissing my neck (I was so happy 🥰😊💖)

When all was said and done, the match between Mirajane and Jenny started and ngl..... I got a bit jealous cuz IK how much my GF loves Mirajane as well as a lot of other women in Fairy Tail..... and it kinda got under my skin. When I told her this before we went to bed, she started teasing me about it, saying "Karma" before tickling me AGAIN 😳💖 (it made me feel better)

Later on that night, I randomly asked my GF, "How do you do it?" She replied with "WDYM?" "I know we're together and normally asking for things or expressing our concerns helps better our communication skills, but..... it's hard for me, y'know?" "Asking for what... in what regard? You mean when I~....?" (Rated R stuff I won't get into) "Not just that, it's...."

Bro when I tell you this conversation was so flustering omgggg 😳🤭🫣 but it has a good ending

"Often times when I'm sad or upset, I.... sometimes want to ask you to.... tickle me cuz it'll cheer me up but.... it's really hard to do that...." My GF turned over and said, AND I QUOTE, "Well, why don't we come up with a word or phrase to tell me you want that, even if there are... prying eyes...."

BROOOOO WTFFF 😳😳😳 I SWEAR TO FUCK I THOUGHT I WAS DREAMING WHEN SHE SAID THAT!!!! 🫣🥰🥹💖I AM LITERALLY LIVING OUT MULTIPLE TICKLE FANFICS RN WTFFFF💖💖💖💖

After some thinking, we settled on the phrase "necesito sonreir" which means "I need to smile." Simple yet effective

I swear to fuck I have never been more happy in my life rn, omggggg.💖🫶🏾🥰 Now whenever I want tickles (whether I'm in a good mood or bad mood) I just say that phrase and I get tickles. Omgggg I'm legit tearing up rn, broooo🥹🥹🥹

Yeah so that's my little TT (tickle tea) for the week. I'll probably post more if anything happens after this. Might make a series off this who knows, I'll start tagging these as #tickle tea stories

Tagging the fwends: @giggly-squiggily @cutesmokes @burningablaze @lovelymessybubbly @otomiyaa @sunstone-smiles

[chibi-celesti]

EXEC_ZENVA=RYUSSE >> FLEUR_CITY: Wassa Masquerade ag cremia LYAarhou_Siance(Let's go to the Glorious Masquerade!) (pt. 1)

Pt. 2 Pt.3

Summary: The Tales of the Glorious Masquerade with a Twst. Tone. spice added to it! Meryu, after Grim’s moaning and groaning withered away at Crowley’s resolve, can now travel to other cities with her friends for the First Ever Arcane School Trip. This trip will take her to a beautiful city where the prestigious Noble Bell College resides: Fleur City, aka the City of Flowers. And her group’s chance encounter with the well known Student Council President Rollo Flamme will change the outcome of the entire school trip.

A fic paying tribute to the Glorious Masquerade. I was thinking of doing a lot of the events from TW within Twst Tone, but for now I will start small with my personal favorite event of the Game. Some things that happen here aren't tied to TT’s Canon! (Side note: I altered Meryu's Reyvateil placement for this story, but don't worry. This too isn't tied too much to TT's canon either! In addition, this Event takes place post Book 06!)

~Twisted Tonelico~

Part one: Start Up(Preparations)

~???~

A lone boy sat alone in his council room, gazing directly at the fire. This boy was of 17 years of age, his emerald eyes that looked fatigue stared off at the dancing embers, his hands linked together as he appeared lost in thought. He looked down at the documents on his desk; each one containing information regarding his ‘visitors’ coming to his domain for a special arcane trip. “Soon…the day of retribution will be upon them soon,” A shady grin formed on his lips. “I will see to it that you fall, Malleus Draconia!”

His eyes then focus onto one face within the pile of Night Raven students, rereading the name and memorizing down to the finest details of her face. A magicless prefect from another world: Meryu Ptrapica Melenas. He picked up her file with care, caressing her photo with fondness of a protector.

“Fear not, my dear. For I will save you from those wretched demons!”

~Night Raven: RTG~

“The First Ever Arcane School Trip?”

“Yes./ You betcha!”

Dr. Marmalade leaned back into their work chair. “Interesting. What do you think, kiddo?”

Meryu is unsure of what to think. Ever since Crowley made an announcement about this Trip offered by another school beyond the borders of Sage’s Island, everyone didn’t really care for it at first until he selected 11 lucky(or unlucky in Idia’s case) students to represent Night Raven College. Sadly, both she and Grim didn’t make the cut because their names were not chosen. Something she didn’t mind, but Grim on the other hand couldn’t stand it. He rather they go out and see what the world had to offer since he they were always cooped up on the island.

Well, except for that one incident, but we don’t talk about that. Anyway-

The feline pestered the Headmage so much, the birdman fae conceited to allow the both of them to, with a catch: While also representing the school with her classmates, she is forbidden from revealing her Reyvateil status to ANYONE at Noble Bell College nor the people of Fleur City.

“I don’t mind it. But I do wish Mr. Crowley didn't have to lie about my status to Noble Bell.” Meryu lamented.

“Given the current condition of the World, it is a safer probability to ensure your safety.” Gamma told her.

Dr. Marmalade voiced their thoughts on the matter, though mostly agreeing with their assistant. “Birdy’s got a point. After the fiasco back home, the last thing I want is for my nephews’ folks to mess with you anymore than they already have.”

“That’s true…”

“That being said,”  They continued on: “Those who are going, do they know to carry their back up toys for emergencies?”

“Deuce and Epel? Yes.”

“And Zigvolt?”

