#you never want her to succeed in anything political and it's great

[neroushalvaus]

I know I'm comparing apples and oranges but I like the way Gentleman Jack handles it's tory protagonists much more than I like how Downton Abbey handles them. You see Anne being casually dismissive with her staff all the time, pushing them around, re-naming them on a whim, saying it's unfair how poor men can vote but she can't... It's so obvious that she is horribly classist and even though she has many gentle moments with poor people, you never forget it.

[cloudwhisper23]

I have been very late with the latest chapter of Back in the Nightmare, but in my defense, @pixlokita drew an art, and I just absolutely needed to write fanfic regarding the art, and color it. Luckily, this is still in relation to Back in the Nightmare. It's just further along. Hope y'all enjoy! (fic below the cut)

Evan could tell Cassidy was feeling down after Charlie’s birthday party. How could he not? She’d clung so close to him before, and after Michael brought her out of the rain with his skin paler than a sheet of paper, she’d seemed almost distant.

She still listened when he spoke, but she no longer offered any opinions. Cassidy just seemed… off. There had to be something he could do to cheer her up, right?

Evan wanted to go to Fredbear’s for once because of the whole thing. Charlie said it was a great place to make friends and hang out, and with the atmosphere at home lately, it would be best if he could avoid hanging out there. Elizabeth bickered with her group on their project every night, and it always put their father in a bad mood.

Cassidy plus his father never seemed to end well, as both of them were perfectly polite to each other in a vicious way. Cassidy probably had been right about his father not wanting him to have friends after all, it seemed. Maybe that was why Mike used to scare them off?

Shaking the thought away, Evan fiddled with the strap of his backpack uncomfortably. Mike was grounded, and Lizzie was going to Susie’s house, which meant Evan was also supposed to be going home. Father didn’t like them staying unsupervised, after all.

But Evan wanted to do something nice for Cassidy. She had to run home right after school, not elaborating on why, but it did give him a perfect chance to get her a gift.

He still hesitated though. If his father found out he hadn’t gone straight home… Well, he just had to avoid getting caught then. Evan checked that Fredbear was still hidden at the bottom of his backpack, and then set off for the diner.

The prize corner always had a wide variety of things to win, but Evan had no idea where to even start on a gift for Cassidy. Yet again, he found himself hesitating.

“You have your eyes set on anything in particular?” Evan startled at the boy who’d appeared next to him. Gabe Simmons. Someone who didn’t usually talk to him.

“Uh, well, not for me. I want to get a gift for a friend.”

“Cassidy.” Gabe shot him an amused look as he pointedly looked away. “It’s not a secret that she’s one of your only friends, dude.”

“If she’s one of my only friends, why are you talking to me?”

“I’m bored. And Charlie won’t be here until later.” Gabe shrugged. “Do you have any idea what she likes?”

“Well…” Evan trailed off. What did Cassidy like? She’d seemed interested enough in his Fredbear plushie, once he’d been forcibly given it back. She’d wanted a favor regarding her hair, desperate enough to ask Michael of all people to fix it. Something like that, maybe? “I was thinking about that hair clip.”

He pointed to the row of animatronic themed hair pins and clips. “She likes Fredbear well enough.”

“That’s hardly worth the effort,” Gabe replied, wrinkling his nose. “You could get that easy.”

“I’d rather get her something she actually likes than something she wouldn’t like that’s worth more,” Evan replied quietly.

Gabe regarded him curiously. “I think I misjudged you in the past, Afton. You’re not as bad of a guy as I was expecting.”

“Thanks?”

Gabe wandered off without another word.

Weird. Still, Evan needed to get the clip fast if he wanted to get home before he got caught.

He did not succeed. Despite the fact that Evan hadn’t spotted his father once at the diner, and he’d beaten him home, somehow he still found out that Evan hadn’t come straight home.

Evan gritted his teeth as he faced his punishment, determined not to scream. Still, the ruler stung against his bare arm, and Evan knew he was going to be wearing long-sleeved shirts for at least a week or two after this.

“Behave,” his father said sternly, gesturing for Evan to leave and close the door on the way out.

“Yes Father,” Evan answered quietly before going to his room.

Tomorrow is another day.

The hair clip burned in Evan’s pocket as he looked around before school the following morning. He wanted to surprise her with it, but he never usually had luck finding her before school. Today was no different. His mouth twisted downward, but Evan did not feel tears welling up. This was expected, after all.

The morning was chilly for once, and Evan felt a bit relieved that he’d been forced to wear longer sleeves today. The wind stirred the trees at the front of the school as Evan waited for the bell to ring.

He went through his classes in somewhat of a daze, not really paying much attention to anything. It struck him briefly that he didn’t really have any classes with Cassidy. None in the morning anyway.

His arm ached as he went from class to class, despite how carefully he was trying to carry his things without jarring it. Evan carried on the only way he knew how: by thinking about anything else.

Today’s distraction topic was, unsurprisingly, Cassidy. The way she normally hung on his every word with a faint smile, the way she checked in with him constantly and gave people a hard time if they tried to mess with him. It gave him a warm feeling to think about her, grateful that she’d decided to be friends with him, even if he still suspected he was some kind of pity project.

Lizzie liked to tease him about having a crush on her, but the thought didn’t bother him so much. If he had a crush, then he had a crush. And if considering the thought that he had a crush on Cassidy made his cheeks burn, then so be it. He wouldn’t be the first boy in the world to have a crush on a girl.

Thankfully, Evan only had to wait until lunch to talk to Cassidy. She seemed just as distracted as before, and it made Evan’s heart ache. Still, he forced a smile to his face and greeted her brightly.

She smiled back, a weaker smile than his own and poked at her food with disinterest. Cassidy hardly looked at him.

“Cass, are you feeling okay?” he blurted out. He hadn’t asked before, thinking that she probably hadn’t wanted to talk about it, but after remembering how she used to smile and talk to him, he couldn’t help himself.

She looked startled by the question, dropping her fork back onto the tray. “I-“

“You’ve just seemed so occupied lately, and I know I should mind my business and wait for you to be ready to say something, but I’m worried about you.”

“Oh…” Cassidy’s eyebrows creased at that, and it was the first time she’d seemed to actually absorb his words since Charlie’s party. “I guess I… Well…” Cassidy struggled to gather her thoughts. “I’ve been having nightmares. I didn’t want to say anything because I don’t think they’re as big of a deal as yours, and I didn’t want to devalue your problems.”

“Cassidy, we’re friends. Just because I have constant problems doesn’t mean you can’t talk about yours at all. Besides, I’ve been doing better since Mikey started letting me sleep in his room again.” Evan put his hand on her arm reassuringly. “I’m here to listen, if you need to share.”

Cassidy smiled weakly. “Thanks, Ev. It’s probably stupid, but when I was at that party, I thought I heard something outside, and I went to go see. When I tried to get back in, the door was locked. And then…” Cassidy trailed off, her left hand twitching before resting on top of Evan’s. “Well, this car started coming up the alley way, and I just felt so scared, scared like I’ve never felt in my life, and I ran away from it, but it felt like the car was chasing me. So I’ve been having different dreams where I do get caught by the car, and sometimes I die, sometimes I watch other people die, and… yeah…” Cassidy squeezed his hand tightly.

Evan’s eyebrows scrunched tightly. “Have you told anyone besides me?”

“No,” Cassidy admitted. “But I don’t want to worry anyone.”

“Maybe at least tell your brother? I’m sure he’d want to know if you’re struggling to sleep or focus, Cass.”

Cassidy shrugged. “It won’t change anything. Travis would just worry. And he’s not tiny like you and your brother. If I tried to sleep in my brother’s bed with him, I would fall off the bed and hurt myself.”

“I’m not that small!” Evan protested, but he saw Cassidy’s point. Weirdly enough, it presented the perfect opportunity for him. “But, I may have an idea for you.”

“Yeah? Is it to get a ratty old Fredbear plush and carry it everywhere?” Cassidy asked skeptically. “Because I don’t think that works for everyone.”

“That implies that I do it because I want to,” Evan muttered to himself, but he shook his head at Cassidy, digging into his pocket. “No, I was thinking something a bit more your style.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, something like this.” Evan pulled the hairclip from his pocket. “I went to Fredbear’s yesterday and won it at the prize counter. Think of it as a way for me to defend you from your nightmares.”

Cassidy blinked at him, her mouth opening like she wanted to speak. Then she closed her mouth and blinked again. It took Evan a moment to realize she was speechless. And about to cry?

“It’s, um. If you don’t want it, it’s no big deal-“

“No, that’s very sweet actually,” Cassidy interrupted him, pulling her arm from under his hand. “Can you help me put it in? On the right side?”

“Oh, sure.” Evan fumbled with the hairclip, and Cassidy laughed lightly as he got to his feet to put the clip in her hair. “Like that?”

“A little further up,” Cassidy guided his hands, and Evan was sure his face was on fire. “Right there.”

Evan sighed in relief as he retracted his hands. His sleeve had slipped a little ways down his arm, and he quickly pulled it back down. Not fast enough, apparently, as Cassidy frowned.

Her eyes fixed on his sleeve, and she reached out to grab his elbow. Evan let her push his sleeve back to reveal the raw, bruised skin. “What happened here? Did-“

“I got in trouble.” Evan bit his lip and glanced away. “Mike is grounded, and if I’m not supervised, then-“

“Your dad did this?” Cassidy’s voice seemed tight, but Evan squeezed his eyes shut instead of looking at her expression.

“Yeah. But it’s better to face smaller fears than big ones, right?” Evan replied weakly.

Cassidy fell silent again. Her grip tightened on his elbow, and she let out a quiet sigh. “You’re unbelievable.”

“In a good way, though. Right?” Evan finally turned back to Cassidy. She seemed on the verge of tears as she looked at him.

The faintest smile came across her face. “Of course. Of course, Evie.”

She dragged him into a tight hug, and Evan hugged her back, unable to make himself care about how things looked to the rest of the room.

Everything was going to be just fine.

