#calla and the forest gods

[unparalleledfocus]

As a Shadow of a Distant Storm Turns Into Petrichor – A Neuvillette Character Analysis

As a Fontainian playwright would tell you, if a member of the audience could somehow participate in the action on stage, perhaps they'd have a deeper understanding of what was actually going on.

Only when he emerged from the water and stepped onto the stage would he truly begin to understand the plot, the characters... even himself.

Neuvillette is many things. He’s the Chief Justice of Fontaine, considered the embodiment of justice by the people. He is also the reincarnated Dragon Sovereign of Water, a reborn primordial being, the very manifestation of water and life. And yet, at the same time, he’s simply a man searching for answers, someone on the long journey called ‘life’, just like the world around him – and perhaps like you and I, too.

What does this entail? What truly lies in the heart of someone both human and dragon?

This shall be an analysis on Chief Justice Neuvillette, the dragon who reflects humanity.

(Contains spoilers for Fontaine's Archon Quests, Neuvillette's Story Quest and a few of his Character Profile details)

As Streams Converge, So Does Every Memory of Rain

Each course of flowing water carries with it an array of complex emotions.

When they reach their final resting place, who would then dare disturb them?

Neuvillette is kind, compassionate and deeply emotional. As the Hydro Dragon, he is immensely sensitive to the emotions contained in the waters, and deeply resonates with the emotions of other living beings as well. He could even feel the sorrow and anger of a narwhal from another dimension.

“This regret has filled me with a sadness that has haunted me for days.”

“I mourn this turn of events…”

I find it so beautiful how the story never in any way chastises Neuvillette for causing the rain, in fact quite the opposite – it encourages him to embrace his emotions, despite what he may think about himself. Rain, much like human tears, is a symbol of not just sadness, but also calming down, contemplation and, in a way, hope. It’s a wonderful example of how emotions aren’t something to simply be brushed aside, but are what make you – you.

If Neuvillette is considered to be the original God of Life, then to him living on and even just existence itself are, in a way, justice itself, likely something he shares with Focalors. It’s no wonder he was so distraught about Callas and Focalors' actions – they too were living beings deserving of existence, yet they gave up their own lives to ensure many others don't loose their chances at existing.

The wish for coexistence and life is fundamentally ingrained in his being, and becomes the compassion he has for others – humans and Melusines... and even the gods.

Though at first he was indifferent to humans, it took him less than 100 years to not only become attached to Fontaine and its residents, but even befriend a human, to the point that he was deeply hurt over declaring his friend guilty and being chastised by said friend. The loss of Vautrin, along with Carole, someone who was practically a daughter to Neuvillette, hurt him so deeply that this ended up haunting him for over 400 years. And after said 400 years, he finds out the truth about Vautrin’s actions, as well as realizes how both he and Fontaine have changed since then. And then, as he walks under the rain, contemplating the past and himself...

“Good morning, Monsieur Neuvillette! The rainy season’s almost over. The skies are supposed to clear in a few days!”

“I hope you have time to enjoy the sunny days ahead.”

Despite the fact that memories contained in water are chaotic, the world itself managed to find a way to tell Neuvillette that he deserves happiness and hope for the future, and that Fontaine has always been his home.

Though someone might be gone for a long time now, the results of their deeds and memories will remain. In a way this is reminiscent of Aranyaka – not only will the forest remember, but so too will the earth, the waters and the skies. It might not seem like much at first, however – every action you and everyone else take leaves a mark on the world in some way, be it on a yourself, a friend, a stranger or a group of people, all of this eventually converges into something more. At times it can cause something harmful, yet in other times it can create something quite beautiful, something to strive for.

Everchanging as the Tides

“To me, humanity is like a pool of water, in which I see my reflection.”

“As I said, I find it difficult to express my emotions... because I cannot fully understand myself.”

“But there's one thing I've discovered along the way: My emotions easily resonate with those of others... even I don't have the slightest idea what they mean. My guess would be that there are at least some similarities between humans and myself. By observing their behavior, perhaps I could one day understand the meaning of my existence.”

Due to being a dragon in human form, Neuvillette struggles to understand himself. He watches on as people seemingly naturally go through their lives, while he tries to glean new knowledge about both them and himself. And as time marches on, we all transform into new forms, take on new roles in our lives and the lives of others, however – sometimes we may not even notice it.

I saw some people say that the reason Neuvillette was so worried about history repeating itself is because he experiences time differently due to being the Hydro Dragon. While I feel like this does have some truth to it, I personally believe that the main driving factor of his worry was first and foremost because of his trauma. Trauma can cause you to experience time differently – though an event seems to have happened long ago, the shadow it left behind never truly went away, nor do you know if it ever truly will. However, time marches on, some wounds heal by themselves, while others await gentle care.

“You might be overthinking this. Time can change a lot of things. Everything's different now.”

“Monsieur Neuvillette, the Melusines are a species you introduced to Fontaine. How the public treats them is also reflective of their attitude towards you. When people refused to place their trust in Melusines, it was because they were still on the fence about you — their unfamiliar Chief Justice. For almost five hundred years, you've conducted every trial with impartiality. You made the right judgment each time regardless of whatever nonsense went on. People no longer have any reservations about you and even consider you a symbol of the law. Right now, your every decision will impact all of Fontaine. In other words, you've gradually transformed the whole nation.”

Feeling like an outsider is something many people have felt or will feel at some point in their lives. And yet, the longer this feeling lasts for someone, the lonelier the world begins to become for them. Despite the attempts to observe others and learn from them, hoping to connect to them, the memories and experiences of being an outsider remain, and will likely haunt you for years to come, unfortunately in spite of who you and those around you are now.

Prior to the end of his Story Quest, Neuvillette hadn’t gotten over the early years of his position as Iudex of Fontaine. Though he loved the people of Fontaine, he refused to acknowledge himself as one of them, a mix of not only being the reincarnated Hydro Dragon, but also wanting to remain a truly impartial judge despite his yearning for connection, and because of how Fontainians had treated him and the Melusines centuries ago.

His feelings of being an outsider had caused him to develop a deep insecurity of himself as a person. He thought that the very sight of him would either cause a commotion or he would be completely ignored – after all, he’s a dragon out of water, how could he hope that others would accept him as he is? How could they accept someone seemingly distant from them? How could they accept someone who hasn’t even figured out who they truly are, and where their true home lies?

“Outsider? But aren't you the Chief Justice of Fontaine? Why would you be an outsider?”

“I understand where you're coming from, but there is not necessarily a connection between my responsibilities and how I perceive myself.”

“Even though I was born with a human form, there's a fundamental difference between dragons and humans. Taking on the role of Chief Justice does not make me a part of this community. In fact, the status I was granted has prevented me from forming deeper bonds with others. I have lived in Fontaine for a long time, but I do not belong here. That is why I call myself an outsider — a fish out of water.”

“Perhaps, but I find such progress difficult to describe. As an outsider, chances to engage in meaningful interactions with others are few and far between.”

“Emotions carried by water are always chaotic and disconnected. As an outsider, having my mind occupied with irrelevant memories isn't exactly a pleasant experience.”

“No, I should stay where I am. My appearance could give rise to unnecessary commotion.”

“While some are here to redeem themselves, there will inevitably be those who harbor resentment towards me. The less time I spend here, the better. My presence could very well result in an unwanted disturbance.”

And yet time flows on – old memories make space for new ones and together they create the present. And perhaps it can reveal answers to long-held questions. Maybe you won’t find your home at one point in time, but perhaps it is waiting for you in the future? Or perhaps it is right in front of you, and you simply needed to open your eyes to finally witness it?

“While I was investigating the Fountain, I discovered something strange. I did not sense too much hatred towards me within its accumulated emotions.”

Neuvillette, despite trying to distance himself from others and assuming that others tried to distance themselves from him, kept on trying to not only be a truly fair and honest judge, but a kind and compassionate man as well.

The years went on, and in the eyes of the people of Fontaine he is now one of the very symbols of the entire land. Even if they don’t know him personally, Fontainians deeply respect and care about him. This extends to his identity as the Hydro Dragon as well – though he assumes the rain he causes, and in turn himself, are an inconvenience to others, though the people of Fontaine might not know who or where the Hydro Dragon is, whenever it rains, they truly hope their words of comfort reach the dragon and calm his sorrowful heart.

Conclusion – Reflection of the Overcast Skies

“What I really think is… Every trial you've ever judged has left its impression on you. And that's what makes you who you are today.”

As the Hydro Dragon Sovereign, Neuvillette still thinks of himself as an outsider due to his identity… But so much time has passed since then... Perhaps the lines between him and humans have long since blurred.

“Since some time ago, I've begun to notice the changes that have occurred upon my person. These changes were not due to any specific occurrence, but emerged as a result of time itself.”

In conclusion, though Neuvillette may believe one thing or another about himself, both his and the people of Fontaine’s actions speak volumes of their hopes, dreams, compassion and wish for belonging and coexistence. Though we may feel like outsiders, perhaps there is someone out there, maybe even someone you might even consider a stranger, who deeply hopes you live a long and wonderful life. Times change as well, and we all grow and learn. Even if we are still searching for where we belong, it’s possible it isn’t that far away, or perhaps you’ve found it long ago and simply haven’t realized it yet. „Where you belong” could simply be a friend or two, or a small community.

We all reflect one another like pools of water and mirrors – as we try to do our best for both ourselves and others, this can create a domino effect that causes others to do so as well. From seemingly small things like finding a love for water-tasting or simply an encouraging pat on the shoulder, to large things like finding a metaphorical guidepost for where your life should take you and trying to protect another, we all can make great impacts on one another and carry those sentiments onward.

“I am undeserving of such high compliments. From my perspective, I have simply been fulfilling my duties. It isn't anything special or worthy of praise. I'm simply fulfilling the promises I've made and searching for answers through my judgments. It's unnecessary to hold me in such high regard... The complexity of human emotions and willpower far exceed those of mine. As a matter of fact, I believe that you are the ones who deserve my respect.”

“Ah, there's no need to be so modest. The current state of affairs says it all."

"You're no longer that outsider you were before.”

The skies will clear someday and I hope that you, too, find time to enjoy the sunny days ahead.

#Happy Birthday Monsieur Neuvillette! #genshin impact #neuvillette #character analysis #hope I did him justice! #no pun intended

[open-hearth-rpg]

Open Hearth Video Roundup - April 12, 2024

Welcome to the weekly Open Hearth Gaming video roundup!

These recorded sessions represent only a portion of the games we play every week, and anyone is welcome to join the fun! If you'd like to play in games like these, join our Playabl community and click on the "Calendar" tab to sign up for upcoming games. To browse our entire library of session videos, please visit our YouTube Playlists page.

Open Hearth Gaming Calendar

Orbital (Session 3 of 3) Donogh runs for Mark and Puckett Cash Only rushes to get those star-crossed lovers out of their hunter's crosshairs. Rye calls up one of her regulars to spirit them away, thanks to the best smuggler in the sector! Meanwhile Hemlock sits down with Calla to come to an arrangement. But every scheme is sidelined by the awakening in the depths of the station, something in motion thanks to that surprise nuke...

Eotenweard: The Old North (Session 4) Alun R. runs for Dom, Dominik M., and Pawel S. Amid the smoking aftermath of the Ogre's rampage our Heroes agree the solution to the ills that beset Stenholm (and a missing hawk) must lie within the nearby Treacherous Forest. There's evidence that someone got there before them, a grisly dismemberment, and a revelation of who is to blame. Then...the Heroes discover they have been misled; must identify the real villain; and confront that embodiment of the Darkness...

Trail of Cthulhu: Fearful Symmetries: Arc Two (Session 6) Lowell Francis runs for Alun R., Paul Rivers, Sherri, and Will H The characters arrive at Mathers Hall in Norfolk and Willford discovers the geography has changed in the two weeks since he last visited. They meet some of the guests-- a strange mix of folks deep in the secrets of magic, as well as staff who may be invested as well. The doctor receives a ride from Verity Dyse and becomes wary. Dinner and after reveals more secrets...and then a missing guest!

Trail of Cthulhu: Fearful Symmetries: Arc Two (Session 7) Lowell Francis runs for Alun R., Paul Rivers, Sherri, and Will H The morning of the shoot at Mathers Hall opens with a missing guest that few comment on. Paired up with fellow guests, the magicians learn more about their personalities and agendas. Richard skips the hunt, instead learning more about the origin of the mysterious Pascale Dumont. The investigation continues, with the good Doctor turning the tables on their host by admitting in private to the murder of Lord Bradbury. But then Lord Portmore's associate vanishes and there's an attempt on Verity Dyce's life which goes awry.

