#to tag about Gisela

[synonymroll648]

still thinking about the shadowflux tracker that tam pulled out of keefe's chest and put into a recyclable water bottle. like. how long did it take gisela to realize that it wasn't in keefe anymore? did she go to hunt him down at any point and end up poking around an incinerator or smth like 'tf does my spyball mean he's alive in here?'

[blorboresidue]

tbh my only kkm opinion that matters is that gisela is a bossy pillow princess who needs to get service topped by a mean redheaded lady <3

[al-mayriti]

FELLOW EUROFANS! this is my only oportunity to talk about OT AND Eurovision so I have to post this video I just found about Eurovision songs in Operación Triunfo (updated until the 3rd week of OT 2023), if you have any questions i will be more than glad to answer them !!!!

Just in case it is a bit confusing as it is not in english, in the left you'll see the country and the year it went to eurovision, then it will say the song in the middle and below it the person who sung it in OT and when in the program (also the edition which is important to me personally), and in the left there's the position it got on ESC <3

[arcadialedger]

*to address the tags on the previous reblog*

Basically, my friend and I think Lady Gisela could have stolen the caches from the void. And given that she’s a polyglot, all she needs is the code word and she can open it like Keefe did using Sophie’s voice in Neverseen.

Friendly reminder that the cache system is beyond stupid and that the caches are stored in the void. Also friendly reminder that Lady Gisela is a Conjurer AND a polyglot.

Just saying. I’ll leave you to put the pieces together.

[cavennmalore]

tagging @myfairkatiecat because it is only fair after you requested this word vomit lol

The thing about Keefe not being a good person is a little complicated. Full disclaimer, I don’t really believe in the whole good/bad person dichotomy, and definitely not for KIDS. Nevertheless, I don’t disagree with the people who say that Keefe isn’t the awesome person Sophie’s (biased) opinion makes him out to be. Not for the manipulative reasons -- which, Keefe is a teenage boy and I don't know about anyone else but that is like THE demographic for being a little messy in relationships lmao -- but for a lot of his planning. Joining the Neverseen without telling anyone what his plan was? Proposing himself as Mercadir without giving anyone a chance to refute him? Lying at the end of Legacy and showing up to the confrontation even though it was explicitly agreed he'd stay back? Basically, everything he did in Lodestar? Not great.

It's not Certified Good Guy Behavior. But that's his role. Keefe was literally designed to occupy this grey, questionable space, both in the narrative and outside of it. He's Sophie's character foil. Lady Gisela's plan revolves around pushing Keefe to become a worse and worse person; that involves raising him in a way that cultivates bad behavior and forcing him into increasingly extreme situations that are designed to make Keefe "ready" when the time comes. That is a huge part of the plots of Nightfall and Legacy.

Admittedly, I don't think Shannon has made him evil/grey enough, which I know isn't a popular take. There was real potential to make Keefe a wild card in Lodestar and make it so that the question isn't what stupid scheme is he planning? but to what extent have Lady Gisela's machinations worked? It's an interesting plotline to me. It's why I'm so excited for Unraveled; it's a chance to see this push-pull in action without Keefe's "north star" (AKA Sophie) guiding his decisions.

But a lot of people don't feel this way. A ton of the complaints I see around the book have to do with Keefe getting too much page time, the plotline taking up too much space in the story, etc. Which is fair! If you don't like Keefe, I'm sure a lot of this is grueling. However, a point I see connected to this line of thought is a wish for the books to return to a more ensemble vibe. That there should be more Dex, more Biana, more Stina, more Tam, etc. the way that it used to be.

That version of the books, though? It only really exists in the first book. Keefe is a prominent character in Exile and a huge driver of its plot. It's only in Book One where he only exists on the margins and isn't super involved. The ensemble cast has grown exponentially since then, to the point where there are frankly too many characters to keep track of in a scene without straight-up listing them all (which did happen but I'm forgetting which book). The decreased page time of supporting characters isn't solely because Keefe is eating the narrative, but because there are way too many characters for everyone to get a subplot; rather than have pre-existing characters solve issues, Shannon tends to just pull new ones in, and then leave them to hang out for the following books. If the series was for a more adult audience, I would say that it was time to start killing people off (like the popular critique of The Boys) but because this is a kids series, they're going to just hang around and not do much.

A lot of the nostalgia for this old version of KOTLC presents itself in fandom discussions of Dex. Full transparency: I didn't really like Dex that much in the early books when I did my reread. I found him unbearably rude to Fitz and Biana. His crush on Sophie felt invasive at times as if she was catering to a boy that was projecting his feelings and making her accommodate him. It's very similar stuff to the current criticism of Keefe! But I have yet to see any discussions around Dex that don't characterize him as kind, goofy, or sweet. Maybe there is some discussion of him being snarky or sarcastic. The most criticism I've seen of him is about how he treated Stina in his introduction, which was taken largely in isolation.

But that sweet, goofy version of Dex that people talk about missing? He doesn't exist. Sure, Dex mellowed out a ton in the later books, but he didn't become a whole new character. And I don't believe that he disappeared from the books in the way that some people claim. He just... doesn't have a subplot anymore. His crush on Sophie was resolved. It was a sticking point in his and Sophie's friendship which made him part of her character arc, and that arc is done. If that went on for any longer, it would be a drag on the pace of the series. Like I said before, the presence of so many side characters, each with their own needs and motivations, makes it difficult to introduce him into new stuff. It's why he gets so much more page time in Unlocked. With the presence of so many other characters, Shannon tends to handwave a lot of the background group dynamics. Dex ended up becoming close to Keefe and was able to shine there, away from Sophie's perspective and their finished arc.

