#while the red rose represents beast

[misstrashchan]

The Little Prince and the Ever After

So it was confirmed a while ago that Oscar's allusion is the Little Prince, which many Oscar fans and Rosegarden shippers in particular where theorising back in V6, with Oscar's crush on Ruby Rose being proof that she was the Rose that the Little Prince loved and cared for. Both @conehatcryptid and @chaikachi have written wonderful posts about Oscar's allusion to the Little Prince here and here.

However, after V9 I'm inclined to think both Ruby and Oscar interchangeably play the roles of the Little Prince and the Rose, in much a similar way that Blake and Yang both interchangeably are the Beauty and the Beast (Blake's surname means beautiful woman, and she likes to read like Belle, but she is also the Beast who wishes to redeem themselves, and is a literal Beast as a faunus "black the beast descends from shadows". Yang is introduced as the "yellow beauty burns gold" and wishes for a life of adventure like Belle, but she is also the Beast, being left by their Beauty and having a fiery temper).

This is in part theorising/speculation, as V9 obvious main allusion is Alice in Wonderland, and the similarities I see maybe coincidental, since both stories deal with similiar themes. Both stories have a child that travels to strange lands to meet characters that represent the misgivings and absurdity of adult society and the pressure to conform to these as you grow up, and the confusion as to who you are and should be that follows.

Alice's journey to adulthood is a path that takes her from a confused child changing size and unaware of her true identity to an assertive girl scolding the immaturity of the Mad Hatter and ends with Alice being brave and confident enough to confront the Queen of Hearts.

The Little Prince's story is about the importance of reconnecting with your inner child as an adult/someone growing up.

"No! I will grow up, but I'll never forget about being a child!"

In V9, Ruby must grow into an adult like Alice does, but also reconnect with her inner child as she does so like in the Little Prince.

RWBY is known for its multilayered literary allusions, and Oscar, the Little Prince, does introduce us to the story The Girl Who Fell Through the World in V8, which is Remnant's version of Alice in Wonderland. Not to mention Ruby and Oscar's arcs are intentionally foiled, so maybe it's not coincidence. It's entirely possible with how V9 also appears to be following the story of the Little Prince too. While Ruby is in the Ever After she travels through the different acres like the planets the Little Prince visits, meeting similar characters.

She is confronted with the question "what are you" on an existential level:

Little: What's wrong?

Ruby: Have you seen other people- humans- like me?

Little: Exactly like you?

Ruby: No, not exactly like me. We're similar, but different.

The Little Prince:

"Good morning" he said courteously.

"Good morning--Good morning--Good morning," answered the echo.

"Who are you?" said the little prince.

"Who are you-- Who are you-- Who are you?" answered the echo.

"Be my friends. I am all alone."

"I am all alone-- all alone--- all alone" answered the echo.

She meets Little (as in "Little Prince" as well as "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Alice Liddell") who is meant to symbolize Ruby's inner child, as the Little Prince reminds us of the inner child we have forgotten as we grow up. Both Ruby and Little "die" in a sense as the Little Prince does, but ascend and come back.

In fact the whole way ascension is described in the Ever After is on par with how the Little Prince and the Snake describe how they will leave their body as an empty shell behind to go back home, being "called back" home to the Tree.

"It'll look as if I'm dead and that won't be true, this body is simply an empty shell, I can't take it with me"

Purple Paper Pleaser: Then, the wisest of our village suggested breaking from our physical forms, so that the winds may carry us back to the Tree.

...Which leads me to how the Curious Cat and Neo are both the Snake who convince Ruby/the Little Prince to "die".

We get Cats and Snakes being linked together early on in the first episode of v9:

Mouse Leader: You have our sincerest apologies! Please understand that our kind is a bit skeptical of cats… and snakes… and cats.

This stuck out to me considering this is foreshadowing of the Curious Cat being the main antagonist of the volume, but we don't ever see any snakes in the Ever After.

The Curious Cat's first appearance is akin to the one of the snake in the Little Prince movie (2015) of two eyes peering out at the Prince

The Snake is a character who speaks in constant riddles and is confident they have all the answers to life's mysteries, similar to how the CC knows so much but is incredibly cryptic in how they speak. The snake is also meant to represent the inevitability of death, and part of the CC purpose is to help the inhabitants of Ever After to ascend, which is a process of death and rebirth.

Curious Cat: Mmmm, when we break or wear out or simply finish what we were made to do, we’re called back. But Herb… his heart was too weak to listen, so I gave him a little bit of mine.

Blake: Is he… dead?

Curious Cat: (chuckles) No, no! Well, maybe a little bit, but not at all.

When it comes to Neo being the Snake, she manifests her illusions of the Jabberwalker to terrorise RWBYJ after killing it, the one being capable of dealing permanent death to Ever Afterans.

She's also the one who offers their "poison" to the Little Prince, (the tea made from the leaves of the Tree) which they accept.

Additionally the way the Curious Cat enters Neo is like that of a snake slithering inside her. Once the snake bites someone, they are described as becoming an "empty shell", and the CC is looking for an empty human vessel to possess, while Neo wants to destroy Ruby and make her feel empty.

Curious Cat: You’ve lost something most important, haven’t you? And now you have nothing left. How delightful! An empty host, perfect for me to fill.

Neo-Torchwick: You don't deserve to die Red! You deserve to be broken down... torn apart... wiped from existence.

And when the Little Prince believes their Rose has perished (Penny) or will perish (Oscar), because of them, they give themselves over to the Snake completely.

But, Neo and the CC also play into the Fox allusion as well. The Curious Cat's ability to give his heart and understand others is similar to the Fox's sentiment in the book, who tells the Little Prince the importance of taming, and of looking with the heart:

"Now here is my secret. It is very simple. It is only with one's heart that one can see rightly. What is essential, is invisible to the eye."

"Men have forgotten this basic truth. But you must not forget it. For what you have tamed, you become responsible forever. You are responsible for your rose..."

Curious Cat: I know, Your Majesty, it truly isn’t fair. You must play your game and win at any cost. It must hurt your heart. Let me help.

Curious Cat: But Herb... his heart was too weak to listen, so I gave him a little bit of mine.

He "tames" the Red Prince in managing to calm him down from executing RWBY to just exiling them.

He helps Herb to "see with the heart" when he becomes blind to how he has stagnated and forgotten his purpose in being overwhelmed by his work.

The Fox is meant to show us the importance of the patience and compassion that is needed to understand and connect with others, to reach out to them. This is part of the CC purpose in the Ever After in fixing those who are broken, but becomes the negative declination of this in becoming manipulative over time. (like him "taming" the Hawker to make him do his bidding)

Neo is like the Fox in that she dislikes hunters (huntsman and huntresses) and she has lost the person who has tamed her, who was "unique to her in all the world" with Torchwick. Part of what escalates Ruby's conflict with her is that she does not take the time to understand and empathize with her:

Ruby: Is that seriously what this is all about? You still blame me for what happened to Torchwick?!

Neo-Roman growls

Ruby: If you’re looking for an apology, you’ve wasted your time!

and much like the Fox points out here:

"One only understands the things that one tames... Men have no more time to understand anything"

And that it is only when Ruby takes the time to understand Neo towards the end that shows how she has started to grow, to understand the importance of looking with the heart, the very first step of "taming".

"You must be very patient. First you will sit down at a distance from me-like that- in the grass. I shall look at you out of the corner of my eye and say nothing. Words are the source of misunderstanding"

(...I believe this will continue on in Remnant with Mercury and later Cinder)

The idea of intertwined allusions of the Fox and Snake with the CC and Neo in V9 interests me. Because it makes me wonder if my theory/prediction on Emerald/Mercury both being the Fox to Oscar's Little Prince may not be entirely right, but that they will both be the Snake also. If they are it will likely be an inversion, with the Prince (Oscar, and maybe Ruby) helping the Fox (Emerald) realise the importance of "taming" (taming Mercury, specifically) while the Snake may play a more positive role in saving instead of killing.

After all, the baobab tree roots in the book are meant to consume and threaten to kill the rose if she is neglected too long, and while Ruby is consumed by the Tree in the Ever After that very much resembles the baobab, and she does "die" in a sense, the tree is a positive force that helps her to be reborn and grow into her true self. So, Emerald/Mercury could have a similar duality in alluding to the Fox and the Snake, capable of killing and saving the Little Prince.

@aspoonofsugar I think has mentioned Emerald's design resembling a snake puts me in mind of this, plus Mercury's main allusion being, well, the god Mercury, whose symbol is this:

A staff with wings and two snakes entwined around it. His emblem also features wings, and like a snake he technically has no legs (in a symbolic sense too, his lack of semblance and agency, the freedom to be his own person) Alchemically I believe the mercurial character is meant to shift between life and death also? So there is something there in how the Snake simultaneously saves and kills the Little Prince. (also this is me really really stretching here with my red string but. The Curious Cat. Like Mer-curius. Mercury. Both the Snake for Ruby and Oscar.)

Depending on your interpretation of the stories ending, the Little Prince ends up dead because of the Snake's bite, or the Snake genuinely helped him return home and be reunited with his Rose. Mercury/Hermes is said to be able to travel anywhere, any plane of existence without limitations, which has lead to theories of Mercury's semblance being flight or teleportation, which, well, in relation to the Snake aiding the Little Prince:

"I can carry you farther than any ship could take you," said the snake. He twined himself around the little prince's ankle, like a golden bracelet. "Whomever I touch, I send back to the earth from whence he came," the snake spoke again. "But you are innocent and true, and you come from a star . . ."

This is of course just me going off on another theory for funsies, but it would be interesting if Mercury was placed in between a choice of killing or saving the Little Prince and helping reunite him with his Rose. How Emerald and Mercury would save Oscar/help him and Ruby is unknowable. They could be save their life, help delay the merge, or just helping assure him of his own personhood and agency (this could be explored through how both Mercury and Oscar lack semblances relating to the "curses" placed on them in relation to their father figures), or something else entirely, but either way I'm pretty confident they'll have a significant role to play in the Vacuo arc.

I am aware most Rosegarden fans are mainly theorizing Tyrian as the Snake, (I've even seen some say Ruby is the Snake as well as the Rose, with a similar sentiment of the Snake being capable of saving/freeing the Little Prince, not killing him) especially since the first scene Oscar is introduced is him waking up from a nightmare following Tyrian being sent to capture Ruby Rose, as well as like, him being a venomous scorpion faunus present in the desert right now. But even that only makes me more certain in a way since Tyrian is meant to be Mercury's dark foil (and the antagonistic mercurius for Emerald/Mercury) accompanying him into the desert. So like, it Could Be Both.

Ruby also meets a King/Narcissist like in the Little Prince (the Red Prince). The Narcissist demands to be complimented and coddled, much like the Red Prince. The King is drawn wearing a crown too big for him (in the 2015 movie adaptation it is constantly crooked and threatening to slip off his head), similar to the Red Prince.

The King claims absolute authority, that what he says will happen if he orders it so. However this is untrue, as he will only order what will already happen. The Red Prince claims he always wins his games, but the board game he plays with RWBY is already in his favour as the pieces on their side throw the battle so he can claim victory. Both cheat and find loopholes in order to maintain their superiority over others. The King symbolizes rulers who make a big deal about the power they have, but who in actuality are pretty ineffective as rulers and will cheat and find loopholes to justify their power. It also mocks their grandiosity and showiness, which is kind of funny because they think they are way more important than they actually are, all of which fit with the Red Prince (...and with two other characters that were significant during the Atlas Arc *points at Ironwood and Cinder* even moreso after episode 3 of RWBY Beyond)

The Lamplighter, whose job on his tiny planet is to continuously light and snuff out the single lamp, but because the night and day cycle is so short he essentially never rests and is caught in this loop, always stuck working and nothing ever changing. Jaune as the Rusted Knight is stuck doing the same jobs everyday in a Sysiphus task of preventing the Paper Pleasers from ascending, and rests very little. He is also the Geographer, who maps out other planets but can never travel himself (because he is too busy drawing maps) and suggests to the Little Prince to visit Earth (the acres that Jaune maps out but has yet to properly explore because he can't leave the Paper Pleasers, is trying to find a way back to Remnant, their "Earth").

Another interpretation is the Lamplighter as the Caterpillar, who similarly has a neverending and thankless task of helping the Afterans ascend, and has stagnated as a result.

The Stars are not a character in the book perse, but they do come up a lot both in RWBY and in the Little Prince, especially when it comes to the theme of death and rebirth, and grief. In V9 in the Ever After we meet the Paper Pleasers (origami stars) that Jaune is desperately trying to stop from ascending, essentially keeping them trapped as he monitors them. There is a character in the Little Prince that obsessively monitors the stars and keeps them trapped, the Businessman. It is pointed out by the Little Prince that while the stars make him rich, the Businessman is of no real use to the stars.

In much the same way the Paper Pleasers do not need Jaune as much as he needs them to prove his own worth.

The climax of the Little Prince movie (2015) adaptation is the stars being freed from their entrapment, ascending into the sky, free from control, by the protagonist who is a young girl trying to break free of the expectations placed on her by adults as she grows up, is like one of the stars herself, rising into the sky.

The paper pleasers ascending, while initially seen as tragic, in actual fact allows them to grow and be more, and the Genial Gem that appears to once have been the Paper Pleaser called Ruby is the one who explains this process to WBYJ as they are worried about Ruby and how the process of ascension will affect her.

The Pilot is likely WBY, as for them Ruby is like a younger sibling to all of them who helps them reconnect with their inner child early on in the story, much like the Little Prince does for the Pilot. For Weiss, Ruby helps her connect with her inner warmth and heart. For Blake, she helps reignite her lost idealism. For Yang, she is her inner child to nuture, the one who lost her mother. The author Antoine Saint-Expury based the character of the Little Prince on his own younger brother who died, and that the Pilot as the narrator of the story is himself as an older sibling remembering and grieving for them. When WBY all watch Ruby drink the tea, it mirrors the scene where the Pilot watches the Little Prince give himself to the Snake, and is too late to intervene, particularly for Yang.

Their body disappears, and it is uncertain whether the Little Prince has died or found their way back home to their planet, and to their Rose. For Ruby, it is both. She dies and was reborn, literally reclaiming Crescent Rose and regaining her Rose emblem, she reunites with her Rose, her own sense of self. And in her ascension is able to come back to defeat the Curious Cat, and return home to Remnant with everyone. (coincidentally I think this is how Oscar's story will go, he will sacrifice himself to the Merge fully and "die" in a sense, momentarily, but return fully to himself later on, reuniting with both his sense of self and his Rose, Ruby Rose).

Oscar is also Ruby's Rose in a sense, someone she has tried to protect and care for. Even the pattern on the back of his outfit can be seen as the stem and thorns of a rose, like Ruby's hood can be seen as the petals of a rose. The Little Prince believes that if the Rose is left alone, then it will be his fault if they die:

“If some one loves a flower, of which just one single blossom grows in all the millions and millions of stars, it is enough to make him happy just to look at the stars. He can say to himself, 'Somewhere, my flower is there...' But if the sheep eats the flower, in one moment all his stars will be darkened... And you think that is not important!"

"He could not say anything more. His words were choked by sobbing."

When Ruby cuts down an illusion of Oscar, killing him, it is foreshadowing that Ruby is afraid she will not be able to save Oscar from his fate. This is the final breaking point for her (along with Little's death) that leads to her drinking the tea.

...But as much as I am a Rosegarden shipper, it's actually her mother Summer Rose and Ruby's identity that is the main "Rose" to her Little Prince in V9 that she becomes separated and united with, imo.

She learns that their Rose (Summer, and themselves) are not uniquely one of a kind, but "like any other common rose" the same as all the other hunters represented through their weapons in the Tree with the blacksmith. Like the Little Prince in the Rosegarden:

"Good morning" said the roses.

The little prince gazed at them. They all looked like his flower. "Who are you?" he demanded, thunderstruck.

"We are roses" the roses said.

