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itisannak · 5 years

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Neighbors (Calum Hood Fluff)

Summary: (Y/N) moves into a new city, a new house, all alone. To her advantage, her new neighbor is cute; scratch that, her new neighbor is dreamy. (Word: 6.2k)

Moving into the new house in July, and without the help of my friends, has been proven the worst decision I've ever taken. However, I refuse to give up, so I am still on the sidewalk, trying to move all my belongings in.

The sun is not really helpful today; even in a white tank and a pair of jean shorts, the California sun is giving me a hard time. I just want to lay down and take a nap, but I have to at least move the boxes inside. "Duke... Duke, come here..." I hear someone shout, dragging my attention from the boxes to locating the voice. But my eyes land on the cutest dog I've ever seen, who has his paws on my leg and practically begs for a pat on the head. I bend down and scratch behind his ears, squealing at how cute he is. "Hey, buddy... How are you?" I ask the dog, my voice more cheerful than usual. "Uh, thank you. I've been running behind him for 5 minutes now." His owner pants. I turn my gaze to him, smiling at the man. "He is very cute." I comment, studying the man; he has the warmest smile I've seen, with cute cheeks popping as his mouth curls into a smile and dimples showing as he kneels next to me. "He is... But he is a menace..." He chuckles, tying the dog's leash to the collar. "I bet he is a good boy." I giggle as I pet the dog head. The owner chuckles and stands up. "I am Calum, by the way." He introduces himself as I stand up as well. "(Y/N). Nice to meet you." "I see boxes. Are you new here?" He asks, pointing to the sidewalk that is covered with my belongings. "Yeah, just moved in..." I reply with a sigh. "Oh, welcome to the neighborhood then." He cheers, making me smile even more. "Thank you. You are the first to welcome me here." I reply, fanning myself with my hand, trying to fight sweating like a pig in front of my sweet neighbor. The dog places his paws on my calf again, scratching lightly to get my attention. "I think he likes you." Calum states as I bend down to pet the fur baby. "Of course he does." I giggle. "Do you need any help with those?" He asks me, pointing to the boxes. "No, I am fine." I lie; truly, I could use any sort of help, but I would rather die than ask someone I've just met to do me a favor. "Are you sure? They seem quite a handful." He asks again. "No, I am fine. But thank you for the offer. I have been here for an hour now, and you are the first person to offer any help." I sigh. "You know what? I'll just move some of them inside, and you play with the Duke. He could use some company." He says and smiles, handing me the leash. "You really don't have to." I state, but mentally I thank him. "Duke and I can't really let our pretty, new neighbor all by herself, can we?" He asks and winks at me. I sit on the grass and pet the cute dog as Calum picks up the boxes. I scratch his ears and rub his belly, while also observing his owner; I think that in addition to the cute home, I landed a pretty hot neighbor as well. The man is like he is sculpted by the hand of a renaissance artist; tall, tanned, and gorgeous. It seems like the bulky boxes weigh nothing for him, even though I could barely move 3 of them without wheezing.

2 weeks in the new house and I am still trying to find my new routine. I am yet to get accustomed to my new bed, to my new home, to my new neighborhood. The only thing that makes my day here is my sweet neighbor and his cute puppy. I find myself drinking my coffee on my patio every morning, with the excuse that it simply helps me calm before I start my day, but deep down inside I know that I am doing it just to gawk at Calum who works out and walks Duke every morning. That's the reason why I don't bother wearing bottoms under my long t-shirt before I walk out. I find myself doing anything to catch his eye; from that to changing with my shaders up, I have started behaving like a 15-year old who has a crush on her classmate again.

I gulp down the liquid in my mouth, enjoying the morning sun. Calum is late for his workout today, which is suspicious. In the past 2 weeks, he has not missed a single workout.

After a while, I just decide to walk inside and start getting ready for my errands. Simple gray sweats and a white tank top, paired with Vans and a top knot, ready to battle the heat of today. I lock the home and grab my car keys out of my bag, walking to where my car is parked. I get inside and start the engine, pulling out of my driveway. As I look around, I see a blonde woman walking out of Calum's home, making my stomach drop. She is gorgeous, tan skin, pretty face, they would make a really pretty couple. They probably make a pretty couple.

"All I am saying is that it is too dangerous to live all by yourself in a new city." My mom mumbles, making me rub my temples for the millionth time since she visited me. "Mom, I am fine." I try to assure her for the millionth time. "I am a mom, I will never stop worrying, especially now that I know you are not safe." She almost cries, but before I could reply, the doorbell goes off. "Right on time." I mumble, thinking that pizza is here. I get up from the couch and leave my laptop to the side. I walk to the door and open it, grabbing my wallet from the island next to the door.

"Hey (Y/N)... Um, I am sorry to bother you, but do you have any sugar I could borrow?" Calum asks me as I open the door. He has that warm smile that makes my knees weak every time, and he looks all cute, with his muscle top and basketball shorts. I have to shake myself really quick and respond as fast as I can. "Sure, sure. Um, come on in..." I reply and motion him to get inside. "Thanks, you are saving me." He sighs getting in the house. "Hello." My mom cheers sitting up and approaching Calum. "Mom, this is my neighbor Calum, Calum this is my mom." I sigh and introduce them to each other. "It is nice to meet you." My mom smiles. "It is nice to meet you too. I can see how (Y/N) got her beautiful genes." He compliments my mom, making her giggle. "Neighbor Calum, what kind of sugar do you need? I have brown, powdered, and white." I ask him, opening my pantry. "White will do." Calum replies. "Here. Anything else I can assist you with?" I ask as I hand him the pack of sugar. "No. You are literally an angel. Thank you." He smiles at me and I nod. "It was nice to meet you. Hope to see you again soon." Calum greets my mom. "Hope to see you again too, Calum." My mom smiles. "And (Y/N), Duke just told me that he's missed hanging out with you. And that needs to kind of change, right?" He asks me as I walk him to the door. "We will see about that." I reply and smile at him as he walks out.

"I will feel a little safer knowing that your neighbor is Calum." My mom comments as I take my seat back on the couch. "Why is that?" I ask, picking up my laptop. "Well, first he is totally ripped. And a total hottie. And second, there is clearly something between the two of you." She comments. sitting on the other side of the couch. "First, yes he is hot and ripped, and second, he has a girlfriend, so I am sorry to destroy your dream." I reply, going back to my work.

I carry my groceries home, trying to think of the plot I want to work on for my next story, but I can't shake the nasty feeling in the pit of my stomach. I walk to my front door, trying to keep both my bags and pick in my pocket for my keys. "Hi, I am sorry to bother you. Calum is not inside and I called him and he told me to wait for him and if it is not too much of a bother to wait for him at your place." Calum's girlfriend says approaching me. My eyes go wide and my lips freeze into a smile. "Uh, yeah, I am sorry. I am Mali." She speaks again before I could mouth a word. "Nice to meet you Mali. I am (Y/N). Of course, you can come in. Just give me a second." I say and hold the bags higher. "Do you want some help?" She asks me, reaching for one of the grocery bags. "Yes, I could really use some, thank you." I smile and reach for my keys as she picks the bag from me.

I unlock the door and let her walk in first, trying to wrap my brain around the fact that I am about to keep company to my crush's girlfriend, who is clearly gorgeous and I won't be surprised if she is a fucking model or something. My life is literally the plot of every teenage chick-flick. "Can I get you anything?" I ask as I place the groceries on the counter. "Just some water, please. Your place is lovely." Mali says as she sits on the couch. "Thank you. Cold water?" I ask. "Yes, please. You know, Calum talks about you all the time..." She comments, turning to look at me. "He is very sweet..." I comment, handing her a bottle of water. "That he is." She giggles. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

Before I could take a seat on the couch, there is a knock on the door. I walk right to the door and peek through the peep-hole and release a sigh of relief as I see Calum behind it. "Hey, how are you?" He greets the moment I open the door. "Hey, I am fine. Come on in." I smile at him and move to the side. "Thank you for keeping company to my sister. I lost track of time and forgot she doesn't have keys..." He apologizes. "No probl... Wait, sister?" I ask, my voice more excited than I intended to come out. "Yeah, Mali is my sister. She didn't tell you?" He asks me. "I thought she knew..." Mali replies with a smile on her lips. "Apparently, no. Who did you think she is?" Cal asks, the corner of his lips curled up. "I thought you 2 were a couple." I admit, my stomach tied in a knot. Mali bursts out in fits of laughter and I turn to look at Cal. "My brother is doomed to be single forever." Mali giggles, patting Calum's shoulder. "I am trying to break the curse lately. But the girl seems to be hot and cold all the time." Calum smirks. "I see. It was great meeting you Mali. I would love to see you again soon." I smile at the gorgeous blonde girl. "I will for sure drop by before I leave, (Y/N). It was great meeting the infamous (Y/N) Calum never shuts up about." Mali smiles and turns to Calum, who scratches the back of his neck awkwardly.

After finding out that Calum is, in fact, single, my inner 15-year old started partying again. I tend to leave the blinders on, spend more time on my front porch, I even started jogging around the neighborhood whenever he is at his front porch. It is weird, I've never done stuff like that. My morale seems to disappear every time I sense him around.

I sit on my window seat and try to edit my plotline for this chapter. My publisher sent me the feedback a couple of hours back and I need to make the corrections as soon as possible. Usually, sitting by the window helps me concentrate and work better, but my eyes keep on landing on Calum's room. Today of all days, he decided to clean his room, wearing nothing but sweatpants. I bite my lip hard, trying to regain my focus, but the sight across the street keeps making my brain take weird turns. I press my thighs together, trying to battle the heat rising between them; what the fuck is wrong with me? I huff and take a sip of my lemonade, hoping that the refreshment will help me finish at least a part of my work. Ok, I really need to finish, I have other stuff to do. But I just can't stop gawking at my hot neighbor, which sets my insides on fire.

With the deadline for my book approaching, I have to spend endless nights writing and polishing the finale. And this Friday night is no different; I wish it was though. I wish I was able to go to my hometown and spend my birthday there. Instead, I am here, laptop on my lap and a glass of wine waiting for me on the coffee table.

And suddenly the power goes off. I gasp and jump up, panicking a little. I was always afraid of the dark, and now that I am living completely on my own, it is even worse. My stomach is cramping and my heart is racing; Oh God, I am going to die and no one is going to find me cause there is no power so I have no phone to call anyone.