“Loud mouth still refusin’ your gift despite us telling him to take it!” Grim said, annoyed that once again Sebek is ignoring his call to service because of his odd sense of pride and servitude to Malleus Draconia. “Why did we even botha makin’ him his own back up weapon?!”

“He’s an honorary Guardian, Grim. That's why.” The Reyvateil told him. “But I do wonder how Midori-kun feels about this trip?” Meryu does feel bad that her Princely friend will not be able to go. She wonders if there is anything in the mythical city they’re going to has any flower seeds or other trinkets he might like.

Her thoughts were soon interrupted by the Tin Man himself. “Meryu Melenas. Before you depart, there is one form of maintenance we must perform.”

“Hmm? What dya mean, Gamma-sensei?” Grim asked the former Charon.

“He’s saying that we should make sure she can survive the trip. She’ll be far away from the Dark Mirror, so we need to be prepared for when the time comes.”

“Prepare Minion with what exactly?”

“We need to craft her a [Ryusse] Song, followed by a Flip Flop conversation to whatever can act as an SH_Server in this City of Flowers.”

This confused Meryu a bit. “But I thought the Headmage would help us with that…”

That earned an eye roll from their mentor/ Counselor. “Even if he says that now, nine out of ten it'll be us doing the dirty work.” They moved to pat both Meryu and Grim on the head before heading to the Grathmelding workstation. “Come on. Let's see what we can Meld together while the boys are busy.”

“Hai!/ Gotcha, boss!” The Ramshackle duo ran to the nearest cabinet and started gathering everything they needed to produce the [Ryusse] song. 

Grim began loading some ingredients to the cauldron when his friend brought another important question to discuss. “Should we also make some Tranquility Crystals, too, Dr. Marmalade?”

“I don’t see why not, but we have plenty in stock for you and the others here, too.”

“Like you said, you can never be too careful! I’ll make sure to give some to Deuce and Epel just in case! Maybe I should give them to Mr. Zigvolt as well…”

“Knowing him, he’ll throw them out and claim you’re weak for needing them and your Life Extending Agents!”

“Who said what now?”

The group turned to see the first year Guardians in question arrive in the RTG. “Hey, boys!” The girl greeted. “Grim was just talking about Sebek’s denial as a Reyvateil Knight.”

Ace laughed at the allegation, knowing that would be something the Diasomnian student would say. “Not surprised. It’s been, what, 8 weeks since he joined us.”

“He could be nervous about this new position he was given.”

“That’s possible,” Deuce mentioned. “I know for me, Ace, and Epel it was a surprise from you and the Headmage, Doctor.”

“Still, better now than never. That’s how I see it anyway.”

“Oh we know,” Jack quipped. “By the way, what are you all making today?”

“Tranquility crystals.” Grim answered him. “Meryu wanted to have more while we party at Fleur City!”

A record scratch could be heard as the Guardians were trying to process what the dire beast said. “...Come again?”

“Grim bullied Crowley into letting us go…”

…

“WHAT?!/ No fair!” Jack and Ace cried.

“Calm down, guys! I’m still as shocked as you are!”

“Lies! I bet you’re secretly hyped about going on this trip!” Ace said angrily. “You probably helped set up Crowley with Grim from the beginning! OW!”

Gamma whacked the boy on the head with his fan. “INCORRECTION! Grim was the only perpetrator responsible! I have the tapes to prove it.”

Epel giggled, muttering a ‘Serves you right’ behind his hand. Deuce, on the other hand, tried to reason with him. “Let it go, Ace. Besides, you won’t have to put up with Houswarden Riddle for the next few days.”

“I would if it weren’t for Trey and Carter-senpai still enforcing the rules while he’s gone.”

Meryu turned to Jack after making sure she added a sprinkle of Minnow fins into the cauldron. “What about you, Mr. Jack? Do you have to do Mr. Ruggie’s chores while he’s away?”

“Yes, but nothing too major. I can handle it no problem!” He pumped his fist, ready to take on any challenge.

“That’s a relief.”

“Final Reminder for all: Keep your Symphonic Gear on hand for Emergencies!” 

Gamma’s announcement spooked two of the boys going to Noble Bell. “Our Symphonic Gear?! But what if we-!”

“Relax, you won’t,” The teacher assured them. “Remember, we specialized them to be as less noticeable as possible. They won’t bat an eye at their appearances, so you and Deuce will be fine, Felmier.”

“R-right…” Epel still felt new to this whole Guardian thing. He doesn’t mind it at all since he can prove himself to be strong, even if it’s not as physically buffed as say Deuce and Jack. But his nimble nature and ‘Lovely Charms’ have gotten better thanks to Vil and Marmalade’s teachings.

That said, he also noticed something off about the supplies being used in the Lab. “Um, Doctor. This is way more than the normal amount needed to make Tranquility Crystals.”

The rest caught on quickly when they saw what the Pomefiore first year pointed out. “Yeah, you’re right. Hey, Doc. What’s the deal?”

“One word. [Ryusse].”

“[Ryusse]? !!!” The boys picked up on the word quickly. “What do you mean by that?!”

“We’re working on a [Ryusse] Song. In case Crowley doesn’t keep his end to help us out!”

“What for?”

In a serious tone, their friend gave them all a straightforward answer. “So I can request for whatever resides in this Fleur City to be my [Ar Tonelico], and ensure I make it there safely.”

Meryu’s answer threw them for a loop, until some of them recalled how complicated things were when she strayed away from the Dark Mirror for too long. “That makes sense…” Jack admitted. Last thing anyone wants is to remember that fiasco again. “When do you guys think it’ll be done by?”