And he was overcome with sadness. His flower had told him that she was the only one of her kind in the whole universe. And here were five thousand of them, all alike, in one single garden! ... Then he went on with his reflections: "I thought that I was rich, with a flower that was unique in all the world, and all I had was a common rose."

Not in the sense of being a SEW who believes they are the only one of their kind, but that like her mother Summer Rose, or any other huntress or huntsman that has lived (represented through the weapons she looks at, and her saying they all have the same weight to them) she is not perfect, or unique in always knowing the right thing to do and being a flawless shining hero. Ruby thought the ideal of the hero Summer Rose she carried and tried to emulate was unique and special, what made her "rich" in the sense it defined her self worth, but she was a "common rose", a person, a human being, just like Ruby. Being like any other common rose means Summer is much like Ruby herself, just a person trying their best, with their own flaws and burdens to carry. Ruby leaves the Rose behind initially (gives up her Rose emblem that Summer left her, rejects Crescent Rose) and the pedestal she puts her on shatters, becoming disillusioned with Summer like the Little Prince does with his Rose, specifically after finding out that they lied.

Ruby: What? What was that? She… She lied. She left with Raven. Why would she…?

Blacksmith: Who knows why people keep the secrets they do. Maybe you’re not the only one who has felt the weight of other’s expectations. Like Alyx, like your mother.

What makes Summer unique to Ruby is not her being an ideal hero, but the love she had for her as a mother, and that in of itself is incredibly beautiful and powerful, because it helps her realise and affirm her self worth.

Summer: (voice) I love you…

Ruby turns to see the red glowing light behind her.

Summer: (voice) Just the way you are.

"Of course I love you," the rose said to him. "If you were not aware of it, it was my fault"

Much like the Little Prince learning and understanding that his Rose is unique to him, not because she is one of a kind, but because of their time shared together, loving and caring for one another. That it is our ties to people that makes us special and unique in the world, to the people we are connected to and choose to care for, more than any power or titles do. Which goes back to the source of Ruby's power as a Silver Eyed Warrior, her love and compassion of those around her. The true power of humanity.

[celestialtrolls]

The chained-up princess in need of rescue... ...Or the beast you've been sent to slay?

130+ layers later. ONE AELYNN BALL DRAWING FOR 2024 FINISHED

MAJESTY AND MYTHOS

FULL EXPLANATION AND PROCESS:

Earliest drafts:

Original the concept was inspired by Dragonmom, [REDACTED], who is in-character known for destroying several cities during a rampage a few sweeps/years ago but also like. mother nature.

In character, Aelynn did get all the materials and start on this, and was planning on making a counterpart outfit for her twin brother, but ended up not liking how it was turning out and scrapped the project.

CONCEPT 2 SKETCH

i'll type out all the writing on there + unwritten thoughts/elaboration

villainess knight vibes, but the beast lies beneath

fake horns for a scarier silhouette (also she canonically already had the materials to make fake horns)

lots of sharp points for hostile shape language

ghoul claws and eyes on for "beast"

tail still included in design because she already had the materials and it worked well for beast

red roses as a reoccurring theme each year to tie her outfits together, and also red is a 'dangerous' colour

holding something? gotta be something that fits the evil/villain concept

shoulder + knee armour for knight

"spine" down the centre of the chest

skull buttons, but might be too cheesy

wanted to cover the eye with dragonmom's symbol, while she's now dressing as a villain she doesn't want to represent dragonmom now

FINAL SKETCH

added a lot more chains, removed some of the 'knight' concept, did plan briefly for her to hold a sword for that, but thought the dress shape was better more for the royalty/princess aspect

didn't remove the shoulder armour though because. i like it.

more spikes for the beast/dangerous silhouette

didn't like that the chest was the only place with a bone/spine feature, so also included it in the tail. i tried to add some of it to the gloves as well but it just didn't look good.

speaking of the gloves, i made it so the gloves actually have a faint divide into her real hands for the sake of in-character being able to return her hands to normal for interacting with people, since her claws ARE extremely sharp, but when she has them turned they blend in almost perfectly

LINES + FLATS

make the heels ALSO spine just to have it reoccurring again

very dark palette but with the lighter purply-silver chains breaking it up

"red wine" is tinted closer to tyrian for. reasons. (eating seadweller reasons) (its not actually blood though)

tiara is replaced with a hair accessory tying some of her hair in a bun - in traditional formal settings, your hair should ALWAYS be up by classical western rules - and while aelynn isn't going to completely conform to that, she has enough hair that she can tie some up just for the appearance

still has a tiara SHAPE though for majesty/royalty reasons

she has her ghoul split-mouth not properly pressed closed for the fang shape it puts across her cheek for beast reasons - but she has good control and will not be opening the mouth past what a normal troll can do so it just looks cosmetic

FINAL PIECE: shown above

Thorns lace detail in the corset, thorns are often used in fairy tales (sleeping beauty, the original rapunzel) to ward off rescuers

Dripping "blood" makeup on one eye, just for drama really

Background is just an alternian skyline but with 'towers' and 'castle' like structure for the majesty theme

reduced the amount of shine in her eyes. it was too innocent and not evil looking enough.

[daddyhausen]

inspired by @plentyoffandoms bc i just HAD to 😫

｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ 「 MIDNIGHTS AT THE BLOOMING ROSE 」 ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡

「 MASTERLISTS 」 | 「 AEW MASTERLIST 」 | 「 HANGMAN ADAM PAGE MASTERLIST 」

「 COMMISION INFO 」 | 「 LIKE MY WORK? BUY ME A COFFEE — KOFI — DXDDYHXUSEN 」

｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡

「 SUMMARY 」 — the sherrif of a crime ridden western town pays visit to his favourite saloon girl during the midnight hours

「 WARNINGS 」 — 18+ [ MINORS DNI ], handjob, sex work, sexworker!reader, sheriff!hangman, vaginal sex, penetrative sex, unprotected sex, internal cumshots, vaginal creampie, male + female orgasm, multiple orgasms, squirting

「 WORD COUNT 」 — 1.8k

「 PAIRING 」 — fem!reader x hangman adam page

「 GENRE 」 — smut

｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡

「 TAGLIST 」 — @cosmoholic13 @legit9thlunaticwarrior @thewrestlingbitch @omg-im-such-a-masochist @adamjf @wardlow @alexisquinnlee-bc @sammiejane22 @im-just-a-mississippi-girl @omegasluvbot @melissahausen @writtingrose @drummergrl1310 @unoficialy-married-to-ace-austin @bonehead-playz @cherrytheeredheadmamaclaymore @crowleysqueenofhell @romanreigns-supreme @janetreader @thenerdybaker523 @sunshinevirus @nicoleveno14 @rubyred1980 @igncrxntripley @ripleyswhore @embermdk @thepalaceofmelanie @violetmacher @seeingstarks @kennysbadkitten @darkangelchronicles @ripleyswife @selena-tyler-564 @auburnwrites @biforrollynch @harmshake

｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡

「 COMMENT IF YOU WANT TO BE ADDED TO THE TAGLIST 」

all was quite along the roads leading into town. the red dirt scuffed at his horse hooves. the animal kicking up mud and gravel in a tired fury. it represented the hangman’s predicament rather fittingly. he was tired, body worn from hunting criminal scum all evening. his bones ached, muscles sore and sensitive. all he needed was a bath and a good fuck to tie him over.

as he made his way through town, the silence of the countryside dissapated. his ears filled with the rambunctious laughter of drunken patron from the local bar and brothel. the gleeful squeals of whores getting their fill of cock. one, a blonde leaning out the window, bare chested, moaning into the midnight hair with ravenous pleasure.

the cowboy hitched his horse out front. the blooming rose saloon had become a second home as of late. the scent of malt liquor and cigar smoke offended the animal’s nostrils. the beast let out a small huff and grunt in response. adam, with a frustrated and tired sigh entered

the wooden saloon style doors parted around his imposing figure. so much so that patrons stopped and stared at their sherrif for a second before resuming their frivolous activities. hangman was greeted by the sight of whores lining the velvet couches, naked and spread, men devouring the with reckless abandon as they moan and pled for orgasm. those men who’d consumed too much liquid courage, passed out in more secluded corners of the brothel while the women they payed for their troubles grinded and bounced on their now flaccid cocks.

“ah glad to see your finally back, sherrif” that farmillair trans atalantic accent graced the cowboys ears.

that voice could only be recognised as madame toni. the platinum blonde akin to that of a showgirl, so glamorous and poised. she was the owner of said establishment, and always took care of the girls under her employment. her and the hangman had developed a sort of friendship over the years

madame toni noticed the cowboys sullen eyes and tired features. how the blood had not yet dried against his skin. it was not his. his body bruised and sore, small welts began to swell when his skin was exposed.

“rough day?” she questioned rhetorically, pouring the cowboy a shot of whiskey he’d regularly ask for.

hangman gave a small nod, downing the shot in quick succession the the burn of the liquid was something he welcomes

“is she here?” was all adam could muster through a dry and hoarse throat.

madame toni offered him a gracious smile with a nod.

“oh don’t you worry. go upstairs get yourself cleaned up. i will send mariah to fetch her for you”

adam slid a ten dollar bill across the bar to pay for the extra services. toni shooed him away playfully, snapping to retrieve the attention of her second in command, miss mariah. the young blonde whizzing away to find you, wherever you could be

adam made his way upstairs. taking a left, making his way to the bathhouse. he opened the door steadily, the room lit with slow burning candles, the scent of lavender and wildflowers filled his nostrils, a welcoming scent to the bloody iron and gunpowder he was used to. he kicked off his boots, quietly stripping himself of his clothing, leaving them by the door, far to impaired to fold them on the stool that had been provided for such a thing.

he noticed that the wooden tub had been pre-filled for his arrival, the water still steaming slightly. he gave a soft, hearty sigh as his naked flesh met the warm water, letting it encapsulate his aching frame. he gently began washing his shoulders. the sting of an old, yet not fully healed bullet wound made him wince slightly.

the door opened slightly, a soft feminine voice graced his ears, it was undeniably yours.

“glad to see you’re back in once piece” you lulled softly in his direction.

his pupils blow with adoration as he peered up at your still clothed frame. you did not even need to be naked for him to be completely enamored with you. the white cotton of your sleeves rolled up to your elbows. the skirts of your dress soft and light. the colours were kept minimalistic. soft greys and blues yet they complemented your skin perfectly.

he gave a soft hum in response, too tired to speak at the moment. you joined his side, kneeling to the left of him. beginning to daintily trace the scruff of his beard. the blond wiry strands tickling your fingers

“i missed you…” you hummed gently beggining to massage his shoulders. feeling him relax into your touch. adam let out a soft sight in contentment. you knew in your profession there was no room for love. especially with clientele, yet yourself and adam developed a bond that was more intimate than just sex alone.

he yearned for you when he was away, could not wait until he see you again next, he had the money to be able to get you out of a job like this, to marry you, start a family with you, give you everything your heart desires. yet you remained, feeling not worthy of such a lavish life, you did not want people to look down on your beloved for marrying a common whore such as yourself. it would bring shame to him in the eyes of the townsfolk.

he hummed again in response to your confession, simply taking the back of your palm and kissing it sweetly, sighing in relief as you began to shampoo his hair. the aformentioned lavender scent soothing his worries momentarily.

“i missed you too…” he finally confessed after what felt like forever, feeling a pang in his gut that he didn’t mention it sooner.

your hands slowly began to roam down his arms, grasping the strong muscles of his biceps before trailing upward again. this time across his broad chest, lingering against his stomach as you leaned in slowly.

“well…” you began. a seductive tone in your voice, lips dangerously close to his.

“you don’t have to miss me anymore”

with that you kissed him, rather passionately, feeling him melt into the kiss. his hands freed from the water, cupping your cheeks and smoothing the soft flesh with his battle-worn thumbs

“i want you…” he hummed against your lips through a flurry of moans

“i need you…”

his please became more greedy, more selfish as he kissed you deeper. playing with the soft strands of your freshly washed hair, the locks feeling like silk against his fingertips

“you have me…i’m all yours” you spoke in between breaths and his frantic kisses

hands leading down his torso towards his hardened cock, still fully submerged under the warm water. you grasped his cock in your right hand, slowly beginning to pump his engorged shaft, the tip of his cock red and swollen, desperate for your touch.

“oh fuck darlin’” he grunted, breaking the kiss, oh how he missed the sensation of your touch. he’d grown so used to rubbing one out alone, in secluded tents in the wilderness while on manhunts that he’d become so sensitive to another person’s touch.

adam revelled in the feeling, gripping the edge of the tub until his knuckled burned bone white. his breath became ragged, uneven with pleasure, bitting his lip to suppress the loudness of his moans

“easy cowboy…” you cooed, stroking his cock from base to tip, feeling him throb thickly in your palm.

“fuck…you don’t know what you do to me doll…”

“oh i know, sir. trust me i know how much you enjoy my touch”

adam’s cock twitch at how you replied to him with such formality. having normally referred to him by his name or the cliche “cowboy” never with sherrif or some other type of honourific. still he enjoyed having some power over you, even if is was through formalilites. adam’s breath grew increasingly ragged, his cock swelled and pulsed against your soft palm.

he muttered out a string of curse words his cock so needy for release, giving one final curse of pleasure before spilling over in your palm. his cum sticky and thick, globs of white clinging to your fingertips as your pried your hand out of the water, licking your fingers clean.

“strip” he commanded, trying to regain his breath as he stepped out of the tub, adoring the way you were able to shed your body of the numerous skirts and pedicosts with ease.

adam’s body still dripping with wetness, not that he or yourself cared as he pulled you close to his chest. his cock grinding against your plump ass. chest pressed frimly against your back as he began to grope your pillow breasts in his large palms

“god, i need to feel that pretty cunt wrapped around me…” he groaned, placing hungry kisses to your neck

“you make my cock so fuckin’ hard darlin’”

and his words were definitely evident. his thick cock, erect and pushing against your flesh

“adam…please” you whimpered, eager for him to fill you like he had done so many times over

he probably holds the record for the most fucks in the brothel. he guided you towards the tub, having you brace yourself against the edge of it, grasping the wood as he peppered kissed down your back. his cock slipped into your slick cunt, instantly feeling the lovely stretch of your walls around his size

“oh adam!” you gasped, feeling his cock begin to move at a vicious pace, the sound of wet skin colliding was nothing short of mesmerizing

“oh fuck, doll. that pretty little cunt is always so tight for me”

he hummed through gritted teeth, bottoming out as he succumbed to the delicious pulse between your thighs

“admit it sweetheart, no other man fucks you as good as i do”

you could only respond in a mix of soft whimpers and moans. adam tugged at your hair, pulling your head back so he could gaze upon your fucked out features

“answer me” he remarked sternly, adoring the way with each thrust he had your mouth hung open with pleasure

“y-you’re too good sir. so much better than other men! oh fuck!- adam you fuck me so good!”

your shines were enough to send him over the edge. his cock swelling with orgasm again. your tight walls clenching around his engorged shaft. milking him of his hot cum.

“you want me to cum in that pretty little pussy of yours? fill you full of my seed like the good whore you are?”

“yes! please adam! please give me all of your cum!”

your begs sent him to heaven. his cock twitched one final time. painting your walls white with his seed, he pulled out rather quickly for your liking, intervening your orgasm ever so slightly, putting the tip back in and then exiting again. you juices leaking down your thighs in intervals, the same with his seed. you collapsed onto your knees beside the tub, breathless and cum-filled.adam joined you, kneeling behind you, arms around your waist. peppering sweet kisses to your shoulder blades and the tops of your shoulders

“god, darlin’ i love you so much”

｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡ ｡ ･ : * ˚ : ✧ ｡

[kitkatopinions]

"Blake's TRUE color is purple, the black was only ever because of Adam" Friend, if that was the case her name wouldn't literally mean black. You guys were watching the color show originally centered around color where the color oriented team rwby who had names with the first initial of their color made by someone who was so particular about color that he almost made all dust red just so he didn’t throw off Weiss's color scheme. You really think that if Blake's TRUE color was always meant to be purple, she'd be named Blake?