To add to the horror movie scenario, there is a knock on my door. I feel all my senses abandoning me and clearly, my fight-or-flight response is activated. I grab one of the candle holders and head towards my door, being as quiet as I can. The person knocks again, making my heart tighten. I try to look from the peephole, but with no power, there is no light on my front porch. I gulp the lump on my throat, and decide to open the door, a decision that my rational self would slap me for but the adrenaline in my system blurs my reasoning. I open the door and stand back, grasping the candle holder tightly, ready to blow the killer on the head. "(Y/N), what the fuck took you so long? I was worried sick." Calum exclaims. I sigh deeply and drop the candle holder before I hurry to hug Calum tightly. "Thank God it's you..." I mumble, taking deep breaths of his scent. "Hey, hey... Let's calm down. alright?" He soothes me, hugging me back. "I got so scared..." I mumble, gripping his t-shirt. "I thought you might be. It's ok, the whole neighborhood got an outage. Things will be back to normal in the morning, you are going to be ok, I promise." He comforts me, rubbing my lower back. Duke stomps his paws from next to us, making me chuckle a bit relieved. "Looks like my favorite guy is in here." I giggle, picking up the dog and leaving a kiss on the top of his head. "Rude..." Calum chuckles, making me smile from ear to ear. "You know there is no chance you could win Duke in that race." I reply and stroke Duke's head. "Whatever... Since you are alright, I guess Duke and I can go back home." Calum states. I gasp and bite my lip. "Or you could stay and spend some time with your favorite neighbor who is about to have a heart attack cause she is shitless scared of the dark..." I suggest. Calum smiles and tilts his head to the side. "I guess I could." He shrugs his shoulders. "Great. I'll get you something to drink." I sigh, thankful for the God-sent neighbor. "And I'll light up some candles." He offers and I nod, pointing to the coffee tables where most of my candles are. "So, I have beers, wine, sodas. Make up your mind before the turn warm." I hear Calum chuckle in response. "Beer is fine."

"I've never asked you, what do you do for a living?" He asks me as we relax on the couch. "I am a writer." I reply, sipping on my wine. "A writer? Wow, that fascinating. Have you published any books?" He asks. "2 actually and I am working on my third." I reply and watch his expression change from surprised to excited. "Fuck, how come I've never come across one of your books?" "I really don't know. But it is ok. I can actually give you a copy of each. I have like 3 in my bookshelf." I giggle, standing up from the couch. I pick up a candle and walk to the bookshelf next to my tv set and as I am about to pick up a copy of each, I burn my finger. "Fuck..." I shout, leaving the candle on the bookshelf and bringing my finger to my lips. "What happened?" Calum asks, rushing to me. "Nothing, I just burned my finger... No biggie." I whine. Calum smiles and blows the candle I have left on the bookshelf before he takes my hand in his to observe it. "Ms. Clumsy..." He chuckles and brings my finger to his lips, giving it a soft peck. I look at him mesmerized, my lips parted and my body warm and fuzzy. "Better?" He asks. "Much." I breathe out. Calum raises his gaze to look at me, licking his lips which are curled in a side smirk. "Good." He replies in a whisper. I look at him, averting my gaze between his eyes and his lips. I unconsciously bite my bottom lip; I feel my heart almost pound outside of my chest, the only thing in my mind is how bad I want to fucking kiss him.

The little shit brings his hand to my face, twisting a strand of hair and tucking it behind my ear. "Stop me before it is too late..." He says, closing his eyes and taking a breath. "What if I don't want you to stop?" I ask and move closer, leaving almost no distance between us. "You don't?" He asks, opening his eyes, to look at me. I shake my head no and gulp harshly. And his lips are on mine, soft and moving slowly in the beginning. He pulls me closer by my waist, my chest on his as our lips shyly move together. My stomach is filled with butterflies, my knees are going weak and head spins. My teenage chick flick is coming to life.

Ever since my birthday, Calum and I are together. It is utterly amazing, a dream come true actually. I watch the man who lays next to me, breathless and sweaty as I am, smiling brightly at me. I can't help but smile too, bringing a hand to stroke his cheek. "I have to go." I sigh after a moment, looking at the clock. "Isn't it too late?" Calum asks, his voice a tad bit sleepy. "I live across the street." I chuckle and leave a peck on his lips before a sit up to search for my underwear and clothes. "Exactly." He groans. "What is it, Cal?" I ask, slipping on my panties. "Can't you just... stay? Stay here for tonight." He whispers, still laying on the bed. "Calum Thomas Hood, are you asking me to spend the night at your place, when mine is across the street, literally?" I ask a bit surprised honestly. "Yes. I want to wake up in the morning with my arms around your waist and your hair in my mouth and pull you closer to my body. I want to have morning coffee with you while you are in my shirt, with your hair in a bun and your face still puffy from sleep. Please, just stay the night..." He whimpers, sitting up as I crawl on the bed and straddle him. "You indeed read my books..." I comment, leaning down to kiss him.

Like in all real relationships, we have our ups and downs. But if you put cheating rumors in the equation, things get out of hand really easily. And today I've found myself, screaming at Calum for the millionth yellow paper that published he was seen with a girl who is obviously not me. And much to my surprise, today he snapped as well. "I can't fucking believe that not only you would read that trash, but also believe that." He groans, massaging his temples, and gritting his teeth. "There is a picture, Cal." I scream and throw the magazine on the coffee table. "I literally have a picture of Luke and Selena Gomez on a date and I can assure you they have never been in one." He chuckles sarcastically. "It would be really convenient for you to make me believe this is edited." I chuckle sarcastically as well. "For fuck's sake, just put your brain to work and hear me out." He shouts at me. I take a step back and look at him, surprised about what he just told me. "Wow, other than cheated on, I am fucking stupid as well..." I chuckle and nod my head. "I didn't fucking say anything like that." He growls. "I know what you said Calum. And honestly, if you think of me as stupid, then you have very poor partner choosing criteria." I exclaim, tilting my head to the side and looking at him. "Maybe I have." He blurts out, his face tensed and red. I gasp and look at him with wide eyes. "Then you are free to choose whoever else you want." I reply and head to the door, leaving everything behind me.

I get in my car, ready to drive away, wherever. I don't want to go home, it's too close to Calum and he is the last person I want to be around right now. I drive around Los Angeles, searching for a spot to catch some peace. And I just realize that everywhere I've been in this city, I've been with Calum. I sigh and opt for a coffee shop, a posh looking one where everything is white and looks like it had just opened, almost untouched. I push myself to get in, no matter how I don't want to be around people. "Can I have a cappuccino, please? No sugar." I ask the cashier when it's my turn. I must look exhausted, judging from the petty look she just threw my way. I take a deep breath and swipe my credit card, not in the mood for further interaction.

I sit next to the window, looking outside of it, trying to bring myself together. I don't even know what to think of right now, the life I carefully invested in for the past few months on the edge of a cliff right now, threatening to fall. I only realize someone has been calling my name the moment they start waving their hand in front of my face. "(Y/N), hey..." Crystal greets me as I raise my head and look at her. I force a smile and get up to hug her. "Hey, Crystal. I am sorry, I was lost in my own little world and didn't realize you were here." I apologize as I hug her. "It's ok, I figured. How are you?" She asks me. "I am... um, good..." I lie, but clearly with not much success. Crystal smiles and tilts her head to the side, looking at me with compassion on her face. "May I sit?" She asks me and I nod. "Ok, you know you can talk to me about whatever. Is everything alright?" She asks, smiling sweetly. At this point, I just break down, letting tears that were building up for the past hour run free. "Sweetheart, it is ok. Talk to me." She scoops next to me, hugging me. "I don't know if I can do it anymore... Every week a different rumor. It hurts." I cry. Crystal takes a deep breath. "I know... But honestly, it's just that; rumors. Calum is with you, and you are with Calum. That's all that matters. Rumors are made to profit those making them. Honestly, if we believed every rumor made about us, Michael and I would have broken up during the first 3 months." She sighs and rubs my shoulder. "You don't understand Crystal... We had a fight. I don't even remember us being like that before. And, it was the worse. I don't think he wants to be with me anymore." I sob and Crustal hums. "I am sure you both said things you didn't mean. And you can only solve this by talking this out, not by being here, having coffee by yourself." She reasons and I smile. "Could you please drive me home? I don't think I can drive right now and I don't want to be here." I state, wiping my tears. "Sure. We'll take my car and you can pick yours later, ok?" She asks and I nod.

The whole ride, I battle between going to my place, or Calum's. My brain takes pride's road and begs to lock myself in my bedroom, but my heart aches to run to Calum. Crystal pulls up in front of my house, smiling at me. "Whatever you choose, I wish you to be happy." She says, hugging me. "I'll see you soon." I promise and get out of the car. I wait for her to drive away before making up my mind. I burst into tears again and pick my keys out of my pocket, walking to my door. But as I push the key in the keyhole, I realize that this is not what I want.

I cross the street and hesitantly knock on the door, waiting for Calum to open up, with my stomach tied in knots. And when the door opens, I see a completely different Calum. His eyes are red and puffy and he looks like a mess. "You've been crying?" I ask surprised; this is the most vulnerable I've seen him being. He just nods as he lets me in and closes the door. "Baby, don't cry. Please. It is ok, we are ok." I sob, choking at my words. I hug Calum, who hugs me back tighter than ever. "This is all stupid. I should never have read that article, I should never have picked up a fight. I am so sorry." I apologize, burying my head in his chest. "I should never have made it sound like I think you are stupid. You are the light of my life and I love you so much, babygirl." He sobs, pecking the top of my head repeatedly. "I love you so freaking much." I say back, only realizing what we've just said, a moment later.

And that's the only reassurance I need.

"You know I've been thinking..." Calum whispers, stroking my hair as I rest my head on his pec. "Oh, so that's what's been smelling burnt lately." I tease him making him chuckle and slap my butt. "Hush, let me talk." He says, looking down at me. I smile and nod, curling my body closer to his. "Since you've been spending so much time at my place lately, there is really no meaning for having two houses..." He begins. I sit up and straddle his lap, bringing the sheet up to cover my body. "You know I've seen you naked, many times..." He states, making me roll my eyes. "Are you asking me to move in with you?" I ask, blinking a few times to realize that I am not in a dream. "Yes." He nods and I squeal, leaning down to kiss him.