[sandwichmustbetasty]

half of the season 1 behind and these are my feelings:

making galadriel so un-galadriel - horrible, she is the daughter of high king finarfin and would never behave like a petulant child going on her merry way to seek sauron. she would also not wear feanorian star for fuck's sake

numenor - terribly rushed, don't like it's downfall being sped up like 1500 years, give the Men some credit

the whole people living in mordor story - eh, not great, the men there are kind of annoying, but rooting for arondir

whole weird thing with elvish politics honestly and elrond being somehow treated as lesser because of his heritage (his heritage is literally the most prominent heroes and kings of middle earth. and also a maia. his dad literally ended the war so.)

where the hell is celeborn and celebrian - i so wanted to see the blooming romance between celebrian and elrond, i would give everything to see them together

now for the things i DO enjoy

elrond's baby face - he's my pookie i love him (also writes speeches for gil, very in character, love that for him) just a baby, must protecc

elrond & durin's friendship - yes. just the right amount of sass (and elrond forgetting that dwarves are mortal and not visiting for 20 years might be in bad taste), they are great together, please more

durin & disa - YES, shame they didn't give the dwarf women beards, but still, disa is amazing, they relationship is so precious to me

gil-galad - finally an elf with long hair, very noldor-looking, very nice, very nice (his golden robes are fucking obnoxious but oh well, he's a king, also real fandom-made Finrod would 10000% approve of that choice and would suggest adding some thousand shimmering jewels), he looks so done with everyone's shit and i love that about him (he's a russingon child you can pry this headcanon from my cold dead hands and you will still not succeed)

tyelpe - jesus where do i even start. he is fucking old but seeing his soft face just brings me so much joy. the softest, brightest boy, just wanting to make fancy jewellery, absolutely no harm will ever come to him. i adore him with every fibre of my being. he is so eager with his forge project, so eager to meet the dwarves, just so eager to learn; feanor would be so proud

also adar - it brings new, uncomfortable perspective of something most of us knew before, that the orcs and elves are not so far removed, and whether or not orcs deserve anything other than being stabbed. i always struggled with the bit in lotr where we see that they actually do not all want to fight and are very much slaves. it's uncomfortable to come to the conclusion that the world is not white and black and maybe orcs don't deserve only to be wiped out when their corruption is not of their doing. a nice touch i'd say.

[pepsiiwho]

Okay. Finished a checks watch 10 hour play session, without breaks no stopping.

General thoughts down below. No explicit spoilers but tone/ personality reads ahead. Long post :D feel free to respond or whatever.

One of the first things that I just wanna get out the way is, personally, the cast in this game is leagues better than the first game. And that isn’t like a “ah they’re all hotter!” (They are, don’t misconstrue what I’m saying, they very much are hotter then the first game’s cast) but the general vibe in cross roads is significantly more intresting. Which is very funny considering the set up, on paper, is remarkably similar. Hard ass, stuck up head of the place, shade mentor, emo bitch who hates you and wants to fuck you, emo boy who wants to fuck you, nebulous little thing that doesn’t serve a purpose but allows for comedic relief, hypnos, skelly— the works.

Yet the energy is wildly different. Idk I’m not like a zagreus dick rider or anything he’s cool but you really can feel how lonely the house of hades was in comparison to cross roads camp, a place not even half its size. The affection for Mel is like bursting out the seems of everyone around her (save Nem) and it goes past duty or obligation to the cause. It really feels like they all love each other dearly. I think that was so missing in the house of hades, intentionally or otherwise, but it felt so… cold? I always knew hypnos got that treatment because I’m crazy, but looking back that’s how everyone acting with zag too. They just talked to him. lol.

Ahhh to this point but a little bit to the left— hectate and Mel’s everything is incredibly compelling. Mel clearly and obviously seeing her as a mother figure, the only one she’s ever known and loving her deeply for it and frankly fighting in this war partly out of duty but more for her family she DOES have now, and then Hectate who knew Mel’s family and knew what they went through and refuses to take the place of “mother” when Mel has a mother, even if she isn’t here right now. But instead of detaching and making sure no real connection is made she’s so kind. She’s so supportive and loving and sweet and you can tell she cares about Mel so much. Zag’s mom came home and like, never gave off the vibe she cared even half as much. There’s a few moments when Mel tries to convey this love and this almost… mm… this idea that she doesn’t … need? A mom because she has one (hectate) and the witch shuts it down soooo quickly and Mel is always so dejected and it hurts but it’s sooo good. God. I want more of that. For the whole game. Please

Moros is a fucking delight. Like absolutely delightful. He’s sweet and polite and unassuming and kinda just sorry for taking up space but in the dignified way. I love everything about him. I am writing this checks watch May 6th, 2024 and at this point he is lovely. Assuming he doesn’t like, back hand hypnos he’s top 5 easy.

Nemesis is… unfortunately funny and charming. I hate emos I hate the bitchy dark thing I hated Meg for the same reason. This character shouldn’t work for me…. But it does. She’s the worst. I routinely cursed her out when she came on my screen. And yet. I think where Nem succeeds where Meg (and than) failed, is that nem genuinely is like, an asshole. And that’s endearing. She insults Mel and undermines her and talks down to her and clearly they have crazy beef. Meg and than just felt sooo put on with their back and forth with zag and it got old fast. Nem is a delight. If she doesn’t like, back hand hypnos she’s staying in my good graces.

Odess… has the least for me to say honestly. He’s sexy. Not much more than that. I adore how smitten he is with Mel, he clearly adores her.

Hypnos. Hand waves. No need to rehash that. Don’t touch me.

As for the oylmpus gods, they’re all as amazing as before. Apollo is my favorite, obviously, and he isn’t how I expected but he’s like just as wonderful in the opposite direction. This is the wrong way but it’s still took us to a great place. I’m content.

The goddess of fire is broken as hell as a boon also she’s a delight. Adore her. Same for the god of forges. Everyone is wonderful. I need more gods tho the current batch is amazing but I need ares and Athena yaknow everyone else. Idk if that’s an “add to the game later” thing or a “pepsi needs to play more of the game” thing. Either way I’m excited.

Story isn’t fully clear yet, as for what happened, it’s all just the stuff in the trailers tbh so nothing new there. All and all is having a fucking blast. I didn’t mention everyone I saw and enjoyed or didn’t because I’m tired sleepy but I have no one I don’t like RIGHT NOW. RIGHT NOW everyone is a delight.

Fic soon…

WAIT I DIDNT EVEN SAY: MEL IS THR BEST. 3

EVERYTHING AVOUT HER IS AMAZING!! Im gonna give her a separate post tmw i adore her down BAD

[the-badger-mole]

Avatar: The Final Conflict

This story was originally posted on FFN in 2012. At this point, I had been writing fic for a few years, and I was beginning to figure out my style. I think it shows here. This story was the first time I remember making a conscious effort to balance my dialog with action and description. It's the sequel to A Word Between Friends, but I actually started writing this story first. I had been drafting parts of this story since the finale in 2008, which probably accounts for this fic being among the few where I don't steer Aang into his worst traits. It didn't occur to me to connect it with Word until I wrote a particular scene in chapter three that references a scene at the end of chapter 3 of Word. Both stories can be read independently, but I do hope that if you haven't read Word, you will.

Excerpt:

Iroh poured another cup of tea for himself and offered some to Pakku. The elderly water bender shook his head and politely declined.

"I’ve had quite enough, thank you,” he said. “Does she know I’m here?”

“I didn’t tell anyone I was expecting you,” Iroh assured him. “Although I don’t know why you don’t want her to know. After all, this is her future.” Pakku sighed and sat back in his seat.

“I realize that,” he said, suddenly feeling drained. “But I didn’t want to offer this to her until I was certain it would be there.”             Iroh stroked his beard thoughtfully and set his tea cup down.

“This is a great opportunity for Katara,” he said. “I would never stand in her way, and I’m sure Zuko will support her, when the time comes.”

“The time is now,” Pakku reminded him. He closed his eyes wearily.  “All this governing and politics business- it’s a game for the young. Old men like you and I are getting pushed aside, and I’m not complaining, but I wish I could have prepared her more.”

“I’m sure you’ve done your best,” Iroh said confidently. “Katara is one of the finest water benders it has ever been my pleasure to encounter. And I’ve seen you in action.”

“Katara is my best student.” Pakku smiled proudly. “I’ve never had anyone catch on so quickly. She’s creative and she has a stubbornness about her that I rarely see in water benders. She won’t allow herself to do anything but succeed. It has served her well, and I’m sure it will continue to serve her well as she continues to grow into her abilities. However, her abilities as a bender are not what I’m worried about. She is young. There are some who won’t like this.”

“Yes,” Iroh agreed. “But as you said, this is a young person’s game. The Council  and the leaders of the Water Tribes may have some objections to it at first, but Katara has proven herself not only a skilled warrior, but a stirring leader. As a diplomat, admittedly she has some learning to do, but she’s still more qualified for this than just about anyone.”

“Do you really think this will work?” Pakku asked, opening his eyes to look at Iroh.

“Do you really think Katara can handle this?” Iroh countered, taking another sip of tea. Pakku didn’t answer him for a long time. Then a smile slowly spread across his face.

“I think Katara could bring nations to their knees if she set her mind to it,” Pakku said. “But don’t let her know I said that. I have a reputation to uphold.” 

“It seems we have our decision

[spiced-koi-friend]

A Smile For The Road

Ruze continues to shove you and Gabriel together like Barbie dolls, and perhaps succeeds. Meanwhile, Altare is involving others in his nefarious schemes.

Previous Chapter

Assassin!Goldbullet x Politician!F!Reader, TW: bribery, implied stalking Words: 1509 | Rating: R | AO3

“Ohoho, I have a great idea.”

“What now, Ruze…”

It’s never a good thing when he comes up with an idea, because usually it means that someone is going to make a fool of themselves, and it’s rarely him. He just cackles at you, knowing you’ll never be mentally prepared for his bullshit.

“What if, we take you on a trip around town and show that you actually care about your community. Take a day in each of the districts, and it makes you a moving target so you’ll be more difficult to track. Wins all around!”

For once, you’re impressed with the idea, although as usual, your brain is trying to poke holes in his plan before anything can go wrong while you’re on the move.

“What about transportation?”

“Goldielocks and I will be with you the whole time, and we’ll switch around what car you’re in that way they never know.”

“And housing?”

“Betsy will take care of that, you know how picky he is about where he stays. And he volunteered to be your PR manager and plan all the stops.”

“...I was on board until you said that Bettel was planning most of this.”

“There’s worse things.”

Ruze cackles at you, looking over at Gabriel to gauge his reaction. He simply looks between the two of you, alarmed that you seem to be expecting something of him.

“What? Is there something on my face?”

“Are you up for a bit of political roadtripping? Take a bit to build support before election night? We can do it in the time between now and the next debate.”

You can’t read Gabriel’s face all that well, but it takes a bit of him thinking before he nods.

“I think I could clear my schedule… I’d need to check in with my boss though. Maybe take some time off, although I don’t know if they’ll approve since I just started.”

He grins at you, chuckling to himself as his eyes twinkle mischievously. It admittedly took you as second to get the joke, shaking your head at his ridiculous jests. 

“Alright, I’ll have to talk to Bettel to make sure he doesn’t plan anything stupid, or just do anything stupid in general. He better be having his brother look after his dog, I’m not dealing with the consequences of that dog’s mostly Taco Bell diet again.”

You round the desk, nodding to both of them as you go to speak to Bettel.

