#tk is royalty

[obsolete-stars-if]

Obsolete Stars

Port and rewrite to twine, December 2024

Latest Update post

Last updated word count: + 19k including code Read time: ~5h 45min Join the discord

Currently available: Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9, Part 1

Take me to the demo. Now.

Disclaimer: While I do have an outline, this is a first draft/proof of concept situation. There will be many errors and things like personality options, and further expansion of the world around you, will be expanded once the first draft is done. Thank you for understanding.

Intro

So let’s be real, we all read fanfiction that followed the prompt of “Help, my parents sold me off to [insert boy band/ celebrate crush/ tumblr sexy man of the week)!”, but unlike those fanfictions, you weren’t sold off to your hot crush. After a life in isolation, your father, the king, sells you off to marry the prince of another country. With nothing but two guards, you make your way to meet the dreaded fate of marriage. Along the way, you will make friends, learn the truth about your kingdom, and find yourself in positions much worse than a forced marriage. One can only pray for your survival.

In this game you will explore your kingdom and what happened to the magic realm. It will include sensitive topics, and possible explicit content in the future.

The game focuses on interpersonal relationships.

What else?

Play as Male, Female, Nonbinary (option to customize your pronouns, future trans options planned)

Date one (or more) of your 7 friends

Play as straight, queer, poly, mono, or just be aro or ace

Be a total ass to your spouse or just accept your fate

Have fun seeing your kingdom in ruins!

Get your friends killed

Get yourself killed

Ę̸̱͌̌x̷͖̕p̵̣̰͐̓e̴̡̪̓̇r̸̨̹̉͘i̷͍̮̎͝e̴͇͋̒n̸̢̼͠c̵͎̳̓̈́e̵͙͇̽̄ ̴̼̈́͒j̵̨̢̈́͆ṳ̸͝͠d̶̝̈̇g̴̨͉̀̏e̸͎͒͛m̷̳̪̓ẽ̶̙͉ń̶͕͋t̵̺̾ ̵̘̓́d̵̹̈́å̵͚ȳ̸͓͗

Okay cool, but what about dating?

Tarek/Takischa (he/him; she/her) (Ftm/Mtf)  (genderselectable)

Old and grumpy, TK is 15 years your senior and has been serving the palace your entire life. They are stoic and devoted to the crown, they take their job more than serious, sometimes they can even parental or possessive. Underneath their blank face, you know they care for you, and they always will.

They are 6′3 and have ashen honey hair, curly and cutting off just above their eyes. Pale green eyes set deep against their ivory skin. They hide almost all of their skin with layers of clothing.

(Great if you have parental issues.)

Samuel/Samira (he/him; she/her) (Ftm/Mtf) (genderselectable)

Young and curious, Sammy is just a year younger than yourself, they can be naive and easy trusting. They’re optimistic and want to impress you and all their friends. Sammy has a lot to learn, and they’re more than eager to do so. With enough care and time, Sammy will grow into a great protector.

Sammy is 5′9 with very short black hair. Against their warm beige skin tone, their monolidded eyes are a deep reddish brown. They wear simple robust clothes.

Sammy is ace and sex neutral.

(Great if you don’t enjoy angst)

Alia (she/they) (afab)

A quiet person, she keeps to herself, but always stays polite, she is a shrine maiden and TKs friend. She is a peacemaker at heart, and tries to deescalate every situation. She would be considered one of the strongest magic users, if she would ever use it. She is about six years your senior.

Alia is 5′3 and has bronze hair that is cut into a short wolf hairstyle. Blue eyes against satin freckled skin. She wears a lavender dress, with white clothing to cover her arm.

Alia is ace and sex repulsed.

(Great if you like slow burn)

Sascha (He/they) (Ftm)

He is about ten years older, but that can be quickly forgotten by how charming, egotistical and even cowardly he can act. He is not only a danger to you and your friends, but themselves too. He pulls danger from beyond your understanding into your orbit. He is a teasing smart ass that isn’t above blackmailing or hurting anyone. Not to forget that he committed the highest crime there is, stealing a magic companions.

They are 6′1 and have long grey-white hair that falls to his hips. He has very pale skin and ice blue eyes. He wears high quality clothes, and a golden jacket that fades into a deep red.

Sascha is ace and sex positive.

(Great test of your patience.)

Kate (she/her) (Mtf)

Just a few years older than you, she is noble and a healer, she is a loud and loving personality. With teasing smile, she cares deeply about everyone’s well-being, but will never be above calling anyone out.

She is 6′0, her chocolate goddess locs fall beneath her shoulders, the curls fading into a pink color. Dark deep brown eyes against warm yet ashen honey skin tone. She wears pink toned dresses and many accessories.

(Great if you like women.)

Mikhail (he/they) (amab)

The prince of Riag, your spouse, and the second general. His easy going and considerate personality makes it hard to grasp, that he is celebrated by his own soldiers and nobles of his country, deeply feared by anyone outside his country. A war criminal for his country. Beloved warrior, lover of war. He is only a few years your senior.

Mikail is 5′7 and their dark brown hair would fall to his shoulders, if it wasn’t pulled back into a ponytail. The tips of his hair fading into an earthy, almost blueish green tone, matching his eyes against his cool olive skin tone. He wears short clothing due to the heat in Riag and the many training sessions they have daily.

(Great if you believe everyone deserves a second chance.)

Gigi (she/her) (afab)

She promised Judgement Day.

Gigi is 5′6 and with ash blonde hair curling around her soft face frame, cutting off just below her ears, and light brown, almost hazel eyes. She wears primarily black with orange accessories.