"You know, I can tell when you are gawking at me." I comment as I massage body cream on my legs. "I can't help. You are too gorgeous not to." Calum replies, not moving from the door frame. "You can just come over here and tell me it." I smile and tilt my head to take a better look at him. "I am so proud of you, baby." He kneels in front of me, taking my hand in his. "What for?" I ask, rubbing my thumb over his hands. "For everything you've done, for everything you are. Look at you... You are amazing." He states, bringing a bigger smile to my face. "Stop, we don't want me crying hours before my book presentation..." I comment, bringing a hand to his face. "Right, right. I'll leave you to get ready and pick you up in 2 hours." He says, pecking on my forehead as he stands up. "You are leaving?" I ask, looking at him strangely. "Yeah, I have a meeting with the guys at the record. But I will be here and ready before the event, I promise." He assures me, smiling softly.

I wear the red dress I've picked for the event and stare in the mirror, admiring the work my hairstylist and makeup artist have done. Calum is upstairs, getting ready for the presentation, and I can't help but stay with the biggest smile on my face. I run my hands over the dress, straightening any creases and my mind just flies back to when this whole thing started. 3 years went by in a flash, leaving me the happiest I have been.

"Can I take off the blindfold now?" I ask Calum who chuckles in response. "Patience is a virtue." He comments, guiding me to walk forward. "You knew it wasn't one of my advantages when you got in a relationship with me." I reply and hear him hum. "Just a few more seconds..." He replies and places a hand on my hip. I groan a little but follow his guidance. "Ok, I will take this off now." He whispers and undoes the blindfold. I open my eyes and find us in an empty house, a house I haven't seen ever before. "Cal, what is this?" I ask, turning to look at my boyfriend. I see him on one knee, holding up a diamond ring. My hands fly to my mouth and I can barely hold back my tears. "The day I saw you, fighting to get the boxes in your house, something inside me clicked. Something felt weirdly pleasing and I knew, without realizing it, that you were the person I wanted to be with. You are the kindest, smartest, most beautiful human on this planet. You can drive me insane sometimes, but I know you are there to bring me back to normal when you do that. It will be an honor, an absolute miracle if you say yes to becoming the person that I spend the rest of my life with. (Y/N) (Y/M/N) (Y/L/N), please marry me." He says, looking at me hopefully. I almost sob, nodding my head. "I thought you would never ask." I mumble and kneel in front of him. He takes my face in his hands and strokes my cheek as he kisses me softly.

As we empty the old house to move to the new one, I can't help but feel a little bittersweet. Sure, the new house is bigger and nicer and we are about to start a new chapter in our conjoined life, but this is the place where it all began. If it wasn't for this neighborhood, we would have never met and this is something I can't bear thinking. "Are you alright, pretty girl?" Calum asks as he approaches me. "Yeah, yeah. Just, you know, memories." I shrug. He sighs. "I know, princess. I will miss this place too." He sighs and hugs me. "It is not just that, Cal. This place holds a part of our history." I state and my fiance smiles. "And we will make more history in the new place. It is a chapter of our story, not the whole thing." He says and kisses my forehead. "Can I just... can I just say goodbye to this place before we leave?" I ask. "Sure, I will wait for you in the car." Calum smiles at me. I wander around the house, feeling up the walls and smiling at the memories of all the things Calum and I have done in every corner of this place. I take a deep breath and close my eyes; I guess he is right. We are about to start a new part of our history.

Once we fixed everything at the new place, Calum and I started planning our wedding. Calum wanted to be hands-on on everything, so we skipped the planner and put together everything ourselves. It felt special that way. A small ceremony with our closest friends and family was all we wanted but it came in great contrast to the huge afterparty we threw for everyone we know. We danced around with our friends, drunk till we couldn't drink anymore; Calum's musician friends performed during the party, Calum's band played my favorite songs of them. Calum held me close throughout the whole night, making sure I felt loved and safe. And after the party, Calum and I left for a month-long honeymoon trip. We left everything behind us and enjoyed our time together in the secluded paradise. We spent our days laying on the sand, swimming in crystal waters, staring at the stars. We had sex in every possible place on the island, to the point where we just didn't care if we were in private or not.

Once back from our trip, I focus on my new book and Calum on his music. We spend quiet mornings during which we scribble on papers, to the point where we have a notepad on every inch of our house. And quiet mornings give their place to chattery evenings when I read him what I wrote in the morning and he sings to me lyrics for new songs or plays a new tune. And chattery evenings give their place to loud nights when Calum and I have sex like it is our first time together; same excitement, but more intense.

Married life is amazing; Duke now has a new puppy to play with, our Taco, Calum planted every flower possibly in our garden for me, I built him the playroom he always wanted. Everything is perfect.

So, the moment I see the 2 lines on the stick, my eyes water; we talked about having kids and we decided that we just wanted to spend more time together before we start our family.

And this now throws everything off the plan. I distance myself while I try to figure it all out; there are nights I don't sleep in our bedroom so I don't wake him up with my morning sickness. But Calum understands the difference in my behavior. I can read it in his eyes that he thinks that he is doing something wrong and I want to hug him and tell him that he is the perfect husband and I am the one that doesn't know what to do. But I can't

One morning as I drink my tea and doodle on my notes, Calum snaps. "I want to know what I am doing wrong." He says and his words feel like daggers to my heart. I blink and stare at him, letting my notepad on the table. "I want to know what I am doing wrong because clearly, I am since you are so distant lately." He repeats. "Baby." I begin but he cuts me off. "I want the truth. Do you think that I don't know you have been sleeping in the guestroom lately?" He asks.

I close my eyes and stand up, walking upstairs to bring him the envelope with my blood results and ultrasound. I hand it to him and take back my seat. "10 weeks. I planned to tell you those days, but you beat me to it." I say and look at him, trying to read his reaction as he stares at the results. "How long have you known?" He asks me, still not looking at me. "10 days. I know we said we didn't want children yet, but..." I say and shrug.

Calum takes the ultrasound in his hands, sniffling as he looks at it. I watch him cry as he runs his fingers over the black and white print. "I wanted children with you since day one. I can't believe I am about to become a father." He whispers, his voice breaking as he kneels to hug me. "You are not mad?" I ask surprised. "Oh, I am mad you didn't tell me earlier. But in about 30 weeks we will be even." He laughs and kisses me softly.

My Masterlist

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lordshaxxion · 5 years

Note

All for Vigil!!

all under a cut c:

Where were you rezzed?

“In a snow drift somewhere in a forest. Still don’t know exactly where, but I think it was somewhere deep in the EDZ. Warden won’t tell me, I think he knows exactly where but he refuses to tell. Either way, being born in a snow drift meant that I’m practically immune to the cold.”

How long ago was it?

“Oh, nearly two-thousand years ago now I think.”

Did you have anything in your pockets?

“Not that I can recall-”

“You had a photograph of a family in your pocket.”

“Ah, yes, now I remember. It was an old and worn photo of what I’m assuming was my family in my first life.”

What was your first week alive like?

“Hell. I spent much of it just trying to find a way out of the forest I was in. At least I was fortunate and didn’t succumb to the cold at any point, but starvation and exhaustion was a problem until I found the first village in days and for miles around.”

How did you react to your new role as a Guardian?

“The title of Guardian doesn’t mean anything to me, perhaps even less now than it did a century ago when it came about. I’m just here to do my duty and nothing less.”

Do you have any regrets?

“Too many to regale you with. I don’t think even a Guardian would live long enough to hear them all.”

How did you get your name?

“I believe my Ghost named me.”

“Nope, you named yourself in a way. Your determination to fight through the cold to civilisation, the way you protected every village you had to go to. I think at some point the people described your actions as nothing but vigilance, and you took it from that point.”

“I don’t remember that.”

“You wouldn’t, this was within the first year of your life.”

Does your Ghost have a name?

“He’s called Warden.”

What is your Ghost like?

“He’s steadfast and very brave, keeps me focused often and always lets me know when I have meetings and such. I don’t know where I’d be without him.”

“Dead, probably.”

“He’s a smartass, too.”

How do you feel about the Last City and the Vanguard?

“The Last City is my home and I will protect it with everything I have at my disposal. The Vanguard... they’re something. It’s never been perfected, and fortunately never claimed to be, but even less after Cayde passed. They do their best, though. Always have.”

What’s your favourite place to go?

“Just for a stroll through the City, on the few days off I take. Or into the mountains or forests around the City.”

Do you participate in strikes or the Crucible?

“Crucible, but only on rare occasions and sometimes Crimson Days with my husband and partner. It’s quite amusing to hear Guardians freaking out at the Speaker and his bodyguard causing havoc in the Crucible.”

How do you celebrate the holidays?

“With my partners, Hakim and Null. Occasionally Guardian, when they come home to the Tower.”

Hakim, Null and Guardian belong to @autobotrose

Who is your favourite NPC and who is your least favourite?

“Well considering I’m married to him, the Speaker is my favourite. Osiris can go suck my-”

“AHEM.”

Where do you sleep/call home?

“My apartment in the Tower, of course.”

Do you have any pets or companions?

“Not particularly.”

Does anyone live with you?

“My partners. Vencel did, until a few years ago. Now Guardian comes and goes as they please.”

How do you unwind or comfort yourself?

“I prefer to sit myself in my armchair in the evenings and work on one of the many crochet projects I have going. Alternatively I’ll read, or just spend it cuddling Hakim and Null.”

What would truly break you?

“Losing all I love. Not being able to protect Hakim, like I’m supposed to do given it’s been my job for the past eight centuries - perhaps even longer.”

Most embarrassing moment?

“....”

“He won’t say it, so I will. The time he, Null and Hakim thought they were all hard-nails and tried to brave a haunted house together. Oh, and let’s not forget the time Vigil ran screaming through the Haunted Forest with Guardian and Null.”

“Hey that was a great time-”

“Vigil, you called the Nightmare a cunt.”

“Yes, yes I did do that.”

“You yeeted Guardian across the Forest.”

“That too.”

“And as good as picked Null and Guardian up and charged to the finish with them, only to fall through the floor.”

“Also that.”

Any cherished memories?

“The day I met Hakim, the day I met Null. When Vencel was born-”

“- he cried so hard that day-”

“-and when I asked Hakim and Null to marry me.”

What was your highest and/or lowest point?

“Our wedding day, of course. Lowest point was the Red War as a whole. I wasn’t myself during it, or even afterwards. It really got to me that I failed to protect the Speaker, that Ghaul had managed to kidnap him. Null can tell you just how much of a wreck I was around the Farm for the longest time.”

Views on the enemy races?

“They’re all a pain in the ass. The Fallen are the ones I perhaps feel most sorry for.”

Which enemy race is your most/least favourite?

“I can deal with the Fallen and I’ve ripped apart more than my fair share of Cabal, but Vex and Taken? Now the concepts of what they are, that’s beyond my intelligence.”