…

Shit. This keeps getting more and more complicated the longer he’s here. Now he’s involved in your campaigning? Altare already knows that he’s infiltrated in, but if he’s caught and recognized on television simping or doing something stupid, he’s done for. And so are you. 

“Aye Goldie, what’s going on in there?”

Ruze knocks on Gabriel’s head, startling him out of his thoughts.

“It’s… nothing. I guess I’m just worried I won’t be able to protect her…”

Gabriel starts fiddling with his necklace, holding it between his teeth while winding the chain around his fingers. The tips of his fingers on his other hand graze along the knife handle strapped in his belt holster, heart beating out of his chest as he tries to figure out how to fix all of this.

“Man, I saw your resume. If you can’t, no one can. I’ve seen some impressive shit in this industry, and I’m sure you have to. She’s just a mayor, not like you’re the secret service for the president or something. I mean, I don’t hate her, I’ve been working for her since I spawned into this world, or at least it feels like it. But this is easy shit, you’ll be okay.”

Gabriel looks at Ruze, eyeing him up and down, not expecting to receive a pep talk after all the teasing he’s been getting.

“And hey, if you’re looking to protect her heart from assholes wanting to use her for her position, you could ask her out. I don’t think she’d say no…”

Ruze gives him a shit-eating grin, and Gabriel realizes what he’s doing.

“Are you fucking around with me? I’ve been working here for a day and you’re trying to get me to date my boss? Isn’t that, like, illegal?”

“Eh, only if it interferes with your ability to work and there’s an unfair power dynamic being abused. And technically, she’s not your direct boss, I am. So you have me as a buffer, and a third wheel!”

“Oh shit…”

It all kind of hits him all at once, realizing he’s being dead serious. Ruze just cackles, wrapping an arm around Gabriel’s shoulders.

“You know when you first arrived, she could not shut up about you. So I made you take her out to lunch. She basically ripped me a new one when you guys got back, but it was worth it. I could tell it made her happier.”

“For real?”

“Do I look like the kind of bastard that just casually goes “oh hey, please date my boss, dude I just met”? Because I’m not. And if I did give off that vibe, I need to fix that.”

“She thinks I’m… pretty?”

“I mean, I think she’d rather tell you.”

He quirks an eyebrow at Ruze, before quickly realizing that you’re standing in the doorway. His face burns bright red, which he quickly tries to hide behind his hat and hands.

“Ruze!!”

“What!? I never promised to keep it a secret! I’m helping!”

“Helping, my ass! You flustered him and now it’s gonna be awkward!”

“Eh, I really doubt it. You should’ve seen his face.”

With that, before getting berated by you more, Ruze takes his leave. The two of you stand in silence, avoiding looking at each other as you try to grasp what Ruze was attempting to do.

“So… you think I’m pretty?”

“A little, if that doesn’t make you feel weird.”

“No! Not at all. It’s just, the feeling is mutual.”

Gabriel watches as rouge flushes up your neck, the way you start fiddling with the hem of your jacket and the bracelet around your wrist. A simple metal band with twelve stones, all different colors. He’ll have to ask about it later.

“Well that’s, convenient, I suppose.”

“Yeah…”

The silence is deafening, but he slowly works his way closer to you.

“So… do you wanna maybe, go out? Officially?”

When you don’t respond, he starts to think that he majorly fucked up, and starts thinking of every way he can possibly backpedal out of this.

“Yeah. I’d like to. Maybe we can try different restaurants as we make our rounds?”

“You think Ruze is going to let us go get food without him?”

“I mean, he tricked you into taking me out on a lunch date anyways.”

“Y’know what, you got me there.”

The two of you laugh, and he freezes when you grab his hand, looking down at you with wide eyes.

“Don’t stress yourself too much for this job. Just, let me know if you get overwhelmed, I’ll do anything I can to help.”

“I’m a big boy, don’t you worry about me. You’re paying me to worry about you, so let’s keep it that way.”

“Alright, Goldie~”

…

Altare slides a manilla folder across the desk, leaning back in the armchair as Axel hovers over his shoulder. The journalist warily opens it, thumbing through the photos and documents.

“I need you to follow these two, gather any photos you can. For every photo you get of the two of them, I’ll give you five hundred dollars.”

“That much? Is she your wife or something? Because if you’re wanting someone to follow them to see if she’s cheating, you got the wrong man. I don’t just go around photographing politicians without their knowledge. I mostly focus on nature and dogs.”

“I’m aware, which is why I need it to be you. You will be perfectly disguised, pretending to take pictures of the environment. And plus, don’t you need a little bonus? I heard from a little birdie that you were saving to go to medical school.”

“Oh, uh, yeah. But do you need to have them like, doing something? Is there something you’re looking for?”

“That is for me to know, and you to not worry about. As long as they’re both in frame and the image is not blurry, five hundred dollars. It’s that simple.”

The journalist pauses, looking down at the contents of the folder again as he tries to weigh his options.

“And this isn’t illegal?”

“As long as they’re in a public area, they cannot do a thing. Just don’t commit a crime, and it’s not illegal.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s how the law works in general, bro.”

Axel pipes up for the first time since arriving, startling both of them.

“...yes, thank you, Axel. Take the time this evening to go over your options, but do get back to me tomorrow with your decision.”

“Y-Yes sir…”

Altare and Axel take their exit, leaving Octavio to make a very difficult decision.

[jor-elsemissary]

If Jonathan DID haunt Lionel. Somehow the damn got farmer would greatly regret that decision. Because Lionel would Somehow cause the poor man to teleport away with a speech. Because of course Martha got brought up. Of course it did. And then Lionel asks the real reason he's a pissed off Ghost. Clark be damned. Martha be damned. His role in his death be damned. He's upset that in the end Martha managed to do great things. She became a senator in such a short time. And deep down Lionel accused Jonathan of being upset....that at the end of the day William Clark was right about him.

Jonathan: You think you...

Lionel: You can lie to me. You can even lie to Clark. Hell lie to yourself and the one you call GOD. But I DARE you to lie to Martha.

Lionel: And you can't. It's impossible. Otherwise you wouldn't be here haunting me.

Jonathan: I hate you and you killed me!

Lionel: No Jonathan Kent. JOR EL killed you. I was just the straw that broke the camel's back.

Lionel: You're just too lost of your hatred of me to focus on anything...everything else.

Yeah I’m not gonna bash Jonathan Kent. Sorry.

He and Lionel are only at odds with each other because of Clark and that Lionel is untrustworthy. Lionel does respect Jonathan a lot, he just believes that he can be easily manipulated into doing what he wants.

Jonathan isn’t wrong in mistrusting Lionel. He had used Martha’s attachment to Clark to essentially steal the Ross plant. And be used like that hurts. Especially after he had saved the guy’s kid.

He also does not want to hold Martha back. It’s why he didn’t argue harder against her working for Lionel. He loves her and has supported her in whatever she wanted to do. Adopting Clark. Working for Lionel. Managing the Talon. Supporting Lex.

Martha was never interested in business or politics to begin with. It was thrust upon her and she stepped up to the plate when it mattered. If she ever showed an interest, Jonathan would have supported her. He might not like it at first, but he loves her too much to see her wilt.

Lionel is the one who would believe that Jonathan held her back. He only believes that because Jonathan is a rival for Martha’s affections and attention. And he doesn’t like having rivals. He also has a downcast viewpoint of anyone who isn’t born into wealth or has been successful like him.

He admires Martha because she came from wealth and is intelligent. He only respects Jonathan because the man has proven to be more than just a farmer. But he very much did look down upon him at first and thought his level of intelligence wasn’t very high, only because Jonathan comes from a lower class.

Lionel is very much classist. He hates being reminded where he came from and is disdainful toward anyone who also is from that class and didn’t succeed like him. It makes him believe that such people are too stupid to rise above their place of birth.

Jonathan and Martha Kent, and the rest of Smallville, were a wake up call for him. He underestimated them and it cost him a lot. His freedom. His wealth. His rights. Everything. So by the time Jonathan dies, his view of the Kents and everyone else has changed. He no longer looks down on them, he respects most of the cast, and is a lot more careful in dealing with anyone beneath him.

He’ll still try and use people though. He’s just more cautious in who and how.

[aries-rising-on-an-aquarius-tide]

I think Rollins is going to blame Sonny for her boredom and her career ending - she’s always blamed and accused him of everything - they shouldn’t have got together, she only wanted him so he’d still be 100% attention on her as if he’s with someone else then she ain’t getting all his attention or him dropping everything all the time - they’ll divorce for sure I feel, and she’ll move away or something then a few seasons later or so, Sonny moves to be closer to his son (and her daughters) as he’s certainly the fittest parent out of the two.

Ok Anon. I have run out of patience for answering. Lol You can keep sending, and I will read 'em, but my opinions aren't going to change.

Rollins is not a bad character. In fact, Rollins is a fantastic character who fell victim to bad management and worse writing. As for Kelli, I don't really gaf. I don't know her and never will. What I do know is that she can act better than most actresses on TV in her age range, and DW fucked up hard by trying to get rid of her. It's a shame that in her coming back, she has to suffer through more lazy, destructive writing and boring bullshit. But really, the entire vehicle of a show is headed off that cliff, so, what can ya do I guess?

As for Carisi, I honestly don't care enough about him to bash him. As either a character or an actor. He can come, he can go, whatever. He adds nothing to the show so it means nothing to me.

I draw very distinct lines between characters and their actors. There is a huge gap between the two (despite anything Mariska says). So regardless of how much I may hate how a character is written, I'm not going to bash the actor for wanting a paycheck, or for acting the way it's written. Not in this economy.

And finally, always remember, every second interview that Mariska does she reminds us "Dick has the final say." If he wants to destroy his fan base, he's gonna. If he wants to hire and fire and then hire again, ditto. White male show creator syndrome means that no matter what his show means to others, no matter the legacy it has now, Dick Wolf is the one who decides if he wants to run it right into the ground. Anyone my age (I'm 40) will remember well watching Chris Carter do it in the 90s with The X-Files. It's like Icarus flying too close to the sun. Too much success with a good thing makes you think any change you make will be received just as well and succeed.

What really ends up happening is, the fanbase schisms worse than a white Baptist church and is left to pick up the pieces. Some write Rolivia fanfic, some write Rollisi fanfic, and we all reminisce about the days before the show went to hell in a handbasket.

There's a reason, anon(s) why TV shows in the 60s, 70s, 80s ended and never stretched on for a quarter of a century. Because culture, politics, comedy, current issues, etc. change too much to sustain that kind of cohesiveness. We all think that reboots and reunions are great, but most of them end up just reminding us that time marches on and nothing remains.