Dreams and Machines: Red King's Slumbers (Session 1) Lowell Francis runs for Eliot, José Feito, Kevin M, and Vince Session Zero and inciting incident for a short series of Dreams and Machines, a new setting inspired by Horizon: Zero Dawn and other sci-fi post-apocalyptic games. We create our characters, build bonds, and start things out so the players can begin to get used to the mechanics of this version of 2d20.

Dreams and Machines: Red King's Slumbers (Session 2) Lowell Francis runs for Eliot, José Feito, Kevin M, and Vince In the wake of their battle against the Thralls, our heroes discover an ancient cache containing a potentially dangerous technology, but decide to bring them along. They reach New Mossgrove and find out that recent attacks have changed the balance of power within the town...

Girl by Moonlight: On a Sea of Stars (Session 1 of 5) Donogh runs for Ian, Matthew Doughty, and Sabine V. Having awoken vengeful Gods with their meddling in time travel - a last branch of humanity hurtles through space in an interstellar ziggurat, hunted by the Leviathans. Our group of Pilots, chosen by their congregation to be doomed martyrs, is the only thing that can protect them - but it it only out there on a sea of stars that the pilots and their Engines feel whole, with an intimate bond and control over their own fate that the rest of humanity can barely imagine...

Girl by Moonlight: On a Sea of Stars (Session 2 of 5) Donogh runs for Ian and Sabine V. We are introduced to two of our pilots: Jet/Apogee the Outsider goes outside the Ziggurat to do some post asteroid-strike repairs, but returns to polish the Engine Shamash to its full glory. Cordelia the Enigma, living a double life as a maintenance worker who as Red Shift sneaks into the hangar bay to take the Engine Tezcatlipoca out on an unscheduled foray.

Godbound: Sundered Cycles (Session 32 of 33) Lowell Francis runs for Dan Brown, Ethan Harvey, Patrick Knowles, Sherri, and Tyler Lominack Interacting with the new pantheon our gods joined to their own, they work to learn more about the looming Draconic and Elemental Evil threats. Threadless builds her dragon, though there remains a flaw at the heart of it. Random speaks with his bride about their future. Tasos considers expanding his nightmare realm. Darius finds both a kindred spirit and a solution. And Ordevi takes his leave from the pantheon, heading out to spread word of the new gods via a knowledge aqueduct.

Godbound: Sundered Cycles (Session 33 of 33) Lowell Francis runs for Ethan Harvey, Patrick Knowles, Sherri, and Tyler Lominack The final session of the campaign.

Damn the Man, Save the Music! Donogh runs for Casey T, David Adrian Randall, and Thomas Manuel The employees of Revolution Records are (not) prepping for the imminent arrival of Mr Maestro! Jake J the local rockstar is desperately seeking a band, Brags the space case is trying to find the lost cat, Apple the overachieving temp is looking to reconnect with a cute skater boy! And they're wondering what Yu's beef is with the big shot and what exactly Purple means on the DEFCON scale...

Star Wars Saturday

Fellowship Rich Rogers runs for Cody Eastlick, Greg G., Kae, Steven Watkins, and Tyler Lominack The Fellowship of the Dilligent Spark travel to Dathomir to discover the sinister plot of Taron Malicos, then rush to face him and his Nightbrother band.

Stars in the Dark: Stars in the Dark II (Session 6) Anders runs for Marc Majcher, Mark (they/them), Rich Rogers, and Steven Watkins KABOOOM!

Off-Calendar Highlights

The Between: Stars and Suns, Season Two (Session 9) Madelancholy runs for Jack, Mike, Sarah W., and Steph "Coming and Going" - In an attempt to find out more about the Slugger, Ernest gets more involved in Bout Club, to his dismay. Sir Atticus listens to La Hortencia's story after fending off interference from a familiar acquaintance. Dame Georgie allows himself to be a temporary vessel to the Abbey's demonic presence, only to be betrayed more than once. Liat makes several tempting offers.

Trophy Gold: Hissing Darkness: In the Wake of Secrets (Session 1) Madelancholy runs for Dom, James, Jazy, and Mike Ferdinando The first of two concurrent series of this Rooted in Trophy (Gold) incursion, the characters wake too early in a Ship warped by perfect darkness…survival a priority.

Trophy Gold: Hissing Darkness: Whispers in Exile (Session 1) Madelancholy runs for Amanda/iamatrex, B, Jonn, and Marc Majcher The second group to find themselves in the strange eerie darkness of the Ship, the survivors make their way out of Cold-Sleep, finding terrible things in the next Set...

Trophy Gold: Hissing Darkness: In the Wake of Secrets (Session 2) Madelancholy runs for Dom, James, Jazy, and Mike Ferdinando The survivors manage to battle their way out of the Cold-Sleep Warrens...but now they find themselves in the twisted, warped halls and vents of The Maze, stalked by something deadly, even as the Dark calls out to them: Reunion. Rebirth. Remake. And one of their number does, succumbing to their urge to consume and be consumed...

Trophy Gold: Hissing Darkness: Whispers in Exile (Session 2) Madelancholy runs for Amanda/iamatrex, B, Jonn, and Marc Majcher Deep within The Maze, the survivors encounter the strange warping of the Ship and more signs of that which hunts them. Memories come unbidden and are made real, and calls from the Dark tempt further connection...

Paranormal Inc (Session 9) Madelancholy runs for Brent and Michael D. Down by the Haunted Riverside - What could go wrong on a day-long cruise of teambuilding/employee party fun-time? Rumours abound as strange occurrences plague their trip - is it the boat, the river, or the Very Good Boat Cruise Company themselves?

#ttrpg #rpg #rpg actual play #open hearth gaming

[plantanarchy]

idk what it is this year but we have SO many shitty junk plants to overwinter and its just an overwhelming amount of palms and ferns and hibiscus and brugmansia and the two dozen unblooming peace lilies Netflix gave us and like. so many random rehome strays. crotons, goddamn stupid big scheffs, amaryllis, bromeliads. We also have a few dozen money trees in varying sizes that won't sell. A forest of ever larger fiddleleafs. An entire table of hoyas that are past their hype. God, anthuriums... and orchids and dying calla lillies. Cannas that havent gone dormant yet, assorted succulents that should have been pitched and ficus that have been here for years. the 15 foot tall BOP with mealies and the eight foot wide tree philo that's lived two years near the seed cooler growing into the floor. the big, handsome cordylines that the mites are going to love in another month. the old retired stock plants in their cracked pots. no one is going to buy a big woody geranium in late October. the tissue culture raphidophoras we kept accidentally ordering god stop please. the venus fly traps... no explanation needed. the listing 8 foot pencil cactus. the adansonii totems with thrips. the aspidistra with scale. the African violets, the "bonsais", the crusty air plants. Its very claustrophobic caring for all these little bastards and just. knowing I'd rather toss them.

#greenhouse content

[perasperaadastrawriting]

WORLD INTRODUCTION [BALLAD OF EMPIRES]

done with: artbreeder

concept art: Elyrien, Erelen #1

concept art: Elyrien, Elrys #1

additional information: Elyrien was founded by Aelios the Explorer three thousand years ago. He founded the capital Elrys in the region that should be named Elrys after his his wife. He founded a spring palace in the south of the region, close to the border of Calvaera at the on the shores of Lake Cær Dor, which is also a natural border between Elyrien and Calvaera. The summer palace and the adjacent settlement were named after his son Daerion, now being called Daer Dor due to Dor being the old high elyrien word for lake.

The southern regions are prosperous ones and the ones who are directly bordering to Calvaera. It was here that Aelios reached the land via the Thrain Ocean. Both Elyria and Calvaera are bordered to the south by the Great Dragon Sea (as it is called in Calvaerian) and the Thrain Sea (the people of Elyria named it after their supreme god, the ruler of the sky) respectively. Many rivers rise here, such as the Ahava, the largest in Elyria.

To the west there are dense forests and these forests border the realm of the elven people. There are also deep, forested gorges here, where waterfalls plunge into the depths. The main base of the rebels is believed to have been here during the time of the usurper Danaham.

To the east, the land meets rough seas that form the second of the two oceans. Here, sea trade with the islands off the coast and fishing are the main activities.

In the north, mountains stretch over a large area, here Elyria with its northernmost province Erelen borders on the dwarf kingdom.

In the southeast and in the middle of the empire a vast desert stretches over the middle province, where native tribes dwell. Instead of fighting and subjugating them, he made peace with them, something he copied from the already existing Calvaera Empire. Thus Aelios broke the tradition of his ancestors to subjugate the conquered by force. The alliance was cemented when his son and the daughter of the leader of the tribes, Calla, fell in love and married. Due to that the tribes submerged with Elyrien but remained as special administrative zones.

@queerlilchinchilla, @pluttskutt, @certified-anakinfucker, @screnwriter, @writingpotato07, @marinesocks, @365runesofwriting

#concept art #my wips #elyrien #balladofempires

[thememory]

↳ @cwarscars queried: bruh - tell me about aeriths connection to nature; is she the kind of person whose feelings change with the weather? ( and i dont mean that in like, a flaky way, but rather a 'connection' kinda way ). does she have a favourite flower & if you could compare her to one / say which one represents her most; which would you say? by extension - how does she feel about bugs / insects ? ily

han really said feed me.

AERITH'S CONNECTION TO NATURE

it's not easy, constantly hearing the planet. for a long time in her youth aerith struggled with the entirety of it: easily overwhelmed by the planet itself, being bombarded by the spirits of those who passed into the lifestream, feeling the consistent wither and decay because of the reactors sucking the very essence out of gaia. it was overwhelming, something a lot like charles xavier hearing the unbridled thoughts of everyone around him with no means to control it.

for a long time aerith hid from that, or tried to. she didn't know how to help, how to listen, or what to do when she was greeted by the spirits of the deceased. it was terrifying, but not in the same way being in shinra's basement labs was. it took time for her to accept that it was part of who she was, the thing that made her special, at least in shinra's eyes. tuning everything out wasn't working, so she did her best to try and live in peace with it. she makes small promises to herself, and to the planet through her flowers, that she will find a means to help. by the time she meets cloud ---and by the standards of remake where she knows what's going to happen, aerith has accepted that she will die and become, essentially, a god on behalf of gaia.

DO HER EMOTIONS CHANGE WITH THE WEATHER?

yes, and no. living below the plates, there's really no weather to speak of ... no rain, always sunny with the false lights to simulate the day/night cycles. it's almost like there's a veil wrapped around her, protecting her (or perhaps shrouding her) from the real cycles above the plates. the first time she ventured up into the real world was a slap of overwhelming stimuli. the first time it rained she felt joy to see it, because it meant that everything below was being nourished. you won't see her get depressed with the snow or a thunderstorm, and i suppose it's less that the weather is tied to her mood cycles ... more that she feels the same shifts in mood one might when they encounter it in the real world.

but she does love the rain. it's refreshing, among other things.

DOES SHE HAVE A FAVORITE FLOWER TYPE?

i love this question. i based it, partially, on the glowing forest of trees in final fantasy 7: advent children, when cloud goes out to meet the replicant triplets. do you remember them? (that scene was beautiful). anyway, i sort of made this flower - a long time ago in a meme reponse to a tseng i miss so very dearly - that aerith had a patch of flowers hidden behind her waterfall at home, that took a long time to grow and needed very special and specific things to grow. i called them moon flowers, and they liked damp, dark places. they glowed much like the trees in ac did, and they look a lot like calla lilies. only a select few people have ever seen them (to date, in threads, i think only? two people? know about them? if you count the above thread) and they are very precious to her.

WHAT FLOWER REPRESENTS AERITH THE MOST?

i think i would say that very moon flower i made up does, if i'm being honest. it was always the little intention, like a subliminal thing when i made them, that they were deeply tied to her characterization. they only really blossom in specific settings, they're vividly private and require a certain type of hand in order to really flourish ... which i think says a lot about aerith. the woman we see in game is very much a mask: flirtatious, a bit of a gremlin (a lot of a gremlin) and fearless. aerith as a person is very afraid, and it's understandable that she is because of what's happened to her and what she knows will happen to her (and honestly it's very brave to be afraid, because you acknowledge that fear and do your best to work around it or with it). it takes a very specific kind of person to see aerith for who she is deep down, to love her despite the intricacies that come with someone like her. i think that the relationship with cloud is very special in that right because - while he didn't get to know her in the traditional sense (they were together for such a short time, realistically) he carried a lot of this pain for her when he understood who she was.

at any rate, i'm waffling here. aerith is a moon flower: beautiful, requires specific settings to tender and grow, and only a select few get to see the woman within.