Also, people only ever offer Blake 'breaking away from Adam' and 'getting healthy and confident' as reasons why the writers are acting like she's purple now, but like... Blake hasn't been with Adam at all during the course of the main show. She was completely disillusioned with him, she was against the things he did, she was standing up to him, she was calmly articulating the way she felt about him, she was making friends, learning to trust, went on a date for God's sake, all within the first three seasons. And the backsliding that happened because of the fall of beacon was dealt with and left her more confident than ever, reunited with her parents and Ilia, 'reclaiming the White Fang' from him even though that was a badly done mess, etc, all prior to reuniting with Team RWBY by the way. Killing Adam in volume six was completely unnecessary to Blake's journey of healing and actually logically would've made her backslide again, and as I've said before, Blake turning into a meek flinching passive person trying to manage her partner's temper and hiding behind said partner when her seventeen year old teammate raises her voice makes it seem like Blake is actively LESS healthy than ever before.

People literally only say that about "purple is really Blake's color, the black is just Adam" because they're unable to see Blake outside of Bumbleby and use Adam as a fallback hatesink for anything she once was that contradicts it. Also I want these people to stop calling their ship bumbleby and find something purple and yellow to call their ship, like LarryBoy or something. Also Also I want them to stop singing Red Like Roses, because "Black the beast descends from shadow-" Oh ADAM that must mean ADAM because Blake's color isn't black! /s

Also the same can be said for Weiss. "White was the Jacques color, blue is really what Weiss's color really is" A. Her name means white. B. You’re telling me that in V4 at the height of when the writers want you to think Jacques is so cruelly controlling her, she's wearing that dull gray-ish blue dress and absolutely no white, and that wasn’t meant to be symbolic at all? And when she leaves she puts on the wide white belt, and you thought that... What, meant that Jacques still had a hold on her or something? Also, C. I could be wrong, but doesn't Nicholas Schnee who the writers are billionaire simps for and Weiss admires and calls a hero ALSO wear tons of white? If Weiss is shedding Jacques (represented by white) and embracing the True Blueblooded GOOD Billionaire Schnee name (blue) then wouldn't old Nick Schnee be decked out in blue?

And legitimately, the writers might've randomly decided while writing V6 that Weiss's color should be blue and Blake's color should be purple and THEY might have come up with those same dumb excuses, but they're not good excuses and I absolutely DO NOT believe that Blake's color being black and Weiss's color being white was originally meant to 'show us they weren't being their true selves' or that they were 'getting held back' and so on and so forth. Every time I see people say that, I roll my eyes so hard.

[questioninglogic]

Hi there! I don't mean to get you started, but, I'd love for you to break down Team RWBY's Aura Personality.

😅 Sincerely an individual whom you have piqued their interest and attention.

For context: (x)

Hi anon! First of all, thank you for this ask. I love RWBY so much and your message got me really excited to dive in! So much so I ended up... making it overwhelming at how much I had to say sdfsnjnsdj

I realized that I'm never going to finish this if I do all four girls in one post, so I thought I can start with one and write the others over time. Hope that is okay, and thank you for your patience!

. . .

The first thing I want to mention is the caption, where it states their aura is reflected in their personality. How this is displayed in RWBY is often shown visually: the characters designs, their colours, their actions. I will not only attempt to breakdown how these personality traits are represented in the characters, but how they are told to us through watching them on screen.

. . .

Ruby Rose: Passionate, Energetic, Driven

Red is a strong colour, said to bring out energy in a person by being in its presence. Red represents moods like passion, intensity and love.

. . .

Passionate: Capable of, having, or dominated by powerful emotions.

Early in the show, Ruby is shown to be very passionate about living life like a fairy tale. From hunters and huntresses defending a kingdom, describing slaying beasts as being romantic, to adoring the craftsmanship behind a users weapon.

This passion is also expressed with her love for her friends and family. She uses this excitement of being with them to make every moment count and to fight for what’s right. Even when Beacon fell, it was this passion that carried her throughout the Mistral and Atlas volumes.

These feelings of passion are not just positive, but all encompassing. When Ruby feels something, she feels strongly. When she was anxious to socialize, it was dreadful. When she saw the loss of her friends, it was devastating. When she lost her drive, it was shattering.

Ruby is an incredibly passionate person as she wears her emotions on her sleeve. She attempted to hide her negative feelings in volume 9, but if you look at and pick through various moments between volumes 7-9 this tension and stress would often come out in her dialogue and body language.

. . .

Energetic: Having energy or energies; possessing a capacity for vigorous action or for exerting force.

Ruby is full of energy. Her expression of adoration is displayed through quick patterns of speech and her eagerness to jump to action. Her weapon expresses this capacity for vigorous action with exerting force and intense power needed to slash an enemy. Add her semblance to the mix and she becomes a speeding bullet!

On top of how she utilizes this trait with her weapon, her semblance quite literally breaks down mass and becomes energy.

. . .

Driven: Motivated by or having a compulsive quality or need. Caused, sustained, or stimulated.

Her drive is as clear as her first moments on screen (whether you count the Red Trailer with her demolishing beowolves or episode 1 with her attempts at stopping Torchwick's robbery it's all the same).

She is a highly driven person: one who fights to protect humanity, fights for justice and is one of the last people to back down in the face of adversity.

Our minds might be focused on how her drive was displayed in volume 9, but let’s recall how she expressed herself after Beacon fell:

Volume 4: her choice to look at what happened to Beacon and decide to continue fighting. Going to Mistral while helping all along the way, this decision is the epitome of her drive.

Volume 5: remember her conversation with Oscar about moving forward, despite how much the loss of Penny and Pyrrha hurts she chooses to keep going

Volume 6: how Ruby was the last to be influenced by the apathy and the first to snap out of it. How she stood face to face against Cordovin's mech and a leviathan

Volume 7: even when faced with tough decisions, she continued to look to what was right with how she approached Ironwoood and co. How she stood by to protect Mantle the night of the grim attack

Volume 8: despite every horrible thing that happened in volume 8, she managed to pull together and create an ingenious plan to be able to gather and save Atlas, Mantle, Penny, everyone (and I am referring to how it was going before Cinder joined the chat)

Looking at volume 9, you see how Ruby is when she loses her drive. This is a huge part of her and her character, to the point that she becomes unrecognizable to herself. Who is she? What happens when she gives in to her doubts and anxiety?

In coming to terms with herself and learning she is good enough does she allow herself to become driven once again.

. . .

Finally, I want to direct you to her having silver eyes. This ability of light can be utilized with strong desires to preserve life. Feelings of love, passion, drive—these traits are literally her super power!

[i-cant-belive-its-not-aloy]

WIP Whenever

It's decided, I'm going with the actors!AU. The ABO fic is going on the back burner to simmer for a bit longer :3c

(Fic title pending)

Chapter 1: And…Action!

“So, what business d’ya have in the Daunt, Miss?” The hover-cab driver peered at her through the rear-view mirror. He was kindly enough—a ruddy-faced, round man whose eyes were gentle and free of judgment. Still, Aloy could feel his gaze linger on her red hair and pale skin, features that marked her as foreign to the area.

She avoided meeting his eyes, instead watching as they passed through the Daunt. It was a modest town known for its rich mines and hearty ale. As the hover-cab hummed down its only freeway, Aloy spotted several pubs already opening their doors, despite the fact that the sun hadn’t even reach its highest point. A few Oseram men and women mingled outside, pints in hand and cheeks flushed with mirth.

“Just passing through,” Aloy replied simply, which was true in a sense. Her destination, Barren Light Studios, was nestled right on the Daunt’s border with the Forbidden West. Her driver hummed in response.

“Best ya are, too. There’s rumor of a virus spreading among the local machines. Bristlebacks, mostly,” he yammered.

That got her attention. Aloy pulled her gaze away from the window to furrow her brows at the man. “A virus?”

“Aye, a nasty one.” The driver bobbed his head. “Drives the poor creatures mad. Lost a few quarries to their rampagin’.”

Aloy frowned. “Are there no technicians in the Daunt?” Companion machines such as Bristlebacks were commonly used as beast of burden, but any foreman worth their salt had at least one or two on hand as a precaution. Her driver let out a heavy sigh.

“Oh, we have plenty of ‘em. Just none that want to cross Ulvund.” His expression soured with scorn. “He’s the town’s biggest supplier of companion machines, ‘nd Bristlebacks are his top seller—claims the virus is a hoax.”

“I see.” Aloy let the topic go. She was only passing through, after all. Still, she quickly tapped her Focus where it rested on the side of her temple to bring up the debrief Avad had given her before she left and noted the rumor.

Scattered pubs gave way to forest, and it was not long before the hover-cab puttered before the true pride and joy of the Daunt: Barren Light Studios. While small compared Meridian’s own Solaris Entertainment, was an up-and-coming cinematic powerhouse, its holofilms were best known for their bold portrayals of the Red Raids. Such a dark stain on Carja history was difficult for most to stomach, but thanks to a diverse consulting team and their extensive cultural research, Barren Light Studios rose to fame for its tactful handling paired with brutal honesty.

Which was why Avad, Aloy’s boss and head of Solaris, had such a keen interest in a collaboration. After inheriting the company from his late father, Avad had spend the entirety of his career rebuilding its reputation from a Carja propaganda machine during the Red Raids. It was paramount that this project succeed, as it represented an olive branch from the Carja to the war-torn Forbidden West.

Here, entertainment was the name of the game—“whoever holds the heart of the people, holds its country’s power,” Avad had once told her. As Solaris’ top actress, Aloy’s name would undoubtedly draw a wider audience back home. It was up to her to ensure that reception was nothing short of perfect.

A small ribbon of anxiety curled at the bottom of her gut. Ignoring it as best she could, Aloy tapped her Focus once more to bring up the script…just for one more read.

“We’re here, miss,” the driver announced after a while. Aloy thanked him quickly with a generous tip and hopped out. Smoothing the scarlet-and-cream folds of her skirt, a delicate Carja number threaded with gold, Aloy took a deep breath, lifted her chin, and strode forward to the reception’s doors.

The clerk seated at the desk looked up with a bored expression as she entered. With one look at her hair, he drawled, “You must be Aloy.” Aloy glanced at his name tag: Vuadis.

“Hello,” she said as politely as she could manage. This was already off to a bad start. “I’m here for—”

“The script reading, yes,” Vuadis interrupted. He gestured towards a hallway to his right. “Down there.” Aloy’s nostrils flared. But before she could open her mouth to respond, another middle-aged man dressed in a sharp, red blazer hurried towards her from the hallway Vuadis had just gestured down. The man ignored the desk clerk, who sullenly ignored him back, and strode towards Aloy with the heavy air of a man overburdened.

“Ms. Sobeck! Thank the Sun you’re here,” the man breathed. He offered her a hand to shake. “I am Javad, and it will be my pleasure to be your assistant during your stay here in the Forbidden West.” Assistant? A glint of the light drew her gaze to his lapel, where a simple golden sun was pinned—the Solaris Entertainment logo. Ah. Avad himself had likely assigned him this task. Aloy gave Javad a warm smile.

[aspoonofsugar]

Blake's Animus Journey

The animus/anima is one of the 4 archetypes that describe the development and function of the human mind (according to Carl Jung, at least).

They are:

The Persona - What a person shows to others, the part of the self they wear as a mask

The Shadow - What a person hides from others and themselves, the repressed part of the self

The Anima/Animus - The feminine side of a man and the masculine side of a woman, the complementary part of the self

The Self - What the person is, as a whole, the sum and combination of all other archetypes

RWBY uses these ideas in many different ways. For example, each girl embodies 1 specific archetype:

Yang is the Persona - She is "more than meets the eye", which is the whole point of this archetype. The persona is what's worn on the sleeve and shown outside. Yang's whole character is built on her projecting multiple personas (eye-candy girl, badass fighter, pun loving himbo) to hide her vulnerability. This is also why she is linked to light, which is symbolic of this archetype.

Blake is the Shadow - She is "the beast that descends from shadows" and her own semblance is called Shadow. The shadow is what isn't shown, both negative and positive. Blake initially runs away from her mistakes and hides herself. Her story is about facing Adam (negative part of the shadow) and growing confident enough to reveal her true self (positive part of the shadow). Her "beast" symbolism ties into this because "inner beast" is another way to call this archetype.

Weiss is the Animus/Anima - She is queen and knight, Snowhite and Prince. The animus/anima is about reconciling opposites, which is the heart of Weiss's story. She is "the grandaughther of a hero and the child of a villain", she is a Huntress and the Schnee Heiress. She can hold her own in a fight and wears frilly clothes. This archetype is conveyed also by her avatars: the Arma Gigas symbolizes her masculine part and the Queen Lancer is the integration between the feminine and the masculine.

Ruby is the Self - She is both the microchosm and the macrochosm. The self encompasses all the other archetypes, so Ruby has her own story, but her story ties with that of the world. She is her own person, but she also deals with everyone's burden. This is why Red Like Roses is a song about her team. This is why every trailer quote can be applied to Ruby herself. The Ruby/RWBY duplicity symbolizes exactly this archetype.

That said, the RWBY girls deal with all these archetypes. This is because by integrating them one reaches self-actualization, which is the main objective of the characters and of the series, as a whole.

Blacksmith: True balance finds its own equilibrium. It only requires love and the patience to see things through in the end.

So, Blake represents the shadow, but her arc also deals with the persona and the animus. In particular, she needs to let go of her dark and anti-social persona (the ribbon), so she can show everybody how good the shadow can be (her Faunus heritage). In order to do so, though, she also needs to grow more active and this happens thanks to her integrating the animus.

THE ANIMUS AND ITS STAGES

The animus/anima is linked to 3 ideas:

activity/passivity - the animus (masculine) is linked to proactivity and energy, while the anima (feminine) is associated to passivity and self-reflection

mind/heart or logos/eros- the animus symbolizes mind (logos) and ideals, while the anima represents heart (eros) and emotions

romance - a mature animus/anima leads to healthy and deep romantic bonds

So, the integration of this archetype is basically a person obtaining the traits they lack (active/passive and heart/mind) by growing mature enough for a long-lasting love story. Because of it, narratives often convey this psychological process through (usually) romantic relationships, which bring out the desired attributes.

This is the case for Blake, as well. Our cat girl needs to develop her animus (activity + logos/mind) and goes through a journey, which follows 4 stages. All are linked to different archetypal figures:

Tarzan: man as physical power

Byron: man of action and romance

Lloyd George: man as a professor or orator

Hermes: man as a spiritual guide

By going through all the stages, Blake becomes a full fledged individual and grows mature enough to be in a healthy and balanced relationship:

Blake: When you've been at someone's side for so long, after a while they become a part of you. But that's just it, they're only a part of you. Don't forget about the rest.

But how do these stages fit Blake's story? Actually, they are pretty easy to find because 2 factors make them obvious.

Each stage is linked to a specific character

Blake shares a song with all these characters

Bonus - the songs actually follow the right order :P

FROM SHADOWS - ADAM (TARZAN)

From shadows, We'll descend upon the world, Take back what you stole. From shadows, We'll reclaim our destiny, Set our future free, And we'll rise. And we'll rise.

Tarzan is the "stud", who protects the woman and is linked to physical strength. Adam embodies exactly this:

In the Black Trailer he is introduced as an incredibly effective fighter, who takes the lead in his and Blake's fight against the robots and even saves Blake physically. This fits his ideology rooted in violence:

You'll see I'm their hero I'll be lionized I have the strength to do what's needed Unify our people with no compromise Champion the truth until they recognize Lead them to salvation and regain our lives

Blake starts the story by Adam's side and this means 2 things, when it comes to her animus:

She depends on Adam's perceived prowess

She believes the faunus/human conflict can only be solved with strength

In other words, she is passive and her ideology is simplistic and radicalized. This last point fits very well a person who still has to integrate with her animus:

The animus is like an unconscious mind. It manifests negatively in fixed ideas, unconscious assumptions and conventional opinions. A person unconscious of her masculine side tends to be highly opinionated—animus-possessed.