Unofficial official RO Art/Ref

Moodboards, color palettes, playlist for each RO here:

Maps and miscellaneous stuff:

[piratewithvigor]

Likely timeline: Sue drops Trent off for the fight

Good timeline: Sue drops Chuck off for the fight

Better timeline: Sue drops off Trent and then drives to the other side of the parking lot and drops off Chuck

Greatest timeline: Sue drops off Chuck only, but he gets out from the passenger seat and there is an insinuation that Chuck fucked Trent's mom to gain a psychological edge (he did not, he just had a sleepover and there were fresh cookies involved because she knows how upset he is at Trent bullying Orange)

[just-gay-thoughts]

Love the hallmark movies where the lead dude is secretly a prince and when the girl finds out she gets super upset like hon you jist bagged a fucking prince and he's super fucking into you, like yeah he lied or whatever, but understandably cause then there'd be a fuck ton of people after him just for money or whatever

[vanltys]

i haven’t touched the blog in years but regarding any worldbuilding for desc, this hosts every relevant info <3 @auradonians

[aeternallis]

Some Thoughts: Theerapanyakul Coat of Arms / Royalty Vibes

I personally find it so cool that the Theerapanyakuls have a coat of arms/family crest of sorts. Like, it’s so over the top, there’s even a fleur-de-lis included. Looking at a bunch of old English script fonts on Google, the two letters in script format is “TK”, written in vertical order. On the left side, I think I see some random floral/leaf designs? On the right side of the coat of arms, tree branches?

Alas, I don’t know too much about heraldry, so I’m not sure what the symbolism of everything is--maybe the tree branches symbolizes longevity and history, continuing the line and all that? Idek. 

What I’m more interested in is the vibes of this image and how it presents the family in the show. Like, just the fact that the Theerapanyakul family has a coat of arms just gives me so much heavy “royalty” vibes, yknow? At the very least, nobility, if not royalty! 

Like, I know the fandom calls the five sons (technically 7) “mafia princes,” and I agree, but that aesthetic is also very surface level, imo. It’s not just the classy-lookin’ tower they call a home or the fancy cars and suits, but the smaller details, like the fact that the bodyguards have to bow whenever Korn or any of the three sons pass by them? The fact that the three sons are considered legitimate heirs? The fact that they have an actual coat of arms which is probably at least two or three generations old? According to the show and the book, Korn’s father consolidated their rule of Bangkok during his time, so we can assume then that even if the Theerapanyakuls weren’t always the “ruling” family of Bangkok, they were probably one of the longtime contenders? Kinda like a noble house that seized power in the same vein as the Tudors or the Borgias, yknow? XD 

For what it’s worth, they do say in one of the interviews that the design of the mafia and their world in the show is a nod to the culture and aesthetics of the Italian mafia. 

In-universe, do the Theerapanyakul family have connections with the actual royal family of Thailand (House of Chakri)? I’m curious~ Which may be a  dangerous thing, cuz that may be sacrilege to say, hahaha. 

I’m amazed at the level of details BOC included in establishing the Theerapanyakul clan, so that we the audience could really get a sense of the extent of their power and hold over their world, to make us fully believe that within the context of this story, this is not a family you want to go up against. 

Does the criminal underworld of Bangkok have their own version of Lady Whistledown ala Bridgerton? Like, can y’all imagine Tankhun, Kinn, and Kim being introduced to society climber mamas and trying to put forward their sons and daughters in the hopes that their child can marry into this powerful family? Can y’all imagine Vegas and Macau? 

I think I’ve talked about this before, but I could totalllllyyyyyy see Korn’s associates wanting to get in on the marriage game and like, maybe subtly trying to play matchmaker by introducing some rich heiress to Kinn or Kim, y’know? 

Fortunes are being made, lives are being played on the chessboard, and Kim is playing hard to get (hard to win) by avoiding the compound all together. Hehe! 

[let-spretend]

hey ! sorry for the long wait. this is supposed tk be a fem presenting reader but i do not specify in any way. im trying to figure out how to write without starting with the word ‘you’. i’ll try on my next fic. open to requests!

cw internalized homophobia, self-loathing

kitana x reader !

Kitana laughs at some terrible joke Johnny lands. You admire her parted lips and subconsciously strain a smile. You realize how creepy you must look or sound and stare right back down at your food. It was an Outworld delicacy, as introduced by Queen Sindel. You pick at it a bit, not exactly in the mood for eating. Despite it, you try a bite. You look up to see Kitana waiting for your reaction. You thoroughly chew and give her a smile. Even a thumbs up with it. She lightly laughs through her nose and looks down. You sheepishly smile and swallow your food.

-

You sit on the castle stairs, staring at the pearly floors and walls. You could hear distant yelling in the background. Recognizing it as Queen Sindel and Mileena's voices. You were quite surprised by the topic they were discussing. Disease? Throne business? Honestly, you couldn't really give a shit. Some hurried clacking passes by, but you don't turn your head to see who it was. After a few minutes, slow footsteps could be heard approaching. You turn your head to see a blue figure sit next to you. "So, Earthrealmer, why is it that you were chosen as one of Earthrealm's protectors?" Kitana sits next to you, her right thigh touching your left thigh. She gazes at you with full curiosity. You laugh. You don't know whether you laughed because you were nervous or embarrassed about your upcoming answer. You look down and shake your head.

"I don't really know why. Before I was 'recruited' I was partaking in some street fights to earn some extra cash. I didn't have any proper training prior to going to Wu Shi Academy. All I did was flip burgers." You sigh from the memories. You take another look around you, the castle was gorgeous. She was gorgeous. But you can’t. You’re just a girl. She’s royalty.. and a girl.

“These burgers… May I ever be able to see you flip them?” You blankly stare at Kitana’s face before bursting into uncontrollable laughter. “What?! Was it a stupid question?”

“No! No! Just that, uh, it’s nothing special. Flipping burgers.” You let your statement sit for a few beats in comfortable silence. You stand up from the stairs and walk down to the bottom. You look up at Kitana and smile sheepishly. “Watch.” You pretend to shove your hair into a hat and tie around an apron around your waist. You take out a frozen patty and place it onto the make-believe grill. You create a sizzling sound and push the patty down into the grill with a spatula.

You look up to see Kitana actually interested in your stupid act. So you continue. You scoop the patty and flip it into the air and pretend to lean back to avoid the oil splatter. You push down the patty down again and pat it. You scoop it up and place it on top of a bottom bun. You place the tomato slice and lettuce gently and place three small pickles. Squirt some ketchup to top it off and place the top bun. You push it down a smidge and lift your perfect burger up to admire. You carefully bring it over to Kitana and place it onto her hands.

“Nothing special, right?” Kitana’s hands hold the invisible burger and she pretends to squish it three times. “I’ll make you a real one some time if you want.”