All of this is to say, it's not wrong to dislike Keefe or like Dex. But I think a lot of the conversations surrounding these guys can get muddled in nostalgia and what people think the books should be rather than what they are. I'm (severely) guilty of it too. It's part of a broader trend in fandoms as "fandom" as a concept becomes more popular. That is a whole other post, though, and frankly, this one is long enough lol

[thebestsencen]

Hello There.

It has been formally requested that a Tumblr account is made and run by myself, the amazing Lord Cassius Sencen, author of 'The Heart of The Matter'.

He/him pronouns are to be used for me and I expect the utmost respect from everybody out there, for I am a member of the Nobility.

Slightly Annoying Children:

Miss Foster- @therealsophieelizabethfoster

Mr Vacker- @fitz-avery-vacker

Tam Song (whoever that emo kid is)- @tam-shade-song

Linh Song- @linh--song

The Dizznee child- @dex-the-smart-one

Miss Vacker- @sparkles-make-anything-better

Maruca Chebota- @the-only-maruca-chebota

The unicorn girl- @im-just-cooler

Wylie Endal- @flasher-boi-endal

Amy Foster (A human!?)- @amy-rose-foster

The pyrokinetic- @shut-up-i-will-burn-you

Jensi Babblos (Who's this?)- @jensi-babbles-lots

Disappointments:

I don't know him- @keefe--sencen

Responsible Adults:

Alden- @alden-dedrick-vacker

Quinlin- @quinlin-sonden

Grady (a horrible work partner)- @not-a-fan-of-that-boy

Edaline- @edaline--ruwen

Magnate Leto- @magnatetheleto

Elwin- @elwin-at-your-service

Black Swan:

Squall- @the-prettiest-ice-cube

Blur- @blurrieidentities

Mr 'Forkle'- @norwegian-trickster-god

Granite- @prentices-husband

Livvy- @candies-and-sparkles

Neverseen/Ex-Neverseen:

Fintan- @fintan-pyren

NOT MY WIFE- @lady-gisela

Vespera- @vespera-neci-folend

Ruy- @ruy-tonio-ignis

Glimmer- @little-miss-neverseen

Alvar- @alvar-not-vacker

Trix- @trix-up-my-sleeve

Brant- @brant--redacted

Umber- @umberthebettershade

Organisations:

Black Swan- @black-swan-official

Neverseen- @neverseen-official

Foxfire- @foxfire-official

Matchmakers- @thematchmakingoffice and @the-official-matchmaking-office

The Council (or their intern at least)- @thecouncil-official

Eternalia's Library- @eternalialibrary-official

Exilium- @exillium

The Sanctuary- @sanctuary-official

Council Members/Ex-Council Members

Kenric- @councillor-kenric-fathdon

Oralie- @oralie-pretty-in-pink

Bronte- @bronte-the-inflictor

Terik- @terik-the-councillor

Others (animals and bodyguards)

Sandor- @igowhereyougo

The worst influence on my son- @hunkyhairs-backup

Silveny- @therarestprattlespin

That's just about everyone I know (it pains me to do so)

tag me in the comments if i forgot you/someone

main account may or may not be @siennamakeschaos

[storyowls]

OC Deep Dive: Gisela Hampton (aka my first kindred ever!)

Tagged by @informaltorching and @lealdog. Divider by @diableriedoll. Art by @direfang.

What common/uncommon fear do they have? Losing her wife, Lana, and her past coming back to haunt her.

Do they have any pet peeves? Self righteous jerks who shout hollow words. She didn't tolerate that back when she lived in Germany, and she won't tolerate it now.

What are 3 items you can find in their bedroom? A black triangle patch sewn onto frayed clothe, an older book in German, a book with pressed flowers in it (all the flowers are from Lana).

What do they notice first in a person? Attitude; how are they interacting with somebody they just met, people they seem to know.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how high is their pain tolerance? Around an 8.

Do they go into fight or flight mode when under pressure? (or freeze and fawn). She was forced to choose flight once, she only does fight now.

What animal represents them best? Wolf, one would assume she does things alone but family/kin are important, and she puts her group above all.

How would a stranger likely describe them? Intimidating. This woman is 6'4" without the heels and sports fashion that makes a lot of people think twice about messing with her.

Do they have any hobbies? Writing, roller disco, dancing with her wife while they listen to old records.

Tagging nobody, I think we all got each other covered at this moment ahaha.

[bookwyrminspiration]

I'm confused

Why do you hate Watson so much

What did that dog do to you

Let me take you back to the summer of 2023.

It's lovely, peaceful, @camelspit's just started the first best keeper character bracket. We're starting with rounds of five, and June 16th, we've got a rather odd bracket: Alina, Oralie, Ella, Gisela, and Mr. Snuggles.

Roisin asks in the tags for the stuffies not to win, so I go haha, I don't really care about any of these guys except Snuggles. I have my own Mr. Snuggles and a fondness for dragons, so I vote for him. Don't even think of it. I don't even think I reblogged it. Mr. Snuggles wins

He has another round, a 1v1. I vote for him again, don't think much of it. his opponents are piddling. He wins

Then we get to round three. He's against Verdi, and at this point i've gotten attached--I love this lil dragon. But Verdi poses a real threat, because when I vote he's losing. I start campaigning. Cath becomes my enemy. It starts escalating.

But Mr. Snuggles pulls through, victorious. And I have now very publicly pronounced and committed myself to this bit.

We carry him through round 4 and round 5, but then we face round 6: Fitzroy vs Mr. Snuggles. It's cruel, it's twisted, it's exactly what Roisin would do.

BUT! We miraculously manage to tie the round so they both proceed.