Blake is initially animus-possessed, which is narratively conveyed by her relationship with Adam being abusive. Adam manipulates and enslaves her to the point Blake can't leave and is caught in her partner's dangerous mindset. Her growth lies in separating herself from Adam and finding her own path.

Your hopes have become my burden. I will find my own liberation…

This quote has a double meaning.

It is about Blake finding her personal freedom and growing into her own person (active)

A person’s animus becomes helpful only when she can tell the difference between her inner man and herself.

It is about Blake finding her own ideals when it comes to the faunus/human conflict (logos)

A person must constantly question her ideas and opinions, measuring these against what she really thinks. If she does, the animus becomes an inner companion who gives her enterprise, courage, objectivity and spiritual wisdom.

These two sides are interconnected in Blake's arc, which really starts with her saying goodbye to Adam:

And it keeps going with her meeting Sun, her Byron.

LIKE MORNING FOLLOWS NIGHT - SUN (BYRON)

Go where you need to Know I won't leave you I'll follow you like morning follows night You can run 'till your pain's through One thing I won't do Is let you go alone to face the fight

Byron is the wanderer who accompanies the woman into new excting adventures. This description is perfect for Sun, who is introduced as a stowaway who loves exploring the world:

Moreover, the literal definition of the second stage is man of romance and action:

“I’m more a man of action,” Sun said. “Actions speak louder than words.” (RWBY: Before the Dawn)

Thanks to Sun, Blake grows more assertive:

In the second stage, analogous to the anima as Helen, the animus possesses initiative and the capacity for planned action. He is behind a woman’s desire for independence.

This is conveyed in their 2 major fights:

Blake and Sun vs Torchwick in volume 1

Blake and Sun vs Dragon in volume 4

In the first fight, Blake takes action to confront the White Feng. She investigates the robberies and discovers how much the organization has degenerated. In the second fight, Blake faces a giant Grimm to protect a ship. In order to succeed, she is forced to work with others, despite her stubborness on being alone.

What is more, the 2 battles are the result of Sun following Blake, when she runs away from a teammate. Both times, Blake is fleeing a conflict:

She runs from Weiss, who is linked to the human/faunus divide

She runs from Yang, who is linked to the consequences of Adam's abusive relationship

And yet, Blake is only superficially running away. On a deeper level, she is facing parts of her past, so that she can come back stronger. On the one hand she confronts the White Feng in volume 1. On the other hand she goes back to her family in volume 4. Sun stands beside her in both situations and encourages her to open up and lean on others:

Sun: So… have you told your friends any of this?

Sun: You can make your own choices, sure. But you don't get to make ours. When your friends fight for you, it's because we want to. So stop pushing us out. That hurts more than anything the bad guys could ever do to us.

At the same time, Sun helps Blake develop her ideas in regards to the faunus:

Blake: Sun… Are you familiar with the White Fang? Sun: Of course! I don't think there's a Faunus on the planet who hasn't heard of them. Stupid, holier-than-thou creeps that use force to get whatever they want. Bunch of freaks, if you ask me! Blake: I was once a member of the White Fang.

Blake: That's not the point, Sun! We asked to be equal, to be treated just like everyone else! Instead, we were given an island and told to make do. So we did the best we could. We came together and we made a home where any Faunus could feel welcome. But this island, this town, will always be a reminder that we're still not equal. That we're still second-class citizens.

Sun is a faunus like Blake, but he is also different in the sense he is mostly ignorant on the history of faunus rights and movements. This means he has somehow of a simplistic vision, but also that he challenges Blake to explain herself. In other words, he helps her nurture her logos and ideals. This may be why they share a conversation about words:

Blake: No, it's okay. Have you ever met someone and thought to yourself, "They are the personification of this word"?

After all, logos literally means word other than thought, so this scene symbolically ties with Blake's inner animus growth. Specifically, it marks a shift in Blake's mentality. Initially, she links others to fixed words. Still, with time she realizes people are not so simple:

Blake: At first I thought Adam was "justice", then I thought he was "passion". But over time, I realized I was wrong. He wasn't any of those things. He was "spite". Not "hatred", not "rage", "spite". He won't accept equality, only suffering for what he feels the world did to him, and his way of thinking is dangerously contagious. That's what worries me about Ilia. She's not like Adam, not yet at least, but I don't know how long that will last.

Blake leaves her black and white vision behind and embraces complexity. This is why Sun remains indefinite:

Sun: What am I? Blake: Jury's still out on that one, but I'm leaning towards "earnest".

Blake and Sun's relationship is a transformative bond, which keeps challenging our cat girl and helps her change. In this way, she finds a new inner determination to move forward:

Blake: I'm going to try and help her the way you helped me. You showed me that sometimes you need to be there for a friend even when they don't want you to be. I was drowning in guilt and fear, I tried to push you away, but you didn't give up on me. And I can't give up on Ilia. It's about time I saved my friends for once.

THIS TIME - GHIRA (LLOYD GEORGE)

This time The ways of the past we'll get over We'll climb Enlighten a new state of mind And now I'll stand with you shoulder to shoulder Out of the ashes a new flame ignite Rise up from shadows and into the light We'll stand undivided Our futures aligned A new brotherhood This time

Ghira is the only one of Blake's 4 animus, who isn't a romantic interest (obviously). Still, he fits because Lloyd George is the professor or orator:

In the LLoyd George stage, the animus is the Word personified, appearing as a professor, clergyman, scholar or some other authoritarian figure.

Ghira is Blake's father and mentor. Not only that, but he is also an inspiration Blake repudiates when she follows Adam. So, our cat girl's healing journey naturally brings her back to him:

Blake: I should have left the White Fang with you and Mom. I should've listened to you, and I'm sorry. (turning away) I'm so, so sorry. Ghira: Blake, it's fine. We never held anything against you, and I never feared you would fail. The only thing I ever feared was that you would fall down the wrong path, and I am so proud to see you haven't

Ghira's immediate forgiveness is key for Blake reforging herself. She has hurt and left him, but Ghira doesn't hold it against her. He even highlights Blake's bravery in coming back and facing her mistakes. He answers Blake's shame with pride and shows people can forgive a loved one's mistake. This helps Blake with her twisted self-perception.

Moreover, Ghira is extremely important when it comes to Blake's ideals. After all, he is the founder and previous leader of the White Feng and the one who brings Blake up to be passionate about faunus right and political activism. By reconciling with him, Blake also reconciles with his ideals:

Blake: We're not going to destroy the White Fang. We're going to take it back.

She vows not to destroy the White Feng, but to make it as it used to be, better even. In other words, she vows to follow in Ghira's footsteps and to surpass him. And she delivers:

Blake: Humans didn't do this. We did this: Faunus. We did this to ourselves. We are just as capable of hate and violence as the humans, but I don't think any of us would jump at the chance to point that out. So why are we letting Adam do it for us?! By doing nothing and staying silent, we let others speak and act in our place. And if we're not proud of the choices they make, then we have no one to blame but ourselves. This is the message that Adam Taurus will bring to the world if no one stops him. But we can stop him!

Volume 5 opens with Ghira failing to make a speech and it ends with Blake succeeding. She inspires her people and finally finds her personal answer and belief-system:

Blake: You have to understand that all of you are looking for simple answers to a very complicated problem. And I can't give that to you. I don't know how to make hate go away, I don't. But I know that this kind of violence is not the solution. I understand that to ask you to leave your homes and protect Haven Academy is asking you to put your lives at risk. But that's what's at stake. So I'm going, and I'll stand by myself if I have to.

This is true also on a personal level:

Saber: Huh? You're just going to forgive her? After everything she did?! Blake: I am.

Ghira: She's learned a lesson that evaded me until I was much older: That there is strength in forgiveness.

Blake forgives Ilia, just like Ghira forgives her. In this way, she also fully forgives her past self and moves forward. And her new found passion, hope and determination spread all around. To both Ghira, who starts a new movement and obviously to Ilia, who is saved in two ways:

Ilia: I still don't feel like I deserve the freedom you and your family granted me. Blake: Well, you're going to have to get over it, Ilia. Saving Haven had a huge impact on how Faunus are seen in Mistral. Now it's up to you all to take the progress and keep running with it. Ilia: Right. The White Fang may have been a failure, but with your father starting up a new movement, I've got more faith than ever before. Thank you, Blake, for everything. I wish you didn't have to go.

She is given freedom and she finds a new motivation in Ghira's new group. Her finale mirrors Blake's state of mind after Haven. She is a new person, ready to enter her finale stage of animus development.

NEVERMORE - YANG (HERMES)

Nevermore Nevermore You'll torture my heart and my head Nevermore Nevermore Will I be afraid Nor will I run away It's behind me Freedom is finally here You may have taken the lead but I'll even the score You won the battle you won't win the war Not now and Nevermore

Hermes is the highest stage of the animus and the incarnation of spiritual meaning:

The animus mediates between the conscious mind and the unconscious. He is a messanger and a helpful guide.

Blake: I'm not sure there are many good options left for any of us anymore. Keeping secrets, taking lives? It makes you wonder how far we're gonna have to go to keep doing the right thing. Yang: Blake. Yang: We did… what we had to do. Blake: I know. But next time, I wanna make sure we don't have to, and I can tell you, ambushing a Huntress who's just trying to help isn't an option I'm thrilled about choosing. Blake crosses her arms, and her cat ears completely fold over. Yang: Then, maybe we shouldn't.

Sexuality for a person with such an animus is imbued with spiritual significance.

As shown above, Yang fits this archetype. As a matter of fact, she and Blake are opposite, so they balance each other out, both when it comes to macro issues and in their personal relationship.

Their confrontation on how to deal with Robyn in volume 7 is a perfect example of this:

Yang: Do you… Do you think we should've told Ironwood about Salem, before he put so much on the line for Amity? Blake: Sounds like you do. Yang: I trust Ruby, but I think he deserves to know what he's stepping into. We all did. Blake remains quiet, her cat ears folding over a little. Yang turns and looks at her. Yang: You don't agree. Blake: Look around. The embargo, the military presence, the restrictions on assembly. He's a bit prone to overreacting. Yang: Yeah, hard to argue with that. Still, he didn't have a lot of good options.

The girls disagree on what is better to do. Blake thinks they should prioritize the stability of Atlas and Mantle, at the cost of lying to Ironwood. Yang instead believes Ironwood as a person has the right to know what he is really fighting against. In other words, Blake thinks about the macrochosm and Yang about the microchosm. This is important because it is just another way the bees are complementary. In order they are:

dark (Blake)/ light (Yang) > shadow/persona archetypes

feminine (Blake)/ masculine (Yang) > anima/animus archetype

macrochosm (Blake)/ microchosm (Yang) > self archetype

In other words, they complete each other when it comes to all the major archetypes. It is from these differences that an enriching balance is found. And the compromise they come up with in Atlas ties into it. They trust an individual (Robyn) hoping it will lead to a more stable situation in the whole Kingdom.

At the same time, this equilibrium between opposites can't be found without a proper inner balance, which is the result of the girls' individual development. When it comes to Blake especially, she has to:

Find her own personal answer to the faunus/human rift

See and accept others in all their complexity (light + shadows)

This last point especially ties with the animus journey, which is about seeing a partner as an individual with both flaws and strengths. This fits Yang in particular:

Blake: And I'll protect you. At this, Yang's eyes widen and her expression turns into a frown.

Adam: Heh, do you really believe that? Or are you just trying to scare me away so you won't have to die trying to protect her?

The major conflict upon Blake and Yang's reunion in volume 6 is that they struggle to symbolically reconcile the feminine and the masculine, the damsel and the knight. The answer is that there are not such specific roles in their relationship:

Blake: She's not protecting me, Adam. And I'm not protecting her. We're protecting each other.

They are both damsels and knights, beauties and beasts. Yang is the embodyment of strength in Blake's eyes. Still, she is also a person with her own vulnerabilities. And Blake is ready to accept all about her.

The same goes for Yang too, who is able to defeat Adam specifically because she never loses sight of Blake. She knows who Blake really is and is ready to embrace her as a whole:

Bumbleby's fight against Adam is the moment they affirm their own complementarity and willingness to see each other as wholes. The bridge scene in volume 9 is a top off and confirmation of this wish.

Blake: I… think, you're an extraordinary person.You're… always the first to lighten a situation. You act bravely, when you're afraid. You do what you say.

Yang: Even when they (people) hurt you. You never give up. You know what matters to you.

They can see the beauty in each other and also accept the other's beast:

Yang: I like that you've never been intimidated by me. Even when you didn't like me all that much. Blake: I was a little wary of people in general. Yang: But you never gave up on them.

At the same time, they reach the platform and so symbolically unity because once again they are complementary. Blake is mind (the result of her animus integration). She's got "a really good brain" and eventually figures out what they have to do to move forward on the bridge:

Blake: Maybe it's… saying things we never said. To each other.

Yang is heart (the result of her anima integration). She is the one who starts complimenting Blake first and opens up a path for them. Eventually, she is the one who starts the confession and shows vulnerability, leading them both on the platform:

Blake: (in thought) I think we're already falling. (turns to Yang) Just, say it, Yang. Yang: I think I love you.

There they unite, which marks Blake's final step of integration with her animus.

BEAUTY AND BEAST (THE ANIMUS AND THE SHADOW)

This was a short summary of Blake's arc through the anima/animus lens. One final thing to add is that this specific way to interpret her story also fits with her fairy tale: The Beauty and the Beast.

This story can, in fact, be read in 2 different and complementary ways:

It is the story of how an individual can combine light (beauty) and shadow (beast) into one harmonic unit > persona and shadow

It is the story of 2 individuals, one encarnating the masculine (beast) and the other the feminine (beauty), who forge a strong relationship and find balance > anima/animus

This is really Blake's arc in a nutshell, so it is really fitting she is the RWBY embodyment of Beauty&Beast!

[relleytrots]

8, 10, and 28 please?

8. Describe your worst Messy Critical and/ or Bestial Failure that you've played/ seen/ suffered.

Oh, gawd. It's a toss-up.

As a Storyteller, it's the one I inflicted on Finlay in the last Wild Roses story, as narrated by @gwenynen-bach in her answer to this 'un - "who said anything about Superficial damage?" I said, to the mounting horror of poor Scotty who collapsed out of webcam view, represented only by a desperate middle finger.

As a player, it's... Riley. Riley has this bad habit of causing Masquerade breaches during what should be low-key investigation-type activities. For example: visiting a parish church in North London that happens to boast a genuine relic, freaking the hell out and fear frenzying right in front of the priest, leading to a kidnap and awful blackmail/intimidation/interrogation attempt by a Ravnos with no high ground to occupy whatsoever.

The last session almost saw a repeat performance when Riley's Beast, enraged by the proximity of greasy German hands that would not stop touching them or their new suit, decided to take it out on a member of the gentleman's club staff. I think I could have gone incredibly hard here, and part of me regrets not taking it out on Helmut... but he's our favourite joke character, and I'm self-conscious about how much spotlight I tend to hog with Riley, and we still haven't dealt with the repercussions of Riley's last cock-up (it's a large group with scheduling trouble, so the game moves quite slowly).

Sometimes you have to no-sell a moment in game because the pace and presence of the group aren't right for it. I'd kinda like to play Riley in a smaller and more intimate setting, another time... they don't quite work in the space they're in.

Honourable mention to Penny's absolute crash and burn diablerie attempt. It's not strictly a Bestial Failure, as you don't roll Hunger when Humanity's in the pool, but it's certainly the most impactful failure I've had as a player. Not only did she flub the diablerie she'd been hyping up to her prospective recruits - she dropped four Humanity in the process and spent the next session and a half near-catatonic while I worked out how the hell to even play her now that had happened.

10. What's been your favourite interaction throughout your VtM experiences? Can be in game, playing video games.. anything.

The one I've been dining out on for decades at this point is the one about the time my friend and teenage crush slapped my glasses clean off my face for tricking her into joining the Camarilla. She's Sabbat for life, see, and cut her teeth in my two-year Victorian Sabbat chronicle.