“That would make me very happy.” She smiles and pats the invisible burger into your lap. “Even with your, beautiful acting, I couldn’t really tell what it was that you were doing.” That statement alone made you not wanna ever act shit out again. You place your elbow onto your left thigh and rest your head onto your hand. “I’m sure Johnny can show you a plethora of movies or of himself acting out what I do.” You amuse yourself with the image of Johnny working at a fast food place. He could probably pull off the look. “I don’t want to see Johnny doing what you do.” Her left hand moves to your right thigh. You tense up. Kitana looks at you with wonder. But you just can't reciprocate it without doubt. You want to keep your mind off of that.

"What's got you so worked up, Princess?" Her mood changes slightly. She peers down the stairs, choosing her words carefully. "Just family matters." She shakes her head. "I don't really want to think or talk about those things. But, you, you intrigue me, Y/N." Your face gets hot. "I intrigue you? You sure, Princess?" You feel the back of your neck, trying to sooth yourself. "Oh, stop calling me Princess. You're making it weird." You snort. "Yeah, okay." Kitana shoves you lightly, letting out a stifle. She looks back into your eyes and puts her hand to your face. You swear you stopped moving, or thinking. Instinctively, your hand grabs her arm. You lightly move it away from your face and you quickly stand up.

"I'm sorry, Princess. I should go. Uh, good luck at the tournament tomorrow." You manage to cough that much out.

"Wait, how did you-" You leave her at the castle stairs alone. You speed walk back to your shared room with Kung Lao, Raiden, Kenshi and Johnny. You open the door rashly and head straight to the bathroom. You don't notice who was in the room. You quickly lock the door and just slide onto the floor. You place your hand onto where Kitana placed her hand and just cry. You felt gross. Not because of her touch, but because you enjoyed her company. You didn't even know if being in love with a girl was wrong for Outworld standards. Remembering how you would be viewed back at home, you just felt hollow. Even though you were away from that toxicity, the ideology they've instilled into you still runs deep. You don't even want to think this way anymore but it gnaws at you. It's not her, it's just you. You can't bring yourself to be comfortable with the way you were. You bring your legs to your chest, forming a fetal position. You let your head drop into your knees and shut your eyes tight.

Your head was pounding from all the crying. You wipe your eyes harshly and decide to take a shower. That would help with the headache, surely. The warm droplets hit your head, soon letting the water envelope you. You stare at the water, flowing down into the drain. Some loose hair gets stuck in between your toes.

Why can't you just let yourself have this?

You aggressively shampoo your hair and close your eyes as the bubbles start to trickle near them. As the soapy feeling fades, you rub your eyes. You weren't back home. You're in Outworld now. Filled with culture, different people and experiences. You are just going to let yourself be, for now. You take your soapy loofa and aggressively wash your body.

You finish up your whole routine and dry yourself off. You open the bathroom door to see the four, smile at your presence. You flop onto one of the four futons and smush your face into the pillow. "Sorry for taking so long. I know how long your skincare routine can be, Johnny." He laughs and pulls out his pouch full of expensive skincare products from his bag. He ruffles your hair and locks himself into the bathroom. You could hear Johnny humming some ABBA song through the walls. It's relaxing to hear. Raiden lies next to you, offering simple company. "Thanks, Raiden." You hug him like a stuffed animal and close your eyes. You could hear Kung Lao arguing over who gets what futon, but you remain still. Kenshi tells him to shut up and to let you sleep. You sigh, happy that your friends try to cheer you up in their own quiet ways.

-

It was officially Day Two of the tournament. It was a nice day, sun out and clear skies. The battle was taking place in the Hanging Gardens. It is a stunning venue. Lush trees and bushes, stone pathways with the grass poking out and a huge wisteria tree decorating the background. You stand behind three big chairs with Johnny, Kung Lao and Kenshi. Raiden was before Empress Sindel, with her slightly peering down at him from her fancy chair. Liu kang stood behind Raiden with his hands intertwined, wide stance.

"You continue to surprise, Raiden. Among others, you have defeated Kotal, Motaro, and Sheeva. Only two fights remain. Are you ready, Earthrealmer?"

"I am, Your Majesty." He says with great certainty. You shoot Raiden two thumbs up to cheer him on. He gives you a shy thumbs up back, but quickly hides it when the Empress starts to eye him down. She sighs. "Then next you face my daughter..." Heels clacking briskly could be heard from the side of the mini arena. Her mask was on and she had her signature fans. Blue emerged from the bushes instead of a dark pink. "Kitana." Liu Kang had surprise written all over his face. He slowly started to approach Empress Sindel to complain. "Your Majesty, this is unprecedented. Raiden's next opponent should be your heir." Kitana looks at Liu Kang with furrowed brows. "Mileena is unavailable. She's away on pressing imperial business."

Liu Kang tilts his head in mild frustration. "But I have not prepared him to battle Kitana." Raiden looks over to Kitana, slightly embarassed. Kitana reciprocated the look. "He's already demonstrated great skill. Can he not improvise?" Sindel pleads with a concerned look. Liu Kang's annoyed blink could be seen from miles away.

"Do not worry, I can do this." Raiden reassures him.

"Very well."

"I will be no easier to fight than my sister, Earthrealmer." Kitana reminds Raiden. Her eyebrows are furrowed and her body language was stiff. "I suffer under no such delusion, Your Highness." He holds his chest and slightly bows his head. "I will win this fight. For her, my Empress, and all of Outworld." They both get into ready stances. Raiden, with his left hand forward and right hand pulled back, but open. His stance greatly reflects him and his personality, at least, that's what you think. Kitana has her left hand held high with her bladed fan open. Her right hand with a closed fan in her fist, facing down. She immediately jumps up and kicks him, which makes him go flying. She kicks him again from behind, making him fall to the ground with great force. He quickly picks himself up and shoots a lightning-infused punch her way. Kitana blocks but yelps from the burn. He does the same again but with his whole arm, pushing her far. She gets up while sending her fan Raiden's way. It cuts his leg up good but he tries to pay no attention to it.