Finally, in round 7, the very last round before finals, he loses to Sophie. i'm sad, but honestly the fact he made it to the last four is super impressive and unexpected? i'm proud

You'd think this'd be the end of it.

But Catherine, @everliving-everblaze, started a Best Fitz Duo Poll while the best character poll was running.

And one of the duos is Fitz & Mr. Snuggles.

He sweeps his first round, but that's not noteworthy.

What splintered the fandom was round two: Fitz & Mr. Snuggles vs Fitz & Alvar.

At this point in time Snuggles is still in the best character running, energy is high--I'm committed to this bit. And I don't think he stands a chance, so I don't feel bad pushing for him.

I was wrong.

It escalates.

Fitz and Snuggles stand a real chance of beating Fitz and Alvar, the fucked up sibling duo of the series. The origin of wiityispb. The blueprint.

I start trying to backpedal.

It doesn't work.

They win.

All because I decided in round three of the best character poll to throw myself behind snuggles and work the fandom up. I'm in too deep now; I can't back out--Summer (@when-wax-wings-melt) will never look at me the same. People are outraged.

I've tied myself to this stuffed dragon.

Who knows what could've been, but due to some funky tagging, I don't see the next round and it distributes oddly, and Fitz and Snuggles lose in silence to Fitz and Sophie.

A quiet end. At this point Snuggles is both out of the best character and fitz duo poll. The fandom calms and moves on, but I've set a precedent for myself. I'm The Snuggles Guy

And a few months ago, a year later, Roisin decided to have another best character poll.

To make it more manageable, there's a preliminary round to determine who will be in the poll for real. Roisin, who I can only assume was salty, ensured Snuggles would be out from the get go. It was a remarkably close fight, though. Watson, The Foster Family dog, also lost his poll. But who gives a shit about him

I'm sad, but hey, there's the comeback round! Any characters eliminated have a chance to be voted back into the running if they get enough support--there are 9 spots available.

I reblog asking for support for Mr. Snuggles, and, because I'm not a dog person, I decide to throw in a fuck Watson for fun. Who cares about some random dog we haven't even met in this fantasy series. There's some banter

The comeback round ends. Mr. Snuggles does not make it. Watson does.

I threw everything behind this dragon through two polls, tested the limits of my friendships, tied myself to him soul to soul. He was nearly a finalist, he nearly beat Sophie in the preliminaries.

And he lost to some fucking dog???

Mr. Snuggles didn't even make it to round one?

Unacceptable. Not on my fucking watch.

I will see that dog in the dirt if it's the last thing I do.

Thank you for your time.

[whitedarkmoonflower]

Your modern Sihtric fics are lovely! May I request a modern Sihtric fic (nothing serious just some fluff) where Sihtric and reader are best friends and madly in love with each other, but afraid of confessing their feelings. With some happy ending, please.

Pairing: modern!Sihtric x reader (female)

Authors note: this is the fluffiest fluff that I’m capable of 😅, but a small portion of angst is very recommended for mental health... Once more a big, warm thanks to the Anon who requested it. I know it took me a while to write this, but it was just the right thing in the right moment 💖

Credits: @arcielee you know you are awesome. Thank you for all the comments!

Warnings: fluff, fluff and only fluff, and a bit of angst 

Word Count: 4,2K

Tags: @sihtricfedaraaahvicius @hb8301 @zillahvathek

—----------------------------------------------

The old university library was something like your sanctuary. You loved its serene ambiance, which made it much easier to concentrate there than in your apartment that you shared with your best friends, Gisela and Brida. It was always buzzing with some activity. While Gisela pursued her music career, which meant spontaneous jam sessions with her band at all hours, Brida loved hosting weekly gaming nights. Consequently, moments of peace and tranquillity were rare commodities in your home.

Empty chip bags, discarded cola cans, and leftover pizza cartons were among most frequent remnants of the previous night's shenanigans that you usually found strewn across the living room making your attempts to get to the kitchen something like a hurdle-race. The energetic atmosphere was exhilarating, and you truly cherished the bond you shared with Gisela and Brida, but there were times when you just couldn’t stand the constant background noise anymore.

That's when the library became your haven. The familiar scent of ageing books, the soft rustling of pages turning, and the hush of some short whispered conversations created a stark contrast to your lively apartment. The cosy armchairs by the window were your favourite place to sink in and lose yourself in your studies, making the world outside feel miles away.

You could have never imagined that, but it was this very library – your quiet refuge– where you first met Sihtric, the heart-stoppingly handsome stranger that turned your whole world upside down. 

One late evening buried in stacks of books, you barely paid attention to the dark-haired guy who settled across from you. It was only when your laptop’s battery started to dwindle, making you search for a power outlet, that you noticed him.

"Mind if I plug in here?" you asked, pointing to the outlet under the table.

Sihtric, with his dark hair falling carelessly over his eyes, looked up, an amused smirk playing on his lips. "Only if you can tell me - why do cats purr?"

You raised an eyebrow, playing along, "Planning their next global takeover?"

He laughed, unplugging his laptop to make room for yours. "Fair enough. Go ahead and plug in."

“By the way, I'm Sihtric,” he introduced, his smile warm and inviting with a mischievous spark in his eyes. That smile made your heart race. Within a few minutes you both were lost in a conversation, permeated with giggles, snorts and muffled exclamations, inevitably earning several exasperating glances from other library visitors. 

“How about coffee? There’s a new place just around the corner,” Sihtric suggested as you both stood outside the library with your laptops and notes in hand.

“I practically run on coffee,” you chuckled. “Lead the way.” 