What’s your role in a fireteam? (Tank, support, buff/healer, comic relief? Or are you the dead weight?)

“Tank.”

“Seriously, the amount of walls he’s come crashing through is tremendous. Plus, my Guardian can take an inhuman amount of hits from enemy forces. I’m pretty sure he’s not human, outside of the whole Lightbearer thing.”

Do you have any mentors/mentees?

“No and no. While I train my Guard well, I do not consider them my mentees.”

What is your favourite weapon type/favourite weapon?

“Thunderlord.”

“Pfft, more like fists.”

“Thanks, Warden.”

Do you play Gambit?

“Absolutely not.”

How do you feel about the Drifter?

“I don’t trust him and if I were able to without causing my husband some distress, I would have yeeted his ass off the damn Tower by now. I don’t care for the sob-story he’s selling susceptible Guardians, he needs to be gone now.”

If you could be any class/subclass (not just your own), what would you be and why?

“... I’ve always envied how Hakim is able to float like he does...”

What are your thoughts on the Nine?

“I don’t know enough about them to make a fully accurate judgement, but I know that I don’t trust them.”

Any secret crushes or relationships we need to know about?

“I hardly make my relationship with Hakim and Null a secret.”

“Well you used to have a massive crush on Saint-”

“Shut up, Warden.”

Does your Ghost approve, or haven’t you told them?

“He approves, and gets along very well with Vega and Redwood. Even if all three of them like to swap embarrassing stories at times.”

You’re about to go off-planet on assignment, and will only be able to eat protein rations and food gel for a month. What’s your last meal?

“Anything Null or Hakim has made.”

If you could take over any NPC’s job, who would it be and why?

“I don’t know that there really is a job I’d like to take over, I’m content with being head of the Speaker’s Guard and his bodyguard.”

What is the most beautiful sight you’ve seen?

“Watching Hakim roll over in bed and scrunch his face up at the sunlight peeking through the blinds. When Ven was still a baby and would make little ‘ababah’ noises at everything and everyone. When Null showed us their Void form for the first time.”

Do you have a favourite colour?

“.... Neutral whites and greys. Blue is good.”

Show us your favourite outfit!

“I don’t have a fashion taste, let alone a favourite outfit. Hakim... practically picks everything out for me, my fashion taste is that nonexistent.”

What’s your favourite shader?

“I’m not sure yet. Like I said, no fashion taste and this extends to not knowing what colours go well together.”

If you could make a wish to an Ahamkara for anything - no strings attached - what would you wish for?

“To save those infants I failed to during the Dark Age. So many little motes of Light lost to mere illness...”

#long post #vigil #vigilance #the speaker's bodyguard #the speaker's guard #hakim #null #polyparents #guardian #guardian asks #seigephoenix

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blessuswithblogs · 5 years

Text

2018 Game of the Year Top Ten List I guess

2018 has been an interminable mire of exhausting miasma and quite frankly I feel like it has been longer than the entire stretch of 2010-2015 combined. I also didn't play many games released this year because, like last year, I'm still poor. I'll see what I can dig up.

10. Sunset Overdrive PC edition: It's a fun open world game by insomniac. The PC Port is actually balls but like. It's a good game with a unique emphasis on how you traverse the game world, where you can grind and bounce on just about anything and indeed to do so is the only way to not get totally chewed up by the hordes of mutants and scavengers and robots you have to fight. There's also some pretty fun and out there weapons to use, like a gun that shoots vinyl records or one that deploys little auto-turrets kept aloft with propellers or one that shoots out a bowling ball at terminal velocity. The base game didn't actually come out this year (I dont... think it did...?) but it was an XBone exclusive so I didn't play it then. It's got some weird problems with narrative tone and some kind of out of the blue racism but the M rated Nickolodeon toy commercial aesthetic is charming in a weird way. I guess.

9. The Forest: I think this got an official release this year? I don't know I can't fucking keep track. Speaking of a game with weird problems with racism, if you can look past the garbage "main quest" and really deeply uncomfortable racial politics where you murder and steal from cannibal mutants, The Forest is probably the best cool treefort building simulator I've ever played. This game has a love affair with lumber and I respect that. Shouldn't you be looking for Timmy, you ask me? Shouldn't you be shutting the fuck up before I put this airplane axe in your skullmeats? Gazebos are nice. I guess.

8. Spyro: reignited trilogy: haven't actually played this yet but let's be real the spyro games were fucking dope back in the day and giving them an HD coat of paint and packaging them all together is a real standup thing for insomniac to do in between slinging webs and making questionable pc ports. Also its like Dark Souls so it has to be good, right? Everything old is new again. I guess.

7. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: haven't played this one either but like. I know that I am a smash-enjoyer. I even liked Brawl. This is the biggest, smashiest one yet and it's also on the switch which means it could also be portable if I decided I never wanted to leave my bed again. I'm probably going to find some money to get it soon. Should be fun. I guess.

6. The Quiet Man: look no game that is THIS hysterical can be all bad alright? Didn't play it. Won't play it. It's awful. But it's so fucking funny like oh my god. Still better than Fallout 76. I guess.

5. Dark Souls Remastered: was this even a good remaster? I don't fucking know. It's Dark Souls. It's better than 90% of released games by default. I miss Solaire of Astora. I guess there's Shadows Die Twice to look forward to. I guess.

4. Subnautica: I wrote a lot about this actually. Subnautica is great. Just fantastic. A wonderful, visually stunning (mostly) (when it works) journey under an alien ocean to unravel an ancient mystery behind a deadly plague. Building seabases is so much fun (when it doesn't hard crash your computer) and the peaceful playstyle you adopt where you really only kill things for food until you can grow your own, much more efficient produce is a welcome change of pace from everything else. Leviathans are scary, especially now that your cyclops is mortal and not indestructible. This game actually Came Out this year so it deserves to be on the spot. I guess.

3. Dragon Ball Fighterz: Honestly I'm hell trash garbage at fighting games that aren't smash but this was a very well put together, visually impressive as all hell fast paced tag fighter where you can have 3 gokus on the same team fight 3 other gokus on the same team. Goku density alone makes this game worth recommending. The eSports scene that has popped up around it is fun too. I guess.

2. Dead Cells: Another game that gets to be on the list by virtue of it actually coming out this year. Wait, was this on last year's list? Let me check. Ok good it wasn't. Early access is a fucking trip. It's fun, stylish, challenging, has a great deal of variety in ways to play, might have erased my entire save because it became obsolete and I'm definitely not bitter, and it has that classic rogue-lite replay value to give you some bang for your buck. There was that one review plagiarism scandal. I guess.

1. Monster Hunter World: If you really want to know what I think of this game my previous piece on it is a good place to start. In addition to everything said there, MHW is just a fun game. The loop is satisfying and, later on, quite challenging. The combat system takes some genuine getting used to and some monsters like Nergigante actually literally cheat but for the most part the game's unique fighting style, spread across several unique weapon types, is rewarding to learn because it demands some effort be put into it and the dividends of fighting well are very cool, like just knocking a flying monster on its ass with a single mighty swing of the hammer. When a game is hard in any capacity games journalists get dollar signs in their eyes and start drooling uncontrollably because they can immediately declare that Farm Sim 2020 is the next Bloodborne because they somehow managed to roll their tractor into a ditch, but MHW is actually quite similar in style and execution to deliberate Souls combat, but the comparison is made in reverse. Dark Souls is quite similar to Monster Hunter, the first game of which was popular and a couple of years old before Demon's Souls was even a twinkle in Miyazaki's eye. There's a lot of parallels between fighting a big ol' rathalos in monhun and going for the toes against a dragon in Dark Souls, but I think MHW actually does that kind of fight better. There are a lot of modern conveniences present in MHW that are a godsend to newer players, making the game pretty easy to get into if you're willing to try. It was my favorite game of the year that actually came out in 2018. I kind of wanted to put Warframe in this list but it's been out of early access for years now. I guess.

There were a lot of games this year that I wanted to play, but couldn't. I don't think 2018 was a weak year for video games. It wasn't as strong as 2017 but it had some hits, I just couldn't afford to play them all. Maybe next year I'll be able to give a better list. I think that the whole industry is in for some hard choices and major restructuring of how things get done and how they look at the end result. Stocks continue to trend downward - not just for Bethesda but for most mainstream, prominent AAA developers like EA and Take2. Given the well documented volatility of "The Shareholders", I imagine that they would be most displeased by downward trends even if they were still making a modest profit.

The situation has been likened to an economic bubble ripe for bursting. Games as a cultural institution have come a long way since the catastrophic days of Atari's warehouses of unsold copies of E.T., and I don't believe that we're in any danger of a complete collapse of the institution, but the fact absolutely remains That Something's Gotta Give. The increasingly predatory practices that game developers put in place as they pathologically attempt to Make Every Money Ever are intrinsically unsustainable. People are willing to forgive and overlook the now ubiquitous microtransaction if a game is good enough to overlook it, or if it's the game's only real way of actually making money. Warframe's microtransactions, for instance, are reasonably priced, platinum is often heavily discounted as a login bonus, and you can make large amounts of it without ever spending money thanks to the game's surprisingly robust trading economy. So. Yeah. They get a pass. Warframe is also good on its own merits, despite being free to play. They also listen to their community about pricing. Go check out Warframe. It's free. It's free!!! Warframe is my unofficial top spot.

Sorry I got a little bit distracted. So there's only really two instances where people will tolerate microtransactions and lootboxes in the contemporary sense: either a game is good enough and polished enough and the lootboxes are unobtrusive enough that you can just sort of shrug your shoulders and say "it sucks but what are you gonna do" or it genuinely relies on those microtransactions to support itself. When these tenets are violated, people WILL get mad. People raised absolute hell about Battlefront 2's scummy monetization schemes, enough to get EA to back off. Fallout 76 is getting lambasted in no small part due to its utterly overpriced "cosmetic" shop where you pay ten real dollars to get your power armor to look blue. You can buy fullfeatured, critically acclaimed games for half that price and you already dumped $60 on this lemon of a game. Destiny 2 got into hot water for being cagey about how its exp values were calculated and how the previously free and user-friendly shaders became one-time use items you could only get from rolling the dice. The public is getting positively irate about all of this nonsense, and if Fallout 76 (and evidently battlefield V?) is any indication, we are fast approaching a breaking point where shareholder demand for profit will outpace the consumer's ability to provide it and the developer's ability to skinner box it out of us.