Kitana scans the audience and her eyes land on you. You tense up again. Raiden takes this chance and kicks her face in. Before she falls, she grabs Raiden's shirt. She throws him over herself and they both land to the ground with a great thud. Kitana tries to send her fans again but they go array once Raiden uses his amulet to deflect them. Before she could catch them in time, Raiden lands some blows onto Kitana's stomach. She stays standing but is clearly hurt and tired. With determination to win, she has a burst of energy. She punches Raiden's chest and slaps his face with a closed fan. She follows with a high kick to his face, her heel stabbing his cheek. “Gah!” He holds his cheek in pain and falls straight on his back. Kitana starts to run up to him to finish the match with a clean blow. But Raiden is quick to react, sending a lightning bolt her way. She blocks but it was futile. She yells in pain and falls to the floor, struggling to get back up. Raiden sees that he is safe to stop his fighting stance. He slowly approaches. "You fight well, Princess." She grimaces, but picks herself up. "As do you, Earthrealmer. Surprisingly so."

"I hope we meet again. Under different circumstances." Kitana returns her answer with a puzzled look on her face.

"It's time for the final match. It's testament to your abilities that you've made it thus far. But now you must face General Shao." He appears where Kitana emerged out of, standing menacingly. “Victor of Tevarian War. Conqueror of the Kuatan Plains. Defender of the Navala Coast. As has his family for generations, General Shao defends us.." And you zone out. Your head leads you to the right, following Kitana sitting in the far right chair. She catches your stare and a half actually mad half pout comes your way. Before you could make a face back, an axe being slammed into the marble floor makes great noise. Raiden barely dodged, a bit surprised at the General's intentions. You stare at the fight but don't pay too much attention like before. You just know Raiden was beating his ass. He rolls in the air, infused with his lightning, into General Shao's stomach. Copying Sonic much, Raiden? Shao groans and lays. Raiden stares at him with open eyes. "It's over. I have done it!" Sindel stands up with a hidden sour face. "Congratulations, Raiden. Earthrealm wins." She slowly exits and Kitana follows. She passes by you and lightly brushes your hand. She doesn't look back to see your reaction. Your gaze lingers on her.

"Well done. You have exceeded my greatest expectations." Liu Kang warmly smiles. Raiden could only smile. "Thank you, Lord Liu Kang." He modestly bows his head. "Because of you, the Outworlders who would disturb the peace will once again be held at bay." He adds a bit of space in between his words, sort of admiring Raiden. " Come. Let us bid our hosts farewell and return to Earthrealm." Liu Kang grabs Raiden's shoulder lightly and brings him closer to you and the rest of the three. You bow, really proud of how Raiden's come to be. He reciprocates and bows his head gently. When his head comes back up, his face was beaming. Kung Lao quickly came to his best friend's side and draws him closer. "That was fantastic, Raiden. You really showed those Outworlders how it's done."

-

You find yourself wandering the castle halls looking for Kitana before you go back to Earthrealm. God knows when you’ll have the chance to come back, or if you ever will.

A pair of arms grip your shoulders and you immediately whip your body around to face your assailant. “It’s me, Kitana.” She puts her hands up and you sigh in relief. “Sorry, I thought I got caught.” She chuckles. “You did. Luckily, it was me.” She takes your hand and drags your hand someplace. You stare at your intertwined fingers and shiver. In both happiness and wariness. She leads you through the halls, her movements memorized. Her open hand pushes a heavy door with ease, revealing a huge bedroom.

She closes the door and pushes you onto her bed, your feet hanging on the edge. The bed was so soft, all you could do was sink. She flops down next to you, also allowing herself to sink in. She places her hand onto yours and stares into your eyes. “Can I kiss you?” You look down at her lips. They were a pale pink. You close your eyes and bring your face into hers. She laughs into the kiss and cups your face. Your hand finds her shoulder and you squeeze it. She pulls apart and runs her thumb across your bottom lip.

“I’m sorry about yesterday.” All you could do was stare at her. She was so pretty. “I shouldn’t have just left like that. I mean, leave you like that. You and me, I’ve never been told that, that was okay. But, you make it feel okay. That it’s okay to love.” She holds you in a tight embrace, despite laying down. You feel you sink even deeper into the bed. You wish the bed would just swallow you, to preserve this moment. You hug her tightly and shut your eyes.

“Don’t forget about my burger, okay?”

[the-kipsabian]

I HAVE BEEN SAYING

THAT BELT IS CURSED. IT HAS A HOLD OF OC THAT CANT BE EXPLAINED. HES NOTHING WITHOUT IT AND WILL DO ANYTHING TO HAVE IT AND TO KEEP IT

BELT CORRUPTION MY BELOVED

Oooo...

@the-kipsabian I think that Corruption thing is coming true

[strandnreyes]

writing patterns

thanks @tellmegoodbye @carlos-in-glasses (cig i'm also stealing your 'read if...' idea)

Rules: Share the first line of your last ten published works or as many as you are able and see if there are any patterns. (I'm excluding prompt fills and co-writes)(also adding WIPs because that's fun)

these fatal fantasies: This is Carlos’ favorite part of the night, when all the horses have returned to the stables and they’re the only ones around to keep him company. (read if you're in the mood for a forbidden romance and royalty)

so much for summer love: “Texas,” his dad repeats, disbelief coloring his voice as if TK had named a fictional place. “You’re going to spend the summer in Texas.” (read if you're in the mood for a summer love on the beach)

third time's the charm: “Good evening, sir. I don’t suppose you could help me pump my gas?” TK asks, fluttering his lashes a few times and spreading a grin across his face that has gotten him what he wanted more than once before. (read if you're in the mood for silly, sexy shenanigans)

what could've been: He can still hear it—the anguished cries of a little girl wanting a mother that’s not here anymore. (read if you're in the mood for painful speculation)

all is not lost: Carlos’ hands are thoroughly covered in muck. (read if you're in the mood for a mixed bag of married life)

the wildest winter: The alarm rings throughout the small dorm as it does every day—perfectly on cue at six a.m. sharp. (read if you're in the mood for pining in below zero temperatures)

tell me you're still mine: “Hey, babe. I’m home,” TK calls out as soon as he walks through the door, momentarily distracted by getting his shoes off and setting his bag down. (read if you're in the mood for angsty plot twists)

sacred new beginnings: There’s an easy smile on TK's face as he sits in the passenger seat of Carlos’ Camaro. (read if you're in the mood for tarlos navigating life together)

+ 2 WIPs coming this year!

never quite buried: The second TK shuts the trunk of the car, it drives off, leaving him standing at the start of the driveway with just his backpack and suitcase. (keep an eye out for if you're in the mood for codependent vampires)

the unnamed ranch fic: “I’m also good with horses, another thing you probably didn’t know about me.” (keep an eye out for if you're in the mood for fiancés falling deeper in love)

seems like I use some imagery to set the scene! I know when I start scenes/fics, my goal is to do that indirectly

tagging @reyesstrand @paperstorm @heartstringsduet + open tag for anyone who's interested!