Hours flew by, filled with laughter and countless cups of coffee, and very soon you realised Sihtric was more than just a handsome face. He was witty, intelligent, attentive, and incredibly charming. You discovered his major was art history while yours was law—a fact that explained your paths never crossing earlier. And you both were in the last semester of your Masters preparing for final exams. Eagerly, you awaited the next day, hoping to see him again at the university.

Your friendship with Sihtric deepened effortlessly from that existential cat question. It evolved from brief coffee chats during breaks to lunches in the university's canteen and soon you found yourself spending more time with him than even with your roommates. You studied together in the library or huddled in some empty lecture halls burying yourselves in books, papers and notes. Sihtric had a rare talent to keep you grounded, when your thoughts wandered too far. It looked like he could sense when your mind started to drift, gaze becoming too cloudy. A short remark or joke, and he had brought you back into focus and to your reading material. And you tried to return the same favour to him. 

You were enamoured by the way he approached all challenges and changes in his life, always sprinkled with humour and lightness. You loved your shared study sessions. Even being completely unfamiliar with your subject Sihtric would conjure the most wild theories, debating them with the ferocity of an old learned lawyer, or try to simplify for you the trickiest concepts with a touch of humour only he possessed, making you laugh until your stomach was aching and convulsing.

You felt an undeniable connection for him, like two puzzle pieces fitting together. It wasn’t just his tousled hair or that cheeky grin, mischievous and mysterious at the same time. It was the aura about him, pulling you in like a moth to a flame. Every word he uttered seemed layered with depth, making you keen to decipher its nuances. You found yourself entranced by the subtlest of things—how his fingers danced across the keyboard, the intent furrow of his brow while concentrating. Silly little details, but to you they were precious.

You loved the way he seemed to dominate the space, not by size, but by his sheer presence, and the way his lips curved or his eyes lit up when he talked about something he was passionate about. You loved his infectious laugh that made your heart dance along. In simple words— you were head to toe in love with Sihtric.

Yet, Sihtric seemed entirely unaware of your affections, missing your longing gazes and lingering touches. Ever cheerful, supportive, and ready to lift your spirits, he displayed nothing beyond a profound friendship.

Your friends Gisela and Brida often teased you about your 'library romance', unable to grasp why you wouldn't confess your feelings to Sihtric. But you had made them swear to keep it a secret. You just couldn’t bear the thought of ruining your friendship by revealing yourself to him in case he didn’t feel the same.

As the final exams were nearing, you contemplated looking around for your own apartment. You adored your friends, but you were tired of the chaos in your shared living space. 

“That’s it.  I can't deal with these constant disruptions, random parties, and the perpetual mess in the kitchen. I need a new place,” one day you revealed your intentions to Sihtric over burgers and fries.

"You're ditching Gisela and Brida?" Sihtric asked sceptically.

"I love them, but I need to focus if I want to pass," you retorted.

"Well, how about we team up?" Sihtric suggested, leaving you momentarily stunned. "I've been apartment hunting too. I promise, I keep my things tidy."

"You're looking too? Why didn't you mention it earlier?"

"It just never came up," Sihtric replied nonchalantly.

Your heart skipped a beat. On one hand, the idea was tantalising. Sharing a space with Sihtric would mean even more shared moments and conversations, more shared meals, and certainly more late-night coffee sessions. But, on the other hand, you couldn’t ignore your reason, whispering that this was a complete madness. How were you going to concentrate or even breathe having him around all the time, if a casual glance from him often left you breathless? Living together would definitely intensify your feelings, making the apartment a cauldron of unspoken words and suppressed emotions. Yet, that was definitely not what you wanted to listen into, as you hushed your reason with a firm shrug. You weren’t about to let this opportunity slip by. 

"As long as you don't play death metal at 3 am, we're good," you answered, wiping ketchup off your chin, watching Sihtric’s face lightening up with a bright smile.

Thus, the search for an apartment began. After weeks of exchanging memes about outrageous listings and chuckling over exorbitant rents, the two of you finally found a cosy two-bedroom apartment near the university.

It was like a dream come true. Your mornings typically started with shared coffee, often brewed by Sihtric, who had mastered the art of making it exactly the way you liked. Evenings often found you both unwinding on the couch, discussing the day or getting lost in your favourite series. Sharing a living space meant you learned more about each other's habits - from Sihtric's unique way of organising his books to your habit of humming while cooking.

However, as days turned into weeks, you found that close proximity both comforting and challenging. Just as you had feared there was an unspoken tension in the air. You were unable to shake off the constant awareness of his presence. Your shared laughs, evenings spent together on the sofa, even the discussions about chores stirred emotions you carefully tried to suppress. His simple gestures, like leaving you the last piece of pizza or ensuring the fridge was stocked with your favourite snacks, were tugging at your heart.

In an attempt to distract yourself and keep those rising emotions in check, you decided to start dating again. Somewhere deep inside you there was a hope that perhaps another relationship would free you from the emotional swamp of loving your best friend. 

Nights out with different suitors became your regular escape from the constant whirl of feelings Sihtric invoked. But each time you returned home, his familiar silhouette on the couch in the living area or the soft sounds of music from his room made your heart beat stronger.

Sihtric, for his part, seemed to take your dating in stride. Ever the understanding friend, he listened to your stories, shared in your laughter, or offered a shoulder when dates didn’t go as planned.

—--------------------------------------------------------------

From the very moment Sihtric’s gaze met yours that fateful evening in the library, he was completely enchanted. He was perplexed  as to how the two of you, having attended the same university for four years, had never crossed paths. Determined to be closer, he quickly found out about your class schedule and began appearing during breaks or at the conclusion of your lectures. What began as fleeting conversations soon blossomed into extended chats, coffee dates, and lunches. 