[criticalfiics]

Bells Hells as a video game group

This has been stuck in my head so enjoy

Ashton

Outside of gaming with the hells he is silent unless talked at. 

Curses ALOT then apologizes right after only to do it again. Type to get angry as shit then reassure everyone hes not actually mad

When playing with the hells he does not shut up and will defend them on mic

Shit talks playfully with friends, seriously with randoms

Has been banned from both voice and text chat before

Defaults tank characters, dotes on the healers, gives the dps shit

Always up to game but is never the first to ask 

Would befriend the enemy team and then team kill them all 

AGGRESSIVELY protects his team and will haul ass to go and save them

Imogen

Gets so short and snippy with people when they start being mean

Basically turns into Ashton when provoked but makes REALLY personal insults

very kind natured otherwise, gives good callouts and reassures everyone its okay to suck

will tell you if you suck though without holding back

Mains either the more annoying DPS or mains the high DPS support characters, can play exactly one tank really well and swaps with Ashton alot.

Is one of the two who normally get the group together to game

would remark at the enemy team trying to befriend her as shes killing them: “Aw, they’re waving at me! guns them down”

has been timed out of the chat before for shit talking someone

Laudna

Pure support

Pockets Imogen and Fearne

just says sorry in chat when people get onto her about healing

not great with comms but super positive

would spectate more than play

encourages the group to get matching skins 

ONLY talks on mic with the hells

would be super aggressive towards the other teams healers and would target them

Everyone eats up her cheering and praise

Chetney

Worse team player to ever exist

wonders off ALOT trying to flank or do something cheeky, gets killed more than he succeeds

would troll a bit in chat 

plays mainly dps or tanks, typically plays high damage characters 

shit talks constantly but really weirdly like would ask people if their mother made breakfast for them or would remark their dog doesn’t love them 

has the worse KDA 

picks one of his friends to annoy at the beginning of each match then hangs around them the entire time, ignoring any objectives 

reminds everyone, right after he gets super tilted, that its just a game and its okay to get a little mad but to remember we are all friends 

Fearne

Support and DPS main but the type that are little shits

plays the most annoying characters to make the enemy team mad then sends :3 in chat when they get tilted at her

some how never dies despite putting her self in harms way CONSTANTLY its mainly Ashton and Chetney keeping her alive

Targets people who kill her friends then tbags them

holds grudges against her teammates and her enemies 

will withhold heals and make you beg or bar for them

swaps off support because “i think we need more damage” then gets one good play and nothing else 

blames the others for getting hurt so much instead of owning up to not healing people

would egg on the others trolling as well as troll herself, BIGGEST troll at times 

would flirt with people on mic and convince them to throw then call them stupid

Orym

Flex main. Often fills for what ever the team needs and can play pretty much anything

Always tries to get the team to work together but will cave if they want to do memey plays

very positive and even apologizes for the other hells

moment he leaves the team vc and is only with the hells is he ranting and going off about their bad teammates/enemies

picks on the hells for doing bad plays or making bad choices

carries the team ALOT 

always checks on everyone as the game continues 

has to be baited into shit talking and will only shit talk the other hells

REALLY good at roasting randoms who are being dicks for some reason. Is the first to mention they have two kills and twenty deaths then really politely asks why that is

the other one who gets the group together to play

does keep the other hells in line when they get to tilted or mean, mandatory break enforcer as well

FCG

Tries to fill, is really bad at it

really good at support but is SUPER good at a single tank character and only them. 

plays the same character and is only really good at them, has trouble learning others

Very nice on comms but super bad at them

When people are mean to him hes kinda naive about it or asks why they are being so mean which usually either results in people rage quitting or shutting up

the rest of the hells use him to gauge how bad the team chats gonna be 

Has the best aim out of the hells

loves telling people to git gud 

can easily be made to say weird or trolling shit by the other hells 

likes to emote/dance when he kills people as he thinks its a nice little victory dance and isn’t him being mean.

is the one dragged into the games by the others when they need an extra teammates

[cryptid-catnip]

Marigold, you're a Lily Orchard stan. You don't fucking think ANY trans creators other than her and Blaire White make good fucking content. It's literally in your BEST INTERESTS to hate what extremely popular, progressive trans women have to fucking say. Because of how much this completely destroys the credibility of the object of your evangelical obsessions. Contrapoints, PhilosophyTube, Jessie Gender, Lily Simpson, etc. all make incredibly well-researched and actually insightful content into media, politics, transphobic, etc. You're just creepily obsessed with a delusional far right grifter, so you have ALSO adopted the violently anti-intellectual beliefs that Orchard's been propagating for fucking YEARS at this point.

Which have played a MAJOR goddamn role (to say the least) in the both of you reactionary shitheads harassing/bully progressive trans women and LGBTQ+ people/artists/creators for fucking YEARS at this point. Brazenly in SPITE of you lying dipshits claiming to not even want to fucking INTERACT with TERFs or any types of right-wingers at all. Despite relentlessly insulting, mocking, and screeching at trans women online for money being literally the MAIN FUCKING THING that basically ALL TERFs and far right shitheads love doing!!!

Y’all are just so fucking angry, ALL the goddamn time, that actually progressive, politically literate trans women/LGBTQ+ people just. . . . .DON’T agree with or parrot the same reactionary, violently fascistic crap that you jackasses do all the fucking time. Hence treating every other trans women (obviously taking GREAT care to exclude the dangerously neo-Nazi loving ones of course) online like your own fucking personal drama mills that you can come back to for posts/videos over and over and over and OVER again!!!! It’s this disgustingly capitalist mindset where only ONE trans women gets to be “the best” and the one that everybody listens to, rather than helping out each other in order to succeed in their respective fields/paths.

TONS of other trans women make amazingly content online Marigold, you’re just too much of a vile fucking coward to more explicitly interact with the very conservative groups of people. That you’re demonstrably ALREADY a part of in every other fucking way at this point!!!!!

What. The fuck. Did I just read.

Fuck it

"You don't think any trans creators other than her and Blair White make good content"

Where did you get the impression I like Blair White? /srs

I have right-wingers in my dni (which is the first thing in this ask that makes me think you never even looked at my blog).

Also, this is based off the idea that I hate all other trans creators or something, which is patently false. Even among the creators you listed, Lily Simpson is one of my favorite YouTubers, and ThoughtSlime and EthanisOnline are another two great YTers that you didn't mention. I'll be honest, I don't really much care for PhilosophyTube's videos, they're just kinda... really boring and pretentious. Same with Contrapoints, except the idea that she's even remotely progressive is just a fucking lie. She talks about how she "sympathizes" with the misogynistic mass killer machine that is the Manosphere in her Incels video, and her tweets are... certainly something.

Here's her being a weird truescum.

Her videos are the definition of performative, not doing anything actually good, and just babying the alt-right while alienating her actual trans leftie fans with transmedicalist rhetoric, and just dresses up in silly costumes while talking about fucking nothing. Like, I don't know, talking about Twilight WHILE THERE IS AN ACTIVE GENOCIDE GOING ON IN PALESTINE.

Your entire idea is that I'm somehow right-wing because I'm not labeling a fellow trans person as an incestuous pedophile.

Go fuck yourself, asshole.

[gnomeniche]

needddd the rosemary/ginger lore more than anything in this world

ofc ofc! here’s the lore. would you believe the utter behemoth under the cut is the short version. i didn’t even get into:

Wizard Classism And Politics (technically a representative democracy ruled by a council of four tetrarchs, each from one of the four quadrants of the world, but there were historically noble classes that still have generational wealth and connections so that complicates things)

or What Methods Of Manipulating Magic Are Looked Down Upon (using magic with a physical object as a magic focus to help visualize, guide, and well. focus. your will. as opposed to the Proper way of doing things which is just doing that straight from your brain)

or What Ginger Actually Researches (the constantly opening portals to other worlds and the network of magic that sustains their world)

or The Weirdness Of What The Wizard World Is (a pocket in the void between worlds kept stable and living by a network of magic created by the world’s founder long ago)

anyway here’s old woman yuri lore. tl;dr — two failgirls with very little self respect meet and get into a completely unsustainable arrangement. what happens next will shock you!

rosemary was from a declining noble magic family and was pressured by her terrible father to maintain their family’s position and reputation under threat of them losing everything, but she was really Bad at using magic in the “proper” way. ginger was a clever and inventive mind wrt all sorts of methods of doing magic and really wanted to use her skills to better her world, but she was an absolute nobody who had left her terrible family behind, had trouble interacting with others, and hated the spotlight

they met at school and became friends because they recognized something in each other. shared loneliness and pressure and need to Do Something Important and fear of failing. the were really each other’s only real friend. and soon, they also realized that their skills were complementary.

so they decided to work together to succeed. basically, rosemary would be the face and ginger would be behind the scenes. ginger would help rosemary seem like she was good at magic by letting rose take credit for her stuff + rosemary would provide ginger with the resources and connections she needed for her work.

this arrangement was a little deranged, but it was fine to both of them. ginger was horrifically socially awkward to the point where she was alright being behind the curtain as long as she knew her stuff was helping people. rosemary was terrible at magic and desperately wanted to keep her family’s position, be secure and respected within this society, and not lose it all.

in school, this mostly took the form of ginger doing rose’s work for her + rose vouching for ginger and getting her certain learning opportunities. as adults, it took the form of ginger letting rose take credit for the stuff she made and use her Rich Person Nepotism to get it where they agree it will be best used + rose getting ginger funds and space in which to do her work.

rose worked her way into higher levels of power, ginger was furthering her research, and they were doing great. rosemary even had a kid! and ginger helped tutor that kid. everything was fine.

until 10 or so years after rosemary’s kid was born.

rosemary decided to use (insert a new vaguely defined invention by ginger) for some purpose that a) was never what ginger intended for it, b) had the potential to be a harmful misuse of this kind of magic, and c) would only benefit the other powerful people whom rose wanted to maintain her position among. politics!!!

ginger was a big idealist, so she was like absolutely not! we do this to help people! do you not see the consequences that could happen? and rosemary was like uhhh, it’s not gonna happen because you’re good at this. and even if it does it’ll be fine. what’s your problem? it’ll secure our futures!

and ginger had the sudden and horrific realization that their priorities have always been totally different. so she was like. rosemary i do not know how to tell you that this will hurt people and it won’t make anything better. and if you do not realize this. i am out of here. and rosemary was like wow, are you fucking turning on me NOW? right when we’ve almost got what we always wanted? for no good reason at all? what about loyalty?????

so uhhhh. ginger left and promised she wouldn’t tell anyone about their arrangement. but in retaliation for the perceived betrayal, rosemary stole all ginger’s documents and blueprints and stuff and has been using them to fake it and make it ever since. ginger was pissed when she realized, but it’s not like she could do anything. she doesn’t really have any recognition or name to speak of. so she went to go live a quiet life doing portal research / world hopping in the backwater of cinnabar quadrant because at the very least she still has her magic college degree.

ginger’s bitter and tries not to think about rosemary but she still catches the news and sees that rose continues to ruthlessly push onward on the same path. ginger feels like rosemary will eventually back herself into a corner and ginger’s not sure if she’ll be happy to see it happen. because when it happens it won’t be good for anyone

rosemary rationalized what happened as ginger betraying her because ginger thought she was better than her and rose was nothing without her and she only liked her because she thought she could always order rose around. so rose is better off without her anyway!!!!!!

so they’re not friends anymore. since then ginger has gotten better at talking to others and having more self respect out of necessity, and she has begun to take pride and not shame in being recognized for her work. but rosemary has changed very little, aside from becoming more desperate not to lose what she has. ginger’s work can only carry her so far

[sandraharissa]

Thor and Loki’s usefulness to Odin in being heir to their respective thrones is definitely some of the main things he values them for but I get the vibe ppl only bring it up to add to the list of proof that he’s narcissistic blah blah blah, when based on how serious he treats his job and his own striving to do his job flawlessly we can tell that he has the same attitude towards himself, and likely Frigga too, it’s just that she never does anything that would make her a bad queen and likely as a woman and queen consort she doesn’t have that much responsibilities and expectations put on her, and it’s also likely the same way he was treated himself when he was heir.