“Estimation is three days before their departure.”

“Who calls dibs on Downloading it?”

“Trappola…” The Doc warned.

“What~ I’m just asking. That way we know who’s responsible, that’s all.”

“Hmmm,” He wasn’t wrong. And they know she hasn’t planned that far ahead yet. “We’ll discuss it the day of the Download.” They chuckled at how Ace deflated at their response. Granted it seemed that all of them were bummed about not knowing who’ll perform it. “Don’t be so glum, kids. Be happy she’s going at all, AND that she is in good hands with you and the others.”

“Hai, Doctor.”

To lighten up the mood again, their Charon assistant asked a simple question: “Anyone hungry for Potato Donuts?”

“ME! ME!!” Was the general consensus.

~Nighttime, Ramshackle Dorm: Meryu’s Room~

Once they produced enough Tranquility Crystals, packaged some Life Extending Agents, and workshopped some ingredients to add on to the [Ryusse] Hymn Crystal, Meryu, Grim and the rest of the First Years retired for the night. Evening with the names of the people chosen, more still needed to be done from taking whatever simple clothes and garments they needed on hand. For the Housewardens going, they made sure that their Right hand commanders were given any and all information and to record anyone who may have broken a rule(Riddle), to manage the dorms nicely and uniformly without anything catching fire(Jamil). Meryu and Grim were lucky it was only them, with the one rule she asked from Alphonse, Benedict and Connor being that they keep the place nice and clean until they come back.

Speaking of said Reyvateil, the nervous jitters kept her awake, nearing into the Midnight hour. I can’t believe I’m actually going to another place this month! And to this Fleur City! Oh, I can’t wait to share this with Lady Frelia and Shun! Thinking of them suddenly caused a wave of heartache to bloom. If only there was a way to show them beyond simple photos…

Slowly, she rose from her bed and headed towards her bedroom window, peeking up at the Ethereal Full Moon in the sky. She began humming her lullaby again to herself, until she spotted the green glow of fireflies outside. He’s here?! Meryu pressed her face into the glass, and lo and behold, her prince was outside Ramshackle!

With a rush of joy, she left her room(making sure not to disturb Grim in the process) and outside into the cool Autumn air. “Midori-kun!”

“Meryu,” Malleus greeted her as she ran and hugged him fiercely. He laughed while hugging her back before letting her go to hold her hands in his. “You seem excited, my dear.”

“I am! I haven’t seen you all day, and I was worried because-” She paused before asking: “You heard of the Headmage’s announcement, right?”

“I have from Lilia. Something about an Official Arcane School Trip,” She nodded at his answer. “To be honest, I wish I was there when the Headmage had spoken about it.”

“He still hasn’t worked on that…” They both jokingly question how the ‘wise and generous’ Mage still kept forgetting to inform the Prince of such occasions. It’s a miracle he hasn't become roasted crow yet.  Shaking away such musings, Meryu went back on topic. “Anyway, I was hoping to see you to ask you a few things.”

“Things?”

“You see, Grim pestered Crowley into letting us go as representatives with the others.”

Malleus’s eye widened. “He has?” She happily nodded, oblivious to the shadow of a smirk that disappeared faster than it appeared. “Interesting. Are you excited, Inferiare?”

She blushed at the nickname. “Yes. This will be my first time proper, so…”

“I know,” He leaned in to whisper this to her. “To tell you the truth, I never told anyone this, not even Lilia, but I, too, was nervous to leave my home to come here.”

“Really?!” A simple nod was given. “You never came as someone who gets anxious.”

“You would be surprised. As Prince, I must refrain from expressing too much of my emotions less I make my people worry. However, what I say is the truth.”

She looked down at their hands, lamenting about her friend unable to travel with her. “I wish you could go. This city sounds beautiful…And I think you would adore the sights and sounds,” She felt him pat her head gently before tilting her face towards him. His eyes glimmering like the stars above.

“Fear not, Melenas. I’m sure Fate will allow us to journey together someday.” And those words alone were enough to ease some of her sadness and worries.

~Morning, Night Raven: Headmage Office~

“Splendid news everyone!” Crowley cheered, facing his group of tired first years. Well, all except for Sebek, who seemed more energized than tired. And Ortho, who isn’t usually tired given his state of being.

Once more the Headmage had called upon his “High Achieving” Students, aka those in the know of the RTG and the two Teachers overseeing the project. He claimed that he had something of importance he wanted to share with them. Super early in the morning. Before regular classes begin, and three days before they were to leave. Oh what fun…

Grim yawned before he asked the same question that was on most of their minds. “What news?”

“I have located the perfect source of an SH_Server!” The neurons in everyone’s minds shot them wide awake right away.

“Seriously?!/Really?!/ That’s Amazing, Sir!!”

Gamma turned to face his creator. “How do you prefer your socks, Marmalade? Fried, or marinated?”

“Not now, idiot!” They told him through gritted teeth.

Crowley was confused about the context. “I beg your pardon?”

“Doc said they’d eat their own socks if you didn’t keep your end of the deal,” Epel told him.

“Ah! Well, I told you I would aid everyone in this endeavor, didn’t I?” The damn fool was gonna enjoy his ego high after this.

“You did, after Grim violated your eardrums for hours.”

“I digress!” Crowley shouted. “Where was I? Oh yes. I have located somewhere in Fleur City that appears to have the same potential as the Dark Mirror to be an [Ar Tonelico] for Ms. Melenas. Tracking down its address was no easy task given the circumstances, but I managed to do so with due diligence!”