I should point out that we had the kind of friendship where this sort of behaviour was considered comedy gold rather than a massive red flag and cause for immediate suspension of play. I've become a lot more fragile in my old age. Also, I'd have happily let her slap any portion of my anatomy she wanted to, hur hur hur.

28. What is your sect?

I'm going to answer this one in its "what is your dream game?" context very soon, so let me step outside a little and say that I'm probably an Anarch sympathiser. Despite the Movement's lack of coherency, it's aligned with the kind of truth-to-power anti-authoritarian politics I hold in real life. I despair of them actually achieving anything - but then, these are vampires, for whom the adage that the Left will eat itself can be taken very literally.

[skittlespizza]

TF2 Mercs as the Crane Wives Songs/An Analysis of All the Mercs

This one is going to be a long one, but as is customary with my fandoms, I will be assigning characters songs from the Crane Wives discography. I won't be going lyric by lyric explaining why it relates to the character as it will make the pacing and general setup of this post awkward, I'll just highlight the lyrics that matter.

I will be sticking to their canon personalities. I will be avoiding as much fanon interpretation as possible, and will be avoiding shipping content & common headcanons. It's nice to re-engage with canon media as a nice refresh for interpretations and headcanons.

SCOUT- Take me to War

Take me to War is about anger and fighting. As a child, Scout found himself last to fights and oftentimes had to watch from the sidelines as his brothers got to fight. And he didnt. He was too small. But being small had an advantage, he was able to run.

I've earned myself a reputation/ That my bark is much worse than my bite/ But I keep snapping at Goliath's hands/ With all of my tiny might

This first stanza summarizes Scout, I feel, quite well. Scout talks shit, he's small and can't follow up with the shit he talks, but he talks shit nonetheless.

Dress me in red and throw your roses/ And I'll rankle the beasts with words/ It's a graceless dance of epithets/ We learn to make someone hurt

Scout doesn't look all that scary, that unassuming, but he's tough as nails and despite being cowardly, will stand and help when needed.

All of the words I've swallowed/ All of the sharp things I've kept in my mouth/ I am always bleeding out

This lyric specifically highlights how sometimes words can be more cruel than actions. The mercs all throw insults while on the battlefield, but remember that Scout is the closest thing to a normal boy on that battlefield. He can take literal assassins and killers head on- despite being so young and "normal." We can assume that his sharp tongue would translate quite poorly in normal conversation as being surronded by the mercs sort of. Fucks up your personality.

I'll be the sweetest thing to ever scare you/ Give me a fight I can't resist/ Give me something to break with my fists/ Take me to war/ Oh, honey, I dare you

Scout is a sweet, welcoming small town Boston boy with a heart of gold. Underneath it all, is a violent and teasing killer who, much like his teammates, enjoys violence and hurting people. I feel like this is something that's underutilized when it comes to Scout. He's so young, has a family and future and yet is so easily turned to violence. Take Scout to War, he dares you.

SOLDIER - Little Soldiers

No, I didn't just choose the song because of the title. I struggled immensely when it came to Soldier. I had a general idea, going in, of what everyone's character song will be. With Soldier? The Crane Wives songs deal with deep character incatracies and such, Soldier lacks that, at least on the surface. This song, I feel, represents the friendship he has with RED Demo. His loyalty to his friend and his love for him. This song has the word love in it, but I want to avoid any shipping content in this analysis so it's accessible to everyone. Love can be platonic.

On the broken backs of all the words we spared/ Like little soldiers in the trenches/ It was a march we made towards ruin and despair/ But we held hands all the while

Being forced to kill your best friend over and over is difficult. Fighting, sparring, on the battlefield, yet close friends and confidants outside of it. Holding hands with someone who killed you, it's cruel in a way. For two friends to have to kill over and over. Yet, they continue this friendship despite it all.

Beneath the table you would offer up my bones/ And all the dogs would lick your fingers

How are you supposed to badmouth your best friend? He's supposed to be your enemy, offering up all the parts of your friend that hurts, and you have to be fine with everyone believing you hate him.

We didn't give up, we wouldn't dare surrender/ It was an honest loss

Despite the Administrator forcing them apart, they'd never surrender their loyality to one another. They're loyal to each other before her.

PYRO - Daydreamer

Like I said, I'm trying to stick to canon as much as possible. In canon, Pyro is not that... well, complex. I myself have many headcanons for them, but canon only. Daydreamer is a song about someone who gets stuck in their own head quite a bit, which suits Pyro and their Pyrovision.

Two steps forward and one step back/ I’ll take a one-way ticket anywhere/ It’s not over, this is only a setback/ We’ll just have to move a little bit faster now, faster now

Pyro is two steps forward, one step back. They do something amazing, then do something childish. They balance a fine line between absolutely insane and genius.

Daydreamer, you’re falling behind (falling behind, falling behind)/ I’ll get there in my own time

Pyro... isn't really sure nor is aware of what's going on. And you know what? It works for them. This one is far shorter than any other due to the length of the song being short and not having stuff to analyze as Pyro is rather simple. And sometimes simple is good.

DEMO - Keep you Safe

I knew I wanted to do this song as soon as I reread Demo's backstory. Keep you Safe is about waiting and regrets. One thing Demo is good at is waiting. Waiting for the perfect time to strike or waiting for his parents haha. Demo was abandoned as a kid, and was done so because he needed to hone his skills on his own. Honestly Demo had one of the worst childhoods, killing his parents and losing an eye is not an easy thing for any kid. No wonder he's an alcoholic.

When I was a child/ My nerves ran wild/ When I watched my friends/ Rise to the tops of the trees/ With the risk of fall I never climbed at all/ Every day I told myself “I’m not ready”

Demo felt safer creating bombs, he rather create than socialize. He was never ready. Demo had a shitty childhood and prefered to wait out the dangers instead of engage.

My daddy always said/ “Nothing worth doing comes easy”/ Time is not your friend/ Time is not your remedy

His parents believed in toughing it out. Believed in fighting and believed in working hard, to the point that it was borderline neglectful and absusive. (Again, abanonding your child so that he could find his skills on his own is fucked up). Demo learned the hard way the world is not kind, and sometimes you need to take action. This one is shorter, but I struggle a lot trying to talk about Demo without delving into my headcanon and personal intpretation too much. I'll cut this one short.

ENGINEER - Canary in a Coal Mine

I struggled A LOT with Engie. I reread all his story as much as I could but could not find a matching song, so I had to stretch this to fit quite a bit. Bear with me. I chose Canary in a Coal Mine because of his relationship with the Administrator, and how she would be just about dead without him.

You and I are friends of empty graves, black air and black, black lungs/ Am I the only thing that keeps you safe when the light is gone?

The Administrator is essentially an empty grave with black lungs, has been through a lot of shit. He is the only reason she is alive, he's and his knowledge is the only reason the war continues. Without Engie's ability to create, there wouldn't be anything. He's the only thing keeping her safe when the light is gone.

Feed me promises, keep my heart well/ I'll sing you songs until the darkness does recede

With promises of clearing his "old debt", he's willing to do whatever to feed his god complex. I apologize for the short one this is, I struggled heavily with him much like I did with Pyro.

HEAVY - Hard Sell

Heavy is the anchor in his family, he's always been a protector and always been the worker. When he was younger, maybe he wondered if things would get easier once he got bigger and stronger. Heavy uses his strength to protect by being violent.

I'm trying to make something of myself/ My better days, I go buy the hard sell/ But I feel like I'm working with barbed wire and moth wings/ 'Cause I can't really get a hold of many things.

Maybe as a child, Heavy had to put a lot of pressure on himself to grow. On Genius lyrics, a summary reads:

"The narrator is trying to improve themself in an aggressive matter, but they’re too rough on themselves, making them feel fragile. In being so hard on themselves, they feel like change is unobtainable."

What we do know about Heavy is this: Heavy has always had to fight and protect. He's probably had to grow up early, and he's tough on himself. To be stronger. To protect his sisters and family. He cares about them more than anything and is willing to push himself to do anything for them. This can also be interpreted in the sense that he works extraordinarily hard, physically, to protect people. Pushing himself past his bodily limits, as seen in End of the Line.

Is it me? Is it really just me?/ Does everybody have it together or are we all pretending?

I don't think Heavy is perfectly mentally sane, but he has to be essentially a calming anchor around him or they'd probably also fall apart. The rest of the song repeats mostly, but that's the reason I chose Hard Sell for Heavy.

MEDIC - Ribs

Medic is an interesting character to me. I knew I wanted to do this song due to the religious themes in it (as he talks to satan), and also because of the general themes of innards. KEEP IN MIND, THIS TALKS ABOUT THE AMORALITY OF MEDIC. I AM NOT SAYING HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT HIS TEAM, HE DOES. But he is also amoral.

Marrow made a wife of Eve/ But no one gave up a rib for me and mine/ My hearts did expose to the elements/ Calloused and untouched by a man's design

Medic isn't a man of god, he's not pure or holy. He's untouched by morality and what is good or bad. He's pure, unadulterated curiousity and mania. His heart was exposed to what we can assume is the worst of humanity, and thus all morals were thrown out the window.

Oh, my ugly organs/ How lucky we are

Whereas one may pity Medic for his insanity and lack of moral compass, he sees this as an absolute win. He's lucky he's untouched by innocence.

Oh, my savage empire/ How lucky we are/ Never to be moved by the words of a liar

He's reinstating he's once again lucky for being a dealer with Satan rather than god. He knows God won't be able to give him what he wants, Satan? Satan can. Satan will. He will become immortal one way or another.

The dark doesn't frighten me/ I chose to close my eyes/ It is mine, it is mine/ The night doesn't frighten me/ I chose to let it thrive/ It is mine, it is mine

This lyric really is why I chose Ribs. The dark, evil and inhumane parts of himself is not something he chooses to hide, to close away and deny. He embraces that part of him that others may urge to hide. He is not afraid of his evil, Medic chooses it. Sometimes we forget how demented Medic is. He betrays everyone to join TFC, he brought Sniper back to life, he DECAPITATED BLU SPY AND LEFT HIM IN A FRIDGE WHILE ALIVE. Medic is evil, he's cruel and merciless but in a way that is so honest and open and endearing that exudes confidence and choice.

SNIPER - The Wolf

Sniper, I knew very early on as in media he's compared to a Wolf quite often, and the themes align well. Sniper struggles quite a bit with proving he's not a crazed gunman. That he's 100% sane and is rather a calculated killer. He's aware he's a bad person and sort of embraces it in a sort.

I am not a builder/ I’m much better at blowing things down

Sniper is a person who destroys. Destroys heads and lives specifically. He's aware of this and embraces it through his unconventional career choice.

I am not a tempest/ I light torches in my sleep/ I have gasoline in my veins/ I am always burning, burning, burning

Sniper is destructive, he's a controlled fire of sorts. A killer, but not an insane one but that intense passion he has for his job, seen through his voicelines, burn despite the controlled aspect.

I am a falling axe/ I am a sharpened knife/ I am a poison asp/ I am a risk to your life

Sniper is a highly dangerous man and a bad person, a wolf in sheeps clothing of sorts as he's not that dangerous looking. On the inside, he's a cold heartless killing machine, at least when he's on the job.

Can it be/ Can it be easy for once/ Cause I’m no good at being kind to myself/ Or anyone

This part will be making a few assumptions: we can guess that Sniper has some sort of insecurity as having your parents constantly berate you for your job probably stings. Especially when you love them more than anything. Wanting to crave that approval so so badly, yet struggling so much to connect with people as he's on the job 24/7. He's not kind to himself- or anyone else. He's a prowling beast looking for his next kill, not some schoolboy making friends.

A single video made me fall in love with Sniper as a character and its because of his relationship with his parents. It's eight years old but holds up to this day. Here.

SPY - Empty Page

This is the reason I made this post. Spy is, and will always be, a nobody person. He doesn't have a stable identity due to his career and even when telling his son that he is his father, he can't show his face. Being a spy has mental health repercussions when it comes to your identity, and this has always fascinated me about Spy.

I’m just a ten cent copy/ Of people far more advanced than me/ Every thought that I’ve ever had/ Could be ripped from a magazine

Instantly, you can tell why this song is Spy. Spy is a ten cent copy of people, he's a copycat, a liar. He literally steals the identity of people to play a role, he isn't a person. He's a blank canvas to LITERALLY project onto!

Cut me a path, and I will follow it/ Draw me a line, and I’ll avoid it/ I’m nothing if not obedient

Spy is an obedient worker who will do anything and everything he's told to... again. It's Spy.

I am an empty page/ A muddled shade of paint/ I am a light that’s burning out

Spy is an amalgamation of all the people he has had to be in the past, he is an empty page, he is a color of paint that in unique because he's people clipped together from magazines. Spy isn't a person, he doesn't even have a name. He is JUST. A. SPY.

Years of imitating mastery/ Only made me a better thief

Again. He's an imitation of people who he's needed to be. Despite him maybe being the main reason I made this post, this song is so straightforward and blatant in why it's Spy, I can't add a lot of commentary.

BONUS: SPY & SCOUT - Never Love an Anchor

Never Love an Anchor, despite the dozens of animatics and popular belief, is not about romance. It's about family. The romantic interpretation is so.. upsetting since the song literally cannot be romantic due to some lyrics but whatever. Anyways, Spy's POV to Scout. I know I said I would only highlight the important lyrics, but this one is a special case.

On some level, I think I always understood/ That these hands of mine were clumsy, not clever/ And I tried to do the best that I could/ But try as I might, I couldn't bring myself to hold you

Spy has hands meant for lockpicking and killing, not holding a child close and making a family. God did he love Scout, but he couldn't dare look his child in his face knowing that beneath the facade of a father, he was an empty shell. Spy has hands meant for murder, not creating.

It's a secret I keep tucked inside my chest/ With this heart of mine that's guilty, not remorseful/ There is love that doesn't have a place to rest/ But it would have buried you if it had settled on your shoulders

Spy will never tell Scout the truth. He cannot, will not or will ever be able to because of his cowardice and for Scout's safety. He doesn't regret leaving, he knows it was for the better, but god does he feel so much guilt and shame for leaving. For being a Spy. He would've gotten Scout and his family killed if he stayed with them, and he didn't want to have to bury his own child. If he loved, he'd hurt.

There are times when I still wonder about you/ You are someone I have loved, but never known/ And you'll never see the reasons I had/ For keeping my claws away when they were close enough to hurt you

He sees Scout everyday, seeing the son he never had become a boy strong and agile. He wants to know about Scout, he wants to be there, but can never tell him why he couldn't hold him. Why Spy had to leave.

I am selfish, I am broken, I am cruel, I am all the things they might have said to you/ Do you ever think of me and my two hands?/ And wonder why they never soothed your fevers?/ And wonder why they never tied your shoes?/ And wonder why they never held you gently?/ And wonder why they never had the chance to lose you?

Spy is a bad person, and he hoped Scout wouldn't end up the same. It's not too late for Scout to turn his life around. But Spy doesn't have that right— the right to act like a father. He never held Scout, never raised him, never took care of him, never taught him. Never helped him. He never had a chance to lose his son out of fear of losing him. It was a lose lose situation, but at least this way Scout isn't dead.

God. This song.

BONUS: PAULING & THE ADMINISTRATOR - The Moon Will Sing

The moon will sing a song for me/ I loved you like the sun/ Bore the shadows that you made/ With no light of my own/ I shine only with the light you gave me/ I shine only with the light you gave me

Pauling's entire being is centered about the Administrator and it's incredibly sick and codependant. Pauling is nothing without the woman who gave her everything, so she will have to work endlessly to make her happy, right?

Ending Thoughts

Woo! That was a long one. It took 5 days to write this all due to me rereading all the source medias several times. I hope you enjoyed this, please leave your thoughts on this. I like to reread the source medias of my fandoms at least once a year to refresh my headcanons and such. This was that.