And imo it’s exactly how Loki views it too, based on his speech to Sif + W3 his primary reason to disturb Thor’s coronation was that Thor was unfit to rule, conveying that he feels a deep-rooted responsibility to ppl to for example not put a guy on a throne that’d immediately start a war. He’s got to have learned this from his parents, reflecting that he really internalized the responsibility as a royal family member aka part of the government that Odin expresses many times.

That’s one of the reasons why the play scene in TR felt off to me, cos it’s ooc for Loki. Loki always wanted to prove his worth in order to prove he deserves his place in the family, and I think it partially comes from this attitude he and Odin have towards the matter, hence if Loki did succeed in doing some great deal for Asgard and very tangibly proven his worth, and he’d start getting publicly praised ect. I think it’s way more in character for Loki to find the sudden widespread positive attention from strangers awkward, he'd only find it rewarding cos it’d bring him the kind of praise from his immediate family that he always wanted, but somewhat more importantly, he’d finally live up to his own standards.

Loki was always jealous of Thor but not in the sense he wanted the throne and everything that comes with it but that he wanted to be his equal. So he always wanted private recognition and not public recognition. Part of the jealousy was that Thor fit perfectly what was expected of a prince and Loki not so much, hence ‘failing’ at being a prince. But these ppl’s identities as royals and family members are so deeply intertwined. It’s like Loki’s family never expected anything of him to prove he belongs in the family but to Loki if he’s a bad prince then he’s a bad son, with others but especially Odin showing the same attitude that him being a father and a king are inseparable. And it was all manageable being the ‘underwhelming’ prince but then he finds out he’s not even legitimate by typical rules of monarchy and he’s not even related to them and he’s actually from the race of their sworn enemies, and suddenly in his mind nothing is guaranteed, his place in the family isn’t ‘earned’ with anything and he starts fighting for it and engaging in rivalry with Thor over it. If you get rid of the competition you automatically won, if you one up Thor then you’re the more ‘accomplished’ prince and son now.

It's almost like monarchy is a bad political system or smth and part of it is that it’s inherently traumatizing to the royal family and so the nicest scene we ever get of the three interacting are the two Odin death scenes in TR where they’re just kinda chilling and Odin forgot for quite a while about being a king and just kinda doesn’t really bring this back up in their last meeting cos he’s at peace with his time as king / his time being alive being over.

[imaybelactoseintolerant]

Commander Luthal

Prologue

Got a rough prologue and eleven chapters written up, but the first few feel really janky, because I hadn't written in ages. It's not super long, or plot heavy, or really anything, but it features our favourite clone dad Plo Koon and the oc that I want the story to follow. Feedback is welcome. :)

I'd also like to add that the oc is Echani, so pale haired and skinned, but you can imagine her as Thyrsian instead, or completely ignore the physical descriptions and imagine the Echani race appearing however you want, all that matters is that there's little variation in appearance amongst the people.

Word count: 3697

Masterlist

| Next

Master Plo Koon was not a Jedi Seeker, but it seemed the Force had intentions to make him one today. It had only been weeks earlier he’d found a young Togruta girl on Shili and brought her to the temple, and now it seemed he would be bringing back another youngling.

Eshan was a temperate planet, its surface covered in freshwater oceans, wide expanses of forests and plains, and ranges of mountains that stretched high into the sky. Its location in the Inner Rim meant it was well connected, with plenty of trade and opportunities for safe travel, but the people of the planet tended to scare off most visitors.

Echani people were proud of their heritage and culture, but in a galaxy that had coexisted in relative peace for the last thousand years, their fixation on war and combat earned them a wide berth from travellers and sightseers. Civil wars were not uncommon, though often short, so a great many of outside visitors were politicians and diplomats, sent to assist in resolving issues and coming to a peaceful solution, or funding proxy wars for the sake of personal gain and power.

Master Plo was present for the former reason.

Civil war was brewing once more, and it seemed it was to take place directly within the capital, Eshan City, where invisible battle lines were being drawn; mercenaries paid and stationed strategically, law enforcement bribed, black market sales increasing, smuggling going unpunished… on a planet like this, where honour, battle prowess, alliances and lineage were paramount, such things should never go unnoticed, unpunished. But war was brutal, and history would be moulded by the hands of the victors.

It was Master Plo’s hope to deescalate the situation, but politics were synonymous with war amongst the Echani; they fought as much as they spoke. For them, it was their truest form of communication, an art form. To battle with a friend, an enemy, an opponent, an ally, much could be gleaned; their mood, their wishes, their fears, their strongest traits. Loss could mean everything as much as it could mean nothing. A fight that looked to most like it was teetering on the edge of a merciless slaughter could be seen as nothing more than friends coming to an agreement on an issue. Emotions must be read carefully, his words calculated, and his interjections only ever at necessity, if his mission was to succeed.

It was fortunate then that much of it resolved itself. A few well placed words of honour and discipline, of needless danger placed upon elderly warriors too old to fight, and younglings to small to survive from Master Plo eventually snowballed into old allegiances being reborn between old families; matriarchs of families finding ways to secure alliances, favours being called in from powerful politicians and spies being discovered, until a rather convoluted plot to assassinate several members of the Echani Command and replace them with new members was unravelled.

It would be an unstable few weeks while the remaining issues were resolved amongst the Echani, but that was a matter that the Jedi would not interfere with unless it once again grew too dangerous, or the Echani themselves requested them.

His ship was parked on the outskirts in a private shipyard, thoughtfully offered by one the matriarchs on the Echani Command, for she feared his presence may warrant some rather negative reactions from certain people, and she hadn’t wished for him to be blown up upon landing. For the umpteenth time in the last few weeks, he passed by the rundown orphanage that housed at least a hundred children.

An unfortunate area on Eshan, where a rather cruel caste system was still slowly being chipped away at. The lower class, these children amongst them, lived poor lives, destined to either become soldiers, which was admirable in their society, though there was little chance for advancement, or fall prey to the criminal underworld that was right at their doorstep.

“Master Jedi!”

Master Plo halted in his walk, spying a middle aged woman halfway through exiting the entrance to the orphanage. She was nearly indistinguishable from other Echani women; white haired, fair skinned, silver eyed, a few inches shy of 6 feet tall. Their people were all remarkably similar in appearance, thought to be the result of cruel genetic experimentation imposed upon them by Arkanian’s. The Thyrsian’s origins were believed to be much the same.

Her brow was stern, shoulders squared, and her stride was long, but she nodded respectfully to him as he bowed slightly, “I am Master Plo Koon.”

“Riliel Oren. If you aren’t busy, I have a… child I would like you to see.”

“A child?” He stroked his chin thoughtfully, “One you suspect is Force sensitive?” There wasn’t really any other reason she would approach a Jedi about a child.

Riliel Oren nodded, her eyes darting about, as though expecting to find someone listening in, but there were few people around, and none who cared to listen, “Follow me. I will not speak of this any more while outside.”

Master Plo simply nodded, allowing the woman to lead him inside, where a deafening cacophony of laughter, screams, cries and chatter greeted him. Loud, but happy, despite their unfortunate circumstances.

“This youngling,” Master Plo said, falling into step beside her, “How old are they?”

“Just turned six,” Riliel said, “One of the shorter children. She likely won’t pass five and a half feet.”

He nodded silently. That was about as short as Echani could be once they were mature, “And what makes you certain she’s Force sensitive?”

Riliel Oren looked around them again, as though someone other than a child was going to jump from behind a wall. When she spoke, her voice was so quiet Master Plo strained to hear, “When she was three she used to say she could feel invisible hands guiding her own when she would practise or spar.”

Training started early for Echani children, even earlier than Jedi Initiates, who start at four.

“I used to think that was just how she used to describe reflexes, but things never quite add up. She was never very steady on her feet,” she lead them up a flight of stairs, and the noise dimmed slightly, “and she was never any better at sparring than any other of the kids, but then, out of nowhere, sometimes she would block a strike too well, dart back from an attack when she was looking the other way, move her feet before a droid would shoot a stun bolt there…”

Riliel came to a sudden stop outside a closed door, scraped and scuffed, and the handle dulled with use, “And there was a man that used to come and see her,” the tone of her voice gave Master Plo pause, waiting for her to continue, “He never much spoke to me, and I would have never let him come near this place if I had any say, but when I brought it up to the authorities they came back a week later with some politician that said if anyone was willing to adopt one of these kids, I couldn’t say no. Too many orphans after the last war, you see. If I said no I’d lose my job, and… well, I can’t imagine what kind of person they might put in charge here if they don’t care who these children go home with.”

Master Plo nodded, silently agreeing. The children were lucky to have a compassionate woman taking care of them, particularly in such hard times.

“And this man… he was a Zabrak, never told me his name, always wearing a hood… he would show up all hours of the day and night, sometimes I wouldn’t even know, but I’d find Arwen—the child—missing from her bed, or from sparring lessons, only to turn up again, refusing to tell me what happened, because it was a secret. But I’ve noticed she’s gotten better with her sparring since then, much better than she should be. No child should be that focussed at this age, not that precise either…”

“You believe this man was a Jedi?”

Riliel shook her head, lips pursed, “I couldn’t say. I never saw him use the Force.”

“No lightsaber?”

“I never saw one of those, but simply possessing a lightsaber doesn’t make one a Jedi. If he had one, he could have gotten it anywhere.”