Most of them doubted it, but they didn’t dare voice it aloud again. Sebek, however, wanted this meeting to finish swiftly. “What is this new [Ar Tonelico] which you speak of?”

“The Bell of Salvation.”

“Huh?”

“Bell of Salvation?”

“That is a history lesson I do not have enough time to discuss at the moment, but yes,” He leaned onto his hands on his desk. “This is the temporary Song Server for you, Ms. Melenas.”

“I see…”

“And as far your project has come along, have you all completed this newer Hymn Crystal?”

“Yes sir! We finished purifying it yesterday!” Deuce said.

“Splendid. I take it this also means we can install post haste, no?”

“We can. But these idiots keep bickering over who should do it for the umpteenth time despite Melenas having the final say more than them.” Marmalade jested. “Who knew getting to chant in Hymmnos would get all their attention to focus in class.”

Crowley looked at the boys in disappointment, shaking his head at the information he was given. “You all must decide on who does it by the end of the day, or I’ll do it myself.”

“Mr. Crowley. About that…”

“Hmm?”

“I was wondering…” Meryu twiddled her hands before making her request. “If I could decide on who I would like to do this?”

“I see. Will you have your answer by day’s end?”

“Actually,” She clenched her hands together to disguise her nervousness. “I know who I want to do this with.”

~After school, Night Raven: The ‘Singing Hill’~

The group all gathered at the school’s ‘Singing Hills’ as they promised, waiting to perform the next steps needed for the safe travel ahead.

Before Meryu stood Malleus, whom she had given the Hymn Crystal [Ryusse] after she requested him to meet her after lunch. He was ecstatic to hear that she wanted him to help her with this task. As if he couldn’t feel more jubilated about the fact he was cordially invited to go as well, now his Beloved Siren is asking this of him. He felt like he could die happy to have so many good things come his way. 

Despite Sebek’s protests about him going through with this-combined with his insistence to do the procedure instead-the Prince’s resolve was firm. And to do this here before they depart… he felt honored to help his Reyvateil even more.

“Are you ready, Meryu?”

“Whenever you are, Midori-kun!”

“Very well,” He moved the Hymn Crystal in front of himself and Meryu. The moment it began to glow, he started the incantation.

“Was yea ra rre crushue Hymmnos.” Rings of light in the form of Hymmnos glyphs began to take shape. This did not deter anyone, not a single soul.

He continued on. “ADDR:0x02:04:1938:1113:1940. MA zweie ra flip 1x01110000 MERYU_FEHU_EOLIA_ARTONELICO <=> ARTONELICO=DARKMIRROR_PHANTASIA.”

*Whoosh*

“Rana 1/1x10 enter > hyzik sphilar >> Meryu exec DRONE=RYUSSE.”

*Whoosh*

“Grandus harr zenva tes ADDR: 0x06:06:1996:0316:1831, [BEATA=MARIA] der zuieg GRANDEE=MALLEUS_DRACONIA.”

The final ring of light vanished indicating the end of the rite. “Are you well, Melenas-san?”

“Yes,” she told him, then looked towards everyone. “I’m ready for Fleur City, everyone.”

~EXEC_ZENVA=RYUSSE >> FLEUR_CITY; Tes Biron~

[cartograffiti]

Why Does the Merch Say That? A cheat sheet to the Queen's Thief OwlCrate collection

If you don't know what I'm talking about, here was the Instagram announcement: linkety link. If it's noon April 19th 2023 (Pacific Coast) or later, you can look at OwlCrate and see whether the general sale has gone live yet.

Moving on to the post, which will contain spoilers for all six Queen's Thief novels and the short story collection.

Why Does the Merch Say That?

The Queen of Attolia shirt: Atté Atté is the battle cry of the Attolians (RotT) and something Gen says to Irene in bed (RotT). This shirt also features a bee. This is a motif used throughout the series, notably as Irene's favored bee earrings (QoA, maybe as early as TT?), and a favorite creature of Pheris's (RotT).

The River Shirt: "The river knows its time" is the title and first line of a Mede poem Kamet shares with Irene at Eugenides's request (TaT). It is about nature and time, and it comforted Irene after she miscarried. The graphic shows a tree, a river, and mountains, all of which we spend a lot of time with.

Attolian Tumbler: "Do not offend the gods" is a warning/blessing used throughout the series, notably with regard to the behanding and Sophos's claim to his throne. The sword is none in particular, but lilies are a symbol of Attolia, used on their flag and coins.

Eugenides's Journal: "You will have your heart's desire, little thief" is dialogue from Moira to Gen in "Alyta's Missing Earring." The cover is a riff on the MP special edition and includes Greco-Roman elements, Gen's hook, and Hamiathes's Gift.

Irene's Journal: "Who am I, that you should love me?" is dialogue from Irene to Gen at the end of QoA. I see crowns, lilies again, and laurel.

The Little Peninsula Tote Bag: This is the crest of the united peninsula (RotT), later called Ephestalia (MP). Lilies for Attolia again, the Lion of Sounis, and a griffon for Eddis. I think these leaves are olive. (Every book.)

Atté Atté Candle: Interestingly, this label mixes Atté Atté (see shirt) and the national symbols (see tote bag). The scent is orange trees, for the orange grove where Gen watched Irene dance, (QoA) honey (bees again), and tamarisk flower, for the bush he was in, spying on Irene and Dite, when he realized he loved her. (KoA)

[mrs-monaghan]

Jkk probably feel the need to defend V's behavior lately, because if they don't then they're left questioning his loyalty to Jm regarding Jk. The day V tells Jk he likes him the most or that he likes him to his face, then what? When V did that in front of Jk and said all of that to Jm, even causing Jm to tell him to stop when he kept telling him he liked him, it was written off as soulmates, besties, even with people trying to defend Jk, saying it was wrong if he's dating Jm. If V was willing to tell Jm he likes him and not be joking and later on say he likes Jm the most right in front of Jk, then what would stop V from flipping the script and doing it to Jk now, since they seem closer lately?