HOW DOES SHE FEEL ABOUT BUGS?

this is a hilarious two-answer question.

realistically the only bugs that the party ever came across were gigantic, mutanous things that you level off of and really were ... products of shinra testing, or the remnants of toxic waste, etc. so if we're going by that standard, they're gross and she hates them, thank you.

in a wire conversation with reeve, back in the summer of 2020, aerith discovered grubs in her flower patch. he actually assisted her with getting rid of the pests. as i recall, she was disgusted by them because they were slimy.

you have to understand that there's probably not a lot of bugs under the plate because of how artificial everything is, and mutanous bugs & grubs aside, aerith wouldn't mind insects as a whole. she'd love bumble bees for what they do (and how cute and fuzzy they are) and mostly any other insect - aside from slimy, is alright to her. they're part of the planet, after all.

#v. answered #viii. meta #cwarscars #han this is so long #you do not have to read it all gdosihsdf

[occultusrp]

NETHERBRIDGE, OCTOBER 3RD, 1813.  4:13 pm.LETHE LAKE.

tw: drowning.

It has been two hours since the search party for the Couple has set out to track them and bring them to the Holy Sanctum to be wedded. Some attendees returned to the church an hour after the search had begun, hoping that the elusive betrotheds would simply walk  in on their own. But, minutes passed and turned to hours and the sun had already started to fade, a promise of a dusk approaching too hastily for anyone’s liking, especially those of BELLADONNA NYMPH, JESSAMINE DAEMON, DRAGONBLOOD CETUS and DANDELION SPHINX. The four of them had been among the last ones to return, arriving shortly after VIOLET GORGON, LAVENDER ARACHNE, ORCHID BANSHEE and CALLA CENTAUR, full 13 minutes behind the agreed deadline.

But, the pair was nowhere to be found. What started as an annoyance and a possible scandal, now turned into worry and fear. Where in Heaven's name are they? Are they hiding?  Are they on a run? Has something happened to them? Hiding and running way never made any sense to anyone in attendance, but the hour is ticking late and people are desperate enough to think of anything. 

However, there is something no one could have predicted or thought of.

The wind blows cold, rustling the leaves and it is VIOLET GORGON, HEMLOCK SIREN and IRIS VAMPIRE that turn towards the gates of the Holy Sanctum, waiting, listening. No one dares to breathe or even move when a loud, ear shattering scream echoes from the forest of Dendros. TULIP CHIMAERA is the first to gather her wits and reacts before anyone else - hastily approaching the gates in time to greet a SHEPHERD BOY shouting and running towards the Sanctum as if he is being pursued by wolves. 

“Dead!” THE BOY screams, approaching DANDELION SPHINX and clinging to the priest for comfort and reassurance. “The young mistress! In the lake! I was getting water for my sheep when ���” he pauses, gasping for air; “Good Father I swear to God and all the angels in Heaven above us that ain’t natural! Young master Crowley was there! Hair white as snow, it is! Horrible thing! He was holding the young mistress’ hand and – and when he’s seen me, good Father, he wanted my help! Said he’s being hunted! Said he watched it drown the young mistress!” 

A loud, horrified gasp captures the attention of the crowd and they all turn to BELLADONNA NYMPH, hands covering her mouth and staring at THE BOY. JESSAMINE DAEMON rushed to DANDELION SPHINX and grabbed THE BOY’s shoulder, turning him to face them, eyes wide with terror: “Dead? My daughter? Dead?” 

“Dead. I saw it with my own two eyes. Young master Crowley begged me to save him, but then he screamed and took off deep into the forest.” THE BOY paused and his attention returned back to DANDELION SPHINX. “That’s when I saw it, good Father. It ain’t of this world. A woman, all in white.  I couldn’t see her face, she was wearing a veil, but she just looked at me and then she was gone! Just like that. Gone! I didn’t even blink I swear to God, she was there and the next moment… not there anymore. I ran here the moment she vanished! It ain’t natural, it ain’t of this world…” THE BOY begins to ramble - but no one is paying attention to him anymore.

The guests all look to each other, some in disbelief, the others wondering if it is a practical joke played by the Couple. No one dares to speak for a moment, but ACONITUM FURY huffs and frowns at the crowd. 

“What are we waiting for? We should go to Lethe lake at once! Whether or not this… apparition is real, we shall see. THE BOY is at the edge of his sanity, so something must have happened. If nothing, we should see what is going on.”

“A murder ghost, maybe?” DATURA UNICORN snorts in retort, but PEONY WEREWOLF is the one who bites back: “Hold your tongue! If young lady Blackwood is indeed dead, you will be sorry for your tone.”

“Now, now. We don’t know what really happened and what we will see. I suggest we all go there, together, as my dear cousin already suggested.” IRIS VAMPIRE interferes, but there is a hint of unease in the tone of his voice. 

The company agrees and, accompanied by THE BOY who does not feel comfortable to be left alone, sets towards the lake. He told them, in great detail, how he stumbled upon THE BRIDE and THE GROOM, but at first didn’t recognise THE GROOM as young master Crowley’s hair had turned white from either shock or terror. The young lady Blackwood was half ashore and half in the lake, but he admits he could not see her face. The repeated how THE GROOM seemed panicked, saying over and over how he’s being watched and hunted by something he cannot escape from. THE BOY said how THE GROOM screamed at something and took off deeper in the woods and that he’s seen THE WHITE LADY look at him and then vanish. The company is divided - some believe his words, some don’t and they begin to quarrel among themselves –

They reach Lethe lake and JESSAMINE DAEMON lets out a heartbreaking scream. BELLADONNA NYMPH, ACONITUM FURY and IRIS VAMPIRE rush to her side, followed by DANDELION SPHINX, DRAGONBLOOD CETUS and LAVENDER ARACHNE, but they are all struck with mortification when CALLA CENTAUR wads in the lake and turns over the body.

It is true. 

THE BRIDE IS DEAD. 

THE GROOM IS MISSING.

But, there is no apparition, nothing to vouch for the rest of THE BOY’S testimony. Yet, HEMLOCK SIREN, VIOLET GORGON, PEONY WEREWOLF, ORCHID BANSHEE, YARROW HYDRA and ROSE HARPY are uneasy, instinctively looking at each other. Something is not right, but no one can pinpoint exactly what is wrong.

“My brother is still missing.” ORCHID BANSHEE quietly speaks, interrupted by JESSAMINE DAEMON’S sobbing. 

“We should all go looking for him. It is getting dark and the forest is not as safe once the sun sets.” TULIP CHIMAERA offered, but she is aware not everyone will agree to follow along - JESSAMINE DAEMON the first. However, those who joined the search and those who had decided to stay with JESSAMINE DAEMON agreed to meet in the HOLY SANCTUM at dusk, in two hours time.

EVENT DETAILS:

WELCOME to our second event! This is a PART TWO of our two part event. IN GAME, part two lasts for TWO HOURS so until 6:13pm the same day. OOC. the event will last from TODAY, OCTOBER 19TH, until WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND. which gives both our current and future members enough time to plot and interact on dash. As stated in the event, the participants will originally divide into TWO GROUPS following JESSAMINE DAEMON and TULIP CHIMAERA, however!! participants are allowed to divert from their original group and pair off with another character and search in another direction. GROUP ONE, taking and guarding THE BRIDE’S body, led by JESSAMINE DEAMON:

IRIS VAMPIRE

BELLADONNA NYMPH

DANDELION SPHINX

PEONY WEREWOLF

ACONITUM FURY

AZALEA WYVERN

ROSE HARPY

VIOLET GORGON

GROUP TWO led by TULIP CHIMAERA to search for THE GROOM:

DRAGONBLOOD CETUS

CALLA CENTAUR

ORCHID BANSHEE

LAVENDER ARACHNE

DATURA UNICORN

HEMLOCK SIREN

YARROW HYDRA

OLEANDER PEGASUS

We wish you all good luck and happy writing for the event. May the search party begin!

#event #chapters #chapter one. #literate rp #lsrp #supernatural rp #skeleton rp #horror rp #regency rp #mystery rp #period rp #original rp #occultusevent

[sophilozophy]

Fate does not choose the weak. Fate chooses the ready.

Illustros is a cursed realm ruled by the ruthless Gods of Fate, and no one understands the Fates’ wrath more than Calliope Rosewood. Blessed with unspeakable powers that terrify even the most dangerous witches and fae, Calla hides her forbidden magic in shame and fear that one wrong touch could send her to her death. With only her two best friends in tow, Calla deserted her coven and has been on the run ever since.

Worse, Calla is concealing an even darker secret: fate has chosen her as the final prophesied Blood Warrior, the being destined to start the Fates’ War, which will decimate her people and eradicate their magic.

After a betrayal from her infuriating ex Ezra leads her one step closer to fulfilling that age-old prophecy, Calla is desperate to do whatever it takes to reset her fate. So when a mysterious and charming witch offers to help Calla do just that, she immediately agrees to his plan. Only catch? That plan includes journeying into the deadly Neverending Forest with Ezra and said witch, who just so happens to be Ezra’s tempting older brother. Torn between her past desires and alluring new possibilities, Calla brings along her best friends to fight what lies ahead.

As the group ventures into the enchanted woods together, they’ll all soon learn that choosing your destiny comes with dire consequences . . . and the Fates are not to be tested. Calla believes the Fates have it out for her, while others believe they have chosen her for a reason. But in the end, Calla will have to fight to forge her own destiny and decide if the risk of choosing herself is worth the possibility of damning everyone else.

Worse, Calla is concealing an even darker secret: fate has chosen her as the final prophesied Blood Warrior, the being destined to start the Fates’ War, which will decimate her people and eradicate their magic.

After a betrayal from her infuriating ex Ezra leads her one step closer to fulfilling that age-old prophecy, Calla is desperate to do whatever it takes to reset her fate. So when a mysterious and charming witch offers to help Calla do just that, she immediately agrees to his plan. Only catch? That plan includes journeying into the deadly Neverending Forest with Ezra and said witch, who just so happens to be Ezra’s tempting older brother. Torn between her past desires and alluring new possibilities, Calla brings along her best friends to fight what lies ahead.

As the group ventures into the enchanted woods together, they’ll all soon learn that choosing your destiny comes with dire consequences . . . and the Fates are not to be tested. Calla believes the Fates have it out for her, while others believe they have chosen her for a reason. But in the end, Calla will have to fight to forge her own destiny and decide if the risk of choosing herself is worth the possibility of damning everyone else.

#a ruinous fate #kaylie smith #bookstagram #book release #ya #book

[akeshimas]

You can’t kill my child

She’s baby-

#danganronpa #art #ocs #forest #sunlight #cute #precious bby #looking back at this old art oh my god it’s horrific #calla’s doodles #calla’s ocs #please kill it with fire

[thecrowcern]

Another Collab with Citrus Dome! Please check out the rest of the amazing first made in the Storybook/Fairytale AU Collab

Only a Beast could love something like you.

That was something you were told since you were small.

You were always the odd one in the town you lived in.

Different.

Obscure.

An Anomaly.

All because you were a witch. You had always been intrigued by the usage of herbs and crystals. Cartomancy was a specialty, and you were known for your creation of oils and ointments. The townspeople avoided you and only asked for your services in secret. It began to take its toll on you as you grew older.

Feeling ostracized and wanting to be forgotten.

But that was when He found you.

Apparently, he’d been watching you for some time now, and on that cold fall night, he decided to make his move. You were out in the woods, collecting ingredients you needed to refill on. You ended up finding yourself in the garden of what seemed like an abandoned castle. You were curious about how such a great place could be hidden since you knew the royals lived quite a ways away. Nevertheless, you took your time as you gently tended to the plants. Taking what you needed but still making sure the plants will grow healthy. You froze in place when you heard the crunch of leaves under large feet. You slowly placed a hand on the scissors you used to trim the plants. Turning slowly, to looked up to see a sizeable form towering over you. Covered in dark brown and black fur with light stripes of soft blue. Two sets of rather strong-looking arms were folded across its chest and abdomen. His wings draped over its shoulders like a cloak, but you couldn’t get a good look at the intricate designs of the wings. Your eyes were locked onto his face. His face was worn and scarred, locks of light blue hair cascaded down his head like spun silver.

“I knew you’d find your way here, human. I would be angry if I wasn’t already intrigued by you,” he said. You were taken aback by its rather deep raspy voice as it held out a hand for you. Grabbing it tenderly, you stood, only coming up to his chest. With one set of hands, he held your face to look up at him. Enamored by the scarlet eyes looking back at you, you were surprised when a pair of fluffy antennae brushed against your face. “Yes. I knew it was you.” He said as he lifted you up in his arms, carrying you into the castle.