You were almost an addict to coffee. Recognising this, Sihtric would often surprise you with two lattes, earning your genuine appreciation and undivided attention. Over time, these coffee breaks morphed into common expeditions to different local cafes, arguing over which blend was best, or simply savouring coffee in a shared silence. 

It was in those moments, with the steam from the mugs fogging the world around, that he felt closest to you. The casual touch of your fingers brushing against his while passing the sugar, the warmth of your laughter, the shared dreams and secrets–every small thing only deepened his feelings and longing for you. He often caught himself lost in the small details of your presence, admiring the gentle curve of your lips on the edge of the mug or the way your hair fell across your face. He’d scold himself afterwards internally, it was just a friendly coffee break, after all, but next time it would all repeat again, slowly drawing him to the brink of madness.

His heart would do a silly little jump every time he made you laugh. He loved how genuine it was, how it echoed in his ears long after the sound had faded. But, he played it cool, always masking his deeper feelings with humour.

Though Sihtric held no particular knowledge or interest in law, it didn't stop him from proposing study sessions together. The hours spent in library or lecture halls, when you both got buried in books and handwritten notes, were filled with small moments of pure joy. Like the time you had an eyelash on your cheek, and he pointed it out, saying, "Make a wish, maybe for a quieter roommate?"

You had rolled your eyes at that but still played along, blowing the eyelash away. He wished silently that he'd been brave enough to brush it off himself.

He treasured the moments where you both got lost in discussions and occasionally drifted into personal stories and dreams. This was how he found out that you had no family left, with both parents gone and no siblings. Sometimes he just kept silent and listened to you, getting lost in the sound of your voice. It was soothing, familiar, and dangerously addictive. The way you'd passionately discuss a topic, your eyes lighting up with enthusiasm, was mesmerising to Sihtric. He'd always found himself drawn to passionate people, and there you were, embodying everything he admired.

There was one evening, you were stressed about an upcoming paper, your eyes red-rimmed from exhaustion. Without thinking, Sihtric had reached out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. The palpable spark from that brief touch had left him breathless. He had quickly retrieved his hand and masked it with a joke, trying to lighten the mood, but inside, his emotions were burning with an engulfing flame.

Sihtric had fallen for you, hard. The realisation both thrilled and terrified him. Yet the fear of ruining the beautiful friendship you both shared didn’t let him open up about his feelings to you. Sometimes he would replay your conversations in his mind, looking for the right moment to tell you how he felt. But the dread of losing what you two had, of making things awkward between you both in case you didn’t reciprocate always held him back.

His world went tumbling, when you mentioned you were looking for a new apartment. Though he hadn’t previously planned to move out of his, he impulsively proposed a joint search, secretly hoping that the closeness this would bring, would make you finally notice him in a different light, seeing him as more than just a loyal friend, learning buddy and coffee companion.

—-------------------------------------------------------------

Returning home from yet another disappointing date, you flopped onto the couch, discarding your heels. Sihtric looked up from his book, raising an eyebrow in question. "Another misadventure?" he asked.

You groaned. "Why is it so hard to find a decent guy in this city?"

He chuckled, shifting to make room for you beside him. "Perhaps it's the vastness of the city, or maybe you're just too exceptional for most."

"Very funny, Sihtric," you said, poking him in the side. But you appreciated his attempts to lighten the mood. Every time.

Sihtric had witnessed them all–the charmers, the players, the flirty ones, the arrogant idiots and the simply bizarre ones. And every time a date went awry, it was him you returned to, seeking solace, laughing it off and looking for advice on what to do next.

He loved being your confidant, the one you turned to. It was him who wrapped you then in a soft blanket next to him on the couch and picked a movie to distract you from the evening’s disappointments. He'd often watch you from the corner of his eye, taking in your every gesture, every laugh, every sigh. The way your lips curved into a smile when something amused you on-screen or how your nose would scrunch up when you didn’t like a character’s choice or disagreed with them. These simple, stolen moments were his solace even if they were bittersweet.

On the surface, he perfectly played the part of the supportive best friend, but underneath it was a pure torture. Being so close, feeling the warmth emanating from you, and not being able to articulate his feelings was driving him crazy. 

And with every failed date you had, he wished for you to see what, or rather who, was right in front of you and had always been there. Him.

He remembered one night he almost let it slip. You complained about a particularly self-obsessed idiot that had kept talking only about himself all evening. 

"Sometimes, I wish I could just find  someone who really gets me, you know?" you  had mused with a heavy sigh.

Sihtric had locked eyes with you then and choked on the words that almost tumbled out. 

"Like me?" he’d wanted to ask, but fear had prevailed and he’d opted for a simple, "You deserve the best, you know. Someone who truly understands you."

Your giggles echoed in the apartment while Sihtric's heart raced. Moments like these were becoming more frequent and he wondered how much longer he could keep up the façade.

"And you?” you inquired. “I’ve never seen you with anyone. Ever thought of, you know, trying out a dating app?" 

"Thought I'd first try my luck with the classics–libraries, cafes," Sihtric shrugged, trying to sound casual. But you didn’t get his hint. How could you, Sihtric thought to himself, when for you he was merely the steadfast university friend you never knew you needed. 

—--------------------------------------------------------

The clock seemed to mock Sihtric with its persistent ticking. It was 11:30 pm and you were nowhere to be found. This wasn't like you. You always texted if your plans changed or if you were staying elsewhere. He tried to dismiss the growing knot of worry in his stomach, reminding himself you were an adult who could take care of yourself. But deep down, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong.

He tried to distract himself by watching TV, but everything he turned on just passed by as a blur. Every faint noise from the corridor made his heart leap, hoping it would be the sound of your key turning in the lock.