Of course Nintendo continues to march on to the beat of its own drum seemingly unaffected by all of this garbage. Not out of any moral superiority, I imagine. More likely it's just a consequence of that company still being in the process of being dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century. Maybe a few years down the line when everyboy else has abandoned microtransactions Nintendo will pick them up, put a cute Mario motif on it, and we'll be back to square one. Time will tell. We're in a volatile time for games and the timebomb keeps ticking. I just hope the explosion isn't too messy. I guess.

#goty #2018 #monster hunter world #subnautica #dead cells #gamedev

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environmentworld-blog · 5 years

Photo

Making an environment in One Week - Part 1

I decided to make a whole environment piece in one week. So yeah!

WHAT THIS IS: Practice and an experiment. This was just a personal test to see what I could achieve and share my experience. WHAT THIS IS NOT: Healthy and practical. Healthy for reasons you will read bellow (at least for me), and practical because rushing things doesn't make you better. Even though there was some discovery here for myself, I didn't learn any new techniques, didn't learn from critiques, etc. I dont recommend to do this as a constant art practice. Its not smart if you are planning to grow in your craft.

That said!

Its been both a challenge, and a great time. It was definitely a big learning experience for me, and I am not very happy with the results but I decided to share it because I got something out of it, and hopefully some of you will as well.

The main challenge was to conceptualize and go from blockout to final in 1 week. Basically, going from here...

...to here...

...in one week.

The result is running realtime in UE4. I used Blender, ZBrush, Topogun2, the Substance suite and Photoshop.

DAY 1. Starting out...

This was, heads out, the hardest part. The whole piece took me around 45 hours. 4 hours after work from Monday to Friday and at least 12 hours on each day of that weekend. Needless to say, at the end of that week I was completely exhausted. MVP of the week was my girlfriend who decided to take care of my chores the whole week while I worked!

Looking at the empty canvas is always scary.

And of course this time it was no exception. It added an extra layer of pressure knowing that every minute I spent looking at it and clicking around, would take valuable minutes away from my busy week.

I had to figure out SO MANY THINGS.

When tackling down an environment, there are many things I usually keep in mind. You have composition, theme, storyline, execution method, end platform, etc. And in this crazy jungle of thoughts that usually strikes me when starting to build a piece, I can get lost really quickly and begin walking in circles.

First I had to CHOOSE A PLATFORM. Unreal, of course. Moving on!

Then I had to FIGURE OUT THE MAIN THEME, on which I'm going to build my scene. So I almost instantly thought: pirates. I LOVE pirates. I mean, who doesn't? And with Uncharted 4 still to this day in my veins and one of the latest Magic The Gatheringset ever-present in my head (go Ixalan bois!), I had all the inspiration I needed. I had found my theme. And I set it in stone, for I would never allow myself to lose time changing it. That was not an option...

And of course, I ended up changing it.

Now, I need to THINK OF THE STORY. It was going to be amazing! I wanted to have a small boat in the sand with a treasure on it. And in the back, a huge ship shooting at it. As if the pirate stole the treasure and was getting away! He got to shore, but the ship was too damn close, so he had to take away whatever we could in his hands leaving most of it behind.

Cool, I liked it. It was no Dark Souls environment art storytelling, but it kinda worked!

So then I jumped to the next and one of the most crucial of steps: GATHERING REFERENCE AND BUILDING A MOODBOARD.

I think I got rid of most of my pirate-related reference, but here you kinda see what I was aiming for terrain wise. I had to cut a lot of it, but the feeling was there. This step is almost crucial, and it is really important not to underestimate reference. Spend 1-2 days looking for it. Always keep it open while working, and never stop looking for new pictures!

All this took me a good couple of hours. Perhaps 3 (tight time frame after all). So I HAD to move on to the engine now. No time to waste.

Next, I started with my main BLOCKOUT. This is definitely the most important part of it all. Here is where you should spend the most time when making environment art. The blockout is going to dictate the overcome of your whole piece. Don't think in details, details sucks, details are for murlocks. Nail your main shapes and composition FIRST. You will definitely tweak things around, but having your composition, shapes, balance, and flow of the piece in place in the beginning, is not only going to allow you to work more effectively, but it will also keep you inspired and moving forward.

So I did. This is the first blockout of this piece ever.

I started out with the simplest of compositions. I can go quite crazy trying things out at this stage but, not to my surprise, I hadn't much time to spare. So a simple rule of thirds, which I personally dislike (here is why), will do for now. I knew that I was going to keep a simple 3 point composition, and 2 counterbalancing points will do the trick for now.

Also, at this points rocks, water and sand texture were taken from the UE4 library.

I moved on then to BLOCKING OUT LIGHTING. As everything in this stage, it was very simple. Just used a basic skysphere (default to UE4) and tweaked the values a bit. I knew for a fact I wanted to keep working on both the mood and the clouds. But no time for that right now.

The goals of my first day were to have the whole blockout done. At this point it was almost 10 pm and I wasnt ready. And I wasnt going to bed until I had at least a very basic sand texture there.

So I made it.

And since its really awful, I figured I might aswell explain what was I shooting for composition wise. The framing was going to be natural vs man-made. Rock vs water. So the big rocks on the fore and the middle ground where doing that for me. At the same time, I was throwing all the flow lines I could to make the ship pop up.

And that was it. 11 pm. Time to eat something, go to bed, and go to work the next day. I could have stayed up all night. But I knew better.

DAY 2. Sand and rocks

Day 2 started out nicely. I almost ran home to get my hands on this! I was confident that I was going to pull it off. All was great!

I jumped right away to Substance Designer. I knew (and had been thinking all day) that I wanted to have the sand in as soon as possible. So I jumped directly to my next step BLOCKING OUT TEXTURES. Not everyone works this way, but I found out that having a solid blockout of your textures helps you to see the bigger picture. In an interesting scene, not only color but also roughness take a big part in making it look unique and appealing to the eye. And having your materials blocked out will get you early to a point where you can start tweaking lighting, composition and even propping to get the most out of your scene.

This screenshot is 2 hours in on the second day. I kept moving rocks trying to improve the composition, and all this new perspective came from my new sand material being applied to the terrain. I built a simple blend shader and vertex painted some roughness variation in where the land met the sea.

Also grabbed this super high poly ship from somewhere on the internet and used it very quickly to try to pull my vision a bit forward. All assets were created by me in their entirety, but blocking out a ship just for the blockout's sake would take me a whole day, and I was already starting to get scared from the scope of this scene. At this point I didn't think I was going to pull it off, and grabbing these ships helped me realize that my original vision simply wasn't going to happen. They were a lot of work, so I had to improvise something on the fly.

Much like in game development, the cool parts get cut. Ships were out, and I spent a whole hour trying to think what to do to replace them. And the clock kept ticking.

So I kept working on the composition. A 3 point composition would do it. A simple offset of focal points kept in flow by the terrain and contrast. Not too fancy, but would do the trick if done correctly.

Then I thought I might as well move on to the next thing: CREATING KEY PROPS. So I decided to get started with the rocks. I sculpted these godforsaken monstruosities and quickly decimated and textured them.

Here is a quick tip for you all: DONT RUSH THINGS. Because when you do, you end up losing time. They looked like crap. And I knew that. And hated the fact that I had to redo them. That didn't only make me lose time, but also severely affected my morale. Tackle things smartly, and give every piece of the puzzle the time it requires, because if one single piece is off, everything will look unfinished or just wrong.

Then added some fog and, just like that, the day was over. What a waste.

DAY 3. Rocking rocks.

Day 3 started at 7pm. I had to get to work with the rocks right away. So I did.

I looked for a lot of references and got to it. I ended up finding some killer ref on it, that was exactly what I needed. In the end, and after pretty much all day, I was happy with what I got. The sharp edges broke nicely with the smoothness of the scene. It almost felt like I was achieving a gradient between the smoothness of the water, the semi-rough surface of the sand and the sharpness of the rocks. I quite liked that. There was even a cool story element to it.

It also had to be reusable, so I sculpted it 360 degrees, since it was going to be rotated like crazy. I knew they weren't perfect since there was barely any small detail on them, but I would come back to them later.

I also kept developing the blend shader a bit. And used it on the rocks as a test, painting some sand on top of them.

DAY 4. Propping, mesh scatter and sand!

Getting back to it on the fourth day had me excited! I knew what I wanted to do with the rocks, so I started creating bigger variations and some backdrop ones. Once I had them, I kept working on the composition and framing of the whole piece. Also created some sharp ones to add at the distance, as some reference I found showed.

So at this point, halfway there, I had my composition kind of there, my secondary props almost done, my main textures half done, and I was still experimenting with lighting. Damn.

When propping, it's always good to keep micro-compositions in mind. There is a lot to talk about on this topic, and I plan to do it in the future in more detail, but as of now this should do. Every big shapes should be grounded, accompanied by medium and smaller bodies. And this is what you can see I did here. Breaking the rotation of assets and having other smaller props around them, blend big assets and terrain together smoothly, almost like in a gradient.

And then it clicked. I decided to take a huge U turn. Pirates wasn't an option anymore since the ships were too expensive to make. So I decided to turn into scifi. Star Wars more specifically. For some reason I just got a bit of a scifi vibe out of it. Decided to follow my gut.

First big change was lighting. Before I was aiming for something really moody and gray. Tons of fog, low visibility and and sad/uncomfortable mood. Changed it into a mostly clear sky at dusk.

DAY 5. Prop making

Getting back to it on the fourth day had me excited! I knew

My first idea was to recreate the crash from Star Wars Jedi Knight Jedi Academy on the planet of Blenjeel (the one where the sand worm tries to get you). So I thought it could be a really nice remaster piece to make! Story was figured out and all.

So I used some UE primitives to build the basic shapes of what I was going to go for in both focal points. It was going to be the fallen ship and one of the ships parts you need to retrieve in the mission.

But as I started looking for reference, what I could find was really limited. the game is really old and there is barely any art for the level. I found a single piece of concept art in one of many Star Wars wikis and started blocking it out from it.

My plan was to execute the main asset that day, so I quickly jumped into it. And as I started modelling one of the turbines of the ship (you can see it in the next image), it resembled something I was really fond of. So, again, a new sporadic change in the design...

Pod racers! I LOVE pod racing. Who doesn't?

And like that, day over!

DAY 6. Of grounding and helmets

First day of the weekend. My intention was to finish everything today. Wanted to have all props figured out, all dressing done, all painting in place, etc. The last day had to be just post processing and super small details in the scene. Lots of things happened on day 6.