On that day, you had met the beast known as Tomura Shigaraki and started your new life.

He had apparently been watching you for a few months before then. He had been exploring the forest and came upon you helping a small fawn out of a trap, tending to its wounds before letting it free. He thought you were a curious one, not at all like the other humans in the town. You were sweet and soft, treating them all with a level of care he felt they did not deserve. The day he knew he wanted you for himself was when he had accidentally stumbled upon you bathing at the waterfall further into the forest.

He could recount how you looked as if it was that same day.

Your skin an ochre color, similar to the mellow-brown light that had bathed the forest that warm afternoon. You glimmered like amber, and he could only kneel in the brush near the bank or else his knees would give. You were absolutely beautiful. Your hair was thick and dark like calla lilies, curls framed your freckled face, and oh, what he would give to be able to kiss every freckle. Climbing out from the river, you dried yourself off, and he thanked every god above for the sight of your dripping from panting and sighing from how relaxing your bathing was.

He jerked off to the memory of that day for many moons after until the fateful day you wandered into his territory.

That was about a year ago, and since then, you two had become close. Hesitant at first, you were terrified you were to be devoured. Hearing terrifying stories about the beast since childhood. But over time, you learned that he was a gentle creature, he had a temper, yes, but you stood your ground. Slowly you were able to coax more out of him, his family, and how he ended up like this. It had turned out he was the son of the king that ruled over your land. His father had challenged a powerful fairy who cursed his mother to giving birth to a monster. Though his parents did love him, and when his younger brother was born, the love did not falter. They had to send him away. The townspeople and some of the aristocrats did not like the idea of a beast being king.

You wanted to challenge it; King Toshinori would never do something...would he? You knew how the townspeople treated you, and while you weren’t a monster, you wouldn’t be surprised if they rioted.

You two had slowly started to bond, Tomu, as you affectionately called him, was intrigued by the herbs and crystals you gathered and used. He never forced you to stay with him, but you liked the idea of living with someone who wanted you to around. You told him you could find a way to reverse the spell and make him human, as a way of saying thank you for letting you stay in his castle, but he refused. Saying he would rather die than try to assimilate to their standards. You were silently happy he had refused.

You started to fall for him at that time and couldn’t imagine him without his extra appendages. Especially his wings, when spread out, you could see the intricate patterns on them. A mix of light browns, black, and specks of blue as bright as lapis lazuli decorated them. Although his eye held no pupils or irises, you could see the emotions they expressed. How they softened whenever he thought you weren’t looking or how they darkened when you would wear something more revealing. His eyes would glimmer like rubies whenever you praised him or showered him in affection.

You two had been together for two years at this point; you cleaned out your house and moved in with him. Not surprised when you saw that the townspeople burned it to the ground when they noticed you left. You did not cry, no sight of anger in your face, but you felt hurt nonetheless. You sat at the windowsill, looking out at the forest while the summer sun shined brightly. Tomura had noticed and went to make your favorite tea; you had followed him, however, wrapping your arms around his waist and burying your face in his back. “Y/n? Is everything ok?” He asked, concerned. You nodded silently; he turned and let you nuzzle your face into his pecks. One set of hands lifted your face up, with the other set wrapped protectively around your waist. His eyes softened at the sad expression you held. Brushing one clawed thumb against your cheek as he smiled softly. “I...Wanted to wait until the full moon to ask you this, but...I feel this might be better.” He started, your eyebrows furrowed together as he continued. “I would...like to mate with you, Y/N.” He stated with the softest of a blush, dusting his cheeks. Your face warmed as you processed what he was telling you.

That night you both prepared. Well. It was more, so Tomura prepared you. He put you in a bath of milk and rose petals, rinsing your hair like you had shown him before going to prepare the ‘nest’ as he called it. Bringing in sheets and pillows, sweet-smelling oils and cloths he felt were soft enough. Bringing you out of the bath, he dried you off and brought you to the nest, laying you onto your back. He couldn’t help but get lost in your beauty; your dark hair framed your face as he let his eyes linger. Your full chest and thighs, wide hips, and soft squishy stomach made his wings vibrate. He chirped and purred as he nuzzled you, letting his hands gently caressing your hips. “Sweet-smelling mate, so soft, so good to me.” He said as he moved your legs apart to allow him to settle in between them. You moaned softly, feeling his claws brush against your skin. He kissed and licked down your neck, pausing to suckle on your full breast as he felt his cock unsheath. His long thin tongue wrapped itself around your nipple, stroking it gently as he brought a hand up to your other nipple. The room slowly started filling with a sweet scent; it filled your nose and made your core ache with arousal.

Tomura continued to kiss down your body until he reached your core, kissing your mound, and before he could go lower, you tugged at his hair.

Your face was hidden behind your arm; you softly said, “I…. I don’t like my pussy being licked…”

He nods and smiles empathetically. Deciding to suck on his fingers gently before sliding one thick finger into your entrance, mesmerized by how your hole quivered and stretched. He went at this for what seemed like hours.

Adding another finger and another until he felt you were prepared for his cock. Sitting up, he stroked himself to your form, yes glazed over and skin hot to the touch. You could only stare in amazement at how large he was. His cock was like no humans you’d ever seen, ribbed down the underside, the tip pointed more like a dog than anything. “Tomu...You’re so big.”You said as you gently reached out to stroke it. He smiled proudly at how your reaction. Pushing you back down, he gently wrapped your legs around his waist. Pressing the head of his cock gently into your entrance, he held back a whimper at how wet and wanting you were. Your entrance sucked him in, almost refusing to let him go if he pulled back. Finally, he was able to press his hips against yours. His cock head pressed snuggly against the entrance of your cervix as your back arches, your nails dig into his shoulders. He whines and ruts against your cervix for a moment before pulling back, beginning a slow rhythm. Now it’s your turn to moan as you beg for him to go faster.

“Do you think you could handle it, little one?” he asks as he looks down at you. You nod and plead, begging for more as you rub your clit. “Then your wish is my command, my prince~,” He says as he begins to thrust faster, pushing your thighs back as his nails dig into them; his wings spread and flap as he feels himself grow closer to completion. His soft whimpers turn into snarls and growls as he pounds into you. Flipping you over, he holds you close to his chest; one set of arms hold you up by your thighs as the other focuses on your body. One hand grips your throat while the other plays with your clit. Thrusting up into you, he can’t stop the stream of praises.

“Such a pretty boy, so soft and sweet. Look at how well you’re taking my cock. I can’t wait to see how you look filled with my eggs.”

His hips stutter, and he holds you in place; you feel his cock pulse as he fills your hungry womb with his cum. You howl and moan out as you squirt, legs shivering as you look down to see his cum drip down his cock. Whimpering softly, you felt him purr in content; he nuzzles into your neck as he lays down with you. Cock still pressed firmly into you as you both slowly fall asleep. Entangled in each other.

#🛸🛸🛸 #✨cernunnos writings #🦹‍♀️mha #bnha smut #moth!shiggy #mothman!shiggy #shigaraki tomura #shigaraki smut #shigaraki x reader #shiggy smut #black!reader #ftm!reader #chubby!reader #💖collabs #male!reader #shigaraki x male!reader

[thegremlincrowsnest]

Beauty and the Beast

Another Collab with Citrus Dome! Please check out the rest of the amazing first made in the Storybook/Fairytale AU Collab

Divider made by @firefly-graphics

The beautiful individual is: @/aneutrallife on instagram

CW: mothman, mentions of pussy, mentions of ovi, monster fucking,

Only a Beast could love something like you.

That was something you were told since you were small. 

You were always the odd one in the town you lived in. 

Different. 

Obscure. 

An Anomaly.

All because you were a witch. You had always been intrigued by the usage of herbs and crystals. Cartomancy was a specialty, and you were known for your creation of oils and ointments. The townspeople avoided you and only asked for your services in secret. It began to take its toll on you as you grew older. 

Feeling ostracized and wanting to be forgotten. 

But that was when He found you. 

Apparently, he’d been watching you for some time now, and on that cold fall night, he decided to make his move. You were out in the woods, collecting ingredients you needed to refill on. You ended up finding yourself in the garden of what seemed like an abandoned castle. You were curious about how such a great place could be hidden since you knew the royals lived quite a ways away. Nevertheless, you took your time as you gently tended to the plants. Taking what you needed but still making sure the plants will grow healthy. You froze in place when you heard the crunch of leaves under large feet. You slowly placed a hand on the scissors you used to trim the plants. Turning slowly, to looked up to see a sizeable form towering over you. Covered in dark brown and black fur with light stripes of soft blue. Two sets of rather strong-looking arms were folded across its chest and abdomen. His wings draped over its shoulders like a cloak, but you couldn’t get a good look at the intricate designs of the wings. Your eyes were locked onto his face. His face was worn and scarred, locks of light blue hair cascaded down his head like spun silver. 

“I knew you’d find your way here, human. I would be angry if I wasn’t already intrigued by you,” he said. You were taken aback by its rather deep raspy voice as it held out a hand for you. Grabbing it tenderly, you stood, only coming up to his chest. With one set of hands, he held your face to look up at him. Enamored by the scarlet eyes looking back at you, you were surprised when a pair of fluffy antennae brushed against your face. “Yes. I knew it was you.” He said as he lifted you up in his arms, carrying you into the castle. 

On that day, you had met the beast known as Tomura Shigaraki and started your new life. 

He had apparently been watching you for a few months before then. He had been exploring the forest and came upon you helping a small fawn out of a trap, tending to its wounds before letting it free. He thought you were a curious one, not at all like the other humans in the town. You were sweet and soft, treating them all with a level of care he felt they did not deserve. The day he knew he wanted you for himself was when he had accidentally stumbled upon you bathing at the waterfall further into the forest. 

He could recount how you looked as if it was that same day. 

Your skin an ochre color, similar to the mellow-brown light that had bathed the forest that warm afternoon. You glimmered like amber, and he could only kneel in the brush near the bank or else his knees would give. You were absolutely beautiful. Your hair was thick and dark like calla lilies, curls framed your freckled face, and oh,  what he would give to be able to kiss every freckle. Climbing out from the river, you dried yourself off, and he thanked every god above for the sight of your dripping from panting and sighing from how relaxing your bathing was. 

He jerked off to the memory of that day for many moons after until the fateful day you wandered into his territory. 

That was about a year ago, and since then, you two had become close. Hesitant at first, you were terrified you were to be devoured. Hearing terrifying stories about the beast since childhood. But over time, you learned that he was a gentle creature, he had a temper, yes, but you stood your ground. Slowly you were able to coax more out of him, his family, and how he ended up like this. It had turned out he was the son of the king that ruled over your land. His father had challenged a powerful fairy who cursed his mother to giving birth to a monster. Though his parents did love him, and when his younger brother was born, the love did not falter. They had to send him away. The townspeople and some of the aristocrats did not like the idea of a beast being king. 

You wanted to challenge it; King Toshinori would never do something...would he? You knew how the townspeople treated you, and while you weren’t a monster, you wouldn’t be surprised if they rioted. 

You two had slowly started to bond, Tomu, as you affectionately called him, was intrigued by the herbs and crystals you gathered and used. He never forced you to stay with him, but you liked the idea of living with someone who wanted you to around. You told him you could find a way to reverse the spell and make him human, as a way of saying thank you for letting you stay in his castle, but he refused. Saying he would rather die than try to assimilate to their standards. You were silently happy he had refused. 

You started to fall for him at that time and couldn’t imagine him without his extra appendages. Especially his wings, when spread out, you could see the intricate patterns on them. A mix of light browns, black, and specks of blue as bright as lapis lazuli decorated them. Although his eye held no pupils or irises, you could see the emotions they expressed. How they softened whenever he thought you weren’t looking or how they darkened when you would wear something more revealing. His eyes would glimmer like rubies whenever you praised him or showered him in affection. 

You two had been together for two years at this point; you cleaned out your house and moved in with him. Not surprised when you saw that the townspeople burned it to the ground when they noticed you left. You did not cry, no sight of anger in your face, but you felt hurt nonetheless. You sat at the windowsill, looking out at the forest while the summer sun shined brightly. Tomura had noticed and went to make your favorite tea; you had followed him, however, wrapping your arms around his waist and burying your face in his back. “Y/n? Is everything ok?” He asked, concerned. You nodded silently; he turned and let you nuzzle your face into his pecks. One set of hands lifted your face up, with the other set wrapped protectively around your waist. His eyes softened at the sad expression you held. Brushing one clawed thumb against your cheek as he smiled softly. “I...Wanted to wait until the full moon to ask you this, but...I feel this might be better.” He started, your eyebrows furrowed together as he continued. “I would...like to mate with you, Y/N.” He stated with the softest of a blush, dusting his cheeks. Your face warmed as you processed what he was telling you. 