He picked up his phone repeatedly, indecisive whether to call or text you, but he didn't want to come across as overbearing. Finally, giving into the urge, he sent you a message, "Hey, everything OK?"

Minutes dragged on torturously as he waited for a response, but it just never came. He considered calling Gisela or Brida, but hesitated, thinking it would really look somewhat weird. 

Suddenly, a series of quick knocks echoed through the apartment, jolting him. He sprinted to the door, hoping it would be you on the other side, but instead he was met by two police officers with grave expressions.

"We regret to inform you there's been an incident," one began.

Sihtric's heart plummeted as he processed the officers' words. 

"Y/N... What happened to her?" Sihtric stammered, struggling to keep his voice steady.

"She was found on a street, unconscious, seemingly a victim of a robbery. Her ID directed us here," the taller officer replied.

"And she's...?" Sihtric couldn't bring himself to complete the sentence.

"She's been taken to the city hospital," the younger officer said softly. "She was still unresponsive when we left."

Without a word, Sihtric grabbed his jacket, rushing past the officers and leaving the door ajar.

As he raced to the hospital, a hurricane of emotions swirled within him—guilt for not being there, for not having protected you, anger at the attackers, and an overwhelming concern for you.

Upon arrival, he was guided to your room. There you were, lying on the bed with an IV drip attached, bruises marrying your beautiful face. He approached, hesitantly, heart pounding in his throat.

"She's sustained a significant head injury," a voice interrupted Sihtric's thoughts.

“What does it mean?” Sihtric’s voice trembled as he turned to face the doctor.

"It's critical. We'll be monitoring her. Surgery might become necessary depending on the swelling. Are you family? A partner? We might need your consent given the risks," the doctor explained.

The words of the doctor sank slowly in, as Sihtric turned to look at you. The feeling of failure and deep pain enveloped him. Admitting that he was no relative would mean that he will not be allowed to stay, so Sihtric just nodded, feeling a mix of dread and helplessness filling his chest, threatening to suffocate him. 

“You can stay. Speaking to her could help. Even unconscious, a familiar voice can be comforting,” the doctor advised before leaving the room.

In the soft glow of the hospital room, Sihtric pulled a chair close to the side of your bed. For several long moments, he just watched you, observing every detail of your face and the gentle rise and fall of your chest beneath the pale sheet.

"Hey," he began softly, brushing a stray hair from your forehead, letting his fingers linger on your cool skin. "It's me, Sihtric."

You lay motionless, your skin pale, eyes shut, your breathing faint. Sihtric took a deep breath, his voice barely above a whisper. 

"I know you can’t hear me, but there's something I need to tell you, and I can't hold it in any longer."

Gently clasping your hand, he softly brushed his thumb over your fingers. Leaning closer, he placed tender kisses on your knuckles.

"I've fallen for you. I've been in love with you for longer than I'd like to admit. I moved in with you to be close to you, to protect you, to show you how much I loved you, but I failed and never dared to speak it out. Can you imagine what a torture it was to watch you with others, offering support when you were heartbroken, and then seeing you move on? I’m such an idiot. If only I had braved to reveal my feelings for you, you might have never landed here,” Sihtric paused to take another deep steadying breath, as he noticed his voice quivering more and more with each word he spoke.

“I think I loved you from the first moment I saw you in the library. Do you still remember my silly cat’s question? It was the first thing that popped in my mind and your answer made me laugh. You always make me laugh," Sihtric’s grip on your hand tightened, as he continued. "Seeing you like this, it terrifies me. I don't want to imagine a life without you in it."

"Please, wake up. Come back to me. I can't lose you, not now, not when I've just found the courage to tell you how I truly feel," tears trickled down his cheeks as he leaned down, pressing his lips against your forehead, while his hands kept hold of your cold fingers. 

"I love you so much. Please, just don’t leave me," he whispered. 

Amidst the stillness of the room, Sihtric suddenly felt an unexpected pressure—your hand slightly squeezing his. He lifted his head, his gaze fixating to your face and eyes widening in surprise as your eyelids slowly fluttered open.

"Sihtric..." your voice, so weak, just above a whisper, broke the silence. "I... I've loved you too, for so long. We’ve been such fools …"

But before Sihtric could respond, the room was thrown into chaos. The machines connected to you began to blare alarms and the room was instantly flooded with medical staff.

"Please, step back! We need space!" a nurse demanded, trying to assess your vitals. A doctor quickly followed suit, taking command of the situation.

Before Sihtric could grasp what was happening, they unlocked the brakes on your bed and were already wheeling you out of the room. Desperate, Sihtric tried to follow, but a nurse held him back.

"Sir, you must stay," she insisted.

"Please, I need to be with her!" Sihtric's voice cracked, his plea heartrending.

The nurse gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "They’ll do everything they can. Please, wait."

As the door swung shut behind, leaving Sihtric in the cold silence of the now empty room, a feeling of desolation gripped him. The walls seemed to close in, and he gripped his hair with both hands slowly sinking back into the chair. 

“She loves me,” Sihtric murmured and despite having never been religious, he found himself praying. “Please, don’t take her away. Don’t take her.”

Hours later, Sihtric anxiously paced in the small waiting room outside the operating area. His world seemed to spin, every tick of the clock echoing louder in his ears, every hospital announcement amplifying his anxiety. Each time a doctor emerged through the sliding doors, his gaze lit up with expectation and dimmed as someone else in the room was addressed. One time Sihtric witnessed an elderly couple break down in tears embracing each other while listening to the doctor and a surge of guilty relief washed over him that it wasn’t his bad news. 

Then, the door opened again, revealing the surgeon who had been with you. Sihtric's heart started to race as he made a step closer, every ounce of his attention honed in. 