I don't think V would do that tho, because it is Jm he likes the most, not Jk & Jk wouldn't ever let V do something like to that Jm, but if Mr. Unpredictable ever did tho, I'm betting it wouldn't be written off as besties/soulmates, like it was with Vmin. We had Jk saying from a friend & Jm's actual panic waiting for what V was gonna say to him, then Jm looking at Jk after V said that to him & Jin's side eye & Suga yelling to break the tension. They all knew & braced for impact lol. He's not a horrible person, he loves Jikook, but he's unpredictable & enjoys trolling & kinda does before he thinks. Example, Going live from Jk's house without asking permission. If Jikook are dating, I imagine that didn't sit right with Jm & calling out people for saying it was wrong, cause they don't want to admit they themselves know its wrong, isn't okay. You may think its right, doesn't mean someone else does & no one has a right to say you can't feel its wrong. Jm is very patient with V cause he loves him & V just told Jm he loves him openly on IG just 4 mons ago, so I think Vmin are fine, but there are limits & patience can wear thin, even when it comes to besties.

what would stop V from flipping the script and doing it to JK now, since they seem closer lately?

Who's side are u on anon?

I love this video sm!! God Bless the person on twitter who made it 😂😂😂

No, but really, anon you have to watch how u say things. We live in a world where Tkkrs sent death threats to V pretending to be Jkkrs so they can make us look bad. We have them using Jimin as their PPs so they can lure people into the cult. So I am very cautious, alright? Let's be careful about how we word things so I don't side eye u 🤭🤭

Just because we don't see Jikook out and about like we used to, don't mean Tkk are now closer than Jkk. U know what, I wanna talk about this. The vermin can yell till the cows come home but we only have 2 legit instances of them being spotted together. 2. TWO instances. Bowling

And the musical

The end.

Every other instance has been made up and doesn't exist. The snowboarding which later turned into ice skating??? The way that story kept changing? And the fact that JK who hates the cold was ice skating without gloves and that's how a fan spotted him? 🤡🤡🤡🤡

Then we have the TT ontop of that one hotel. Where they supposedly spent the night together

Never mind that other members were present too and a certain girl group was also staying there. ☕

Speaking of the TT (that was for work) I have never seen anyone bring this up so I will. When this TT got posted I was trying so hard to figure out what or who I was looking at.

It was hard. Alright? Go to the comment section and see Trashkookers complain how they wish the video was clearer. The fact that I needed to check the tags to know who was dancing 🤭🤭 And so when this happened my Jikook brain couldn't help but wonder; editor - JK did he do this on purpose? Would he have edited the TT the same way if he had done it with Jimin? With Hobi? Was this him denying the cult content? We know he don't like them. 🤷🏽‍♀️ Food for thought. 🤔

Moving on swiftly....

Back to your ask my darling anon. I'm sorry your one sentence sent me into a tangent. 🙏🏽 I pretty much agree with everything u said. I will clip Jimin looking at JK during that Vmin moment so we can all enjoy it together.

Notice how Jimin didn't say "I like you the most too?" Is it because there's another person at that table that he likes the most? 👀 But the kicker is when Jimin looks at JK immediately after saying that. Immediately. Gee, I wonder why. 🤭

You know what this moment reminds me of? Bon voyage season 4 episode 6.

Jimin says he wants to sleep in the tent WHILE LOOKING AT JK. JK tells him to go ahead. No one else, just JK

Jimin repeats again *while still looking at JK* that him and Suga were gonna sleep in the tent. And JK nods.

👁👃🏽👁

This reads to me like Jimin was asking for permission here. He gets it the first time but once again feels the need to reiterate; babe, I will be in the tent with Suga. 🤭🤭

But like i said before. We don't talk about Yoonmin 🤫🤫🤫

[ballisticiansfolly]

It was in the stars – Trying to pick up and understand things referenced in The English, pt. 2/2

"Without you, I'd have been killed right at the start."

So, this is the second part of my writings about The English. Like the first one it's rather long, but unlike the somewhat scattered part one I'd say this one is more cohesive and easier to follow if the reader doesn't skip parts. I'm actually super excited to post this, because the topic of this post, a look into the religious beliefs of the Skiri, was what started this whole writing process two weeks ago. The more I looked into the topic, the more interesting it came. Most of the information for this post came from James Murie and Douglas Parks's book Ceremonies of the Pawnee, Part I: The Skiri.

Neither Eli Whipp nor Ckirirahpiks were names Eli had had since birth. Generally a Pawnee man would change his name several times during his life. Names were usually changed and bestowed publicly as a part of certain ceremonies. (Murie, J. R. and Parks, D. R. (1981) Ceremonies of the Pawnee.) Eli had most likely gotten the name Wounded Wolf because of his actions in the Massacre Canyon battle of 1873, and he wasn't particularly fond of it. The reasons for that were cultural.

According to the Skiri religious teachings a wolf was the first creature to experience death: people killed it for its deceitfulness and untrustworthiness, and as a consequence people and animals were destined to grow old and die. Overall wolves were seen as crafty and having thieving traits. In contrast, a wife or a daughter of a chief was expected to act with humility, be generous, and have a strong sense of social responsibility (Parks, D. R. and Pratt, L. N. (2008) A Dictionary of Skiri Pawnee.).