That night you both prepared. Well. It was more, so Tomura prepared you. He put you in a bath of milk and rose petals, rinsing your hair like you had shown him before going to prepare the ‘nest’ as he called it. Bringing in sheets and pillows, sweet-smelling oils and cloths he felt were soft enough. Bringing you out of the bath, he dried you off and brought you to the nest, laying you onto your back. He couldn’t help but get lost in your beauty; your dark hair framed your face as he let his eyes linger. Your full chest and thighs, wide hips, and soft squishy stomach made his wings vibrate. He chirped and purred as he nuzzled you, letting his hands gently caressing your hips. “Sweet-smelling mate, so soft, so good to me.” He said as he moved your legs apart to allow him to settle in between them. You moaned softly, feeling his claws brush against your skin. He kissed and licked down your neck, pausing to suckle on your full breast as he felt his cock unsheath. His long thin tongue wrapped itself around your nipple, stroking it gently as he brought a hand up to your other nipple. The room slowly started filling with a sweet scent; it filled your nose and made your core ache with arousal.

 Tomura continued to kiss down your body until he reached your core, kissing your mound, and before he could go lower, you tugged at his hair. 

Your face was hidden behind your arm; you softly said, “I…. I don’t like my pussy being licked…” 

He nods and smiles empathetically. Deciding to suck on his fingers gently before sliding one thick finger into your entrance, mesmerized by how your hole quivered and stretched. He went at this for what seemed like hours. 

Adding another finger and another until he felt you were prepared for his cock. Sitting up, he stroked himself to your form, yes glazed over and skin hot to the touch. You could only stare in amazement at how large he was. His cock was like no humans you’d ever seen, ribbed down the underside, the tip pointed more like a dog than anything. “Tomu...You’re so big.”You said as you gently reached out to stroke it. He smiled proudly at how your reaction. Pushing you back down, he gently wrapped your legs around his waist. Pressing the head of his cock gently into your entrance, he held back a whimper at how wet and wanting you were. Your entrance sucked him in, almost refusing to let him go if he pulled back. Finally, he was able to press his hips against yours. His cock head pressed snuggly against the entrance of your cervix as your back arches, your nails dig into his shoulders. He whines and ruts against your cervix for a moment before pulling back, beginning a slow rhythm. Now it’s your turn to moan as you beg for him to go faster.

“Do you think you could handle it, little one?” he asks as he looks down at you. You nod and plead, begging for more as you rub your clit. “Then your wish is my command, my prince~,” He says as he begins to thrust faster, pushing your thighs back as his nails dig into them; his wings spread and flap as he feels himself grow closer to completion. His soft whimpers turn into snarls and growls as he pounds into you. Flipping you over, he holds you close to his chest; one set of arms hold you up by your thighs as the other focuses on your body. One hand grips your throat while the other plays with your clit. Thrusting up into you, he can’t stop the stream of praises. 

“Such a pretty boy, so soft and sweet. Look at how well you’re taking my cock. I can’t wait to see how you look filled with my eggs.”

His hips stutter, and he holds you in place; you feel his cock pulse as he fills your hungry womb with his cum. You howl and moan out as you squirt, legs shivering as you look down to see his cum drip down his cock. Whimpering softly, you felt him purr in content; he nuzzles into your neck as he lays down with you. Cock still pressed firmly into you as you both slowly fall asleep. Entangled in each other.

#cernunnos writing #bnha smut #moth!shiggy #shigaraki tomura #bnha x reader #shigaraki tomura x reader #shigaraki x reader #shiggy smut #shigaraki x y/n #shigaraki smut #boku no hero academia shigaraki #poc!reader #ftm!reader

[an-absolute-travesty]

Elwin’s House - Revised

A/N: Oh my gosh, it’s a miracle, Oscar can still write!

Seriously, though, I’ve been thinking about this for a hot minute. Elwin’s House was my first fic ever and every time it manages to get a note I think about how much I’ve improved. At that time, I think I had a total collective of 40 pages of creative writing under my belt. Now, frankly, I’m scared to add up all my fics and short stories.

I was tired of cringing when my work got notes. Even the most recent fics linked in my masterpost aren’t... great! I needed something there to show that the peak of my ability wasn’t Royal Screw-Ups or Elwin’s House or any of that stuff. 

And I had the opportunity when I neared 500 followers! I figured it would be a milestone sorta thing. But then, right as I almost reached it, tumblr did a follower purge. And then right as I was almost there again... another one. 

I gave up.

So, enjoy this version of Elwin’s House, written as I would’ve written it if I came up with the concept today. Think of it as a celebration for 450 followers, I suppose. 

Tag list: Tag list (tell me if you want to be added or removed): @cadence-talle @ruewen-and-rising @lemontarto @a-lonely-tatertot @catboyruy  @sewersewersewercouch @everyonehasthoughts @imaramennoodle @enbies-and-felonies   @callas-starkflower-stew @impostertamsong @appalyneinstitute1 @stars-and-splendor  @thisbluewind @we-have-no-bananas-today  @jadenightthewriter @ketterdamkid @axels-corner

Pairings: Keefex

Word count: 2,023

Category: light angst

TW: Some cursing

Other: Dadwin my beloved. Also this isn’t particularly polished, but it’s still better than the original

Keefe stood at the base of Elwin’s expansive house, the familiar scent already wrapping his senses in a comforting hug. Strong woody forest on one side and salty ocean on the other, mixing to create a smell he suspected would typically only be found in candles. The sun, only barely in the sky, shown bright through the rainbow glass panes of the building. 

The chilly air which surrounded Splendor Plains drove him to start his journey inside faster than his nerves wanted. He was hesitant to actually venture into the home, even though he came here specifically for support after…

Yes, there was the reminder, how could he forget? 

The memory sent another sharp pain to his heart. 

It had only been an hour ago. Keefe sitting under the panakes. Tears streaming from his face, just as they did now. 

He pushed the memory down again, forcing himself to take one more step to the door. One led to two led to three, as eventually the beautiful colors of Elwin’s sleek walls reflected on Keefe’s face. Now he was in arms length of the doorknob, hands refusing to move from his sides. 

The wind started picking up, blowing mist from the sea into his eyes and chilling him deeper, right past his skin – into his bones. He was half way sure the aforementioned tears were going to start freezing right on his cheeks.  

Okay, he said to himself, on three. 

One,

God, I wish I didn’t have to do this.

Two,

I don’t want to burden Elwin.

Three,

And the door’s opening! Okay!

He pushed it open, his own hand defying the anxious part of his brain. 

He croaked out a hasty, “Elwin?” to which there was no response. Keefe hoped the fact that Elwin often said he was always welcome extended to when Elwin didn’t seem to be home. 

“... Elwin?”

Still no response. 

Carefully, Keefe picked through the sparse rooms, feeling bad for leaving footprints on the clear glass which showed Bullhorn’s personal tubes through the house. 

Finally, he reached the El Dorado of Elwin’s home. 

His absolute gold mine of unique stuffed animals. 

It was one of the few completely Elwin-ified rooms in the whole place. Like he had too little time at home to decorate the entire house, and instead had to focus on just one room. 

And within the room, Keefe found the man himself. 

“Elwin!”

“AH!” he whipped around, “Oh, kid, you scared me. I didn’t hear you.”

He was dressed as eccentrically as usual, tunic spattered with colorful dinosaurs. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean- well- I just-”

Luckily and unluckily, Elwin now noticed the leftover tear-streaks which stained Keefe’s cheeks. 

“Keefe, are you okay?” 

Here comes the waterworks, he thought. 

And there they came indeed. 

“I-I was- I-”

“Hey, hey, let’s sit down alright?”

Elwin gently led him across the room to a small couch. 

“Talk when you’re ready,” he said, a supportive arm draped across Keefe’s shoulder. 

It was another few moments before Keefe could speak without it coming out a blubbering mess. 

“I was… we were at Havenfield. Black Swan stuff, it took all night. I was with Dex under the Panakes... It was, I mean, it was perfect. And we were both tired, half delirious, really. And I told him… something I maybe shouldn’t have.”

There was a pause.

“And?” prompted Elwin. 

“He didn’t say anything. He ran away. I went home, tried to take a nap, but the exhaustion wouldn’t let me stop crying. I came here.” 

“I don’t mean to pry, not if you don’t feel comfortable, but may I ask what you told him?” 

“You won’t tell anyone else?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Elwin confirmed. And Keefe believed him. 

“I’ve… liked him for a while. So I told him. I wouldn't have any other day, but my decision making skills aren’t at their best right now. Not that they are usually, I guess.”

“Oh, Keefe,” Elwin said, pulling him into a hug, which Keefe gratefully accepted. 

Suddenly, the tears which inconveniently leaked from his eyes had returned. He silently vowed to himself not to go a full night without sleep ever again.

“It’s okay, you’re okay,” Elwin said, as Keefe cried for the countless time that day.

It wasn’t serious. It shouldn't have been serious. He just hadn’t realized how deep he had fallen, how badly he had wanted reciprocation. Part of him said he should’ve waited, or that he never should’ve said anything at all; it said that everything was ruined now. 

The other part of him said it would’ve come out eventually, one way or another. That the boy Keefe had fallen in love with would push past a simple crush and not let it hurt their friendship.

That almost made it worse. 

And he was so damn tired. So, so goddamn tired. His brain wasn’t rational, the tears just refused to stop. 

“It’s so stupid,” he managed against Elwin’s shoulder through one of his sobs.

“It’s not stupid, Keefe.”

After the weeping had slowed down, Elwin gently pulled away to look in Keefe’s face. 

“Everyone has their heartbreak. I’m sorry it happened to you like this, with such a close friend. Nothing about your feelings is stupid. You have a right to mourn this and cry as much as you need to. Stay here, I’ll get some water. Feel free to pick out a stuffie, you have many options.” 

A small crack of a smile emerged from Keefe’s face at this. 

Keefe picked a small gremlin from the extensive selection Elwin had collected. 

Gremlins. They dismantled technology. Technology. Dex. Dammit. 

More tears. Fuck. 

This was the state in which Elwin found him, sobbing again, this time holding a perpetually-smiling lop-sided gremlin plush. 

Gently, he handed Keefe the glass, graciously not mentioning the weeping. 

Elwin took Keefe back up into his arms, so fatherly the act itself made Keefe cry even harder. 

Eventually, this round slowed as well. Elwin pulled away again.

“You okay?” Elwin asked. 

“-Ish.”

“That’ll have to be enough, I guess.” 

This earned another ghost of a smile from Keefe. 

“Do you want to talk more about it? I’ve been there, kid, I’ll understand. I promise.” 

“He’s just a boy. I know that. It just… it all feels like so much right now. I probably need sleep.”

“You definitely need sleep. Your cells are probably crying right now.” 

Keefe laughed, a real, true, good laugh, for the first time that day. 

“Just as much as me?”

“More.”

Another laugh.

“Hey,” said Elwin, “let’s get you to a room. Take a nap with your new friend.”

He motioned to the gremlin.

“Well, he’s no Mrs. Stinkbottom, but I guess he’ll do.” 

“That’a boy,” Elwin said, leading Keefe into standing and guiding him out of the room. 

Keefe glanced out the clear hallway wall-window in passing, noting that it had started raining hard in the last few minutes.

And then he looked again.

“Oh…”

Right on Elwin’s lawn, glancing around like a lost puppy, stood Dex.

“Keefe, what’s- ah,” said Elwin, following Keefe’s line of sight. 

He looked pitiful out there, standing in the rain, hair dripping water on his face. He looked up, spotting Keefe staring slack-jawed.

Dex said something inaudible to Keefe and Elwin, but he seemed desperate as he ran up to the front door. 

They both stood there, stunned, until there was pounding at the door. Elwin moved first, rushing down the hall, Keefe starting a second after him.

By the time they reached the front hall and Elwin wrenched open the door, Dex was positively drenched from head to toe. 

“Keefe! Oh my god, I’m so sorry, I was looking everywhere for you, I just-”

“Hey, hey, hey,” Elwin stopped him, “take it slow. Come in, you’re gonna get hypothermia out there.”

Dex obliged, making a futile attempt to wipe his feet as the rest of him dripped water on the glass floor. 

Keefe said nothing. He didn’t think he could form words.

“Keefe,” said Dex, ”I… I don’t even know where to start.”