“How is she?” his voice, laden with dread and hope, barely made a sound.

“The surgery was complicated. Frankly, the odds weren’t in her favour, but she's resilient. Something is driving her will to survive. We halted the bleeding, and she's stable now. You can see her," the surgeon declared, breaking the stifling tension.

The weight that had been pressing down on Sihtric seemed to lift, replaced by a rush of such an intense relief that his vision blurred and he nearly collapsed, feeling his knees weakening and giving way beneath him. But before he could hit the ground, the doctor's quick reflexes caught and steadied him, preventing a fall. 

"Easy there," he cautioned, immediately signalling a pair of nurses. They rushed to Sihtric's side, supporting him and guiding him to a nearby chair. "Take a moment," the doctor added, handing Sihtric a cup of water.

Sihtric's trembling hands grasped the cup, the cool liquid grounding him. After a short moment his breathing gradually evened out and he stood up, his eyes unmistakably betraying his urge to see you. 

“I’ll show you the way,” one of the nurses offered with an understanding look on her face. Sihtric nodded and followed as they quickly navigated through the sterile corridors, until they reached your room. 

Sihtric paused a moment before the door, taking a deep breath, before gripping the handle and gently pushing the door open.

[candies-and-sparkles]

Introductory Post:

Heya! Livvy Sonden here, The Black Swans Physician, and you may know me better as Physic, the mardi-gras eye mask-wearing physician. I use she/her pronouns. I've been asked by the Black Swan to join this app called "Tumblr", and apparently, other members are here too. Free candy for everyone! My tags are: #physicwho, #livvytalks, #livvy sonden Okay, here are the other people you should know about: The people who might as well be my kids:

precious moonlark: @therealsophieelizabethfoster only good sencen: @keefe--sencen hurlfest vacker: @fitzroy-avery-vacker and @fitz-avery-vacker the amazing vanisher im proud of: @sparkles-make-anything-better strong technopath: @dex-the-smart-one

Prentice's son: @flasher-boi-endal emo boy: @tam-shade-song and @tam-song-the-shade the girl who saved atlantis: @linh--song the arson girlboss: @shut-up-i-will-burn-you the girl who helped save the alicorns or smt idk: @im-just-cooler idk her but shes in this too now yay more danger: @the-only-maruca-chebota jensi the amazing guy: @jensi-babbles-lots Fiesty girl: @amy-rose-foster

The triplets I stan: @lexicle-the-third @rex-dizzneeeeeeee @bexisthecoolest My questionable fellow adults: my fellow physician: @elwin-at-your-service / @elwin-h3slege

Alden vacker: @alden-dedrick-vacker

my def-not-ex-husband quinlin: @quinlin-sonden

the fragile as a bomb beauty: @edaline--ruwen

the okay principle: @magnatetheleto

failed parent no.1: @thebestsencen

ORGANISATIONS:

The Council: @thecouncil-official

councillor moron: @bronte-the-inflictor

councillor rosy-cheeks: @oralie-pretty-in-pink councillor prosthetic leg: @councillor-terik

my favorite library: @eternalialibrary-official

the school not the glowing fungus: @foxfire-official

exillium: @exillium

the matchmaking office that gave me a failed relationship: @the-official-matchmaking-office

Black Swan: @black-swan-official

Squall: @the-prettiest-ice-cube

Mr.Forkle: @norwegian-trickster-god

Blur: @blurrieidentities

Neverseen: @neverseen-official

failed vacker: @alvar-not-vacker

failed parent no.2: @lady-gisela

psionipath i hate: @ruy-tonio-ignis

telepathic disgrace: @gethen-inar-ondsinn-neverseen

i have mixed opinions about her: @your-black-cloacked-bestie

council disgrace: @fintan-pyren

dead shade: @umber-the-dead-shade

Bodyguards and pets

Ogre-Girlboss: @hunkyhairs-backup

Sandor: @igowhereyougo

Silveny: @therarestprattlespin

Greyfell: @greyfell-the-horse

Lord iggy: @iggy-the-imp

Princess purryfins: @adorablevenom Feel free to message or tag me! my ask box are always open! :) let me know if i missed someone!

[myfairkatiecat]

Time for another chapter of “Mirrored Conflicts”!!

(Also known as my Keefe-was-raised-as-Sophie’s-nemesis-with-the-Neverseen AU)

Chapter Summary:

Lady Gisela and Keefe talk about the fact that he “lost” a cloak with the Lodestar map on it. The Black Swan finds it and recognizes it from Prentice’s memories.

Sophie telepathically contacts someone she should definitely not be reaching out to…

Tag List: (let me know if you want to be added/taken off)

@swans-chirping-in-the-distance @venux777 @figure-skating-avocado @vildefol @ami-igidk @iggydancebreak @imobsessed123

[blorboresidue]

like on one hand i AM planning to write gisela getting eaten out by conrart BUT in my defense she spends the whole time imagining he's julia. this too is yuri

[macybeckham7]

Azalea Hamilton and Jacob Verstappen Dating

• Once Jacob got Azalea to let her walls down, she fell in love with him completely. Both of them laughing at themselves for their rivalry and hatred towards each other

• They both constantly bickering with one another, Azalea always putting her hand over his face and pushing him away once she’s had enough. He taking the victory that she got annoyed first

• Jacob getting the carefree side out of her, letting her enjoy life and experiences instead of focusing on her career

• Both have deep chats about their feelings and the pressures they feel

•Jacob showing his softer side to her, and mending her broken heart when Jules didn’t take care of it

• They decide to keep their relationship out of the paddocks, and keeps strikeout professional

• “I love you to the moon and back” ‘To the moon and the stars baby’

•After each race they spend quality time together, find a beach to have dinner or go to an arcade

• The media all play off the Hamilton vs Verstappen racing rivalry in their relationship

•Both fathers love the relationship and take the other one in with open arms

•They always post about the others achievements and showing their support and how proud they are.