When it came to religion, the Skiri Pawnee were "the great star specialists."  Their belief system focused on visible objects on the night sky, whereas the South Bands largely counted upon animals for support and guidance.  The Skiri regarded stars east of the Milky Way as male gods, while the female powers reigned in the western sky. The creator of both heavens and heavenly gods was Tirawahat.

Religion and concern for the supernatural permeated most of the life of a Pawnee. The Pawnee seasonal rituals were tied to the observation of the stars and planets. The star god powers were believed to control food supply and war, and the animal powers controlled health and disease. Bundles, both sacred and lesser ones, served as shrines and were linked to different deities and animals, from whom a bundle derived its powers. Their leather coverings could double as star maps.

The village and band bundles were sacred bundles whose keepers were village heads. But each sacred bundle also had its own priest, kurahus, who was responsible of the ritual and knowledge linked to this specific bundle. The oldest and most important sacred bundle is the Evening Star bundle, wrapped in yellow calf leather. The story goes that Morning Star gave Evening Star the Evening Star bundle, and she passed it to the Pawnee people. The keeper of the Evening Star bundle was the chief of the Skiri, and the priest of the Evening Star bundle was the grand high priest of the Skiri.

The Evening Star bundle was necessary for the Thunder or Renewal Ceremony, also known as the Spring Awakening ceremony. The modern proper names of the twin stars of Kûhat are Lesath and Shaula.

In order to find the eastern and western halves of the night sky, you need to know your directions. I appreciated that The English had its viewers learn astronomy alongside Cornelia and there were actual constellations for us to see. It was great to learn to locate the North Star by following the line from the Big Dipper's ladle to the handle of the Little Dipper. As a side note, Evening Star's Pawnee name Cûpiriktâka directly translates to 'female white star.' When pronounced the consonant cluster 'kt' becomes the geminate 'tt' (Parks & Pratt, 2008). Morning Star Hûpirikucu means 'large star.'

The wife of the keeper, or some female relative, cared for the bundle when it was not in use. A bundle was hung (from one of the rafter poles) at the west side of the lodge, and below it was an altar, wihâru. The altar symbolised the garden of the Evening Star in which there were hills of corn that were kept green all the time. When the corn in this field dies, it is time for the world to come to an end. Four heavenly powers - Thunder, Lightning, Wind, and Cloud - looked after the garden and were always ready to obey Evening Star. In addition to them, Evening Star had four protectors: Bear, Mountain Lion, Wolf, and Wildcat.

According to the Skiri, Tirawahat made the heavens and then placed stars as gods there. The first one was Morning Star who was the god of war and had greater powers than any other god. The second god Tirawahat placed was Evening Star, the horticultural god, who was a beautiful woman and the mother of the first human being, a girl. The third and fourth were Big Black Meteoric Star, the god of knowledge, and Red Star who controlled the coming of the day.

The fifth ones created were the four powers mentioned earlier - Thunder, Lightning, Wind, and Cloud - and after them a group of divine chiefs watching over people. Placed seventh in the heavens were two beings in the north, Wind Ready To Give and Hiccough, who were ready to give when people were in need. Tirawahat placed Wolf Star eight in the heavens because he himself was a god for the wolf family and through the wolves would help the people.

North Star was the ninth placed in the sky and his job was to stand still. His father was South Star, the god of death, who rose now and then to see if his son was still at his post. South Star ruled over the land of the dead, the pathway to which is the Milky Way. Next Tirawahat created Black Star who was painted blue and controlled animals. Finally, Tirawahat placed Sun and Moon in the heavens. They gave the Skiri power through visions and dreams and were the parents of the first human male.

Above in bold text (the light weight ones are clarifications I added afterwards for the purposes of this post) are the steps in the first song sung during the Thunder Ceremony, the ritual associated with the Evening Star bundle. The song recounts how the world was created after Tirawahat had made the heavens and how the first humans came into being. While reading it I was reminded of something:

"How come you came from the South?" "Well... Should've left from Liverpool and I get that now. But, um, Southampton was closest, so that's how I ended up in New Orleans. The thing was, I was in a bit of a hurry and my son had just died, so... so my mind was foggy. Not foggy. It was more, um... it was more... I don't really know what it was. Or is, really. But, um... but the man responsible is here, so here is where I must be..."

I was gobsmacked, and started checking and my suspicions were proved correct: the whole plot of The English is a recreation of the Skiri Pawnee creation myth!

And no, despite Eli's somewhat misleading words he is not Morning Star of this story - that's David Melmont! The whole thing starts in Powder River '75 when the ambitions and amoral actions of David Melmont lead him to stumble through (in a very fucked up way and skipping a number of steps) the warpath rituals of the Skiri - all under the watchful eyes of the messenger of their supreme being. And as mentioned, wolves are deceitful creatures.

When a warrior leader sets out on a warpath he borrows his warrior's regalia from a bundle priest; Trafford's trip was co-financed by Cornelia's father at her behest. Then the man selects volunteers to go with him and rejects some, particularly those who can't stay awake; Corporal Jerome McClintock and Troopers Billy Myers and Timothy Flynn were at Sand Creek '64 as First Volunteers and volunteer for this massacre, too. War stories are told and pipes smoked, then the leader instructs one of the men to hunt for a buffalo skull on the prairie; McClintock and his cronies have gone AWOL under the pretext of hunting buffalo.