There was a lull, prompting Elwin to cut in again.

“Let’s start with me finding you a towel, alright? Try not to sit on anything for a minute, I’ll be quick.” 

Elwin ventured off and Keefe continued to stare blankly in Dex’s general direction. 

“I’m sorry,” Dex said at last, “I shouldn’t have run off like that. I was… scared, I guess. I’d never thought that I might’ve- that you might’ve- ugh, I’m bad at this.”

He rubbed his face, clearly trying to collect his thoughts.

“I’m sorry,” Keefe dragged from his mouth, “I didn’t think you’d like me back, it was just hope. I knew you were straight, I just shouldn’t have said anything. We never have to talk about this ever, okay? Or you can just stop talking to me, I don’t want you to be uncomfortable-”

“No! No, that’s not it at all. I just didn’t think I could… I didn’t think I could like you, at first. I didn’t think it was… an option? But- but then you said you liked me and I freaked out, because it made me realize that I could like you. And then that just opened up a whole other door of panic, because everything made sense all of the sudden, and I just anxiety-ran home.”

“What are you saying?”

“I think I like you, too. I’m pretty sure actually. I’m pretty sure I have for a while, but I’ve been denying it. I never really thought… I mean, I knew other guys could like guys but I didn’t think I could? But, when you said it something just opened in my brain and I thought about how much I like spending time with you, and how you’re all smart and funny and, well, uh, nice looking. And it was all so much.”

“Hey, Dex?”

“Yeah?”

“Your face is as red as a tomato right now.”

He laughed, tension in his face suddenly breaking.

“What do you expect? I’ve been to hell and back looking for you. Went through half of candleshade, no joke.”

“Ah, yes, because I’d love to hang out with my dad’s creepy statue.”

“Who knows? You get funky when you’re angsty.”

“I’m not angsty.”

“Your eyes are red and you’re clutching a gremlin.”

“Hm. Touche.” 

Dex laughed again, cheeks dimpling in a way that Keefe couldn’t tear his eyes from. 

On impulse, he stepped forward, wrapping Dex up in a hug.

“Hey, Keefe?”

Keefe pulled away enough to look in Dex’s face.

“Ye-”

He was cut off by Dex’s lips on his, surprise fading to joy as he melted into the kiss. 

“Hey, I got the- oh! Sorry, sorry-”

They broke apart, faces deeply flushed as Elwin walked in with a stack of towels.

“I’ll just uh, leave these here, and go do something else now. Away from this room. Bye! Glad you’ve made up!”

He walked out as quick as his feet would carry him without running. 

“Oh, jeez,” Keefe said, letting his forehead drop onto Dex’s shoulder to hide his pink face.

“Okay, note to self, maybe be in a private place next time we kiss.”

“Mm,” Keefe looked up, “How soon is next time?” he asked, quirking a brow.

“I- uh, when do you want it to be?”

“Now works,” he said, leaning back in and joining their lips once more.

They stayed like that for as long as they dared, pulling back when they both finally needed air and the risk of Elwin walking in again was too great.

Keefe unwound his arms from Dex’s waist, mostly to avoid the temptation of immediately kissing him again.

“One, uh, serious question.”

“Yeah?” asked Dex.

“How open are we gonna be about this to our friends? Like, on a scale from never talking to each other to constant PDA.”

“Maybe we should wait a little before we tell them.”

“But we will tell them eventually, yeah?”

“Yes, yeah, for sure. Just… for now it can be our little secret.”

“Yeah, just me, you, and Elwin.”

“Hey, what happens in Elwin’s house, stays in Elwin’s house.”

#ta-da! my writing is simply better now pls dont interact with the og elwins house anymre lmao #keeper of the lost cities #kotlc #keefex #kotlc fic

[mogai-sunflowers]

anygays here’s my updated list of upcoming royal system terms- currently not adding to it, and i did remove a few from the lists recommended to me for personal reasons, i’m really looking forward to doing these, i’ve got flags for most so far and i do have around 100 posts in my queue alr but im gonna be shuffling it up a bit so i can post royal system posts in between the ones alr in the queue

willow, lullaby, melody, harmony, love song, acoustic music, violin, cello, poetry, sunlight, moonlight, starlight, ocean sunset, waterlily, tigerlily, lupine, dragonfly, firefly, auroracore, pixiecore, clockpunk, steampunk, carnivalcore, post apocalyptic, pastel academia, musical academia, writers academia, ballet academia, romantic academia, crowcore, cyberpunk, cyberprep, cyberdelic, cybergoth, cybergrunge, coffee house, vellichor, dollcore, dark paradise/naturalism, daydream, dazecore, psychedelica, acidwave, ethereal, fairy academia, fawncore, happycore, horror academia, theater academia, jamcore, lunarpunk, solarpunk, northerness aesthetic, ocean academia, sparklecore, studyplace/studycore, vintage academia, warmcore, witchy academia, spiritcore, scenecore, marigold, daffodil, hyacinth, peony, rainy days, pastel, rococo, pixel cutie, pastel blue, pastel yellow, pastel orange, pastel pink, pastel purple, pastel green, plaguecore, plague doctor, natural philosophy, philosophy, luminism, hikecore, mountain sunrise/sunset, craftcore, vintage/vintagecore, cloud/cloudcore, violet flower, iris, lavender, jasmine, magnolia, morning glory, bluebell, poppy, orchid, lotus, forget me not, buttercup, gardenia, lilac, wildflower, dandelion, periwinkle, dahlia, zinnia, calla lily, lily of the valley, petunia, chrysanthemum, rosemary, love song, garden, fairy tale, fairy lights, flower crown, ginger, gingerbread, cotton candy, candy cane, cookie, lamb, honeybee, bumblebee, twirly skirt, ballerina, blue butterfly, phoenix, songwriting, ivy, aspen, birch, oak, evergreen, starry sky, winter forest, winter flower, polar bear, black bear, grizzly bear, leopard, meadowlark, nightingale, holly, sea glass, mistletoe, crescent moon, feather, dystopia, utopia, lollipop, popsicle, cookie, candy/candycore, harp, soulqueer, neon, arcade/arcadecore, snowman, nebula, constellation, northern lights, shooting star, summer sunset, romantic love, queerplatonic love, platonic love, friendship, kindness, falcon, hawk, poison, gold, marble, rebel, astronomy, volcano, love/lovecore, babycore, minimalism, prairiecore, candle, fairy garden, coconut, ocean cliff, flying, spiral, magical, magic trick, tiger, pegasus, griffin, satyr/faun, misty sunrise, christmas tree, legendary, bowtie, secret, ghosty story, evil fairy, guitar, singing, rainbow sprinkles, rainbow sparkles, superhero, stone, forgotten, dryad, infinity, paradise, castle, peach, elephant, luck, courage, fear, sci-fi, fantasy, siren, campfire, library, swan, envy, apple juice, antique, greenhouse, hot chocolate, celestial, brownie, imagination, truth, magic wand, illusion, prophecy, euphoria, jewelry, heartbreak, stardust, nightlight, magical flower, angel bunny, notebook, silk, memory, liberty, honeydew, honeycrisp, autumn academia, mystery, heaven, hell, wisteria, whimsical, mirror, sugarplum, ice skating, bell, tuxedo, androgynous, spy, detective, wisdom, war, branch, sword, shield, gun, yule, xenic, genderless, glass, translucent, holy, overcast, sky, wax, zodiac, knitted doll, feathered dragon, evil, tabby cat, 50s, 20s, tuxedo cat, barn owl, snowy owl, creeper, enderman, pokemon, dovakiin, khajit, redguard, argonian, bosmer, dunmer, altmer, orsimer, imperial, Breton, nord, guard, drama, gender nonconforming, god/goddess, linguistic, clay doll, cornhusk doll, occult, tarot, lava, slime, luna moth, silk moth, poodle moth, rose maple moth, poltergeist, fruit bat, sloth, cyclops, flower fairy, narwhal, salt, she/her, he/him, they/them, it/its, funky, fresh, homey, bear, time travel, vampire bat, circus, songbird, pony, virus, fever, sand castle, hologram, radioactive, alternate timeline, alternate/parallel universe, white peacock, ancient ruins, distorted reality, victorian, victorian goth, enchantress

#reign rambles

[gingerwritess]

Elucien week day 1: flower

I should not have written this today when I have like eleven finals and projects due in two days but oh well

I know it’s a day late but I also didn’t have anything for day 2 soooo enjoy!!

warnings: a little bit of ✨spice✨ and no editing :/

Elain could feel the air.

That was the first sign something was different here.

It was heavy, settling on her skin with the gentlest pressure, like the warm embrace of humidity, only without the sweltering heat.

The second sign was Lucien.

Her focus was drawn to Lucien’s fingers, wrapped tight around hers, as they passed a fallen branch that had been overtaken by moss. Long, slender, and strong, his fingers stroked slowly over her own, and her next breath stuttered.

A few flowers poked out from between the splinters of the fallen branch—black flowers.

A few flowers poked out from between the splinters of the fallen branch—black flowers.

“Wait,” Elain gasped, grabbing Lucien’s arm. “I want to see those.”

She pulled him along behind her and dropped to her knees by the blooms, gaping.

“Those are beautiful,” Lucien commented, reluctantly dropping her hand as she picked one from the dirt.

“They’re black,” Elain whispered in awe. She ran a gentle finger over the single curved petal. “They looked like calla lilies, don’t you think?”

Lucien chewed his lip and nodded. He was sweet like that. Pretending to know what she was talking about. Elain quite liked that about him.

“But they’re actually black,” she breathed, and held it to her nose to take a deep breath of it. “Mm. Black flowers don’t exist naturally in the human lands, all we got was dark purple or dark red. Never actually black.”

She took another breath of it, basking in the musky, heady scent of it, then thrust the flower under Lucien’s nose.

“It smells so good,” she moaned, picking another one and inhaling it again. “Mm. I could smell these all day.”

Lucien gave the flower an experimental sniff—then his eyes rolled back in his head. “Cauldron. Let’s bring some of these back.”

Elain nodded feverishly, hurrying to pull more of the blooms from the fallen branch and the moss surrounding it. Normally she would be gentler with them, snip the stems cleanly, or pull it out from the root; but these…gods, she wanted an armful of them, she wanted to bury her face in them.

The air pressed onto her skin heavier, and she felt a drop of sweat race down her neck.

A soft thump behind her told her Lucien had dropped to his knees, and then he was beside her, pressing against her side as he reached over her to help gather a bundle of the flowers.

“Aren’t flowers not supposed to grow in moss?”

He sounded out of breath—and his heartbeat…it throbbed through her head at a fevered pace, only getting faster as he added to the bundle of blooms in her arms.

“It’s–it’s difficult,” she replied breathlessly, sitting back on her heels as he worked. “I don’t know how it works here, though. Maybe…maybe there’s different rules.”

“Wild magic,” Lucien grunted—he was sweating, now, too, down the arch of his neck, and she wanted to lick—

“What?” she squeaked, cheeks turning cherry red.

“Maybe it’s a rogue bit of magic,” he continued. “You never know, in fae woods. Anything can grow.”

Her gaze dropped to his hands—he was gripping the bark of the fallen branch so tightly his knuckles paled. A vein pulsed in his neck and the corded muscles of his forearms were taut.

He still pressed into her side, pulling another flower from the moss. Every little place they touched was on fire, her arm burning as he brushed it and she caught his eyes flutter closed.

His hair gleamed molten in the scarce sunlight, every shade of red and blood and rubies taunting her as he moved. The muscles of his back rippled as he worked, even through his shirt, and his hands—gods, what was wrong with her—his hands were covered in dirt, slender and so big and she reached out and touched the back of his hand before she could think better of it.

His skin was feverishly hot.

And the moment her fingers brushed the back of his hand, he twisted, those long fingers wrapping around her wrist to pull her to the ground beneath him.

Her mouth dropped open in the faintest gasp—she’d never seen him from this angle.

Braced above her. Hands pinning her wrists down.

Her face, her chest, her skin, her everything heated. She knew it wasn’t embarrassment.

His blood red hair fell around their faces, and it was so strange to see it so loose, so unbound, falling in his face so untamed, that Elain caught her bottom lip between her teeth and reached up to touch his hair.

“What is this,” she breathed, running her fingers through his hair, the locks slipping through them like molten metal.

He blinked—and his face shifted in an instant, falling from something feral to something horrified as he realized the position he’d put them in.

“Sorry,” he gasped, letting go of her wrist and jolting away from her. The black, beautiful flowers, dropped and forgotten the moment he pulled her under him, littered the moss around them.