The new prop was simpler and more easily recognizable. And, most importantly, I liked it! It would be now the remaining of a crashed pod. The races (as depicted both in the movie and the game) were pretty brutal, and so I figured I could try to show that.

Here is the asset.

After that I quickly jumped into grounding the asset better and adding smaller detail. Added some dragging marks for the turbine, wires, random parts of the broken pod scattered everywhere.

DAY 7. Final tweaks and presentation

Final day upon us!

I started the day early adding the third focal point to the scene. Backdrop pods racing at the distance. This wasn't only the third piece of the 3 point composition, but also a big storytelling element. This guy had some tough luck, but the race still keeps on going!

Also started to play heavily with a post process volume and some nice LUT tweaking.

Then did a final pass on everything. Added some more scatter, tweaked lighting, added some fake bouncing lights and tweaked the reflections. Then made some quick dead vegetation and added it around some rocks. The final composition was rather simple, but here is a breakdown of my mental process. It doesn't really matter which of the 3 focal points to see first, all of them are connected creating a circle flow between them.

In blue, you can see the helmet connecting with the turbine thru the wire in the sand, creating an arrow directly pointing back and forth. Framed by the rocks in the foreground, the helmet creates a strong contrasty focal point that is very likely to attract most attention at first glance.

In red, the turbine. The trail behind it serves a single purpose: its guiding the viewers sight towards the next focal point in the rotation. Also the same positioning of the turbine works as an arrow pointing left. Perspective and placement work together here for this end.

In green, the pod creates an attention spot simply because of contrast. And so it completes the circle. All shapes around are meant to both point towards it and guide the viewer back to the helmet.

General positioning on the scene and during the dressing had purpose. Playing with empty spaces vs populated ones, contrast and color helps, and here the sand areas and sea create clear paths to traverse. and the central, uninteresting, piece (in orange) creates the perfect shape to accentuate direction and a pivot for the whole image.

And so I was done! 8pm on Sunday. Crazy week! Was absolutely exhausted and had a real bad time trying to concentrate next Monday morning. But I managed to pull it off to the best of my ability in the given time, and the result was rather acceptable.

Many lessons learned on this. Not going to bore you with all the details of my own realizations, but I tought it would be nice to share the crafty side of them.

Im not doing this again any time soon. Even though I look back and can be proud of having finished a piece in this small amount of time, the gain wasn't really worth it. Things I would improve if would have had more time are:

Pods could have improved with some motion blur (didn't have the time to figure out how to make it happen in UE).

Smoke looks still and inorganic.

Rocks could be better grounded, with sand buildups on the sides.

Backdrop rocks are way too simple.

More color variation would have taken this to a much nicer place. I played it safe with complimentary colors.

Assets could use some more time.

And I think I could keep going on forever. Even though my eyes are still a bit used to seeing it constantly.

Thanks a lot for reading! Sadly I had to cut a bunch of it due to text characters limit, but I think this sums it up well enough.

Please leave any questions you may have, happy to answer them! Also any ideas and C&C on the piece is absolutely encouraged.

Thanks again, and till next time!

Otto

#environment #environment art #level art #unreal #ue4 #real time

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your-fave-is-bi · 5 years

Note

10, 15, 22 for all three of them? (because it's more fun to compare)

10: their fashion sense

Seyla: whenit comes to armor she’s all for the excessive and over the top warlock way ofdressing, metalics combined with blue shades and a touch of classy white (sometimesadding in a dash of bright orange, to keep it fun)In her day-to-day she sticks more to darker colors with classy accessories inmetalics, if you can imagine what a Frenchfashion model would wear for an editorial – that’s how she likes to dresscasually.

Helios-33:armor wise he sticks to bronze – red – orange – pink, sometimes a dark greenEDZ shader for his colour palette. His armor needs to be impressive even thoughhe wouldn’t describe it like that, the bigger the shoulder pads the better, whenthey lay eyes on him his enemies need to fear him and his allies need to feelemboldened. Day-to-day, in one word: comfortable. Sweatpants are a given, they’re soft andnice and warm and comfortable and look nice. Tight shirts are better to avoidthe risk of loose-hanging cloth getting stuck in his mechanisms. Colour wise hejust does whatever, he mainly wants to be comfortable always

Thalu-5:envies the excessive #Looks of warlocks and makes up for it with bright pinkshaders, as well as purples and greens. Surprisingly fond of toe-sock legging-pants.They’re hideous and she loves it. Whereas the other two would often try tomatch things from the same set, Thalu just. Doesn’t. Day-to-day she dresses comfort-made-fashion. Sweatpants with big writing on it,bomber jackets, sneakers being the most expensive item in the outfit kindadeal. Her armor colour palette is reflected in her day to day wear as well,with more bright colours added in to give her outfits lots of bright contrast. Triesto wear snapbacks but they never look good with her head feature :(

15: how they react to brainfreeze

Seyla: doesit every single time, curses about it every single time, gets laughed at byLuka every single time and just. Never learns.

Helios-33:does NOT enjoy it, gets very grumpy, only happened once but he hasn’t trusted acold food item since

Thalu-5:just powers through it, she’s too coolfor brainfreeze. Get it. Get it. Do you get it. Helios did you get it did youget the joke I made- hey! Don’t walk away!

22: what they’re like on two hours of sleep

Seyla: takesa nap asap, unless there’s something REALLY important and life-threatening todo. If it’s important but not life-threatening she just. Power naps on her shipen route to wherever she needs to be. She’s mostly very confused and needs tobe told at least three times the essence of what you’re trying to tell her. Fallsasleep the minute she can, does not handle sleep deprivation well. it happened a lot during the Red War and in those moments (important AND lifethreatening) she completely disregards her own body and needs, cant take amoment to sleep when there’s people dying as she sits and does nothing.

Helios-33: morequiet than usual and basically runs on autopilot. Tries to keep his tasks forthe day away from important business, takes the day to do methodical work likecleaning up his ship, vault inventory checks, armor repairs and gun checks(even though the day after he has to check his guns again bc he doesn’t trustsleep deprived Helios)he can run a day or two without a proper long rest period but after that he’sjust no use to anyone anymore, and Sparky is not afraid to properly tell himthat.

Thalu-5:goes back to bed. Just. Back to bed she go. She knows she’s clumsy as is and doesn’tneed to make that even worse by being a sleep deprived mess but also just.Wants to go back to bed. So she just does.

#karli plays destiny 2 #thalu5 #helios33 #seyla #do exos even experience brainfreeze? do exos even eat?#lunarflyby #asks

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wpdariacutnes · 4 months

Text

🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺

Me: well . . . Dys a med mood a gassping of god is same a get same bitch vipe enifing a someone play so dog spring after a relazing is frek out body's so yeah bit true more a self pitchy i knows it but hey is life what a hang me for? Go a grass toching like enifing tuch up

🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈

Goodi: bro but ADHD same a haz hermit bullshit trans relly someone go hit a tree and same say "yeah das fairypiss hand couin you"

Me: but I knows mean a mad hermit so yeah. . .

Goodi: * sigh and take gvitar* I going low it:::

She look a hunting like a poor kinking dog like enifing chraing been use full because perfecty a wona get it mean

Sorry a your forgbog bag is so havy a handel mean you lise

Bang bang bang bow it up

After say so rat ragnest frends so pitchy a move head " yeah I med for frends after toxic geting it"

Sorry a lie is so pretty a wean been for a born out's

Bang bang bang bow it up

Like look self look a me whay respekt for a ontext out mean's? Nofing play a more epty a get it shiti for ploblem's

Someone say is a promes a get it mean's

After Bull a head and same dys a make a ten it a none mean

After look a dog frend after none say what

Like let me bit it bitch end me after forg get a frends a dead frow a Hit trangs a bit it Bull shut it

Because "moatcher let me end balloon on blue jess get bit it" and look her so usles let " you let me dirty step it a baby lady a dead devil bed mean say hello up you"

* more deep voice* love a get me dead grivet a enifing say been use full perfect cant's

Like hell not been a be drum a enifing woman get it let hevy end me

So what a do das shader and play a frends been a same none in a had life

Aftee say how legends been are me sweet cupid frog me lost bag's truse

* normal voice back* sorry a ex frends a wona end you happy bills a end bitch life after ruken sun but it

Dont supraze a perfect part's not fix dys a chrain pig in me for a none working a more sick a been a gril and deadless room a dumb

I coll her wellcome me gender frogbag in lost me gender vipers mean

After low me a not dramatic mean sicrets a matcher say so

After me get so firypiss a dont get a endness bitch pill in me after devil hit her a plases a blow balloon so "had frog get it mean"

Like after look get older enifing been dude did a a get ritche a been so savelit enifing been same useful loser and none plait it sorry a dublet med you is deviness love afters

Not me cosnes

Not me mean a Free dog get mean mine frends

Not tragety perfect blue jezz a let perfect one dead Road for das her misteries brakers onest mean balloon

So dont matcher crisisam me because knows a goog goodi is more disatser blue glue gugu

Because after do is a had frogbag after devil rpring a lost persen get it

* das stop do dys *

Goodi: I das a full a Bull frogs

Me: I knows it you show me

Goodi: good mean frogbag after frog mean's let coll you dont fuck up a enifing lover snapiers is a let you it like shit

Me: I well never get it a hole away

🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺🪲🌺

Offical epic note: 14.01.2024.r

🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈🪶🦈

#applelili_megaman_ver #megamancomunity #mereal #wpexpleing #parents take rule #youtube

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mid-something · 3 years

Text

2020 Year in Review

I wasn’t going to write one of these this year. I wasn’t sure what the point was, normally they’re a list of accomplishments, places I went, projects I worked on, events I planned. But I feel like I didn’t do anything this year. It was a year that felt more like college, with long days that melded together into walks and work sessions. I loved it, but it also lacked the intensity that usually pumps through the months. As I started writing this though, it was surprisingly easy to fill, even without my usual go-tos like travel filling it in.

Speaking of travel

Okay, I did hop around the east coast a bit. In January I went up to Montreal for Synchrony once again. I spent the trip up making a PICO-8 sketch of the snow falling around our train up north.

Later, in February, I went up to Pennsylvania to volunteer as a performer for a LARP for the first time. I played an animal, a cult member taking part in a sacrifice that included biting into a giant cake heart (that everyone was touching, so much for that world), and played a hellhound bringing people back to a mystery portal in the middle of a field. We camped and hiked and took day-trips to Wawa for lunch.