Next, the leader makes an offering of tobacco to gods (among others one called Father Hawk) and announces his intention to kill and scalp enemies and chooses his second-in-command; "So, what are you gonna do with him when you found him this, er, this Hawkey fella?" Finally, the warriors are supposed to attack a village with the intention of killing and scalping a few men. Four men are selected to do the scalping. After the attack the war party has to return riding horses in a single file. The men imitate wolves and the leader's head and face must be painted red.

After the warriors' return back to the village informal celebrations were held in the outskirts of the village. When the leader had visited his own lodge he returns the borrowed regalia to the priest he borrowed it from, recounts the tale, and smokes a pipe. The leading warrior (the one who took the first scalp) is supposed to cover the costs of the closing ceremony at the priest's lodge and he may ask for help from others for this. At the closing ceremony the priest opens the bundle in his care and replaces the sacred objects in it with new ones. After the priest has given his closing speech the scalp owner will start preparing a thank-you gift for this priest.

After the ceremony "the scalp owner was now under under obligation to lead a good life [...] for he was to make the New Fire for the people." As we well know, in Hugo Blick's version Melmont ends up raping Cornelia and stealing her money, thus becoming a manifestation of Morning Star, now preternaturally successful in all his endeavours. Morning Star was known to the Skiri as the father of the first human, a girl, who he begat by vanquishing Evening Star's four animal protectors and then "marrying" her. Morning Star was a god who provided fertility and success in war, but the prize he asked for his aid was sometimes a human sacrifice. He was painted red, had a soft downy head, and carried a war club.

When asked Eli justified his return to Watts's hotel that he had wanted to retrieve his bag. Originally my reaction to that day's events had been like Eli's, something I was willing to overlook despite its overall weirdness. With the new perspective, I'd say that there had definitely been signs Eli had noticed subconsciously and to which he'd reacted.

Firstly, Eli (Wolf) had gotten attacked when he asked for water; clouds (a source of water) and wolves being linked to each other in the Skiri culture. When Wolf's death had seemed imminent, Cornelia had arrived from south (South Star ruled over the land of the dead) and stepped out of Sebold's stagecoach passing the dead bird (A bluebird carries prayers to the sky). Then despite the still air, wind had blown on her face. Wind was one of the powers obeying Evening Star, and Wind Ready To Give (or Send Forth) and Hiccough were heavenly beings from north who were ready to help those in need of aid.

Evening Star could perform wonders by speaking and waving her arms, and irrationally Cornelia's actions had led to Eli's release. When Eli returned having escaped death, he found her wearing a scarlet dress; the colour red also associated with wolves. Like Evening Star Cornelia even had her own Evening Star bundle, the locket. So Cornelia and Eli set off on horses whose colours matched the aforementioned star and its sacred bundle (white and yellow). The long winter was over, Evening Star had decided one hell of a Spring Awakening was in order.

[kittenninja14]

About KittenNinja14 (aka me)

Hello fellow humans!!

(picture was animated/created by MochiOkanii)

My name is KittenNinja but y'all can call me KN! (Multi-fandom lover btw)

Few things about me are that I'm a huge stan of Zane (Ninjago), LadyNoir (ship from Miraculous), Tripitaka and Wukong (Lego Monkie Kid), and Froggy(Prince Charlie) from The Land of Stories (book). I am also a HUGE stan of My Adventures with Superman, the new PJO TV Show, and Lego Monkie Kid. I am also a Christian girl. I HAVE AND WILL ALWAYS ALSO BE A HUGE STAN OF IRONDAD & SPIDERSON!!!

I love, love, LOVE Ninjago!! Both the Movie and the Show!! In fact, the Movie was the main thing that reintroduced me to this beloved show. I used to watch it when I was younger but then I lost interest. I found the movie in June 2023 and have been a fan of both the show/movie ever since! I'm not entirely sure about DR... i like the concept and have seen all the spoilers but i prefer the OG series vibe wayyy more... prob just me lol.

I used to be a fan of Miraculous, but Season 5 made me lose interest. After LadyNoir became friend-zoned, the show went on a sad decline (at least in my perspective). But I LOVE the Movie!! And I also think that the Paris special (Shadybug and Claw Noir) is amazing!

I AM OBSESSED WITH LEGO MONKIE KID!!!! It's the first series I have actually watched in order without spoilers in such a long time!! It's a def must-watch XD!! Rn I'm obsessed with Tang Sanzang (Tripitaka) and Wukong's relationship XD

Last but not least is Froggy. He's my favorite character from a book series called The Land of Stories. This series was the main spark that kindled my love for writing as well as reading! If y'all are looking for a series to read, I recommend that y'all check it out!

I am also a HUGE fan of MCU. (mainly IronDad and SpiderMan-related stuff and now also MOON KNIGHT) For Irondad/Spider-Man, I've been a fan since 2022(??) and still am a fan. Occasionally I'll fall into the Spidey-brainrot but as of rn IronDad and SpiderSon are my hyperfixation, lol. Recently fell into the Moon Knight fandom!! Love my moon boys sm <33

Lastly, I am also a born-again, spirit-filled Christian girl. If y'all have any questions regarding the bible or Jesus, feel free to ask me! I'll do my best to answer your question!!

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Anyways, I am a writer, as well as an artist. On this platform, I'm planning to post some of my sketches and doodles, as well as some story updates. I'll post my completed art on DeviantArt, tho.