[diamondcrownacademy]

DCA Info Part 66: Dorm Leader 3rd Edition Redesigns (Part 2)

View Part 1

Much like their Dorm Fairy companions, the girls also got redesigned! The reason being is that Phoenix felt she was making them look to simple. So she chose to once again redesign them, only this time, designing them to cater more to their preferences and personalities, as well as matching the aesthetics of each Disney Princesses' respective movies.

📚 Rozeline Pierrette

Rozeline's new ensemble was created to represent both Belle and Beast. As well as being an ensemble that looks conservative or old school, not caring for aesthetic outfits and just picked an old pattern from the dress book. Her now unkempt hair is dark brown with a single white streak.

Rozeline's ensemble consists of a muted navy blue long puff sleeve bolero jacket with gold trim with the collar having gold circular roses and the sleeves having white cuffs. She also wears a yellow maxi skirt with muted navy blue and gold trim. For footwear, Rozeline wears a pair of black and white heeled Oxford shoes with gray leggings.

Rozeline accessorizes with a black veil that covers her eyes attached to a muted navy blue bonnet with gold trim, pale yellow roses and black horns, a white ruffle tie, a pale yellow rose brooch with a muted yellow gem brooch in the center and pale tan ribbon with gold trim, a gold belt with ribbon detailing, black gloves and a muted gold crown ring with a yellow jewel on her right index finger.

🏝️ Vidya Nazari

Vidya's ensemble is meant to be a fusion of both Aladdin and Jasmine's respective ensembles, with the top portion taking inspiration from Aladdin's Prince Ali persona. The purple sash was a gift from Kalim and not only serves as a reference to the Magic Carpet, but also reference Kalim's hometown.

Vidya's ensemble consists of a black tunic worn underneath a bedlah top with off-the-shoulder straps with gold accents and matching salwar pants with a gold V-shaped waistline with an opening below the knees and gold trim. For footwear, Vidya wears a pair of curled shoes that are muted navy and feature gold soles and accents.

Vidya accessorizes with a pale gold tiara with a blue diamond-shaped jewel in the center, a pair of blue diamond shaped jewel earrings, a gold choker with blue diamonds, gold shoulder pads with hanging gold threads with a blue diamond brooch in the center, a gold bracelet with blue diamond jewels, a purple sash with floral and swirl designs and gold trim, a gold waist chain with blue diamonds, gold rings above her shoes and a pale gold crown ring with a blue jewel on her left index finger.

🐲 Jinlong Esi

Jinlong received a very notable redesign, now resembling more of an eastern dragon while also possessing turquoise horns, off red nails, three pointed toes with red claws, and a red tail with teal spikes and gold underbelly, the tail also has copper colored fluff at the tip. Jinlong's hair is now in a single ponytail.

Jinlong's ensemble consists of a navy blue martial arts tunic with gold trim, a maroon collar with teal circular gems attached to gold tassels and maroon cuffs with gold detailing. Underneath the tunic is a pair of blue-green pants with gold trim. For footwear, Jinlong sports a pair of navy blue sandals with maroon detailing and straps.

Jinlong accessorizes with a teal earring on her left ear, a pair of oversized turquoise bracelets, a maroon belt with gold trim and designs with a large circular gold brooch with a turquoise gem embedded in the center, and a gold crown ring with a maroon jewel on her right index finger.

🐻 Elu Sorrel

Elu has a slightly more muscular physique due to being a hunter while her ensemble looking more modern and much like Allison and Jinlong, offering more mobility. To avoid making her look to similar to Leona, Elu's braids were moved to be around her ears (though not shown in the picture above).

Elu's ensemble consists of a tan sleeveless turtleneck tunic with baggy pants that include fringes worn underneath what appears to be a brown corset with the bottom having fringes and a dark teal corset with various pale red diamond details and pale red threads. For footwear, Elu wears a pair of light tan boots with teal and white straps and fringes near one of the ends.

Elu accessorizes with a brown cloak with a white trimmed fur hood with the bottom featuring a teal and red diamond design and fringes, a pair of gold goggles, pale red arm bands with teal beads, a brown necklace with red and teal beads with a brown brooch with an orange gem embedded inside and teal, white, red feathers with red beads, brown gloves and a pale gold crown ring with an orange jewel on her left index finger.

🐸 Perrine Bousquet

Perrine ensemble bears some resemblance to the flapper dress that Tiana wears at the end of The Princess and the Frog, while also wanting to match the aesthetics of the 1920s. Perrine's hair is now a golden blonde curly bob cut and she now has green eyeshadow.

Perrine's ensemble consists of an off white green tinted blouse worn underneath a pastel green dress with the top portion resembling a blazer, with green lapels and cuffs. For footwear, Perrine wears a pair of green pumps, a style popular with working women in the 1920s as they featured minimal decorations and were less expensive than trendy strap shoes or lattice pumps.

Perrine accessorizes with a green cloche hat with a light green satin ribbon with a yellow flower with green leaves and a green circular gem in the center, a silver necklace with a green gem pendant, a yellow flower brooch with green leaves and a vine as well as a silver circular brooch with floral detailing and a circular green gem in the center, a pair of pastel green gloves and a silver crown ring with a green jewel on her left index finger.

[chibi-celesti]

EXEC_ZENVA=RYUSSE >> FLEUR_CITY, Part 2: Departure

~Twisted Tonelico~

~Night Raven: Mirror Chamber~

It was early dawn at Night Raven College. All students that were chosen to go were all accounted for, their bags packed and ready to go. While many were caught off by Malleus’s sudden announcement of being given an extended Invitation by Noble Bell’s very own Student Council President, they were all still excited for this trip. Some of them for educational purposes, others were more curious about what made this Arcane Trip so special.

As soon as Meryu and Grim had arrived, everyone minus Deuce, Epel, the prince himself, and his retinue were surprised about them traveling as well. That was, until Meryu explained their situation to them. “Ah, so it was your doing,” Riddle said, glaring at Grim and disappointed by his actions.

“Please be easy on him, Mr. Riddle. He was already chewed out by the Doctor.” Meryu reasoned. “Besides, I don’t mind going. I just wish it was done without him being a troublemaker again.”

The Red Rose Tyrant relented on correcting the dire beast, and instead chose to congratulate them on tagging along. “It is a pleasure to accompany you, Melenas-san.”

“Likewise, Mr. Riddle.” She then gave the Fae a quick glance, and smiled. Happy to see him invited to something by another. And the same city nonetheless.

“The old coot is really letting you go?” Idia questioned her. “You know what’ll happen if you do, right?”

“I do, Mr. Shroud.” She said firmly.

“And all the more reason for some careful planning in advance!” Crowey suddenly appeared behind the Ignihyde Housewarden, making him shriek and rush to hide behind Azul and Jamil.

“Oi! What’s with the Jumpscare, Headmage?!”

Both second years were annoyed by the otaku’s behavior. “Please refrain from using me as a shield, Idia!”

“What are you talking about, sir?” Ruggie asked, tuning them out.

“As some of you are no doubt aware, Ms. Melenas is a…delicate case.”

“The term you’re looking for is Glass cannon.”

Rook agreed. “Oui. Sa beauté et sa magie sont aussi puissantes que fugaces. Yet, you are allowing her to go?”

Crowley began his explanation. “After some discussions and planning, we managed to make an exception that allows her to travel safely on this trip. She has been christened with a song that will allow her to temporarily allow a special host to be her Source of Life.”

“Her [Ar Tonelico], right?” Silver said, to which the Headmage agreed.

“Ms. Melenas, if you may please,” The girl bowed quickly and began to sing to the Dark Mirror. Her tuning with the Artifact summoned the being within and they began to perform as one. Their performance caused the mirror to begin glowing brightly.

Once the song had ended, the Mirror remained glowing. It's light ready for the party to go across. “We're all set!” She announced.

“Splendid!! Take care everyone! And don’t forget that I do not mind any inquiries you’ve gathered from this trip.” (In other words, he was bribing them to buy a souvenir from the City.)

It was Prof. Trein’s turn to give the students a warning. “Remember, students. You all represent Night Raven College. and all its glory. Any trouble you cause will reflect poorly on the school. Understand?”

“Yes, Prof. Trein./ Yes, Sensei.”

And with that, everyone proceeded into the Dark Mirror, traversing beyond the borders of Sage’s Island, and opening up a part of the world yet to be seen.

~Fleur City, Noble Bell College: Lecture Hall~

The moment their feet had touched the ground and the light dimmed, the NRC group had arrived to the infamous Noble Bell College: The hosts of this Arcane School Trip. The Hall was huge, almost as if it were a Cathedral’s prayer Hall rather then one dedicated for scholarly purposes like at NRC. Massive stained-glass windows shined down the early mid-morning sun’s rays, coloring the room. Everyone was awestruck by the beauty of it all.

Meryu was the first to voice her feelings. “Wow! I’ve never seen something so, so…”

“Beautiful?” Malleus finished her sentence.

“Yes.” She blushed.

“This place is ginormous!” Grim exclaimed. “I can barely see the ceiling!”

From far away, a young man no more than 18 years of age and his two trusted aides were making their way to greet them. The uniforms for Noble Bell differed vastly from NRC and its rival school. While the aides wore simplified versions of the uniform donned in maroon, black and purples, his stood out to showcase his status as the Student Council President of Noble Bell: He wears a tricone robe that stops by his calves, with heeled shoes with his coat also sporting some curtain like fabrics on the back. Unlike his peers who wear berets, his cap was more akin to an old 15th design, and it appeared that some type of soft, purple scarf draped from the back of it. Underneath his hat was white hair cropped very short.

His emerald eyes, judging them every single Mage of Night Raven, hardened in disgust at the sight of the High Prince of Briar Valley himself. ‘Such vile creatures. All of them.’ He thought to himself. But the moment his eyes laid onto the magicless Prefect, he felt his heart freeze at the sight of her. No words would do any justice for this boy to describe her beautiful and other worldly form in his mind(makes sense since she was said to be from a world without magic). Shaking away those musings, he stepped forward to introduce himself to their ‘guests’.

“Greetings, everyone. It is a pleasure to meet Night Raven College’s finest students,” He said. “I am Rollo Flamme, the student Council President of Noble Bell College. It is wonderful to meet you all.” He extends his arms in a welcoming gesture.

Prof. Trein comes forward to introduce himself. “It is our pleasure as well. We look forward to seeing what your school and the rest of Fleur City has to offer. I know I’m happy to visit this place once again.”

Again? Mr. Trein came here before? Meryu wondered as the professor proceeded to introduce each student by name. Some shook hands with Rollo, others exchanged verbal pleasantries with him instead. As he came to both her and Grim, the latter had boasted his name and place as the ‘Greatest Mage in the making’. Rollo had humored the dire beast before finally facing her. “Hello. I am-”

“Meryu Ptrapica Melenas.”

“Oh,” She didn’t expect him to say her name before she did. “Y-yes. Nice to meet you, Mr. Flamme.” She finished with a bow.

“Please. There is no need for that, Melenas-san,” He said to her as she slowly rose herself upright. Her doe eyes staring at him with a naïveté-like charm stirred a spark of heat in his soul. “It is my pleasure to meet you.”

“Psst! You see this, Deuce?” Epel asked, leaning close to his friend.

“Yeah. His tone changed very quick when speaking with Meryu-san. When he spoke with us, he sounded almost like he was tired and disinterested,” he whispered back.

“Why d’ya think it is?” The spade shrugged his shoulders.

“Whispering is very rude, boys.” Rook said behind them. They both shouted in surprise, scaring Idia in the process and causing him to duck behind Silver and Sebek. Their actions didn't go unnoticed by everyone else in the room. Many sharing looks of confusion, disappointment, or curiosity at the outburst. Embarrassed, the two first years apologized for their rudeness.

Rollo cleared his throat. “Now, then. These two are my most trusted assistants. Our Vice President, Anthony,” He waves his hand to the brunette. “And our aide, Lothaire.” He does so again but to the one with brown hair. “When they heard they would be meeting with students of an esteemed academy such as yours, they stopped everything and came as quickly as they could to greet you.”

Both boys spoke about their excitement and joy of meeting everyone. Compared to the older boy, these two were much nicer and welcoming to their guests. It was a bit odd, not going unnoticed by a few in the group.

Their newest acquaintances offered to escort them to their temporary rooms during their stay and they accepted. Deuce leaned back over to Epel again. “Whatever the reason is, we should try to warn her about Flamme-san. Just in case.”

“Yeah. Wouldn’t wanna get on Doc’s bad side again,” They left their discussion at that and followed behind the others. They exited the Lecture hall part of the College, Rollo explaining their school’s history, with Anthony and Lothaire adding additional information as well.

“Mr. Flamme. Your campus has a calming aura, and is thriving with such beautiful flowers and plants,” Meryu admitted. “Are they the school’s doing?”

“Yes and no, Melenas-san,” Anthony answered. “Our city takes pride in its flowers, so both the staff and the people all took part in cultivating them! However, our students also help in taking care of them as well.”

Her eyes shined in amazement. Balancing her familiar in her arms, she went into her school bag(careful not to drop any of her supplements) and pulled out her Ghost Camera. “May I…”

The Vice president laughed. “Go right ahead! We love for visitors to capture the beauty of our school!” He watched as she took photos close of some flowers within the passing courtyard. She even caught some Noble Bell students milling about the place near them, too.

The White haired boy covered his face again with his handkerchief, staring at the girl lovingly before putting it away again. “Our school may be small and not as well known as Night Raven, but we do hope you all are willing to indulge nonetheless.”

“Thank you. Your hospitality is quite delightful,” Malleus complimented him. The prince himself was pleased so far with the trip so far, he didn’t even seem to mind some of the bizarre, harsh looks sent his way from Flamme too much.

“Again, it tis our pleasure, Draconia-san.” Odd. He said that through gritted teeth…Why is that?

They continued their walk closer to the school and then were introduced to the historic figure that Noble Bell pays tribute. A single statue was smack dabbed in front of the building depicts a old, wise man on his horse. His appearance gave off an aura of authority; that he is determined to cast judgement on the guilty to ensure order like the Queen of Hearts, but much, much more impartial.

Looking at him, Ruggie spoke about how the man would scrutinize him if he were to just sneeze, almost mistaking him for a king.

Grim, from his place in his tamer's arms, curiously pointed at the statue. “Who's this guy?”

“This is the Righteous Judge,” Rollo said, his heart filling with pride.

“Righteous…Judge?” Some members of the class were confused by the name.

Riddle helped explain some pieces of his importance to the familiar. “He's an important historical figure. It says so in the history textbooks.”

“That's correct, Rosehearts,” Prof. Trein added. “The Righteous Judge is a prominent figure of Fleur City. You could say, he is just as vidal of an admirable figure like the Great Seven themselves.”

“Precisely. Thank you, Prof. Trein,” Rollo was beaming with pride, eyes focused on the statue before facing everyone again. “It was said to have brought order at a time where criminals and thieves run amok as well. It's thanks to his actions that everyone in Fleur City holds him in high esteem. The students of Noble Bell likewise seek to emulate his honorable conduct.” Most of the group now educated on the Judge’s heroic exploits were in awe of him. Having new found respect for the pious man of legend.

*DING, DONG*

The sound of a bell’s toll sung in the area. It came as a surprise to everyone, and the third year Iginhyde wallflower once again hid within his peers at the sound. “What was that?!”

“Is there anything your not scared of, Senpai?” Jamil looked at him, chuckling at his cowardice.

“Ah, that. What you all hear is the [Bell of Salvation],” Rollo explained.

There’s that name again. “Bell of Salvation?”

“With a name like that, it sounds super grandiose.”

“A name that is well deserved. This bell is an incredibly unique and valuable magical artifact. It has been a part of our school for generations.”

Hearing the importance of such a historical artifact tickled Malleus’ fancy. “I can tell you seem to cherish it, Flamme. Is it comparable to Night Raven College’ Dark Mirror?”