“I’m so sorry,” he panted, reaching to help her sit up, his hands trembling. “Gods, I don’t—I’m so sorry, I don’t know what came over me—”

Elain didn’t know either, but she felt it. Everywhere.

“I feel it, too,” she whispered, and grabbed his hand and pressed it to her chest, right above her heart.

Lucien looked like he’d stopped breathing.

“What are you doing?”

“I don’t know.” She didn’t want to break this heady spell by speaking louder than a whisper. They were face to face, kneeling in the mossy forest ground, black calla lilies surrounding them, and she leaned just a bit closer, touching her forehead to his.

His lips glistened in the scarce sunlight.

She could hear his gold eye whirring wildly in its socket, but he remained silent, barely breathing, watching as she stared at his parted lips.

“I think…I think it’s the flowers,” Lucien rasped, his hand still hot on her chest. “Definitely ancient magic.”

Cauldron, she loved the way his mouth moved. She could listen to him and watch him talk for hours, mapping the movements of those full lips, the crooked grins he gave her, the way his scar moved with his face.

“You’re ancient magic,” she whispered, and their noses bumped. “Untamed.”

Elain tilted her head and flicked her tongue against his scar.

The way he whispered a pleading curse under his breath set her on fire.

“Wild,” she murmured, and the softest push on his shoulders had him sitting against the fallen branch as she climbed onto his lap and licked his neck. “Sacred.”

“Elain,” he groaned, dirty hands fisting in the moss under him. “Cauldron—”

Gods, those lips. “Say it again,” she said breathlessly, her hands curling into his hair. “My name.”

“Elain.” His eyes were closed.

She hadn’t even kissed him and he was writhing and moaning her name.

“Elain, please—”

She was certain she should be feeling very ashamed for this, for doing this to him, with him, and out in the open air, too—but the world was alight in this forest, and he was here, begging for her, and gods, she needed him.

“Flowers,” Lucien panted, his head thrown back against the branch. His fingers dug into her hips as she leaned back down to his neck. “It’s—mother—flowers, Elain—”

She answered on a heady sigh, grabbing a handful of the flowers he wanted and shoving them into the v of his loose shirt. “Here—they look good, you look—you’re…”

She couldn’t think straight. Between the feel of him, the scent of him, the taste of him, and the scent of those intoxicating flowers, her mind had emptied of every thought but him and the heat coursing through her.

“I’ll winnow,” he gasped, even as he clawed at her muslin dress and curled a dirty hand in her hair.

His body jerked under her—then the whole world followed, and she clung to him, her face buried in the crook of his neck, breathing in the crisp autumn scent of him.

She landed hard on top of him, and he let out a quiet grunt over her shoulder, one of his hands still gripping her waist while the other fisted her hair.

Elain froze as cool, clean air filled her and danced across her skin.

The manor. They were back at the Spring manor, laying together on the sprawling lawn.

What…had she done.

She threw herself off of Lucien and scrambled away from him, taking in the state of him, his tousled hair, flushed cheeks, heaving chest. “I’m so sorry,” she blurted, trying to fix her dress and hair. “I’m so sorry, Lucien, I didn’t mean to do that, I’m so sorry, I don’t—”

“Flowers.”

It came out on a laugh, his eyes still closed.

“What?” Elain asked, distraught as she watched him laugh on the grass. “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“It was—” he grunted as he pulled himself upright, and took out one of the black flowers she’d tucked in his shirt. “The flowers. Some kind of intoxicant, or a spell, I’m sure.”

She gaped at him. “Really?”

He gave her a small smile, and took the flowers from out of his shirt. “Really.”

“I’m still sorry,” Elain insisted, refusing to look him in the eye. Cauldron, she’d jumped him like a feral beast. “I can’t believe—I’m not like that, you know? I’m so sorry I did that, I—”

Lucien stood as she rambled, gathering the remaining flowers and coming over to press a soft kiss to her cheek. “What do you say we give these to Nesta and Cassian in a bouquet the next time there’s a family dinner?”

Her excuses and apologies stuttered to a halt—and she giggled. Clapped a hand over her furiously flushed face and laughed. “Oh, definitely. That’ll keep things exciting.”

He was so good at that; reminding her that he was in no hurry to rush this delicate sprout of a relationship they had. And what she’d been doing—or about to do—in that forest was certainly rushing things.

She fell into step beside him, still staring at the ground, as he headed back to the manor, talking about how he must wash his hands, for no gentleman should ever have dirty hands for this long a time should he need to use them.

He noticed her silence, or lack of laughter at his antics, and glanced down at her.

“Don’t worry about it,” he murmured, nudging her arm with his own. “You did nothing wrong. Between the flowers and my devilish good looks I’m shocked we made it back with our clothes on.”

She glared at him, and he grinned right back.

“I feel terrible,” Elain insisted. “I completely…lost control. I’ve never done that. I’m sorry you had to see me like–like that.”

Lucien hummed. “I’m not.”

“Lucien!”

He laughed, reaching down to take her hand in his. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about, ashamed of, or to apologize for. We both lost it a bit thanks to these flowers here, but you never even kissed me.”

The way he said it, with the definitive pout at the end, his shoulders sagging a little bit—Elain frowned as he brought her hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles with a grin.

“No need to sound so disappointed.”

—

@elucienweek

#elain x lucien #elucien #lucien vanserra #elain archeron #elucienweek #acotar #acomaf #acosf #elucien fanfiction #pro elucien

[ladeaeveld]

Notes on Tevinter Nights

I finished reading Tevinter Nights not so long ago, so here is an overview of what is happening in Thedas. There is probably nothing particularly new since I'm a bit late to the party. However, I find such overviews convenient to refresh my memory when needed. Perhaps it will be useful to someone else!

This overview was meant to be short, but there were so many interesting details... now, it is huge.

Also, since I’ve read the translated version, any help with wording clarifications is greatly appreciated!

The post is under a cut due to Tevinter Nights spoilers (and length).

Global events

- There is a war between the Qunari and Tevinter.

- Three branches of the Qun do not agree with each other. The Antaam, the military branch of the Qun, attacked Ventus and continued the invasion without the permission of the other two. It results in faster progress of the invasion as the other two branches were a moderating influence on the Antaam. The Ben-Hassrath holds a neutral position.

- In Tevinter, the Venatori are still a problem.

- Smaller countries like Rivain and Antiva are under serious threat of the Qunari’s invasion.

- The heads of the Antivan Crows, eight Talons, held a meeting to join their forces, protect Antiva, and withstand the Qunari's invasion. The meeting was disrupted, and four out of eight Talons were murdered. New heads of the Crows will be chosen soon.

- The king of Nevarra is on the brink of death. The Mortalitasi, who have always had great power in Nevarra, continue to interfere in politics.

- All the Grey Wardens were summoned to Weisshaupt.

- We were introduced to a considerable amount of characters from the guild of treasure hunters, the Lords of Fortune.

- Regarding the Inquisition, little is known. All external issues of the organization seem to be handled by Varric Tethras. He gives quests, monitors their implementation, hires new people.

- One of the Executors, or ‘those across the sea’, showed up in the flesh. Solas said they are particularly dangerous and cautioned against interacting with them.

- By now, many have heard rumours of the Fen’Harel’s cult.

Minrathous

- A demon or something far worse is imprisoned under Minrathous. With the help of the Venatori, it is now unsealed (will probably be sealed again later). Yet, to awake it, some blood-magic ritual must be performed.

- The creature was sealed with eight blood-bonded enchanted clay disks. They showed a long and thin four-winged dragon rising from the dark waters.

- It is said that ‘demon’ is not the best word to describe this creature. It is something ancient and mighty, unnamed, something that will subject to god only.

- This ‘demon’ was a part of Corypheus’ plan of making Tevinter great again. According to this plan, Minrathous was to become the cradle of the new world. If Minrathous had not surrendered to Corypheus, the ‘demon’ would have left the city no choice.

- Most of the population of Minrathous could have perished as a result of this creature awakening.

- Enchanted predators and monsters resulting from magical experiments seem to be common in Minrathous.

Elven experiments

- In Nevarra, under a mountain with three asymmetric peaks wrapped around each other, there is a dwarven thaig. This thaig is called Hormak, and it was lost to the darkspawn hundreds of years ago.

- In Hormak, Grey Wardens have found elven halls, where experiments on living were conducted. And it is quite lively in these halls now.

- There is a huge pool with a greyish fluid that reeks of brine. It creates hybrids.

- There were different types of hybrids: darkspawn with other darkspawn, animals with other animals, darkspawn with animals, and even a centipede and a Grey Warden hybrid.

- When a hurlock stepped in the greyish fluid, it was enveloped and then transformed into a drake and a hurlock hybrid.

- The transformed Grey Warden said that the fluid affects ‘them’ (sentient races?) differently. To be transformed, it is not enough to touch it. The fluid should get inside the body.

- All over the place were large repetitive bas-reliefs depicting ancient elven. There were three types of them. The first one showed majestic elven kings and queens with reverent supplicants. The second one showed elven mages healing sick. The third showed big aravels, drawn by herds of hallas, going to distant mountains (one of the mountains had three peaks wrapped around each other).

- Later, those bas-reliefs were described differently. On the first one, elven rulers were arrogant and despised their subjects, who seemed to be in great terror. On the second one, mages weren’t healing sick, but on the contrary, they were injecting corruption into bodies. On the third, a halla had a strange rounded body and very long and ridged horns, and an aravel had bars on its windows, which made it look like a cage.

- Somewhere at the entrance of the halls was one more type of repetitive bas-reliefs. It showed three figures: a supplicant, a priestess, and a monster. On each subsequent bas-relief, a supplicant and a monster were different, while the priestess remained the same. It seemed that with each subsequent bas-relief, her grin grew wider.

- The experiments are directed by some will, which is referred to as a female. ‘She’ is not yet there, ‘they’ are waiting for ‘her’.

- Symbols of horns of a halla are present on each column in the halls.

- According to bas-reliefs, there are twelve such places in total.

The Inquisition members and allies

For completeness, this part should have included information from the comic, but I tried to avoid that.

- According to Tevinter Nights, Varric and Charter remained in the ranks of the Inquisition.

- Charter mentions her lover, Tessa.

- Vaea and ser Aaron show up but without a clear relation to the Inquisition.

- There are two mages, Vadis and Irian, who saved a peaceful Qunari settlement called Kont-aar from an agent of Fen'Harel, thus keeping the chance of subtle peace between the Ben-Hassrath and Tevinter. The Ben-Hassrath returned the favour by directing said mages to Kirkwall, to a certain dwarf, where they intend to go after seeing Val Royeaux.

- Sutherland and Company are still loyal to the ideals of the Inquisition.

- Quentin Calla, who was a bearer of the enchanted clay disk for a while, provided the Inquisition with some information.

- Philliam, a Bard!, (formerly) Sister Laudine, and Brother Ferdinand Genitivi, with the help of the Lord of the Fortune, Mateo, accepted and completed the quest from the Inquisition.

Fen’Harel and the red lyrium idol

- The red lyrium idol's adventures ended. It is now in Solas' hands, or at least he says so.

- There are three descriptions of the red lyrium idol's appearance. The first one, made by the dwarf, the Carta assassin: two figures, too thin to be dwarves, caressing each other. The second one, by Mortalitasi: two lovers or a god mourning the sacrifice. The third, by Solas: crowned figure comforting another one. (Note: I remind you these are not exact quotes but a translation of the translation, and nuances might have been lost.)

- Some qualities of the idol: red lyrium weighs more than the usual one; the idol is liquid inside; it reacts to other lyrium.

- The idol created or revealed a ritual blade.

- Solas calls the idol his.

- The Mortalitasi recounted the events in the Fade in which Solas took a form of a giant wolf the size of a high dragon. He had burning eyes like those of a pride demon and wings of fire which later resolved themselves into lesser demons. The Fade is called his natural home, and it is said spirits serve him gladly.

- Solas pays special attention to the actions of the Inquisition.

- Members of Fen'Harel's cult would rather die than be captured.

- The ritual the Dread Wolf performs already affects the Fade.

Random interesting facts

- The Qunari slowly cut down a part of the Arlathan Forest.

- The Ben-Hassrath are said to know the most about Solas’ actions.

- Among four killed Talons was Giuli Arainai, Eighth Talon, and this might be a good time for Zevran to show up somehow.

- There was a lyrium crystal that produced a light with shades of green and yellow in Hormak.

- Dorian no longer has slaves, only hired labourers.

- Josephine sent Dorian some good Antivan wine. :)

- Vaea now possesses a healing artefact, which seems to be able to heal anything except death.