Y'all can find me on Wattpad, AO3, Fanfiction.net, DevaintArt, and Youtube.

wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/KittenNinja14

ao3: https://archiveofourown.org/users/KittenNinja14

ff.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/u/15808840/KittenNinja14

DA: https://www.deviantart.com/kittenninja14

YT: https://www.youtube.com/@kittenninja14

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@kittenninja14

That's all I have for now! Have a great day, y'all!!

https://www.tumblr.com/kittenninja14/731916269075480576/hey-yall-i-just-found-this-incredible-video-and

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My tags:

Art tag: #KN14 draws

Memes/Laughter Posts: #Proverbs 17:22

Bible/Christianity: #word of God

Responses to questions: #KN14 answers

Wanna hear me rant? #KN14 rambles

Updated on Nov 9, 2024

[crystal-overdrive]

You mention that TT is an extension of your spirituality but I am going out on a leap here and state that I know you are not a Banite. How are you finding the two are linked?

Dear Doxieandthedead,

You've been to my house, you know that a big print of a black hand is the first thing you see when you walk in the door!

My worrying decor aside though, no I am not a real life Banite. I think you know some of this already but I'll explain it all for anyone else reading. I've realised I'm offering some really, really personal info here and will need to be careful not to reveal anything oathbound so bear with if it's not entirely clear. Essay post incoming...

So, I am in a druid tradition that works with the four elements, and as part of my training I've been on a journey through said elements. I was really looking forward to getting to fire because I thought I had an affinity with it. I've always seen myself as passionate, driven, a person of action. (One of Bane's epithets is He Who Takes Action) Fiery traits!

When I got there, I found that all the fire rituals were centred around a Goddess who I'd had trouble working with before. She's a big figure in Celtic Paganism but she'd just never seemed interested in me. When I tried to work with fire, tried to ask for her blessing, I had several rituals go wrong. Fire refusing to light, feeling nothing, being unable to concentrate, even a particularly nasty fall that involved a lot of blood that could have just been coincidence, but the timing was auspicious. Finally, I had an outright rejection. During meditation in one of these rituals, I felt freezing cold even though the room was warm and I had a literal fire in front of me, and I heard the words "the cold flame only, is meant for you". This really disturbed me, and I felt really quite despondent until I remembered where I'd felt this feeling before. 1) When I was a child and, despite being very quiet and trying not to attract trouble, I started a fight with a group of girls to make them leave a girl they were bullying alone. 2) When I made a formal complaint against someone who was mentoring us in a university competition for his sexism and harassment to prevent it happening to anyone else. 3) When I left the ex that isolated, manipulated and used me and when I chose myself despite the threats he made. Even though it had come with rejection this time, it had always been present when I'd done good things. Things that required strength and backbone and confidence. When I did these things and felt this cold energy I felt like I moved beyond fear to a cold certainty, like there was no option of not doing the thing. It had to be done and I was the only one capable of doing it. That is where Tav's experience of Bane as cold inevitability comes from. So much of the feeling and texture of ritual and spiritual experience in the fic is drawn from my real life. In terms of my own story, somewhere I'd gotten the idea that this Goddess' rejection of me was because I "belonged" to another reflection of the Goddess, a darker epithet. I can't find where this idea came from, but I make reference to it in my journal entry about the cold flame. I eventually found this Goddess (painfully obvious once I did, but it was a search) and she offered me transformation, both physically and mentally. I'm partially growing my hair as a devotional act, and Tav's hair acts as a symbol of her connection to Bane. In devotion to her I have become more confident, more truthful, more able to put myself first. She's not evil, but she's not kind in her myth, and she is seen as a dark mother archetype. She has also contributed towards the apathy I've been feeling in regards to living by my values as she's told me multiple times, in meditation, in reading, that selfishness is fine. And I have no idea how to feel about that, because my spirituality was such a driver of my environmentalism. So she's given me personal power, but in that process eroded my values. I think the comparison there is evident. Obviously what's happening to Tav is both extreme and evil and that is not happening to me, but taking it to those extremes in fiction is a way I can explore my experiences and feelings and also I get to write about fucking Enver Gortash so that's good too.

Yours in the Mysteries of the Gods, Crystal

[magellanicclouds]

Hi mags! I follow for your halo stuff but I saw that you posted a baldur's gate tav! I am currently the most in love with that game as I've been with anything in my life. Your half orc is so cool looking and refreshing to see. I swear not enough people play em! I have eh uhhh ehem. an embarrassing number of tavs atm ^^;;; but my main is a drow warlock. I hope you're enjoying it and kissing everyone!

Hello, anon! My apologies that my Halo posting has been so small lately. For BG3, I have beaten the game through with Sovaeya, my Half-Orc Barbarian. I think she's so beautiful and lovely, it was really such a joy to be able to play through the campaign with her (it required quite a lot of computer upgrading beforehand. The game is pretty beastly). As for the kissings - I certainly want to kiss all of the companions (Karlach?? be still my heart TT o TT), but Sovaeya was interested only in one sad silly beautiful little wizard man.

I do miss her, but her story is complete.

And now I have a new boy!

I am currently adventuring with Tremere, a Tiefling 'College of Valour' Bard! He is so beyond delightful and fun. Where Sovaeya was deliberate and collected, Tremere is loud and exuberant and somewhat unpredictable. I've really enjoyed seeing just how different the game can play out based only on a handful of choices or paths. He's had lots of totally different dialogue (regarding both his lines and in NPC responses), quests I didn't know existed, and I've seen many different cinematics that I never saw with Sovaeya. His relationships and the way he is perceived by others couldn't be more different, and of course combat is night and day to compare the two. He plays the violin and sings and dances and is utterly obsessed with grand tales of heroism, legends and lore. He can lie through his teeth with a perfect smile and causes no less than a few problems on purpose. He enjoys a good warm hug, a bottle of wine, and a jaunty tune!

I love him, anon.