“Most definitely,” The professor told him. “Many arcane academies possess magical aritifacts. Those artifacts become emblematic of their school.” He closed his eyes, thinking of blissful nostalgic days. “It has been many years since I’ve last heard the Bell of Salvation myself.”

Azul looked at him astonished. “You’ve been to this place before, Professor?”

“I have. My wife and I came here for our honeymoon. I remember it at if it were yesterday.”

…

“Grim? Mr. Deuce? Mr. Epel?”

“Hmm?/ Yeah?” They turned to their friend who poked at their shoulders.

“Doesn’t that name sound familiar?” She said quietly.

“What name?”

“[Bell of Salvation].”

“Whatcha mean by that, Mi-” It took them a few minutes to understand her meaning. “Wait! Headmage Crowley said something about that before we came here!”

“Is it possible this Bell he told us is the same one you’re connected to?!” Their friend nodded at their hypothesis. “Think we’ll get to see it?”

“We can take you to go see it for yourselves, if you all wish to,” Lothaire offered.

They all then left toward the towering pagoda connected to the school. The way to reach such a precious treasure was ascending countless flights of stairs. The first few were fine for everyone to climb up just fine. But as they continue their ascend...there were some…exhausted casualties of the stairs. *Cough* Azul and Idia *Cough*

The Octavinelle Housewarden was breathing heavily, his legs feeling like jello. “How..many..stair…cases…are in…this tower?!”

His club member, close to passing out himself, agreed.“Why…is there..no Working ele…vator?! This place…sure could…use one!”

“There should be some broomsticks at this school. We could go back and grab them for you guys,” Epel mentioned.

Meanwhile, two people-Ruggie and Jamil- just looked down and laughed at their classmates' despair. “Aw, Epel. That’s just cruel,” The Viper said.

“Knowing how they struggle in flight class, it definitely won’t end well for them,” Ruggie snickered, continuing to walk ahead of them.

Idia silently wept, knowing he won;t be getting much help from anyone. He looks up where the rest of the group walked up the steps without any issues. Then, his eyes focused on one person in particular. “Oh, if only someone could help us up. Maybe someone who could lift me up when I am down.” He whined hoping they would hear him.

Sadly, his prayers were not answered. “Nope.”

“Huh?” He squeeked when he felt his arm being pulled by a very annoyed Deuce.

“She’s not falling for that again, Senpai,” He said, carrying half of the otaku on his body up the rest of the way.

“Come, Roi des poissons! We must make haste!” Rook added, lifting Azul with help from Epel.

“W-wouldn’t be nicer if Meryu just helped us out?!”

“She can’t. The headmage told her not to.”

“Eh?!” Azul and Idia(mostly the latter)were hoping they were hearing things. “What do you mean Crowley to her not to!”

“This is the first time we’re hearing of this,” Riddle said in shock. “Why is that?”

“He doesn’t want anyone else to know of her powers, remember?”

“Other than STYX and the whole school, no one knows what Meryu really is, and he doesn't want anyone else in the Fleur City to know.”

“... Makes sense. Not many people remember, let alone know what the heck she’s singing half the time.”

“It may be less of the language and more of her powers,” Silver pointed out. Given what all the oddities her powers bring, it’s still too soon for the world to know the presence of Song Mages/ Reyvateil again.

They dropped the subject and continued onward, finally making it to the summit of the edifice where everyone else waited for them. With a dramatic flourish of his hands, Rollo showed them his school’s pride and joy. “Behold before, the Bell of Salvation.”

~EXEC_ZENVA=RYUSSE >> FLEUR_CITY-Tes Biron~

[ryuzakemo128]

Dieter Bravo x Italian! Gothic! UFC Fighter! Female Reader! Headcanons

Content Warnings: Drug addiction, alchol mentioned, chronic levels of fluff, female reader is an absolute angel, cute couple tooth rottingly cute levels. Family tradtions around christmas mentioned to a small degree. Estabished relationship.

Note: If you want more of this pairing let me know and I'll write up some more headcanons. NSFW included maybe??

Note 2: I got a nice clickity cl;ackity keyboard so I am having way more fun writing with it than I imagined I would have.

Divider template provided by the wonderful @cafekitsune

Word count for those who would like to know: 2235

Link to other things you might like that are also written by me are: HERE

Despite your Italian heritage, Dieter finds your gothic aesthetic rather alluring and intimidating at the same time. The layers of black on black makes you rather intimidating and harder to approach. You would show off your walk-in closet of ink, abyssal darkness and watch how he reacts to the sea of black clothes. Organised by brand, style, material type, length.

One half, the left-hand side, is things you have bought brand new from luxury brands, styles and materials. The right-hand side are things that are thrifted and altered. Things that are custom made to fit you and your body type. Along with things you made for yourself which are scandalous, shocking, wicked, sexy, erotic, erogenous. While still sticking within the theme of black.

2.      Your taste in cocktails are both eccentric, odd, and sometimes just too strong for him to handle. Much like the taste of alcohol in general. The only things you don’t like are beer, wine and stouts. Your signature cocktail called ‘Death’s Memory’, a concoction of two shots of black vodka, two shots of clear rum, a shot of absinthe, lime & lemon extract, blackberries, black edible glitter and blackberry juice. The cocktail glasses being in the silhouette of appealing shapes of a woman’s figure. The cocktail glasses themselves, adding an extra portion to the cocktail experience.

3.      You are infatuated with slow cookers and continuously have at least four working continuously at once with either a flavoursome dish or a really sweet dessert for that evening. You love to pamper him with feasts & spreads end up tasting wonderfully.

4.      Your taste in expensive cheeses like Parmesan Reggiano cheese wheels, brie cheese and other cheeses like it. He gets treated with inside your cooking and inside the light snacks you make him in the afternoon. Sometimes even cheese fondue.

5.      You create a Calander to mark of the amount of days he spent sober. On tally mark represents a month. With the month Calander below, it is to show each day. You don’t just verbally support his drug addiction recovery, but you help in keeping track. When he slips up and relapses sometimes. You don’t demean or insult him. You just sit down beside him silently. If he’s crying because of it. You just embrace him and remain silent, knowing sometimes words aren’t always enough to soothe the ‘savage beast within’.

6.      You hold his hair when he asks you to without a word. It didn’t matter that he didn’t have long hair to hold. But you understood why he wanted it. Thus. You did it regardless of how odd it sounded to someone else. “It’s not weird to want someone to care about you. And a hangover is normal. I’ve had plenty, too.”.

7.      On Valentine's Day, you get him gourmet chocolate with a hundred crimson blood-red roses. You would playfully tease, “Who says men cannot receive roses as well, hmm? I thought Mr. Bravo is an eccentric actor, flamboyant to the core.”

8.      You have four black cats named: Mayhem, Shadow, Bullet and Morbid. Each with their own colour coded collar, food bowl and litter box. Red for Mayhem, Blue for Shadow, Purple for Morbid and Green for Bullet. Their cat tree in the living room looks like a fuzzy replica of a cherry blossom tree from Japan.

9.      You have a large, extensive range of dark, moody gothic makeup from brands you love and loved since your teens. The extravagant vanity your uncle made for your 21st. The black vanity with the warm yellow lights around the mirror. You like explaining what each use product had and what style you liked the most.

Some make up products look like a quill pen, others come in oddly shaped packaging which you show off the same day you receive it in the mail.

10.    When Dieter is sick, you make sure there is at least two large bottles of water in the bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen. Hydration, hydration, hydration. You make him soup with toast. Along with light snacks like water crackers and fruit toast. Leaving the remote for the TV and the air conditioner on his bedside table in case he got too warm or too cold. Along with some kind of entertainment like romantic shows, which you noticed that he watched sometimes. “Do you prefer orange or apple juice?” is the question you’d ask whenever you made him breakfast.

You own a juicer in your kitchen after the third time he gets sick just make sure there is always steady supply of fresh juice in the fridge. You excuse it by saying ‘fresh is better than store bought’. Not telling him he is the main reason you bought it in the first place.

11.    You love giving him bear hugs when he’s upset and whenever he gets home. It doesn’t matter what happened. Bear hugs were a big thing for you. Despite your intimidating presence. You could be smelling like sweat and BO from a training or sparring session. But you would still give him a bear hug anyway.

12.    You would ask whether he would prefer to adopt or have his first child biologically. Mainly out of pure curiosity to begin with. Before it grows into a much deeper discussion. You would also pepper in the assurance that there wasn’t any kind of rush to decide whether he wanted children or not regardless.

13.    Italian hot chocolate, you made it once for Christmas when he said he didn’t want to celebrate loudly. This thicker version of hot chocolate was the one your father made you growing up. “My father would wait till my mother would go on ‘girl’s night’s out’. We would stay up until one in the morning watching a movie and drinking several cups of hot chocolate.” Though, the experimental eggnog with brandy or rum gives you both a hangover the next day.

14.    Willing to paint his toenails whatever colour he wanted and however he wanted. Regardless of whether it’s a pedicure by a professional or you. You also make sure to use the foot bath and the lavender incense to provide a relaxing scent. You pay for spa days on his birthday, easter and valentine’s day.

15.    When you get sick, you often show it by sleeping in another hour or having a sore back, sore enough to not be able to move out of bed. Mainly because the muscles in your back would lock up and require a deep massage or warm heating to ease up. You don’t reject his help because, one its nice to receive it and two, his massages help quite a bit. The herbal teas like honey, lemon & lime juice in hot water, hibiscus tea, green tea with ginger. Any and all attempts to cook is met with fond responses. Always encouraging him, he’s doing what he can and if he wanted, they can always have something delivered if he burns something. “Cara mia, you did not fail, failure means you didn’t bother trying. You made an honest to god attempt.” You wouldn’t coddle with that kind of remark. But you wouldn’t say that you didn’t appreciate the effort he made, either.

You often find recipes that are easy for him to make to start with and if he ever decides to surprise you with something Italian related you get really excited no matter the outcome of it. “Cara, it’s wonderful.”

16.    You call him Mio Tesoro (My Treasure), Cara Mia (My Beloved), Cuore mio (My heart), Mio tutto (My Everything), Mio Stella (My Star), Mio Carissina (My Dearest), Caro (Dear).  Amongst many other Italian terms of endearment you love to throw his way to show him how much you care about him.

17.    The plates, bowls, mugs, etc. They are all made in the pottery classes you went to in your spare time and no two are the same as each other, making each piece as unique as the one sitting above it. Some are pink, blue and other bright colours after you started dating Dieter because his vibrant personality inspired those pieces at the time. The special one you made for him is a pink one with a 3D white cloud on the front with ‘Dieter’s Mug’ written in cursive underneath like they were rain drops from the cloud. You have a shed in the backyard dedicated to it being her pottery area, which you go to make more plates or to fix any broken ones using the kintsugi method with either gold or silver lacquer.

“If you want to try it out, go for it, I’ll even take you to some of the pottery classes with me too. It’ll be a fun date thing.” You’d tell him if he showed interest in it too.

You also make good luck charms for keyrings that are far cuter than your over-all aesthetic displayed. Things like clouds, frogs, penguins, polar bears, sharks, penguins, kittens, puppies made into key rings, mini figurines, pen holders, etc.

18. Sometimes you ask him whether a vintage piece is worth adding to your wardrobe because you believe in quality over quantity with everything you own clothing, make-up and décor wise. Thrifting them isn’t off the table either.

Upcycling some clothes that don’t fit your aesthetic to resell later in your studio in the city for between $5-$10. Mostly because its more of a hobby rather than a full-time job.

19. The human sized dog bed is pulled out for movie nights in the living room. You own two in case he wanted to sleep on his own one for the extra space. One of them is charcoal grey and the other is a deep brown. Getting special goose and duck feather pillows for them specifically. Even though each one can fit two people you thought if he wanted to have one to himself, he’d have the extra space to get extra comfortable.

20. You have a home gym designed specifically for MMA, Gymnastics, Deadlifting, and Callisthenics. Which was a routine for you even before you started dating Dieter. It was part of your pottery shed. The second room of the same shed dedicated to just that and that alone.

You have posters of strongwomen, female powerlifters and other female athletes around the gym signed by each one too. Along with framed tickets of any possible match or event you went to see it in person. Just as a reminder that this is what she loves and UFC is the career she chose out of a passion rather than any possible hope of leaving any form of ‘legacy’ behind.

“I started gymnastics when I was three, I started MMA and Callisthenics when I was 8 and I started deadlifting at 14.” You explain to him. “Though if you want to get healthy, I suggest Callisthenics, yoga, and only lifting once you start learning how to do it with a personal trainer.”

You end up getting a treadmill in there in case he wanted to ever just do a light jog while still spending time with you. Even if he’s not deadlifting heavy weights like you are or practicing your punches on a punching bag. It was nice to be in the same area and being able to see you in your natural ‘element’.

21. You make crocheted shark themed things whenever you watch sad things because otherwise you’re crying along with Dieter and you have no idea what do with your hands whenever it happens either if you’re not snacking either. So you crochet shark themed things to help whenever Dieter gets upset or overstimulated by something/ Movie related or not. Sometimes even booking chairs away from Cinema aisles because you know for a fact he doesn’t like people getting into his person space even if its for a few seconds.

You don’t care if he thinks its ‘extra hassle’ for you its peace of mind and you prefer to keep him happy. If that means sitting in the two reclining chairs next to the wall? Then so be it. Peace of mind is peace of mind. No matter how strange it looked.

22. You memorize his favourite treats, desserts and what he reaches for when his mood is sour to make a homemade version. Sometimes even just making it while he’s taking a nap so he can open the fridge later to find it there. Another small thing you like doing for him.

23. You look through fashion catwalk videos with him to see what outfit he likes the most. “What about that one?” you’d ask as a daring outfit is shown. Even the more odd ones were looked at, along with the more artistic leaning fashion shows were looked at too.

“What about that one?” You’d ask showing a clip of outfits worn by actors that played villain roles. Which were also your personal favourite. “What about that one too? Can’t go wrong with a suit or a three piece one for that matter. Perhaps even a crimson turtleneck and blazer combo?”

“How do you feel about the capelet over the long sleeved turtleneck dress?” is one example of questions you’d ask him. Though the large fur coats you love always seem to get him to react differently depending what fashion line you both watch or rewatch together.

[kagrenacs]

Analysis of The Soft Doctrines of Magnus Invisible

Recently Douglas Goodall released a follow up to his lore text The Soft Doctrines of Magnus invisible, this is an attempt to analyze the text. You can read it here

I: The Source and the Serpent

It's clear this section is about Auri-el and Lorkhan creating the worlds, mentioning Auri-el as creating the 'twelve' presumably the twelve worlds of creation. Lorkhan creates the 'twenty-two', which brings us to thirty-four. The next paragraph mentions the 'Thirty-six and The Hoard That Never Rests. These numbers don't add up, however thirty six is likely a reference to Lorkhan, the Scarab, as mentioned in Sermon 29.

The Thirty-Six are still Eight and One, twice removed, even if man and mer no longer recognize the quarters.

This line seems to link the 12 worlds to the nine divines, indicating their creation by proxy of Auri-el and Lorkhan.

An additional thing I find interesting is the mention of the twelve and twenty-two existing under a starless sky, as the stars haven't formed yet. This seems to indicate to me that this current Kalpa (or series of them) may be different, actively binding the spirits to Nirn rather than allowing them to move freely, otherwise the Magne-Ge wouldn't have fled yet. This idea is further supported by this line:

We are slaves to the star-clock, which beats faster in every age. Only the drummer can stop the beat.

Indicating the beat of time seems to be moving faster.

II: Enantiodromia

This section is about the enantiomorph, with roles of power switching between two people.

Every hero is an image, a reflection, a tone played on the tightest string between the ur-mirrors of sky and sea. False heroes are the shattered reflections of the jailed jailer; a three-headed beast gnashing its own throats.

This line may be about Shezzarines. False heroes as shattered reflections of the jailed jailer- Lorkhan and the incarnations of his souls. A three-headed beast gnashing at it's own throats seems to be Talos.

Mer came down from the sky. Men rose up from the mountain. The god of mer climbed to the stars. The god of men descended into the ground.