- There is an example of a dwarven metal prosthetic of a leg, which does not seem to restrict movement in any way.

Since I’ve read Tevinter Nights after the last Dragon Age Day... - Evka became a Grey Warden and did rescue the next one!

- The hunger demon that turned a person into a werewolf in the village called Eichweill was not completely defeated.

- It seems those elven artefacts do strengthen the Veil, after all.

- The Randy Dowager is Ferdinand Genitivi. Five scarves fluttered in shock out of five.

⠀

This is all for Tevinter Nights for now. I did not include plenty of curious facts, probably enough for another post. I hope you enjoyed it anyway!

If you have any corrections regarding facts, or grammar, etc., don’t hesitate to DM me! Or you may leave a comment in my ask box if you want to stay anonymous.

Thank you for the attention, and have a nice day!

#I have made little illustrations for this post! #I will post them separately later #this is the longest text in English I have ever posted on social media #I hope the post is ok #dragon age #tevinter nights #spoilers #spoiler #tevinter nights spoilers #tevinter nights spoiler #dragon age: tevinter nights #dragon age: tevinter nights spoilers #dragon age: tevinter nights spoiler #da #da4 #dragon age 4

[gcuienveres]

who: @casimirtully​ where: the castle of riverrun, the riverlands, following casimir’s coronation

the riverlands had a strange, mythical beauty in the evergreen forests and winding rivers that seemed to course as naturally as the people that called these lands home; the castle of riverrun itself sat upon one of the mightiest of rivers, gaining not only resources, but power from the dangerous currents. how long it had been since she were close to any element of water, and with so much in her life having altered quite sharply, the sight of the sunlight reflecting from the surface of those treacherous currents was something to give her some sense of peace. this event seemed to be a symbol for westeros moving forward, putting aside the pains that came with the flags of green and black, considering there was a great number of courts in attendance; the court of the vale included. 

and still, with so many cousins in the lands further west, it seemed as though she were always hearing some sort of news that was enough to cause her stomach to twist and drop. calla’s nuptials were impending, though she had little idea of whether her cousin had taken her urgent heed the night she had come across her returning from her intended’s chambers in the middle of the night; and that did not even touch on the topic of who was being used as the lannister family’s next pawn. 

lifting champagne and ivory skirts from the ground, sewn in the hem with thread of gold, guinevere’s emerald hues found themselves looking upon a familiar figure stood upon a balcony, looking over the convergence of those rivers, in deep discussion with one of his banners. coming to a slight pause, she gave the retreating banner a small nod of her head in acknowledgement as the man remained stood, his back to her. it was strange, to see casimir in the place he was always supposed to take; carefree and joyful as he may have been in his youth, it seemed to fit him.

 despite the arrangement that had once been settled and broken between the pair, the woman held a warm opinion of the man that was essentially a stranger at this point; though she did not feel an intense urge to try and bridge the gaps of such rivers, she would remember those who taught her various lessons in life. “your grace.” she spoke in a soft tone, knowing she would take this opportunity directly to speak to the king of the kingdom her sweet cousin was soon to be wedded into. it were not as though she could speak to the other king involved. 

“lord atticus frey...” she spoke, her tone implying she remembered all of what he had once told her about the man; how she had rolled her eyes at the sound of him as they walked along the shore of the sunset sea, and declared him nothing more than an oaf. how quickly those words seemed to have come for her; she were not oblivious to the fact that aurelia needed to marry atticus, to cement the riverland alliance she were supposed to. with the man stood before her. 

“and my kin, aurelia.” he knew her well enough, had spoken to her multiple times from atop a tower window; gods knew they had once witnessed her dancing alone in her room like a madwoman.

#c: casimir #casimir 001 #me: THE TEA #she's like not my poor auri with fuckin atticus come on now #also me: hi jason #one for the money two for the show ; i never was ready so i watched you go

[13shapeshifters]

(Ok so this is obviously going to contain huge spoilers for the Raven King) @girlbossfarooqlane , this one goes out to you

When I first listened to the chapter at the end of the book of Cabeswater sacrificing itself to save Gansey, my first thought was that Cabeswater was creating Persephone- was making itself Persephone- to be exchanged for Ganseys life.

It might sound a bit strange in the beginning but hear me out! I have some (good, if i might say so) reasons:

The chapter I'm talking about is chapter 67 of the Raven King. In this chapter we learn quite a few things about Cabeswater, that we know to be true because it’s literally written in its perspective:

Cabeswater is made and remade all the time. It is impossibly old and always young at the same time.

Cabeswater is not quite mortal and can’t sacrifice itself for Gansey, who is quite mortal

The sacrifice has to be a life

Adam/it's magician is the one trying to convince him of saving Gansey, giving it ideas and explaining in what limited way of communication they have

The easiest way of saving Gansey would be to make a copy of him, but Cabeswater knows that that isn’t what the Others would want and Cabeswater is all about making wishes (and not-quite-wishes) come true, so that isn’t what happened

[I would, at this point, like to point out that the way the chapter reads it sounds like Cabeswater is making Gansey new: “But it might be able to refashion him into something new” but that sounds like making a copy of Gansey but since They don’t want a copy of Gansey   Cabeswater shouldn’t be able to do it (see point 5). Although it might be (probably is as far as i understood that scene?) that Cabeswater remade Gansey entirely. As in from the moment he died the first time, the moment Gansey received “a new heart” from the ley-line to save him from certain death by wasps. That moment is the reason why Gansey is a mirror like Blue, the reason why he died the moment Blue kissed him. They kept reflecting power back at each other, stronger each time, and the weaker one had to break.

But if we ignore those two or three sentences I can just continue with my theory I spent too much time on, yknow?]

Cabeswater can’t just kill itself because a) it’s not really mortal (see point 2) and b) it’s all about creation which is- as you might know- pretty much the opposite of murder

Cabeswater mentions that the life-for-a-life sacrifice would only be possible for itself if it created itself a human shape. Let’s go with this. The rest of the chapter is Cabeswater not understanding humans but trying it’s best at creating authentic life

7.1) Cabeswater has no idea how humans are supposed to be

7.2) Cabeswater is going away to create its new life

7.3) Cabeswater keeps coming back to remember what humans are like, which likely results in life that is not quite what it’s supposed to be like but it’s close enough

7.4) It takes Ganseys wonder and regret, his humanity and puts it inside the new life. I will read this as Cabeswater copy and pasting it and not outright stealing it

Cabeswater has a very calming effect on Adam

This is just a collection of facts (with a few of my comments thrown in) so now let’s get to the things we know about Persephone to start connecting them:

Persephone is described as odd due to her youthfulness being side to side with her old wisdom (taken from the Raven Boys Wiki)

She has a concept of right and wrong but it differs very strongly from the “rulebooks” of the Others

Her physical appearance is almost unnatural, especially her eyes. They are described as black, but they turn out to be every color at once. I’m 80% sure that’s biologically not possible

3.1) It could be that her physical appearance is the result of her being a psychic, but she would be the only psychic in the Raven Cycle to have an altered appearance due to her psychic-ness

Maura and Calla meeting was a coincidence (as long as you believe in coincidences, Persephone meeting them was not

Persephone seems to be a sort of mediator of Foxway, she’s pretty much the only calm presence in the books

She taught Adam despite never taking initiative

She dies while scrying

7.1) She can not only see the past, present, future through scrying, she can participate. See: the scene before the discovery of her body in Foxway. She was with Adam one second and the next one she was gone. The cashier said that she was never there. She was projecting herself

So let’s start connecting dots, shall we?

In the chapters just before Cabeswaters chapter the focus lies on Adam and Noah.

Noah's chapter focuses on his life after death and the “time is a circle” theme that has been in every book of the Raven Cycle. Noah goes “back in time” to save Gansey, it turns out he was the one to rescue Gansey, he is the one who started his search for Glendower (which is something I could maybe write another essay on ). So Noah sacrifices his life for Gansey a second time, the first time when he dies, the second time when he moves on.

Adam meanwhile is scrying, getting back his autonomy from the demon. While scrying he sees Persephone, who is dead, and she tells him to take back control. As far as i know (could research) scrying is believed to do three things:

see the past, present and future

give visions coming from the subconscious and imagination

give visions coming from gods, demons and/or spirits

It seems to me that the scrying in the Raven Cycle is based on point 1 since there are multiple occasions where the characters use scrying as a medium to locate the present location of others.

That would not, however, explain the presence of Persephone while scrying.

What Adam is doing can’t be a vision from his subconscious since he is in Cabeswater, he sees how little is left of it.

It could be argued that she too is a projection of Cabeswater, but at that point it’s too weak to do anything, much less create a whole human being while continuously being destroyed.

There is no reason for Persephone to be there, no way for her to be there. Unless she’s part of Cabeswater.

If we start at the beginning (or the end, really) it goes like this: Cabeswater is dying and Gansey saves it. Gansey died and the Others wish for him to be alive again. Cabeswater, being the wish fulfilling forest it is, does everything to do exactly that:

Cabeswater can’t kill itself and a sacrifice would only work if it created itself a human form to inhabit to be sacrificed.

We know that time is not linear, so Cabeswater goes back a few years, and it creates Persephone. It uses up the last of its power to create itself new (always remade, reborn; see facts about Cabeswater point one) and makes itself Persephone.

Persephone is an odd person with eyes that shouldn’t be and who is young yet old and who knows so much about Cabeswater and knows how to help Adam when he is having problems with communicating with Cabeswater.

She takes Adam as an apprentice despite being often described as almost never taking the initiative and as soon as she starts teaching Adam, he stopped having his anger outbursts (See facts about Cabeswater point 8, “Cabeswater has a calming effect on Adam”).

They want Gansey to live so Cabeswater makes itself a person to help his magician help the Others get to the point where they are now (without Adam they would have never gotten to the point of finding Glendower and stopping the demon). So Cabeswater/Persephone gives Adam back his eyes and hands and Adam gives back the idea to trade Cabeswater for Ganseys life in return and Gansey lives. It's a full circle.

But wait! In Facts about Cabeswater point 2 “can’t trade Cabeswaters immortal life for Ganseys mortal one” this theory would be disproven. That's the second purpose of Persephone (the first one being making sure Adam gets to be present for Ganseys death so he can give the idea):

Persephone is the life that gets taken. Her life is the one that gets sacrificed on the leyline so Gansey can live. And one might argue about her dying before Gansey did but I would like to draw attention to two things.

Persephone died while scrying, she went too far out of her own body and never returned.

Adam saw her mere minutes before Gansey died, also while scrying

So Persephone looked into the future and she stayed there, she fulfilled her role as Adams “mentor” and she fulfilled her role as sacrifice for Gansey, giving her soul (not her body) and she never returned to Foxway, dying in the process (see facts about Persephone point 7.1)

This was her purpose, this is her something more that every significant character in the Raven Cycle has.

Obviously Gansey’s quest and sacrifice, Adam’s connection to Cabeswater, Ronan’s dreams.

Noah’s sacrifice for Ganseys life, Neeve’s role in the demon's uprising and end, being the third one in the Maura-Calla party to make it a good number.

Persephone’s something more was to be a sacrifice and she knew it. In that one scene she’s talking to Adam and he asks if she can see her own death and this is her response: “Everyone sees it. Most people make themselves stop looking, though”. She dies in the chapter following this scene, so he knows exactly what she’s doing, that she is going to die and she does it willingly because the Raven Cycle is all about working toward your something more.

Persephone also knows about her origin. She knows about her “connection” to Cabeswater (her being it, really) and it gets “addressed” in the very same scene.

Here a scene:

But Persephone just said in her tiny voice, “But I see now that it could never be. You’re like me. We’re not really like the others.”

Other what? Humans?

[...]

“We’re really better in our own company,” Persephone said. “It makes it hard, sometimes, for others when they can’t understand us.”

^^^The only really “inhuman” thing about Adam is Cabeswater, which implies that Persephone also has a connection to Cabeswater (again, my point here is trying to prove that she is Cabeswater, so that would be the connection) and the talk about not being able to understand them would only prove that further since Adam and Persephones whole relationship started because of communication problems between Cabeswater and Adam.

Here’s the “short” version:

When Gansey died Cabeswater made itself Persephone (with the help of some time warping and circling and stuff) and Persephone/Cabeswater fulfilled her two purposes (it’s just one, really): To make sure that Adam gets to the point of Gansey’s death to share the idea that will save his life and to be the life that is sacrificed.

Her/It’s whole purpose was to give Gansey life and that’s exactly what happened.

#the raven cycle #the raven king #persephone trc #cabeswater #adam parrish #richard gansey