“Wise words,” he conceded, “Though it certainly would have helped narrow things down.”

“I’m not worried about who he is,” she interjected, “I’m worried he’ll come back. I’m certain he was teaching her things, whether he could do it himself or not, and there’s just something about him that was never quite right. I could always see it—the way he spoke, the way he stood, the way he moved. Whoever he is, he’s dangerous.”

Echani were exceptional at reading body language, likely having developed the skill when their population had all become startlingly similar in appearance; even parents had issues telling their children apart. Subtle cues and ticks in body language were integral to communication amongst Echani, and unique to individuals in a way that others couldn’t pick up on.

“That is alarming indeed—when was the last time he was here?”

“It’s been four months,” she replied, looking at the metal door they stood before and lowering her voice, “He used to come every two or three weeks or so. She’s been very… withdrawn for the past two months. Arwen said he promised to take her away, but I can’t stomach the thought of letting her leave with him,” she looked at him almost desperately, “There’s nothing I can do for her if he comes back, and I’m certain he will. I know she’s almost too old, and that you Jedi aren’t exactly fond of Echani traditions,” she managed to hide her annoyance well, but not well enough. Master Plo could only wait for her to continue, “but she’s a good girl, very calm, very focussed, I’ve never seen her lose her temper, and I’m sure she’d take well to your training, she’s a good listener—”

“May I see her?”

Riliel looked surprised for only a second, before smiling softly. She turned to knock gently on the door, “Arwen? May I come in?”

He listened for her voice, but only heard a shuffle, then the jiggling of the door’s handle before it slowly swung open.

Arwen was a small child, barely reaching his hip, and looked much like the others; white hair cut bluntly at her shoulders, fair skin with a couple light freckles over her cheeks and nose, and silver eyes, round and slightly irritated, like she’d been crying.

He felt a wave of sympathy. Young enough that he could take her to the temple on Coruscant, but old enough that she would remember life here. Adjustment may be difficult… her eyes flickered over to him slowly, and her brows pulled together. He watched her eyelids flutter, and then her hand reach out slightly, just barely leaving her side.

Master Plo felt a gentle nudge against his mind. Nothing abrupt, nor aggressive or invasive, just there, inquisitive. Surprised, though he shouldn’t have been after what Riliel had told him, he brushed back with his own Force signature, only to feel hers quickly snap back as her back straightened and both her hands went behind her back.

Barely reaching his hip, and little more than skin and bones, she stood like a soldier waiting for orders. She didn’t look at him.

Master Plo smiled from behind his mask, big enough that she would be able to notice if she looked at him. He hoped it might make her feel a little more comfortable. Riliel spoke, “Arwen, this is Master Plo Koon.”

“Hello,” she said quietly, still refusing to meet his eyes.

“Hello, young one. I understand you’ve become quite the little warrior,” he slowly moved down to one knee so he was at eye level with her. She frowned, silver eyes flicking up to Madam Oren, who nodded at her. Slowly, Arwen turned to look at him.

“I’ve been practising a lot.”

Master Plo hummed gently, “And why have you been practising so much?”

He could sense her turmoil immediately; sadness and longing, hope and despair, and her lower lip wobbled slightly. Would she tell the truth, or would she lie? 

It would make little difference to him if she did. If Arwen was willing to come to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, then he would take her. Who was he to deny a child that future, when her heart was so clearly torn between loyalty to a man who promised to her adopt her but disappeared, and to Riliel Oren, who she must have known her whole life?

“If I get good enough, I might get adopted.”

Amused, Master Plo chuckled. A clever avoidance of the question, “And I suppose you already have someone in mind, little warrior?”

It took a few seconds for her to nod.

“And when did you last see them?”

She grimaced, “Madam Oren already told you.”

“Ah, so you were listening? Then I suppose you know why I am here.”

Master Plo waited for Arwen to speak, ask her questions, or make a quick decision, but she only shuffled her feet, toes kicking at the worn durasteel flooring.

“May we have a moment, Madam Oren?” 

“Of course, you can use my office,” she said. Arwen trailed behind them silently, and when Riliel closed the door to the office, Master Plo took a seat on the floor, cross legged.

“Come sit. I can sense your struggle. I will show you how to calm yourself.”

“I already know how.”

“Your mysterious teacher taught you to meditate? What else did he teach you?”

She didn’t say anything, but sat down across from him, legs crossed and hands resting on her knees. He watched her close her eyes and begin to settle herself, observing for a few minutes to make sure she didn’t open her eyes, then falling into his own meditation, allowing his own Force signature to reach out and check her own. He silently commended her—it seemed she was at a similar level to younglings her age in the temple, and he supposed he owed that not only to her mysterious teacher, but also to Echani traditions, who often meditated before and after battles in groups, though it was more for the purpose of reflection on combat, victories hard fought and failures. 

He let himself sink into the gentle ebb and flow of the Force, his mind brushing over the nearby life he could sense; a girl in the next room, happy but calm, a caretaker on the floor below, frazzled and run down, but dedicated, an adolescent boy in the dojo, sore and tired but refusing to stop, Riliel Oren nearby, paranoid but hopeful, and finally, on Arwen; nervous, sad, lonely, but also determined, and very slowly falling into a calmer state the longer she meditated. 

She would do well, he thought. With Jedi Masters and Knights always available at the temple, she would never need to wait for a teacher to become available. She would join a youngling clan, and would grow up alongside them, learning and playing together, undertaking the trials and making a lightsaber at the end of it, and then she would become a Padawan Learner—maybe he would take her on, or Ahsoka, if Arwen was selected by someone else—

But he was getting ahead of himself. Arwen had said nothing on the matter and, even though she was only a child, the decision was hers to make. He would not steal her away to Coruscant if she did not want to leave, and he would have to make that clear to Madam Oren as well. Few Echani were Force sensitive, and those that were became accomplished warriors. Even young Force sensitives, once they were discovered here, were closely guarded and watched. No doubt Arwen would not be permitted to leave if others knew, but she deserved to make that choice for herself. 

“I usually kneel when I meditate,” she broke the silence, but Master Plo did not open his eyes. He could sense that she did not either, “If I leave with you, will I have to sit like this?”

He could hear the smile in his own voice, “No, little one, you may meditate in whatever position you like,” he heard her shuffle for a few seconds, repositioning herself, “Will you tell me what else you’ve been taught?”

“I don’t know much. I can meditate, but sometimes it's hard, and I can’t find my hands--sorry, the Force. It’s easier when I’m sparring or practising, so I’ve gotten better at it.”

Master Plo hummed, eyes still closed, waiting for her to continue.

“I was told there’s a light side and a dark side,” she said quietly, like she was waiting to be scolded, but Master Plo said nothing, “There’s lots of Jedi on Coruscant. I can lift some things in the air without touching them, if I try really hard, and they’re not big… or alive, but not for long,” he heard her shuffle again, and, sensing her focus was lost, he opened his eyes. Arwen sat, hugging her knees to her chest, lips downturned and eyes glassy, “He also said I shouldn’t let my emotions control me, and I thought… maybe… that’s why he hasn’t come back… because I’m always too happy to see him, and he said when he took me away, that wouldn’t make him my dad, just my… teacher. And maybe he left to test me, and when he came back he saw how sad I was, and now he won’t ever come back--”

“Calm yourself, little one,” Master Plo said gently, “Learning to control one's feelings takes a lifetime, and is something you do every day. No one can master it in a day, not even one as determined as you,” she looked up with a small smile, “And I’m sure your teacher never meant to imply otherwise. Was he also a Jedi?”

She looked away again, lips pressing together, “I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone about him.”

“Not even a name?” She shook her head, “Very well, young one. I won’t ask about your teacher anymore, but may I ask some other things?”

He waited until she nodded and looked back at him again.

“Do you like learning about the Force? Yes? Do you think it’s something you want to keep doing? Become good at it?”

“I don’t want to be good, I want to be one of the best,” she said, raising her chin, though she still had her arms wrapped around her knees. Still, Master Plo smiled beneath his mask and grabbed his lightsaber from his belt, extending his hand out before lifting it slightly in the air with the Force.

“This is my lightsaber. Learning to use one is integral to a Jedi’s training; the kyber crystal inside is a conduit of the Force, something that a Jedi must undertake a difficult trial to retrieve before even becoming a Padawan Learner. I imagine you’ll become quite the duelist one day, but there is more to becoming a Jedi than duelling. It’s a difficult life, it requires years of training in the Jedi Temple, and years outside of it, before one can become a Jedi Knight, and longer still to become a Jedi Master like myself, and many younglings choose to leave before even becoming a padawan, or, some are reassigned to the Service Corps, still a part of the Jedi Order, and no less important, offering support and aid throughout the galaxy in other ways. The journey to mastering the Force is long and difficult.”

“I heard some of the older kids say nothing worth doing is ever easy,” she said softly, eyes on the alloy metal of his hilt.

“They are correct.”

He watched the little girl’s face scrunch in thought, then watched her hand reach out towards his hilt, though he didn’t feel her trying to pull it to her. Her eyes closed, frown deepening, and he was acutely aware of exactly when her Force signature made contact with his saber. Confident in her respect for weapons and their dangers, one of the first things taught to Echani children, he pushed it towards her, watching her gently cradle it in her hands before she opened her eyes.

“I… I’ve never held one before. I didn’t expect it to feel so…”

“Alive? Yes, kyber crystals are a curious thing. Something younglings learn before finding their own to make their lightsabers.”

He watched as she ran her fingers over the grooves in the metal almost reverently, turning the hilt over in her hands again and again, though her fingers stayed clear of the buttons, and she never turned it in on herself.

“What do younglings practise with, if they don’t get to make one straight away?”

“The temple keeps low powered sabers for younglings to practise. They won’t cut anyone, but they will sting a little.”

“And if I go with you, I get to make one before I become a padawan?”

“Should the Council accept you, yes.”

“Why wouldn’t they?”

“You’re almost too old—”

“I’m six! Everyone always tells me I’m too young—”

“Almost, young one. I said almost. But, if you remain calm,” he said, not unkindly, and Arwen nodded quickly, “focus and pay attention, I’m certain they will accept you. And if at any point during your training you feel as though you made a mistake in joining the Jedi Order, you will be free to leave, and someone will bring you back here. But know that, once you leave, you cannot join again.”

Her eyes went back to the hilt in her hands, but when she looked up again, her eyes were determined, “I want to join the Jedi Order,” she stood up, shoulders straight and held his lightsaber out to him. He stood as well, gently taking his saber from her hand.

“Pack your things, young one. I will contact the Council and let them know we may have a new Jedi Initiate.”

[seashellblue]

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Part 7)

Currently continuing to clear out my Google Drive to make way for the new (catch me side-eyeing the Solarpunk and Isekai genres lol). with all these unused ideas just floating around, I'm keeping at posting them here.