[momo-de-avis]

I'd like to one day elaborate more on some common misconceptions about portuguese history but there's one that I find absolutely mind boggling and before I started working as a tour guide I had never heard this before and had no idea this was a thing, but apparently a lot of people believe it and I've had to correct several people about it. There's two levels to this, one that Catherine of Braganza introduced tea tk England, which is misconception number one. She introduced the habit of the five o'clock tea, which was a common habit among royalty in the peninsula. And two, and this is the bloggling one, that the english word "tea" appeared because Catherine carried a box with her tea and on the lid it said "Transporte de Ervas Aromáticas", which means aromatic herbs transportation. Genuinely baffled me. Had no idea this was a thing. And it baffles me cause. If that was true where the fuck did spanish té and french thé came from? Who came up with this shit

[george228732]

Fylass Through the Looking Glass - Chapter Four EX - Village of Serendipity

Dero finally decided to step out of the castle to finally check if those new suspicions on his head were true, but he had already figured out that he would tear up, no matter the answer he could get from all of this, but he was unsure if those tears would be from happiness, or disappointment.

He was afraid of the answer.

The outskirts made themselves present in his eyes, as Ades and Dolly were waiting in there, looking at the lilies outside, some were pretty, some others were red spider lilies, which weren’t ones that Dero, nor Ades liked around. It felt like a bad omen.

"...Are we ready to leave?"

"Yes. To the Tarot Card Village, right?"

"Indeed. If what I am thinking is true, we should find something that could help us with… the Jabberwocky as a whole." He lied for both Ades’ and Dolly’s sake, for he didn’t want them to know about Giselle’s existence. She and Ades were great friends when she was still Queen, but thanks to the Moon of Despair, Ades had to become King out of the lack of a head of royalty.

In case of Dolly, though, Dero had the feeling that she and Giselle were related in some way, for it’s rumored that the bearers of the same suit are always related in some way, and considering the resemblance, the knight become jailer had his suspicions, and wouldn’t want to fill the child’s head with questions she might not want an answer for, as much as he could want to have one.

"Hm, alright. After that, though, we still need to discuss THAT one other topic, if you please." 

"Oh? What other topic are you talking about?" Dolly asked.

"Don’t worry about it, just… adults talking about adult topics."

"Alright, then! Also, Dolly hopes that you don’t have many problems with sending out some of the knights to our mission!" Indeed, there were knights getting out of the castle towards the outskirts too, like Ava, Verin and TK, which were bickering in a friendly manner as they got out.

"Oh, My Queen! We are at your service!" Ava spoke up with glee.

"Dolly’s Knights! Dolly called you to aid us on our adventure!"

At this point, Dero and Ades didn’t have much say on what Dolly could do for obvious reasons, but they thought that this might be a good idea for protection; not that Dero would consider to have this much protection for the journey at hand, however, anything could be possible.

"Hm, alright. People, we are going to the Tarot Village to find something that will aid us in the defeat of the Jabberwocky, once and for all. We might need to talk with the Mayor of Tarot Village too, now that I think about it, for I heard she’s a prophet, and her predictions always have it right around this time of the year, right at solstice."

"Oh! A prophet! Dolly will be excited to see them!"

"A prophet on this land? How didn’t I notice beforehand?" Verin rhymed.

"Hm, I would love to see them too! We were forbidden to get out of the Castle, if only to get to the outskirts to paint the roses red, or on special missions that forced us to get out of the Castle, so it would be nice to finally get to visit Wonderland like we used to!" Twilight Knight said.

Ades got close to them, and gently patted them on the head. "Ah, well, it’s already time for us to get going, alright?" He chuckled. "We can recover our lost time after countless questionable Kings and Queens, at last."

Dero remembered how all of them were friends, but thanks to his demotion as Jailer, he couldn’t be able to reunite with them, only being able to hear the complaints and groans of the people inside the dungeons. It was great to have everything back, but at the end, Dero only wanted one more thing for his life to be complete.

"Well, it’s time to get going, shall we?"

After some more chit chat, the group finally decided to leave the outskirts of the castle, to get towards the Tarot Village, being the place where many of the Wonderlanders live. It usually was filled to the brim with parties, but after the Jabberwocky incident, being the catalyst of Wonderland and Underland’s eternal separation, the mood of the village went down a little. 

Dero was carrying Dolly on his back all the way through, and Ades couldn’t help but laugh a little, as the guards couldn’t help but to feel that something might be going on with them. 

"If we don’t keep catching an eye on these two, we might as well see how our Dero is going to be a dad." Ava said sarcastically to Verin, who quickly remarked, as Twilight Knight tried to find a thread of conversation, until he came up with something.

"Hey, uh… awkward question, but… have you guys had any nightmares last night? Not any "normal" nightmare, though…"

"...Now that you think about that, awful nightmares I surely had."

"Aw, Dolly had a bad dream as well… She can’t remember it well, though…"

Dero and Ades started to be quite suspicious about those statements; from what Dero could see in Ades’ expression, he had nightmares too, but in case of Dero, what he dreamed last night couldn’t be considered a nightmare per se. 

"...What did you guys dream about?"

"...I don’t remember." TK said. "The only thing I am able to remember was the end of it… It was dark, and the only thing I could remember were two green eyes floating in the vantablack space…"

"...We might need to attend some other business until we’re done with the Jabberwocky… There might be other threats around." Dero was certain that this was not normal, and considering those hints, and that talk with the moon above… Something horrible is bound to happen soon, much to Dero’s dismay.

"...Dolly’s scared…"

"...There’s no need to be scared, My Queen." He said. "...Or atleast, I hope so." He murmured as silently as he could.