My last trip was to Nashville Tennessee for a library conference. I loved it, library conferences are much less vendor-focused than ed-tech ones. I got a suitcase full of free books that I’m still reading my way through. My co-worker and I stayed in cool Airbnbs and found our way to a speakeasy inside an old phone booth. I had never been to Nashville, but thought it was like a cool weird Disney land with great food and incredible music around every corner.

Afterwards I headed down to Florida to see my grandparents for a week, and then went back to New York... and didn’t go anywhere for the rest of the year. A couple weeks after I got back to my Brooklyn apartment I packed a bag and headed upstate for the next three months to play animal crossing and hang out with my parents and dog.

Coding Club

When schools shut down, a couple things happened. First, we put our school product available online for free. Second, I started a coding club for kids who were home from school. I met with kids for an hour twice a week, and really saw them grow and experiment with code. It grew to a few hundred kids each week, all meeting up to code along and share their work. I was able to get a better feel for how teachers used our product, and was able to test out project ideas live. It was such a joy, and my favorite part of my job during that time.

Livecoding in Space

I co-organized Livecoding in Space at the start of shutdown. It was a day of workshops and an evening algorave that was originally going to take place at the Kennedy Center. I made the website, ran the lineup, and managed the Twitch stream the whole day, and somehow got a p5 workshop and performance livecoding visuals to a series of poets in there at the same time. It was wild, super fun, and I’m really glad I did it.

Performances

I continued the Twitch streak performing with musicians at sPaCYcLoUd Livecode Thursdays, bringing in what I was learning at monthly shaders workshops. Working in GLSL was a completely different experience than working with Hydra, I was much more limited with a much higher chance of things going wrong. I moved more slowly, and was really able to get lost in the performances in a way I hadn’t before.

NYC

Back in New York City in the summer, everything was boarded up. Bars had tables outside, and people were in scattered groups around Astor Place. We went out one night on St. Marks and bought pre-bottled drinks from a place that had once been an impossible to get into bar. Cop cars were driving up and down the street announcing for us to stay apart on their loudspeakers. The whole thing felt very apocalyptic. We played tennis in courts without nets, with piles of leaves that no one had cleaned up since all the parks were technically still closed. I spent time walking around Manhattan and Brooklyn, more than I ever did before. I walked 13 miles to the dentist and back, walked over the Williamsburg bridge over and over again. I met up with friends to practice skateboarding, I walked up to the Williamsburg park for a picnic with friends, I walked to Bushwick for the same. I got better at electric unicycling and did yoga in different parks staring at the trees. And when I settled back into my Bed Stuy apartment John would come over every weekend and we’d cook and get work done. I’ve never been happier in my life.

Art?

I got much better at painting this year, which is something I had wanted to experiment more with for a while. I finally understand the difference between supplies and the benefits of good paper and brushes. I took part in virtual figure drawing sessions and around the world painting lessons.

I did a lot of figure drawing this year, most of it was online. My favorite, however, was at a place called Outerspace in Brooklyn. It was an hour walk from my apartment, and I loved the walk there through Bushwick and back. I went a few times, sometimes walking back in the dark past the largest church in Brooklyn, sometimes grabbing food in one of my favorite parts of the city and taking an uber after. Figure drawing online gave me the space (literally, usually I’d be too close to other people to have them out) to start experimenting with paints, something that followed my practice throughout the year.

In March, my friend who’s an elementary school art teacher started posting her prompts for her class online, which was an awesome first way to get back into traditional sketchbooking on the floor of my bedroom upstate. Above are some of the elementary-school art prompts that kept me occupied this Spring.

I also followed along with someone I had followed on Instagram, Travel Write Draw. The whole thing was definitely a bit out of my comfort zone, my sketchbooks tend to skew stranger and she comes from the fashion world, but I had always wanted to paint more and took part. The paintings above are in the order I did them, I think I got a lot better as we went through. The places are in order: Rome, Marrakesh, Capri, Cartagena, the Serengeti, and Paris at Christmastime.

Over the summer I took part in Arsiliath’s Intro to Biological Simulation with Compute Shaders. The above are some of the experiments from the class. I read math papers and implemented them for the first time.

&...

I applied to grad school, which took up most of my free time and energy this fall. Nothing to share here yet, I’ll know what’s up around March/April. I took the GREs as well, and did surprisingly well given I haven’t taken a test in about a decade.

I’m heading out to Mars now, a remote spot in Southern California, to wait out the winter and try and make the most out of a weird quarantine world. I wonder if this should be longer or more interesting, end in bullets of things I can feel proud of from my 20′s. I don’t know. When you come back to this 2021 Leandra, I hope you’re happy and have finally found your footing in a world that feels like it’s constantly trying to drown you with the next wave.

#year in review

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celestial-amnesia · 6 years

Text

Baby News

Karno x Scarlet (oc)

The moon shined brightly in the heavens without a cloud in sight. Most of the gods were doing there work as usual but of course some of the others were doing anything but that. Karno was finishing up his portion of papers occasionally glancing at the goddess of time and war, Scarlet, who was currently sleeping in his bed. She had already finished her work for the day and didn't want to leave to their home without him. Sending his papers over to his minister Leon he went over to the goddess shaking her gently, "Scarlet, I'm done. We can go home now." Her eyes were one of the many things he loved about her. Seeing them always made him smile. Scarlet makes a slight humming sound reaching out for the god, "Carry me?" she asked with a tired expression that Karno could only chuckle at as he picked her up and snapped his fingers sending them home. He takes Scarlet to a bath playing with her hair as she lays on him. "Can you have an off day tomorrow?" Karno looks down at her with surprise and she explains that he's been working harder than usual and though she is well aware that gods don't tire easily or at all but he still needs to have a break every once in awhile. They were finishing up getting dressed and he slightly nods getting into bed and kissing Scarlet on the forehead while she cuddles up to him, "I believe I can. Thank you for your concern love." They both fall asleep in each other's arms. It was early morning when Scarlet woke up to her pet wolf, Wolfe, sniffing her making her giggle, "Why are you sniffing me I don't have food." He stopped for a moment then started jumping on and off the bed excitedly at the mention of food. Getting up Scarlet heads down stairs to feed him accidentally waking the two fairies in the process. Fluttering over the counter they yawn waiting for instructions. "Sorry guys didn't mean to wake y'all. Here." She places a bowl of fruit and flowers for them in the living room then sits on the couch waiting for the sunrise and begins dozing off. As she does a series of images appear of a small dark figure that she couldn't really make out but Scarlet felt her body being shaken and awakens to find Karno over her. "If you are going to sleep down here please have a blanket." Wrapping one around her he goes to kitchen to make some coffee and tea, "What do you have planned for today?" Scarlet asked. Karno thought for a moment bringing the drinks, "Since I have a day off we can do whatever it is you want." Her face brightens up to the idea, "Really?! Yay!" He laughed at his wife's excitement and handed her the tea before the start of their day. Going to the city first they head to clothing stores though Scarlet knew she probably didn't need more clothes. They were going for Karno and the others but it was also a just for fun thing and he would give honest opinions knowing she likes challenges, "What about this or this? Ohhh this cute!" Many outfits later they head to the heavens and are greeted to the familiar sound of angry yelling. "Ichthys quit playing around and do your work!" The yelling was from none other than the strict Zyglavis. The youngest god was running away when he noticed the two. "Heya guys whatcha up too!" Karno gives a timid smile while Scarlet voices his expression, "I think we should be asking you that Ikky. You know if you actually did more of your work the less the others would have to yell at you." Ichthys laughs and shrugs, "But what would be the fun in that!" Clearly seeing that barely anything would change his mind she holds the bags out. "We went shopping today and got y'all some more clothes give them out." Ichthys makes a salute action followed by a yes ma'am running off.

As they went to Karno's room to put up his clothes and Scarlet felt the need to lay down but wasn't sure why nevertheless she let her eyes close. A white figure this time was there waving at her. Scarlet tried to talk but couldn't. Waking up she slightly smiles as she finds herself tucked into Karno's bed and even finds a drink next to her. Snapping Scarlet makes a note saying she would be in the garden then makes her way over there. Walking around mindlessly for awhile she eventually tripped over something but moreover someone. She turns to find the sleepyhead of a god, "Aigonorus! Again with sleeping in the flower beds!" Sitting next to him Aigo lazily looks at her, "So loud." Scarlet scoffed, "You're just now figuring this out? Come on." Grabbing on to his arm she pulls him up taking him to a shader place of the garden. "Not soft enough but whatever." Aigonorus makes lethargic face of displeasure. Scarlet thought for a moment then stood and whistled. A portal open, Wolfe and the fairies, emerged from it. "Sweetie, would you mind letting Aigo lay on you. I don't want him out in the sun while it's this hot." She gets a bark and he walks to the god. Scarlet goes back inside and decides to go visit the Lion in his den. Knocking on the door Scarlet pokes her head in seeing Leon at his desk. He smirks at seeing her, "Gotten bored of your love?" returning the smile she shakes her head, "Never." Leon didn't mind her presence even if nothing else was being said between them but sometimes he enjoyed testing her. "Good. Thanks for the clothes." She nods then they talk for a bit then hears her name. Saying bye to she goes to the front of the castle. Scarlet is greeted by her mother, Clarissa, whom she hugs tightly, "Mom, what are you doing here?" They walk around and sit at one of the tables in the garden. Her mother leans in "I wanted to ask if you have been feeling…different lately?" Scarlet shrugs, "Not really just tired." Humming, Clarissa looks to see Wolfe walking over to her daughter and begins to sniff her stomach. "Wolfe what is wrong. There is nothing there." Even at the scolding he wouldn't stop till she had to gently push him away. Her mother places her hand on where the wolf sniffed, "I'm sorry just bear with me." she states in an almost begging manner. Her hand emits a glow. At first nothing happened then a quiet thump, like a heart beat, was heard and it kept going till Scarlet suddenly stood up with eyes widened holding her stomach. "Scarlet." Her mother calls for her but she shakes her head in denial, "N-no way! Nonono, it can't be. There's no way! I'm not ready! I don’t even-!" Scarlet is silenced by her mother's comforting embrace. "I promise you are but for right now I believe he or she wants to finally speak to you." Eyes getting heavy Scarlet falls asleep. Scarlet walks through a forest of cherry blossom trees till she finds a batch with a small child like figure sitting there laughing. Scarlet calls out to the child to which it responded by running up to her, "Hi!" The voice sounded like a girl so she went with it. Not much was said but Scarlet let the child lay on her, "So you are her huh?” She lets out a sigh “What a day this turned out to be." The girl giggles at the remark. Scarlet felt sad atmosphere “I-I sorry.” The girl now sounded choked up. “For what?” Sitting the child up more in her lap so she hear better. “I made you mad and ruined your day with pa-…” she stopped as though it was forbidden to call Karno papa. Scarlet holds the child close to comfort “No, I’m not mad. I’m just shocked. I’m not very used to kids. But I’ll be even happier when we meet in person.” The girl holds on tight, “Really and what about papa?” Scarlet giggles and looks to the sky, “I’m sure he will be more than happy to see you. Just you wait.”