Maybe just so I can reference back to them in time, but possibly so someone else can use them. Click here if you want more thoughts on the matter.

Story under the cut ~

Alright, part two of two for The Undertow, featuring some godly lore and a design guide for Undertow-style Mer.

It'll become pretty clear that I only got as far as fleshing out the sea-gods, as I don't have anything for the other pantheons except for names.

And yes, they are all acronyms.

Godly lore below:

Sea-Gods

Caeon - The Cradle Creation, Life, The Ocean, Mer

When the world was young, there was Caeon and Esa. While it was Esa that grew dissatisfied with the empty world, it was Caeon that changed it. He found the deepest crevice, and within it created a spring that spilled forth clean water, filling every canyon and cavern. When he was done, he found that in the eddies and currents new Gods had spawned. He watched as these young Gods brought forth animals, plants and created domains beyond his wildest imaginations. When all was said and done though, the Gods realized that something was missing, and pooled their power to create the Mer, a people who could follow in their footsteps. Caeon is ever proud of the Mer, he considers them his children and always acts in their best interests, and is more than willing to intervene should they be threatened. Caeon resides deep below the surface, watching his first creation, the Font of Life, which supposedly also functions as a portal to the afterlife. Caeon himself is a living ocean current that glows with divine power, within one can see an endless glowing reef under a sunlit sky, and the pieces of water that float off his form are said to be the souls of unborn Mer.

Esa - The Glory/The Legacy Sea Storms, Greatness, Sharks, Legends

It was Esa that brought forth the idea of creation into Caeon’s head. It was Esa that spearheaded the creation of the Mer. And it is Esa who is never satisfied. While Caeon symbolized water life-giving aspects, Esa represents its roiling and capricious nature. Esa is immensely proud of each and every one of her children, but in her mind there is no worse fate than to become stagnant in mind and body, never reaching one’s full potential. It is because of that Esa sends her violent storms and dangerous creatures, so that the Mer may be tested and succeed. Unlike Caeon, who remains watching over the font of life, Esa is always moving. Many Mer have described a traveler arriving on their doorstep during a particularly bad storm, and many believe this to be Esa hiding in Mer form, eager to judge her children’s generosity. Esa is said to appear in many forms, when carrying out her secret tests, Esa often takes the form of a downtrodden Mer desperately asking for aid. When not hiding her true nature, Esa often swims in the form of a massive shark, with remoras that are said to be the souls of heroic mortals that won her favor.

Bahret - The Lifeblood Civilization, Intrigue, History, Materialism

Unlike the other Gods, who are content to guide or watch from afar, Bahret loves to be in the thick of Mer politics and intrigue, ruling over a kingdom of her own creation. One might think a kingdom ruled by a God would be unstoppable, but Bahret purposefully limits herself to learning and gaining wealth the hard way, along with starting over if a Mer can successfully harm her in any way that would kill a normal mortal ruler. However, this choice doesn’t come from an admiration for fairness, but rather a desire for a little bit of a challenge in her political game. Despite being quite materialistic and a little frivolous, she does have the best interests of the Mer and her subjects at heart, though she does look at them with a deal of contempt, believing that sometimes she knows what’s best for them better than they do. Bahret has ruled over the same kingdom since the beginning of complex civilization, over time turning it into a city with towers of gold and palace spires taller than many mountains, excluding the occasional dark age or two. Bahret’s kingdom has always been a hub of art and learning, as the one exception to her self-imposed restrictions is to preserve culturally significant artifacts. Bahret’s preferred form when ruling is that of a crimson Mer, wreathed in the wealth of her kingdom and always surrounded by her entourage, though when at festivals she often changes forms to those of extravagant and gaudy sea creatures.

Petrian - The Reef Artist/The Dead Desert God Art, Colour, Coral Reefs, Tropical Fish

Petrian would have never been a powerful God, although he had his alliances and rivalries, a camaraderie with Elos as lovers of colour and style, a contest with Ceilgar over who could create the greatest sculpture, he was never extraordinary, except for one thing. Of all the Gods, Petrian gave the Mer the greatest gift, Petrian created a series of patterns that would let them tap into a magic similar to the Gods, it is because of this gift, the Markings, that Renis directed her hatred towards him in particular. They say that when Renis ripped out his heart, she ripped out her own as well, so that she would never have to feel guilt for what she’d done, and hid the two in the center of her labyrinth, always under the watchful gaze of her darkened eyes. In life, Petrian preferred the form of a tropical fish, though which kind often changed based on his mood. He would often swim among schools of other fish, claiming that watching the patterns helped to focus his mind and hone his creative edge. Petrian had no permanent home, but didn’t travel constantly either, choosing to stay wherever brought him the most inspiration. His heartless corpse now lies in the middle of a barren desert, poisoning a once beautiful oasis with wretched, blackened water.

Lotrivi - The Poisonous Watcher Poison, Pragmatism, Spies, Kelp

Lotrivi was the first of the Gods born of the shifting currents of the newly-created oceans, and looked upon the world with an analytical interest, and saw in it an inherent unfairness. The world was dominated by creatures that were the physically strongest, while the fragile and clever had to hide and cower. In order to balance the scales, Lotrivi gifted a power that would level the playing field, poison. With it, even the smallest snail could defeat the mightiest shark. Lotrivi has little to no contact with the Mer, believing that intervening would give the Mer an unfair advantage. They had their minds and their wit, if they were meant to thrive, they wouldn’t need his help to do so. Lotrivi prefered state of a colossal leafy seadragon, which suits him well, as he often wishes to be left to his own devices. Hidden amongst his frills are many spines connected to a poison that glows a bright toxic green. It’s said that one drop can fell even the mightiest whales, and yet also cure any illness. Lotrivi’s domain is a massive kelp forest spanning several miles. And the twisting cave networks underneath. Each night the kelp glows with magic light, particularly the pneumatocysts. Hiding between the blades of the seaweed are countless poisonous creatures, and while the various lionfish and sea urchins are not hostile, they still make traversal in the region difficult.

Elos - Thousand-Forms Cephalopods, Shapeshifting, Trickery, Wanderers

The God of tricksters, shapechangers, and their own Cephalopod variant of the Mer, Elos spend their time getting into trouble, and playing pranks that perhaps only they find funny. Although Elos is always up for an escapade, they never act maliciously, should things get out of hand, they’ll be the first to drop the act, a joke isn’t funny if someone gets hurt. There is only one circumstance in which Elos’ jovial nature fades away, and that is of the mention of anything to do with Renis. Of all the Gods, Elos was closest to Petrian, together they were the ones that painted the nascent world with colour and oddity, Elos will take any opportunity to foil Renis in any of her schemes. Like Esa, Elos travels far and wide, always on the lookout for young mischief makers to bless, and festivals to crash. One of the more down to earth Gods, Elos love to revel amongst mortals, while leaving behind a practical joke or two. Elos takes many forms, whichever is required for their tricks, but when speaking to Mer they often choose to mirror the form of whichever mortal they’re speaking to, prioritizing changing to a Elosian Mer if they’re speaking to a group.

Ceilgar - Bones Of The Ocean Ice, Isolation, Arctic Creatures, Sculpture

Before her exile, Renis was no hermit, she had her rivals and friends, and she was closer to none more than Ceilgar. Together the two Gods traveled across the oceans, marveling at their creation, and Renis cheering from the sidelines whenever Ceilgar challenged Petrian as to who was the greatest sculptor. Sadly this bond between Gods was ripped apart over the subject of the Mer. After their falling out, Ceilgar isolated herself in the glaciers of the northern oceans, even further so when Renis killed Petrian, as Ceilgar blames herself for not trying harder to change Renis’ mind and instead giving up on her lifelong friend. In the aftermath of her clash with Renis and the death of Petrian, Ceilgar turned her beautiful palace into an impenetrable citadel, inside of which she laments over what she could or should have done to save her friend. The few who have entered the frozen fortress claim that elements of its previous rendition remain in the form of beautiful statues carved from ice. On the occasion Ceilgar leaves her ice castle to survey her icy domain, she does so in the form of a massive polar bear, one of her most beloved creations. When speaking to Mortals, she often chooses to do so in the halls of her citadel, taking the form of a vaguely humanoid figure made of ice.

Vaal - The Sun Of The Sea Bravery, Eclipses, Sea Slugs, Heroism

Acts of daring and strength were Vaal’s expertise. Diving off the highest sea cliffs and outswimming orca pods just for fun. It was when Renis betrayed the rest of the Gods, and took out her frustrations on the Mer people, forcing them to hide in the deepest trenches to avoid her wrath, that Vaal devised his greatest feat. With Cosmirn running interference, Vaal stole shards of the sun, and brought them deep below the sea so that the Mer could have light and warmth so far from the ocean’s surface, inadvertently creating the eclipse. Although he was largely successful, Renis struck him down with a spear of dark magic before the final sunshard was set into place, causing it to explode and gravely injuring Vaal. While he did recover, rumors say that the combination of fire and darkness weakens his heart to this day, turning bravery to fear. Like Lotrivi, Vaal resides in a towering kelp forest, in fact, Vaal’s domain is quite close to Lotrivi’s and they speak often, supposedly. Unlike Lotrivi’s territory, Vaal’s contains fewer poisonous inhabitants, but does have a volcanic element to the south. While Vaal now spends his time in his domain, he once also traveled the seas, testing himself against mortal Mer. When interacting with Mer or showing off in contests and challenges, Vaal prefers a Mer form wreathed in fiery markings. When resting however, Vaal often chooses the form of a giant nudibranch coloured like a fiery sunset. Mer who’ve met him have reported a strange black scar over his heart, regardless of the form he picks.

Cosmirn - Clarity Of Whispers Secrets, Camouflage, Jellyfish, Obscurity

Cosmirn is a secretive being, content simply collecting information and observing discreetly. Little is known of Cosmirn, but their most well-known legend takes place after Renis’ banishment. When Vaal stole the Sunshards from the sky, Cosmirn was the one who distracted Renis, making sure she couldn’t interfere with their transference to the deep sea. Because of this, Renis laid a curse upon them, that over time would cause them to wither away, thankfully, Cosmirn had a trick up their sleeve. Since the curse was keyed to their name and personality, they switched names with their closest ally, who at the time was Cosmirn, but is now known as Bahret. Still, in modern day, Cosmirn still keeps a low profile, hesitant of once again incurring the Sky Witch’s wrath. Cosmirn has several hideouts throughout the land, each relatively unassuming, nothing particularly eye-catching, but also enough to live in comfort. Many Mer trying to escape their pasts have traveled to these safe houses, leading each to have a small colony surrounding them, though many believe Cosmirn has yet more secret hiding places kept only to themself. Cosmirn prefers to take the form of obscure sea creatures, many of which were their own creation. They also prefer transparent creatures or ones with camouflage capabilities. When speaking to Mer however, they usually take the form of the more well-known jellyfish.