The path was as joyful as it could be, but there was something in the air that the group couldn’t put a finger on, but seemed suspicious; looking at the ground, the path of dirt and grass became one of a conventional village, made of smooth stones comfortable to the feet.

"Oh, it seems that we’re already here."

Indeed, the village became itself present; its buildings were made of Domino Pieces, stylized dices, among more common houses which were made of popsicle sticks, but they seemed resistant enough for a storm. Whoever made the design of these houses deserves a raise, or better yet, to be fired.

"So… We’re here. What are we looking for, exactly?"

"We need to find the Mayor, of course."

"...Is that the Mayor?" Dolly asked, silently pointing at one specific individual at the center of the village. It was a lady, dressed as a high priestess, like the ones you would see designed in Tarot Cards, ironically enough.

"Yes. I am sure she is. Let me approach her." Dero said as he did as such. 

She was looking at the distance with calm expression, as an odd looking gray jay posed itself on her free hand, the other one being occupied by a flute. She was so serene, that Dero could swear the environment was getting brighter with her presence, as if someone was holding her dearly in their heart. That calm expression quickly became one of curiosity when she looked to her side, seeing Dero approaching her.

"Oh, hello. I assume that you are here on the Queen’s behalf, yes?"

"Actually, the Queen is with me; however, I wanted to confirm some suspicions."

"Oh, that is alright. My name is Aeon, if you didn’t know."

"My name is Dero-" Dero was quickly interrupted by the gentle steps of his Queen approaching him.

"Hi, miss! This is Queen Dolly, but you can call her Dolly!" Aeon was quite surprised to see her Queen just like that, on the outside; that, or because she wasn’t aware that her Queen wasn’t even half her age.

"O-Oh… Hello, dear… What brings you all here?"

"...We’ve been looking for someone special, and I am certain that they’re located around. Could you please guide us towards them?"

"That’s alright. Who is the person you are looking for?"

Dero pondered on the answer; if that letter was nothing but a hoax, his embarrassment couldn’t be outmatched easily, and his hopes would be at rock bottom, and he wasn’t even sure what she would look like at this point. He had to try, though, for he still had hope, against that future despair he was sure approaching.

"We are looking for a blonde lady, with red eyes, and a peach dress with a top hat, is there something with those characteristics?"

"...Not exactly those characteristics, although, from those descriptions, you could be refering to The Craftsman."

"...Craftsman?"

"Indeed. She’s a quite strange individual, a lady that doesn’t speak that much, and always has her eyes hidden. She lives quite at a remote house in that nearby forest." Aeon said as she pointed at one specific point in the woods surrounding the area. "If you see a lone house decorated with thread around, you should be able to recognize it."

The Jailer looked at that same spot, being able to see that it wasn’t that far apart from the place he found himself in Wonderland, around all those 9,000 years ago. He knew what he had to do.

"Thank you, lady-" He was about to speak, until he heard giggling from behind, realizing that it was Dolly, playing with the gray jay that Aeon was holding, and sure enough, she was starting to drift away.

"My Queen! Come back here!" Dero realized that the other Knights and Ades were already going after her, with Ades looking behind, telling him to keep going ahead, for he was sure that Dero could deal with this alone.

"Sigh. Thank you, Miss Aeon. May time be with you." Aeon nodded in a gentle manner, as she kept looking at the distance, until her expression changed suddenly.

"Excuse me, sir. I need to tell you something beforehand."

"...Go on."

"Yesterday, I had a strange prediction, disguised as a nightmare. I saw the four suits, looking at a broken sun and moon, with each star around slowly dying. The suits looked odd however, with their faces scratched out with chalk. I was about to send a letter towards the Queen’s Mailman, Wisp, but you people came beforehand, which is quite coincidental."

Dero was pretty confused.

"...I apologize if my predictions are that cryptic…"

"It’s alright. I’ll discuss this with the Suits later. Now, see you later, if you don’t need anything else to show me."

"I wish you luck, and time may be with you too."

Dero finally decided to leave the village, as he saw how he distanced himself further from civilization, having hope that Ades would be competent enough to catch her and take care of her as the Jailer tried to reach the house Aeon had mentioned.

The forest was dark and gloomy, being much different than the last time he crossed it with Giselle; it felt as if that charm was feeling incomplete. He will complete it, if lucky. It was so quiet that Dero could hear his own heartbeat, only the scurrying steps made by him being the only source of sound, becoming the already eerie place, into a place giving off such a heavy atmosphere.

It wasn’t too long until he realized that, in the exact same place he woke up in Wonderland the first time, now there was an old house, being unable to be found if someone didn’t know the exact same place.

"...This must be it…" Dero did their best to open the door, and the inside was… uncomfortable to say the least. The floor resembled a checkerboard, with brown walls, and red thread hanging from holes coming from the equally brown roof. There was no furniture, only being a hollow, yet messy room of a house.

Dero was about to open the next door, until he heard footsteps coming, and by pure instinct, he prepared for a possible fight, until… someone else opened the door.

She was as beautiful as he remembered her.

She was as shocked as he was at seeing her.

She was his Queen, and he was her Knight.

--------

@heiressofdoodles

@monsterhatdoodles (CREATOR OF THE DRAWINGS!)

@avathestarwarrior

@moon-mage

@ilikesillythingswooo

@loaflovesdoodling

@that-fanperson-meg

@the-chaos-axolotl

@den-of-the-blue-dragon

[somegirlontheinternet135]

After listening to this song for a bit. . . I realized how it fits Timekeeper & Millennial Tree Relationship

If you've been anyone long enough, you'd know that in Anything and Everything, All Of The Time, Millie & TK were in a relationship before some sort event which led to them breaking up💔

And given TK's past with musical theater, and how "well" they took the break up. This song is essentially them taking what Millie will never have. . . free will

Despite being the Director of the TBD, they aren't bound to anything, they go & do whatever they want without any consequences!

. . . Meanwhile, he's trapped, stuck in that lonely forest with creatures that treat him like royalty, doing the same things everyday; keeping the life energy & taking part in the tiring battle between good and evil. . .

Timekeeper is the ringleader🎩. . .

Millennial Tree is the clown 🤡. . .

[three-drink-amy]

Hello, hello!