This discusses the schism between the gods of men and mer. Anui-el ascends, leaving behind the Aldmer. Lorkhan descends, dying like his subjects and leaving his heart within Red Mountain.

Only the shape-taker's respiration emptied the arc for the thief's eye.

UESP labels shape-taker as Trinimac and the thief's eye as Arkay. Together these two gods contribute to the Nordic god Orkey, the god who reduced the lifespan of the Nords by six years. Taken literally this line seems to indicate Trinimac's exhale allowed for Arkay to steal time from Lorkhan and his people. @tindomizel gave a really interesting idea that Lorkhan's murder allowed for the creation of death, that I quite like, and perhaps carried over to his people.

Magnus and Sithis are tears to the prior world and the next. When they meet the prisoner, the story ends.

Taken with the subject of this section, Magnus and Sithis are presented as two sides of the enantiomorph. My interpretation is Magnus represents energy and creation, while Sithis is the necessary death of things.

The Magna-Ge expand as the Earth Bones diminish.

This line is incredibly eerie. My only thoughts here are Earth Bones are diminishing as people manipulate them, or the towers. But what this has to do with the Magna-Ge I'm not sure.

III: The Roads

In my interpretation, this discusses the roads individuals follow as they live their lives. The first paragraph here discusses a road of violence, fire and swings, that pilgrims and children walk. It seems to be living a simple, peaceful but difficult life/

The second road is shorter, filled with dishonest labour, paved with gold, trodden by the feet of giants and glued by the slime of forked tongues. It's destination is despair. This road seems to be the road that kings and lords walk, trodding on others, enslaving others, living as a large presence.

The road of beauty never reveals the grey veil to it's followers. This is a road of living entranced by the lie, and not seeing reality for what it truly is. Interestingly it is said to be unwalked by heroes, who perhaps have a better semblance of what the world really is.

The longest road is filled with pestilence and disease. This seems to be the road of a natural life, living and then dying by failing health.

The final road is not walked. The wretched gather up their ghosts and go. This seems to me to be the road of life after death.

The doors are stuck, the curtains drawn, the constellations firm, the planets unerring in their courses. Twelve and One have an illusion of movement. Twenty-Two and One have an illusion of choice. Only the Serpent slides.

The numerology changes here, with twelve worlds and one (referring to the constellations), and Twenty-Two and one. Bringing us up to 36, the number of Vivec's lessons.

The doors are stuck, the curtains drawn, the constellations firm, the planets unerring in their courses. Twelve and One have an illusion of movement. Twenty-Two and One have an illusion of choice. Only the Serpent slides.

The Twelve and One are the stars, giving the illusion of movement in the sky. The Twenty-Two and one are possibly Lorkhan's spawn, indicating his children live predestined lives as mortals. Only the Serpent is free to move through time and fate with ease.

Hue is governed by momentum. As much as manifold Meridia loves the Blind, even orphans cannot change their color.

This seems to further confirm my belief that Meridia is one of the Star Orphans. Leaving her ultimately still a daughter of Magnus, even if she is a Daedric Prince.

IV The Tower

The Tower is the first word, spoken by the second. Indicating Lorkhan's observation that the tower forms the letter 'I'.

All who find The Tower are infected with tyranny. Some succumb. All who find The Tower are condemned to transcendence. Some succumb.

This line seems to indicate the dominance a person must possess to speak the word 'I' and recognize oneself as ruler of the world, without equal. Yet doing so allows one to recognize the power of CHIM and alter the course of the world irrevocably.

V: _

This section is a cipher, when deciphered, it discusses things one ought not to worship. Not to look at the moons, the towers, the wheel and the grey, or the jailer. Instead look to the invisible, who is earlier mentioned as Magnus, despite his flawed love. Which ultimately wraps this up as a text intended to worship Magnus.

[watasemasaru]

Tell me about Twisted Wonderland? How is it?

It's a visual novel where the concept is popular disney villains, but ikemen. The premise is Yuu (that's like the place holder name for you 🫵🏻 the player, you can obviously name urself whateves) are not a magic user, you're not even from this place, but somehow you've been summoned by the dark mirror and ended up in Twisted Wonderland, specifically Night Raven College. Currently the story is broken down into books and we navigate school life while also dealing with an issue of students (the villains) overblotting. Which they used too much magic and their emotions have tainted them.

Night Raven College is an all boys school of arcane arts (magic) and is divided into dorms that represents the The Great Seven (since these are "twisted" versions, the villains are seemed as benevolent). Each dorm has a house warden and a vice warden, usually the house warden is the one who is the specific iteration of a villain. Each student has a special spell that is unique to them as well!

Heartslabyul - this dorm embodies the Red Queen's strictness

Riddle Rosehearts - house warden and like the Red Queen, has a penchant for following the rules. His signature spell of Off With Your Head.

Trey Clover - based off a club card soldier, he's very mild mannered and a Riddle's childhood friend. His spell is Paint the Roses.

Cater Diamond - a diamond card, he's ur social media jargon magicam posting buddy. His spell is Split Card

Ace Trappola - he's one of your two main besties. He's the Yosuke to your Souji, Ryuji to your Akira. His spell is currently unknown

Deuce Spade - your other bestie and the more meat head of the two but a good egg (his mom is also soft butch and hot awooga) his sig spell is Double Down!

Savanaclaw - students here are representative of The King of Beast's Tenacity

Leona Kingscholar - Prideful and a little arrogant, he is easily jealous. He is snarky and a bit of a slacker (like any good cat tbh) His signature spell is King's Roar

Reggie Bucchi - a hyena beastman and the vice warden. He's a little impish and a trickster. His spell is Laugh With Me

Jack Howl - a wolf beastman who is very earnest and adheres to the hierarchy but not so much that his sense of justice goes to the wayside. His spell is Unleash Beast

Octavinelle - a dorm founded on the compassion of The Sea Witch

Azul Ashengrotto - the iteration of Ursula, he's intelligent and knows every loophole, a little Saul Goodman to be had in Azul. He's also rather fond of making money. His signature spell is It's a Deal.

Jade Leech - vice warden and a eel merman (Jetsam). He is has the disposition of a butler...but watch out, he's just as intimidating as his brother. His spell is Shock The Heart

Floyd Leech - the overtly chaotic mirror twin of Jade. He loses interest in things quick but easily excitable if something catches his eye, big ADHD energy. His spell is Bind the Heart

Scarabia - a dorm founded on The Sorcerer of the Sand's Mindfulness

Kalim Al-Asim - house warden who is not actually supposed to be a student, but his father bought him in with a large donation to the school. Kalim was insistent to attend when Jamil was accepted. He's unbearily positive and kind to the point of toxicity. His unique magic is Oasis Maker

Jamil Viper - is the better student and mage, but is Kalim's attendant, it would be "inappropriate" for him to be housewarden. He is calculating, careful, and aloof. His spell is Snake Whisperer.

Pomefiore - founded on The Fair Queen's tenacity.

Vil Schoenheit - the fairest of them all, he's an actor that people love as much as one loves an idol. He's beautiful and can be a little snotty, but he's kind when it's needed. His unique magic is Fairest One of All

Rook Hunt - based on the huntsman from Snow White he's an eccentric individual and French™. His ultimate desire is to find all different kinds of beauty. His spell is I See You

Epel Felmier - like his name, he is the poison apple. Epel is at odds with his fair appearance and what he views masculinity to be. He's a country boy and has a thick accent, but Vil encourages him to hide it. His spell is Sleep Kiss

Ignihyde - founded on the King of the Underworld's diligence

Idia Shroud - the arrogant but self deprecating weeb version of Hades. Idia is your typical gamer/anime trope character. He has a desire to be free and more outgoing but usually caves in on himself. His unique magic is Gate to the Underworld

Ortho Shroud - the humanoid younger brother of Idia. He's cute, charming, and polite and always trying to get Idia to come out of his shell. As it stands he has no signature spell.

Diasomnia - founded on the Thorn Fairy's spirit of nobility.

Malleus Draconia - the iteration of Maleficint. Because he's a fae he essentially has time blindness and is usually late or not at a housewarden meeting. There's a loneliness to Malleus because other students are so intimidated by him. His prize possession is a tamagotchi like toy. His spell is Fae of Maleficent

Lilia Vanrouge - old man in a cute guy's body trope. He's plucky and full of wisdom that belies his youthful looks. It said he is the iteration of Maleficint in her dragon form. His unique magic is Far Cry Cradle

Silver - a second year and bodyguard of Malleus who falls asleep at the drop of a hat and is beloved by animals. He was raised by Lila who found him in the woods. His special spell is Meet in a Dream

Sebek Zigvolt - the other bodyguard and an overzealous loudmouth (my stupid son). He is single minded (Malleus) and refuses to engage with anyone unless it's to berate them for not giving Malleus the proper respect. He tends to call the students around them humans (derogatory) despite being half-human himself. His father is a dentist and his mother, a fae, helps out. She's a tooth fairy lol. His special spell is Living Bolt

I love it, despite the fact it IS a gacha game as well as a vn, and never ever spend actual money on the damn thing their pity is a joke lol. It's better to just save your gems and keys for your favorites and call it good (I save for Sebek, Floyd, and Rook). You take lessons to level up your cards, exams to earn books to raise the card's spells, play twist tunes, and once you're in Idia's book, some retro game style mini games. There's also a little guest room at your dorm, Ramshackle, that you can invite a character to and design the room as you see fit!

[trident-dragion]

Red Dragon Archfiend + Flamvell

A lot can be said about Red Dragon Archfiend. It represents Jack Atlas's burning soul, and is a (for the time) modernized version Blue-Eyes White Dragon. It's one of the very first staple Synchro Monsters, and remained as such for years, especially in Dragon Decks. Seriously, there are Dragon Ruler lists that played Red Dragon Archfiend. And, most important of all, it's my personal favorite card! So naturally, while I play it in every Deck possible, I still wanted to give it a spotlight for itself, a Deck fit for a King. Red Dragon Archfiend is designed to force the game into a more aggressive state, as all of your Monsters must attack lest they be destroyed, and the opponent's efforts to defend are thwarted as Red Dragon Archfiend destroys all of their Defense Position Monsters upon attacking. You cannot passively deal with Red Dragon Archfiend, it demands your immediate attention regardless of which side of it you're on. Unfortunately, Over the Nexus is dramatically lacking in almost all of the Red Dragon Archfiend support that would come later, making the prospect of building around it difficult. Since I used Dragunity as the basis for Stardust Dragon, I thought Flamvell would be a fitting core for Red Dragon Archfiend. The idea is pretty straightforward; prepare the Graveyard for a big Rekindling activation to make explosive Synchro plays. But this version of the Deck is made to enable not just Red Nova Dragon, but also Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode. This powerful upgrade expands Red Dragon Archfiend's destructive force to all other Monsters on the field, regardless of Position. This can prove bothersome for you, as it means your own Monster keeps clearing your own board, but this is why I chose Flamvell as the base of this Deck. Because it so easily Summons Level 8 Synchro Monsters, your Red Dragon Archfiend can often be accompanied by Stardust Dragon, and Stardust works very well with Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode. What you do is attack with both Red Dragon Archfiend and Stardust Dragon, then play Assault Mode Activate to upgrade RDA to RDA/AM and attack with that as well. This triggers RDA/AM's effect, which you negate with Stardust Dragon to destroy it. This triggers RDA/AM's other effect; if it is destroyed, it brings back the original Red Dragon Archfiend from your Graveyard, which can then attack again. Red Dragon Archfiend DOES have a couple specific support cards, but they're hard to use. Red Screen is a decent floodgate that can be traded for a level 1 Tuner in your Graveyard, which is helpful for setting up Red Nova Dragon. Crimson Fire is also in the game, but... there's a bonus for using it. It's so hard to use, and so unlikely to be good, that the game recognizes you activating it as an achievement. So instead, I play Falling Down, which is basically Snatch Steal if you control an Archfiend Monster. With how ubiquitous Red Dragon Archfiend is, it's hard to really emphasize it with a specific Deck, but hopefully this is satisfactory for my fellow RDA fans. Here's the list: MONSTERS (20): Assault Beast x3 Flamvell Archer x1 Flamvell Baby x1 Flamvell Firedog x3 Flamvell Grunika x1 Flamvell Magician x3 Glow-up Bulb x1 Laval Lancelord x1 Neo Flamvell Origin x3 Plaguespreader Zombie x1 Red Dragon Archfiend/Assault Mode x1 Summoner Monk x1 SPELLS (10): Dark Hole x1 Falling Down x1 Foolish Burial x1 Mind Control x1 Monster Reborn x1 Mystical Space Typhoon x2 Rekindling x3 TRAPS (10): Assault Mode Activate x1 Call of the Haunted x1 Dimensional Prison x2 Mirror Force x1 Red Screen x1 Solemn Judgment x1 Solemn Warning x2 Torrential Tribute x1 EXTRA DECK: Ally of Justice Catastor x1 Black Rose Dragon x1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier x1 Colossal Fighter x1 Exploder Dragonwing x1 Flamvell Uruquizas x1 Goyo Guardian x1 Red Dragon Archfiend x3 Red Nova Dragon x1 Scrap Dragon x1 Stardust Dragon x1 Thought Ruler Archfiend x1 Trishula, Dragon of the Ice Barrier x1

[elevatorladylady]

Critical Reread - ACOTAR Chapter 6

Join me on a reread of A Court of Thorns and Roses

Chapter 6

Feyre gets a bath.

“What wretched power did they possess to make their lands so different from ours, to control the seasons and weather as if they owned them?”

I'd be curious to get more of an exploration on this idea. Are the high lords bending the will of the land? Does the magic balance out with having all of the seasons represented? What would happen if a high lord just didn't want to use their power to create a perpetual season? It would be really interesting if the land itself chose the season, even though we know it's tied to the high lord.

“Only a fool would run with no food, no strength.”

This is what I tell myself every time I try to convince myself to exercise.

“If misfortune forced you to keep company with a faerie, you never drank their wine, never ate their food.”

It's like SJM wants us to know that she does know the lore, but is actively choosing to exclude most of it from the world building.

“This beast was not a man, not a lesser faerie. He was one of the High Fae, one of their ruling nobility: beautiful, lethal, and merciless.”

I still struggle to believe that she knows the difference between any fae races when 95% of info she has on faeries is inaccurate. And really, do humans consider every other kind of fae "lesser faeries" too?

“That promise to my mother, cold and vain as she was, was all I had.”

Again, you'd think the idea of her family dying of starvation would be enough without the asinine promise.

“The Treaty’s summons led me to the mortal. I gave her safe haven.”

Is the Treaty's summons a real thing? If it is, why wouldn't it work to magically protect humans as well? Cause they mention several instances of the fae crossing the wall to attack humans, but humans don't have any recourse for when that happens.

“Perhaps he wore it out of solidarity.”

I looove the idea of Tamlin wearing a mask in solidarity with Lucien. Tam definitely would if Lucien felt self conscious about his scars.

“Well,” the red-haired one seethed, “now we’re stuck with that, thanks to your useless mercy, and you’ve ruined—”

What does it ruin? Am I forgetting something? Isn't actually what they were hoping for by sending Andras out there? Maybe it's all for show?

“While these faeries also looked human, save for their ears, I’d never learned what the High Fae called their servants.”

How can she tell a High Fae from "lesser fae" if they both look human with pointy ears? Are the high fae just prettier? Also, it'd be pretty cool if they had actual names for the different races of fae instead of just calling them all lesser. Feyre still uses the term as high lady and damn does that seem racist as hell.

“A bit fancy, but I didn’t complain when I donned the white shirt, nor when I buttoned the dark blue tunic and ran my hands over the scratchy, golden thread embroidered on the lapels.”

I want some fan art of Feyre in this outfit.

“I was too young to remember much before my father’s downfall.”

Didn't we establish that she was 11 when they lost their wealth? The narrative treats this as though she was 5/6 when she lost their wealth, but there is a huge difference between the two ages.