• “I’m happy that you both have found someone who makes those butterflies in your stomach alive” Cairo smiles. ‘You’ve had to kiss a few frogs but now you have found your Prince’ Gisela gushes as she pulls the two of them in a hug.

•Loads of subtle shoulder kisses

• “How do I look” ‘The prettiest girl in any room’

•Neither of them are into PDA and don’t put much online, so when they do get moments fans eat it up.

•When they get grouped together in press, how Jacob stares at Lea’s mouth as she talks, how she leans in listening to every word he has to say. When they mention something only the other one understands and they are giggling messes.

• When they appear in the background of one of their friends videos, them dancing to Taylor Swift in the kitchen or Jacob feeding Lea, or Lea hugging him and kissing him.

•Jacob letting Lea colouring in his tattoos and paint his nails, on Monday mornings

•Running around the hotel suites and playing tag is their number one game

• “Don’t look at me” they say as they are getting down to business, seconds later they are in hysterics

[holy3cake]

Two Truths and a Lie Tag Game

Thank you for the tag @lancedoncrimsonwings!!

Rules: Pick an OC or Fandom Character and make 3 statements about them- two true, one lie- and have people guess which is the lie! This one is based on my TLK fic, In his Father's footsteps so please don't consider this canon lmao (or do, I don't mind haha)

I'm choosing Osbert from The Last Kingdom (the youngest, also the main man in my fic) and here is the question:

No pressure tags: @lord-aldhelm @book-and-music-lover @waterfallsilverberrywrites @persephones-journey

[eolewyn1010]

TAG SOMEONE YOU WANT TO KNOW AND/OR SOME OF YOUR BESTIES

@bookshelfdreams tagged me for some intel my Stasi guy isn't yet privy to. Nepomuk, take notes!

favorite color: I tend to call them "velvet colors", and what I mean is dark but not muted colors (death to this decade's everything-needs-to-be-a-shade-of-beige-or-grey mentality!), a rich, juicy, deep red or blue like a velvet would have.

last song: Spotify says it's Reinhard Mey's "Der Mörder ist immer der Gärtner" XD Oh, the taste...

last movie: repeated The Old Guard <3

currently watching: The last season of Downton Abbey, The Sandman, still catching up on Blind ermittelt, She-Ra with my sis / bestie (we're on two different mileages), and started Brooklyn Nine-Nine ...don't talk to me or my undiagnosed ADHD; I'm beyond criticism and saving.

other stuff I watched this year: Nimona (beloved!), 2003's Peter Pan, a series of cringe Christmas romcoms (don't ask), Castlevania, Venom: Let there be Carnage, Gladiator, Knives Out and Glass Onion (I started catching up on all the well-known shit everyone else has already seen. Still shirking Good Omens and Our Flag Means Death seasons 2, respectively.)

shows I dropped this year: I'm about to drop The Witcher; thought I'd watch it for improving my common media knowledge, but I'm through the first season and I just don't vibe with it.

currently reading: Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (trying to find out if I CAN still read it without constantly being bitter and angry), Terry Pratchett's Mort, Bettina & Gisela von Arnim's Das Leben der Hochgräfin Gritta von Rattenzuhausbeiuns, and my newbie, Alice Bell's Grave Expectations (My friend reignited my passion for reading. I take no responsibility. Good day, sir.)

currently listening to: Nothing in particular; I'm currently more into watching series on the side than into background music.

currently working on: my depression, writing a letter, tidying up EVERYTHING from my hard drive to my recipes to my drawings to my internet fave bar

current obsession/s: Downton Abbey's costumes. I'm mostly over the character writing by now, but the costumes. Be still, my rotten heart. Also, for some strange reason, Halloween. It was never a holiday I particularly cared for, but this year? Hell yeah, bring on the bats and eerie lights and the Wild Hunt! I even carved a glowy pumpkin.

tagging if you wanna share important data: @mordsfesch @str4wanzerin @carlomainzinger @chrisoels @khalaris @chucklepea-hotpot @itsyveinthesky @cricrithings @mutantenfisch and @annahamiltonsstuff

[i-must-confess-i-am-an-idiot]

Tell me about a fictional character you absolutely despise BUT you must find at least one good thing about them. If you fail to do that - you lose /@i-send-you-random-asks

ANSJDJNSJDJWND okay okay okay. So if you don’t know im. I’m a little bit unhinged about my fictional children.

So… let’s see who our options are here…

Uh John gaius has some redeeming factors but bringing them up makes him less fun to hate…

Ianthe tridentarius is such a wet cat. Such a failure. But I don’t really despise her, so long as she keeps her mitts off harrow…

Lady Gisela? I do in fact despise that woman…

COOL OKAY

so Lady Gisela is basically the sometimes-head of the sometimes-terrorist/revolutionary organization/resistance/disorganized mess that is the neverseen, the bad guys (?) who kinda make a good point but are shit at actually making it WELL

bonus reasons for hating her guts are: emotional manipulation of both her son and spouse, emotinal/mental abuse of her son and spouse, lying, experimentation on her son, attempted murder, and a bunch of others I can’t really think of right now (im sure my other people will be able to mention them in the tags)

But I mean she’s not WRONG about her motivations? Like the world they live in isn’t very good and does need change but… you know. She’s evil so.

Idk man, she’s a semi-prominent villain in a YA fantasy novel series who borderline abuses her son and commits heinous crimes on the side.

She’s not really the most complex villain but whatcha gonna do?