First, I'm about to have much more free time and I can't wait to dive into the Teacher AU! It's been sitting in my tabs and I can't wait to give it all the love it deserves.

Now, onto Nice Ask Day, I have to ask:

With being a fan of 911 LS and RWRB, has the idea of a royalty AU for LS ever crossed your mind? Maybe not the exact same story, but something in the same vein?

Hi hi!

I need to delve into the Parisian Summer AU too!! It’s on my list, I just don’t have time for the list. But I can’t wait to read it!!!

This is a fun ask because I 100% have. @danieljradcliffe said to me one chaotic day “Wait, you know how you wrote a lone star AU for RWRB, what if you wrote a RWRB AU for lone star?” There is part of a mental outline. I have an idea of how it would work, how TK and Carlos would be “royalty” and what their cake-gate would be. I need to finish teachers and a WIP from before I started teachers, but then maybe this!

Thank you for the ask!!

[xx-illusionos-xx-digimon]

hear me out

digimon characters sometimes? HOT AS FUCK

like obviously not their child versions cause like that’s kinda weird now that i’m older than them from when they were in adventure, but like some of them were absolute boyfriend material and you cannot convince me otherwise. joe, matt, tk, BOYFRIEND MATERIAL

if they had a partner WHOEVER THAT IS WOULD BE TREATED LIKE FUCKING ROYALTY AND I STAND BY IT

[blobracing]

1) Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker

Featuring gay Wormie lore, Alan Dean Foster's sharktooth earring, and the earnest adventuresome spirit of late 70s scifi.

So, this one feels a little weird to start out on, because of all the Star Wars stories there are to know, A New Hope is probably THE one folks know. Not a lot of new ground to tread. Wookieepedia has a whole list of differences between the movie and the book, so that won’t be my main focus– also, it strikes me as kind of tedious to be like “ummmm achtsually in the movie the callsign of the stormtrooper that Luke is impersonating while infiltrating the Death Star is TK-421, NOT THX-3118” for the next (checks watch) two hundred novels. Instead, I want to look at the author, things I found funny and cool, and how effective it is as an adaptation. 

Here’s a quick overview of Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker AKA A New Hope:

Whoa, written by George Lucas? No way dude, ghostwritten by Alan Dean Foster. More on him later.

Wait, didn’t ANH come out in 1977? Yes! This came out a year before, and seems to be based on the script, rather than the finalized film. 

Lowkey... kinda silly goofy!

THE AUTHOR

You may note that George Lucas gets billed as the author of this first novel, presumably as a clarity thing, but it’s very much written by Alan Dean Foster. You may know him from beefing with Disney about unpaid royalties in 2021 or for his goofy ahh take on the Rise of Skywalker script that Jenny Nicholson covered. I met him first as a grade school kid picking up Splinter of the Mind’s Eye and for the first time knowing what critical derision felt like. (Guess what’s next on the list! 🤪 ) For whatever it’s worth, I’d say he’s an industry legend, but from the adaptations I’ve seen him do, I think ANH is probably perfect for his strengths, whereas I felt like I was reading his Alien adaptation through a thick reduction sauce of Flash Gordon vibes. 

That actually works perfectly here with ANH: it’s supposed to be a little swashbuckly, a hero’s adventure in the classic sense, inheriting cultural cues from scifi comics and pulpy novels. It feels retro in a way that made me feel fond and almost nostalgic for a time I didn’t live through, but also nostalgic about the kind of wonder and mystery that Star Wars held for me as a kid. It’s earnest. 

Further improving my mood, I just saw this picture of Mr. Foster wearing a sick fucking earring.  

FUN TIDBITS

Not really sure how else to categorize these: they’re things I noticed and earmarked as I was reading that felt like fun trivia, something to talk about, or gave me a sensible chuckle.

(with the cadence of welcoming Norm into Cheers) WORMIE! This fun fact circulates around Tumblr every now and again, but in this novelization (arguably the movie as well) Luke is characterized as an overeager little twink who hates farming and is always kicking up a fuss in the local young adults dive claiming to have seen space battles or things way too exciting to ever happen in a backwater like Anchorhead. For reasons totally unaddressed and unexplained, his nickname is Wormie. Imagining how he got that is now my favorite brain screensaver.  

Right when you think ah, that was a fun thing that happened, I’m sure we’re done with delightful Luke trivia, Biggs shows up. If you’re new to Biggs Darklighter lore, he’s Luke’s childhood friend who leaves first to join the Imperial Academy and then defects to the Rebellion– and also bites it attacking the Death Star later in the movie. That backstory is cut in the movie, but exists in the script and the novel, and I was delighted to run into it. I truly can’t emphasize enough the Slightly Older Cool Friend Who Moved Out Of Town And Is Now Living His Gay Truth And Just Came Back To Say Goodbye To His Hometown Not-Really-Boyfriend Because The Relationship Could Never Be Formal And Is Confusing In The Way Of First Love Entwined Inexorably With Feelings Of Brotherhood And Also Now Saying Goodbye vibes. Thankfully, I don’t have to describe it: it exists as a deleted scene and you can watch it for yourself. Mark Hamill couldn’t be cuter if he tried.  

Alan Dean Foster (it doesn’t feel right if I don’t say the whole name) has a hell of a way with words– and he’s also in an interesting position where the Star Wars trend/rule of using in-universe comparisons doesn’t yet apply. Character descriptions are usually fairly light, but he comes for Tarkin’s throat with this one: 

“The nearest to Tagge was a thin, hatchet-faced man with hair and form borrowed from an old broom and the expression of a quiescent piranha.” 

Another issue with the book pre-dating the movie (and likely some versions of the script) are that iconic lines are altered or different:

[Leia’s message stored within R2 is playing for the first time] “Obi-wan Kenobi,” the voice implored huskily, “help me! You’re my only remaining hope.” A burst of static dissolved the face momentarily. Then it coalesced again, and once more the voice repeated, “Obi-wan Kenobi, you’re my only remaining hope.”

Like famed haute couture designer Miku Hatsune says, take one thing off before you leave the house. “Remaining”? C’mon. 