Renis - The Witch Of Sky And Song Pre-Exile, Magic, The Water’s Surface, Sunsets, Sea Birds Post-Exile, Betrayal, Murder, Manipulation, Cruel Magic

There are kind Gods who aid the Mer at every opportunity, and there are Gods who don’t care for the Mer, but respect them as their own beings. And then there is Renis. When the Gods came together to create the Mer, Renis refused, believing that the Mer had no right to exist in a world they did nothing to help create. When the Gods went ahead with their design regardless, Renis was enraged, and took out her anger on the God Petrian, ripping out his heart, and leaving his body in a desert, creating a pool of blackened and poisonous water. In retaliation the remaining Gods cursed the once-beautiful Renis, turning her into a winged monster who could not breathe the lifewater Esa and Caeon had created. In the aftermath of her banishment from all the world’s oceans, Renis took to a seemingly beautiful tropical island, but underground lies a labyrinth in which Renis traps and tortures her Mer victims using her still beautiful voice, alongside a cult of fanatics known as the Red Tide. Before her exile, Renis was beautiful in a way that only a God could be, but her most prominent trait, aside from her otherworldly beauty, was her wings, vibrant red like the evening sun. After her banishment she fell into disarray, her mix of avian and piscine features meeting in the most vile ways possible, and her eyes and mouth constantly leaking an oily black substance that chokes the water.

Sky-Gods

Syk - Sky

Rai - Winds

Ralos - Sun

Ralun - Moon

Hadet - Death

Cenda - Dancing

Cencylo - Storm

Denthur - Music

Tisujec  - Justice

Sand-Gods

D’san - Sand

Serdet - Deserts

Yenrujo - Traveling

Tescin - Insects

Dyr - Drought

Serauret - Wealth

Telbat - War

Telbris - Fire

Lehaetula - Snakes

Montret  - Pain

Soil-Gods

Sonet - Stone

Osil - Earth

Perithocra - Bats

Nrio - Metal

Chioce - Caves

Nethur - Hunting

Inyk - Writing

Dondiam - Jewels

Feli - Life

Adroe - Love

Mer Types

Ba Lyssa - Trench Fish (Ex. Monkfish, Barreleye Fish, Viperfish)

Horizontal tail fin

Two sets of fins, pectoral attach at the wrist, pelvic attach at the hypothetical hip

Bioluminescent

Two sets of gills, neck and chest

Cioralt - Reef Fish (Clownfish, Mahi-Mahi, Tangs)

Horizontal tail fin

Two sets of fins, pectoral attach at the wrist, pelvic attach at the hypothetical hip

Colourful

Two sets of gills, neck and chest

Elosian - Cephalopods (Blue-Ringed Octopuses, Firefly Squid, Cuttlefish)

Tentacles, arm do add to appendage total (octopuses have eight fins - two arms, octopus Elosian Mer would have six tentacles)

If present, fins attached at the shoulder blade 

Produce ink

Camouflage capabilities

Euselachii - Sharks And Rays (Numbfish, Mako Shark, Goblin Shark)

Horizontal tail fin

Two sets of fins, pectoral attach at the wrist, pelvic attach at the hypothetical hip

Two sets of gills, neck and chest

Stinger, if present

Nepo Caeonic - Open Ocean Fish (Swordfish, Tuna, Barracuda)

Horizontal tail fin

Two sets of fins, pectoral attach at the wrist, pelvic attach at the hypothetical hip

Two sets of gills, neck and chest

Sleek builds

Sele - Eels (Gulper Eels, Moray Eels, Cutthroat Eels)

1-2 sets of fins, pectoral fins, if present, are at the wrist, caudal fin (tail) goes horizontal up to the hip

Two sets of gills, neck and chest

Sometimes have a pharyngeal jaw

[abbysimsfun]

Sims In Bloom: Generation 2 Pt. 27 (An Ally Against the Landgraabs?)

Heather raised her infant son, finding as much time as she could to work on her new app, PetConnect. But since they'd stolen her code the last time around and she still wasn't over it, she was desperate for intel on the Landgraabs and Landgraab Corp.

Nancy's black sheep brother, Johnny Zest, was in town for a comedy gig. She decided to try to talk to the one person who might know the most and disliked the family business as much as she did.

She walked up to him after the show. "Mr. Zest? I'm not sure if you remember me."

Johnny grinned. "Heather Nesbitt! How could I forget the woman who finally made my sister curse out her precious son?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like me. I saw on Social Bunny you and Eva are expecting. Congratulations." She made polite conversation to keep her intentions from seeming too obvious.

"Yeah, twin girls! I thought I might pass out when the doctor said it."

"I can't imagine what life will be like with twins, but if you ever need advice on newborns I'd be happy to share what I've learned since Ash was born!"

They were surprised when Cass approached with Bernadette, greeting her sister-in-law with a hug. "You're a long way from Cobblebottom Street," Heather observed.

"My hours at the art studio are pretty flexible, and River's busy on building sites all day. Bernadette loves chasing birds down at the cove, and I wanted to visit my mother and get to know her new boyfriend. Since I moved to Henford he's moved in at the mansion, and I had to see for myself how happy he makes her!"

"She brought Spatula in for a check-up last week and hummed love songs the whole appointment!" Heather mused, turning to the blond-haired comedian. "This is Johnny Zest."

Cassandra greeted him excitedly. "My husband and I saw you on Late Night last week," she said. "We laughed so hard my sides hurt!"

Johnny beamed with pride and Heather silently thanked Cass for feeding his ego. The higher he was on himself, the more she hoped he'd reveal about his family's dirty business. "He's also Ash's great-uncle," said Heather, and Cassandra carefully guarded her expression as the Landgraabs came up.

"You should have seen the way my sister laid into him for keeping his distance since he became a father. He's such a nervy little twerp. I never liked that kid and thought Nancy spoiled him way too much. She'd never let anyone say a bad word about Malcolm until she watched him take no responsibility for her grandson."

This was gossip Heather had needed to hear. Cassandra, on the other hand, began to feel a bit like a interloper and excused herself. "I think that's my cue to get in one last run with Bernadette before we head back to Henford."

Bringing up the Landgraabs had unlocked Johnny's wrath, and he barely noticed Cassandra leave as he launched into a rant against his spiteful sister. "Nancy talks a big game about the importance of family, but she stole the company from our father," Johnny sniffed. "She convinced the Board he was past his prime and they voted him out while he was vacationing in Tartosa." Heather could relate to his distaste when he spoke of Nancy. "She's the reason I won't have anything to do with the family business."

"Why not?"

"Landgraab Corp. is hardly a company anymore, thanks to her. It's basically a shell running whatever business they can get their hands on. They don't care about quality, just protecting the investors who keep buying in to her plan to buy up every business in Simlandia. She's not even that savvy, and actually fired an IT guy for suggesting KingMalcolmTheGr8 wasn't a strong enough password if she used it for everything."

Heather groaned at the woman who might've been her mother-in-law. "Do you think she'll succeed?"

Johnny offered a pitiful laugh. "The place I played tonight had napkins, glasses, booze, even toilet paper that makes Landgraab Corp. richer. At this rate, it's probably just a matter of time."

Heather was more determined than ever to free her clinic, but she still didn't know how she'd ever compete with the conglomerate. ->

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NOTE: I've officially ascended to the level of simblr where I'm restaging scenes in a second game file to get better screenshots (I hope this isn't a plane of existence I've invented to feel better about doing this). I've also gone ahead and tested fate by turning off laptop mode for the graphics quality and just...there's no hiding from my over-the-top quest for better screenies with this post. The difference is STRIKING but I'm satisfied with ultra mode on my laptop so far!

[crmsnmth]

September Sky Chapter Four, Part 9

"Only in that statement. I stay out of politics. It just seems like war with money instead of bullets. And no matter how hard people try, there isn't going to be a revolution any time soon. Black bandannas and black flags have become a uniform, and a cliched one at that. The far left has become the far side. It's ideals built atop fashion."

"Oh come on, some have their merits."

"They all have their merits. I just don't find the care or interest in trying to change something that is probably never going to happen. At least not in my lifetime."

"Fair enough." I couldn't read her. Anxiety started biting that I'd said something wrong with my cynical take on political freedoms.

The hostess appeared out nowhere again, leading us to a table in the far corner. It was lit up a hanging lamp, casting a dim yellow glow around the table. I pulled Addison's chair out for her. Chivalry is dead, and I dress like a corpse. I've used that joke already. After she sat down, I took my own space.

Both of us studied our menus. It seemed the place was more vegan than not. And that was fine. For a brief period of high school, I had tried going vegan. I made it about a month before I caved to a free Whopper from Burger King. From Chad actually. I was an awful vegan, and that just means I was even worse at being a vegetarian. You know, because if you don't succeed, say fuck it and quit.

I don't remember what either of us ordered. I don't even remember the waiter coming to the table.

"You're awfully quiet," she said.

"I know. I'm sorry. I'm really not good at this. I've been out of practice for quite a while now."

"You're fine. There's no reason to be nervous, is there?"

"Well, yeah, there's always reasons to be nervous."

"Like what?"

"I could easily find a way to ruin this. I'm pretty good at that."

"I wish you could get out of your head. I mean, you great at the show."

"That wasn't a date. Was it?" I looked at her. I wanted to know what she called it. Just like our first meeting I couldn't tell. And tonight there was no doubt that this was a date. And that changes things, kind of.

"I don't know. Kind of. Maybe. Maybe it was a half-date," she said, thinking.

"Alright. I can handle that."

"That would make this date number 1.5," she said with mischief in her eyes again. It glinted out in sharp shards of mirror glass, bearing and showing directly into my own deep mind. Portals to a beautiful and wonderful world.

"So technically, not really a first date," I said. I got what she was trying to do, and I appreciated it very much. I didn't know how well it would work, but the effort made me grateful."

"Exactly. No reason to be nervous." She put her hands on the table and I took them in my own. Lightning strikes again.

"I'm still bad at this. I don't actually know how to talk like a normal human being. In fact, I'm not even talking now. It's all prerecorded."

Addison laughed and killed me with her smile again.

"Ask me anything. Then I ask you questions. It's a pretty simple concept to figure out." The gleaming shard of mischief still hung in her eyes.

"Ok, umm, fuck. How was your day?" I said, blurting the first boring question that popped into my head. Addison softly laughed. It was a warm laugh.

"It was good. I spent the day reading and listening to music. What about you?"

"Other than pacing around my house? I didn't really do much."

"You were pacing around your house?"