This:

Luke doesn’t know what ducks are, but did once have a dog. He’s randomly thinking about the dog later as they’re about to leave Tatooine. (“Oddly, Luke was thinking of a dog he had once owned when an immensely powerful something wrenched at the ship’s hull with the strength of a fallen angel.”) It always feels like missing a step on the stairs when you realize that if this lore had made the cut we’d have gotten like a four issues long comics run about Luke’s dog having kid-friendly adventures and at least one “the camera lingers on a dog in the alleyway of Mos Espa…” moment in the Boba Fett series. 

Chewbacca is written as having one, singular line of dialogue:

“This way,” the Wookie grunted– at least, it sounded something like that to Luke.

Of course there’s Greedo in the cantina scene, Han shoots first but the dialogue is a lot less cool– more egregiously, later there’s a scene where Jabba shows up and he’s just a guy. He’s literally just a guy. 

This is another deleted scene you can still see on Youtube – he’s just a guy. I grew up with the versions of the original trilogy without any digital alterations, so I never saw Jabba in any form until ROTJ. Still can’t believe he’s just, like… a guy in this version. I see that guy at Dunkins every day. 

Mr. Alan Dean Foster does occasionally go hard, never let it be said I don’t also see him doing things like this:

“You sense only a part of the force, Darth,” Kenobi murmured with the assurance of one to whom death is merely another sensation, like sleeping or making love or touching a candle. “As always, you perceive its reality as little as a utensil perceives the taste of food.”

Some little prose bits that would seem nigh-unthinkable– the Force isn’t really capitalized at all. There’s like, once instance of it being capitalized but is otherwise just the force. The Death Star is also not referred to by name, and is instead just “the battle station.” (Also droids are ’droids, and there’s at least one ’puter which rendered me incapable of saying anything else for at least five minutes.) 

“Luke was then treated to a sight unique in his experience, unique in most men’s. Several rebel technicians walked up to Artoo Detoo, positioned themselves around him, and gently hoisted him in their arms. This was the first, and probably the last time he would ever see a robot being carried respectfully by men.”

HEY UHHHH, WHAT THE FUCK

We don’t have time to unpack all that.

In the final ceremony scene where Leia is putting medals on everyone, he doesn’t… call them medals.

“She placed something heavy and golden around Solo’s neck, then Chewbacca’s–having to strain to do so– and finally around Luke’s.”

And then it just goes on– why don’t we call them medals? Was it just “something heavy and golden” in the script? Were they going to dream up some kind of space medals but hadn’t committed to it? My only recourse is to imagine she's gently bestowing "1pc Iced Jesus Piece Pendant Large HIP HOP Style Big Crystal Jesus Piece Pendant Necklace Chain For Men Hip Hop" from temu on the heroes of the Rebellion.

SUCCESS AS AN ADAPTATION

Is it successful? I’d honestly say hell yeah. It walks a line between believing in itself and taking itself the appropriate amount of seriously, without going overboard. Alan Dean Foster’s prose works well in this specific instance– even some of the goofier comparisons or word choices don’t feel like speed bumps, because ANH ultimately reads to me as a movie that wants you to have fun. 

In the color photos section of the novel, Georgie actually says this: “[...] I’d make a film so rooted in imagination that the grimness of everyday life would not follow the audience into the theater. In other words, for two hours they could forget. I’m trying to reconstruct a genre that’s been lost and bring it to a new dimension so that the elements of space, fantasy, adventure, suspense and fun all work and feed off each other. So in a way, STAR WARS is a movie for the kid in all of us.” 

Ultimately, the adaptation I think is kind of the purest possible emotional translation of that intent for ANH– it feels very one-to-one. All of the potential, adventure, unknowns in the movie are here in the script, and there’s a sense that this really is just a small window in a very big universe. It makes total sense as a predecessor to the EU’s spirit of exploration and weirdness, and also makes sense in a way that myths are made out of people who don’t know how important they are in the moment. It feels crazy to look at the road ahead and know we’re going to be spending so much time following freakin’ Wormie on his path to demi-godhood.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Should you read it? If you’ve got spare time and are in the mood, sure. It’s not going to blow your tits clean off, but it was fun. 

Was it successful as an adaptation AND as scifi alone? Honestly, resoundingly as an adaptation. It’s hard for me to be objective about it as a standalone thing since the movie is probably engraved into my genetic code at this point.

What do you think happened to Luke’s dog? I’m gonna be real, Tuskens probably got him.  

NEXT TIME:

Star Wars: Splinter of the Mind’s Eye, by Alan Dean Foster

[alrightbuckaroo]

🛌 What’s a trope you haven’t written, but want to?

🤔What are some words or phrases you find yourself overusing?

Hello Michelle!

🛌 What’s a trope you haven’t written, but want to?

I've been toying with a Royalty AU because I kind of want to write a bratty prince TK that visiting viscount Carlos keeps in check (coughs doms coughs) much to the pleasant surprise of TK himself.

Don't know if it'll ever happen but I'm sure making the mood board for it would be fun!

🤔What are some words or phrases you find yourself overusing?

I'm a SUCKER for hearing a smile through the phone line or hearing a a laugh in the voice.

I'm guilty of using them ALL the time but I just think they're such good visuals that are still poetic.

[andfasterthings]

📄

📄What’s a WIP you never finished that you would like to go back and revisit?

for tkpat, i've gotten to a place where i've kind of cannibalized a lot of my backburner/graveyard wips in one way or another. if not stealing the trope(s) than it's the genre or concepts.

but the two that i'd most like to revisit if i ever could are the true blood fusion fic i mentioned earlier and the rodeo au.

rodeo au is one where pat is part of this, like, rodeo royalty family. his grandpa did it. his dad did it. his mom did it. his sisters do it. he does it. he doesn't really love it. but it's... legacy. it's what he's always done. and he's good at it. then here comes this hotshot upstart former rodeo clown dickhead (tk) who is good at it, though unpolished and unrefined—and worst of all—he loves it. very clearly loves the rodeo in a way pat doesn't anymore (if he ever did). i was thinking of making it a duel timeline fic. then and now. then being the summer they met on the circuit, having this semi-forbidden rivals-with-benefits thing going on, where tk is very clearly into pat and pat is "ok fellow associate" about it. now being when tk shows up at the patrick family horse ranch to work—and to win pat's heart.

anyway. won't ever get around to it but... i think about it a lot.