Karno saw Scarlet being carried by a guard and nearly panicked. Her mother had to calm him down before anything was said. "It's a little hotter than she had anticipated and passed out. She should be waking up soon." Nodding he took his goddess sending them home along with the wolf and fairies. Once there he places her in bed right as she woke up, "Hon, why are we back at home?" Karno could tell she was pretty dazed and brought her a lighter shirt to wear. He helps with undressing and dressing her then lays her back down. "It's still your off day. I don't wanna ruin it for you." He give a gentle but stern smile, "We are home because you passed out from heat. I am also aware that it’s my off day and I would like to spend it with someone I love." Scarlet clutches her chest, "Ow, my heart! That's sweet!" Karno takes her hand kissing it then snaps for cold treats, drinks and towels. As they spend to rest of the day together a thought kept reoccurring in her mind, how is she gonna tell Karno about this child?

A few days had passed since Scarlet had found out the news and she was wracking her head around for ideas. Karno was at work so she was left home alone with her thoughts which she wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. "Go on a date!" A little shadow appears but Scarlet was now able to fully register who it is. "A date huh?" She nods jumping and floating around. Though Scarlet couldn't see her physically yet she imagined an excited smile on the child's face. "Alright I'll see." Hearing her agree the shadow vanishes right as Karno walks in. "I'm home." He comes over with a greeting kiss that she happily accepts, "Welcome back, how was work?" She takes his coat putting it on the coat hanger. "It wasn't bad, though I had to get Leon and some of the others to do theirs." Scarlet snickers then laughs when he hugs her from behind, "I get through the days knowing my loving goddess waits for me." Turning her head in embarrassment of his words, cheeks red, words mange to form "W-wanna go out tonight?" She hears him chuckle, "Of course. I'll wait." The goddess gasps, "Hey, you're making it sound like I take forever to get ready!" Karno laugh walking off. "Hey, I don't take that long! At least not as long as Partheno! Stupid! Get back here!" Scarlet jumps on his back playfully and in slight aggravation making him carry her to their room. The couple went out deciding to get some snacks along the way to the public garden. It was clear night. Karno, of course, had his various spicy foods that he loves with him which Scarlet couldn't comprehend but always laughs, "Hon, how are you able to handle all that heat? It's hot and humid out here!" Even just trying to talk was wearing her out. "I don't find this food to be hot but then again you prefer sweet over spicy and vice versa for me. I do agree though it is pretty hot out." He places his hand on her forehead to make sure she wouldn't pass out again. "Do you feel ok?" Though the heat was an additional reason as to why she falls asleep or passes out it was really the little child wanting to talk but Scarlet didn't feel ready to tell him just yet so she only nods with a "I'm fine." During the few of hours of walking, Scarlet starts spacing out thinking about the what ifs. What if he doesn't want a child, what if he gets mad, if he hates her and leaves for all she knew he may not even want a family like that but what if it's the opposite and he's happy and wants that. Scarlet was so caught up in her thoughts she didn't notice Karno was calling for her or how far ahead she was to the point he had her by the arm. His face showed a look of concern and just before she could ask what was wrong he wiped a tear that had fallen down her face, "Scarlet?" She couldn't really state why she was crying. She knew she could be honest but with this type of news she just couldn't bring herself to do it with so many negative thoughts. Escaping from his grasp Scarlet runs away with Karno following after her. When it looked like no one could see she took flight. She was able to put some distance between them and it didn’t look like he followed that far. While miserably failing to wipe the tears away Karno flies in front of her taking her by the wrist to keep her in place which that within itself was a stupidly dangerous move. She is a warrior that can control chaos after all so it's not impossible for her to defend herself or kill him. Even with that in mind Karno knew she wouldn't do anything deadly or harmful. She was not the type to hurt people dear to her unless absolute necessary and there are no other options.

Karno pulls his crying goddess back to the ground sitting them down into his embrace. Karno gives her a moment to calm down. He lifts her head and snaps for tissues then hugs her tightly. She mumbled something in his shoulder, "What was that?" Scarlet looks up tears falling again, "Promise me you won't hate me or leave me no matter what!" Completely caught off guard Karno stares in disbelief, "Isn't getting married the purpose of keeping that promise?" She shrugs, "Probably, I'm just…scared." His face turns more serious, "Why would I ever hate or want to leave you. I would have to be possessed or the dark king trying to act as me." Scarlet thinks of a way to answer the question. "Ok, I will answer your question with a question." She takes a deep breath, "H-How do” she was continuously stuttering but she just couldn’t say it. Softening his expression he holds her hands, “It’s ok. Take it slow. How do I?” She looked at his shirt to keep from looking at his face. “H-h-how do y-you.” She begins shaking at this point and it getting quite frustrated at why she can’t do it. Voice broken she just needs him to reassure her once more, “Just promise me you won’t hate me.” Karno, seeing that actions speak better than words, leans in giving a gentle yet passionate kiss then bumping his forehead with hers “I swear on my life.” Breathing in and out she tries again, “H-how do you…feel a-about...kids?” The expression went from confusion to processing to shocked. Lifting her head he asked, "Scarlet, are you-? Are we going to-?" He kept breaking off and not saying the entire question. When Scarlet nodded timidly he picked her up spinning her around, "K-Karno?!" Her feet were placed back on the ground but he was still holding her tight, "Karno?" Nuzzling her neck he swayed slightly, "I am beyond happy right now. No words can describe how happy I am." Those words put all of Scarlet's worries of "if" to rest. Karno suddenly separated from her, "Wait, if that’s the case then you should be at home resting!" Snapping his fingers he sends them home carrying her to the bath. “You’ve been doing a lot of carrying.”she points out. “Yeah? Well expect more.” In the bath Scarlet asks, "Love, are you gonna mess with my stomach from now on or somethin'?” She couldn’t help but giggle as she watched him touch where their baby is, "Sorry, tell me if I do to much. It's just, we’re having a child!" Scarlet leans on him with a content sigh, "Yes, we are and she is excited to see you." He looks to her "You already know?" Humming she explained where she's from only the royal family get to ability to talk to the child if he or she wants to. Her passing out and her sleeping was just the child's way of wanting to talk. Even the father can talk to the child but it can sometimes tire the mother. "That's impressive but I think I'll wait. We still got to tell the others." He laughed but sigh thinking about that. Once out the bath and in bed Karno placed one hand on her stomach as Scarlet explained the last few days laughing, "So Wolfe figured it out first. Well good boy I'll give him treats tomorrow. As for our child do you have a name yet?" Scarlet thought for a moment and nodded "Kamaria I read some where it means the moon or something along those lines." Karno smiles, "I like that name. Also back to that promise you wanted.” Taking her hand he states “I love you more that anything in the world and I will love Kamaria just as much. I will never leave or hate either of you." He finishes with kissing her hand.They end the conversation at that close to one another.

A few more days pass, Scarlet and Karno gathered all the gods in the living room in the heavens. "Come on guys what is the news?!" Ichthys and Teorus were bouncing in anticipation. "I would like to continue my work so do hurry." Zyglavis still was the worker bee he always is and didn't sound that interested but Scarlet knew otherwise. Leon smirks "Maybe the goddess has gotten bored and wants to play." Rolling her eyes she shakes her head, "In your dreams Lion!" Karno stood near her smiling at the scene, "Alright guys the reason you're all here." Scarlet nodded smiling, "Right! So how do you guys feel about being uncles?" A unison 'huh' rings throughout the room and they all look at the couple till Tauxolouve asked, "Little Lady are you gonna have a little-?!" she nods,"Lady? Yes!" Some of the gods stares in disbelief while other jumped hugging the two saying their congrats. Scarlet whispers to the child, “You’re gonna have a lot of bodyguards, goodness gracious!”

ᎬNᎠ

#scm #voltage inc

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ahnmakes · 5 years

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devlog # 6 // hex tilemaps and pathfinding, part 5 (refining pathfinding features)

so, if you can’t tell, i’m absolutely in love with development right now, been typing away for days and days. :’)

mainly, since the last devlog, i’ve spent my time doing two things:

- organising and backing up my development process

- refining the pathfinding system’s features

starting with that first point, once my project files and code started getting to be more than a few lines, i quickly realised that i would need to take some time to start keeping everything even more in order.

i came across trello, a tool where you can make and sort tasks to keep track of what’s going on in your project. currently, this is all entered manually, but i did notice they have a thousand features and other apps and things to take your task-keeping further. right now, i am satisfied and very much served by these simple lists. instead of countless, nondescript notes and word documents on my computer - “rpg notes”, “rpg devlog”, “devlog notes”, “game design”, “game design b”, “design notes”, etc - i keep all of my to-dos in one place.

i also started using github (for unity) to keep changelogs and backups of all of my project files. this is something i had been especially thinking of as the files grew larger and larger, given that if i lost my progress, even though i could definitely put things back together (and perhaps more neatly the second time?), it would definitely throw off my motivation.

it only took a few minutes to set up a github repository(?) and install the associated plugin for unity, though i do not feel at all that i understand how this all really works - for now, the point is that i’ve got a consistent, easy way of tracking changes in my files and making sure i don’t lose them.

okay, now for what we’re really here for: the game, and its pathfinding system(s). what i’m not going to do in this devlog is explain every detail of how i’ve put things together; what i will do is explain (a) what i put together, (b) the patterns and resources i worked from, and (c) some of the challenges that came up throughout. there’s going to be lots of pictures today!

last time, we got to pathfinding in the sense that the game was able to identify the quickest route from our source position to a target tile position, then draw debug lines along that route. in the few days since then, i’ve complicated the system quite a lot.

firstly, i made changes so that the tiles actually have movement costs. i did this by creating a method that would take in the coordinates of a tile, then return its cost.

next, we needed to actually put this cost into the algorithm, so instead of the dist, i put in the CostToEnterTile - this piece of pathfinding might look familiar! (i actually ended up putting the distance back into the equation as well, not shown in this image.)

after manually defining the movement cost values for each tileType in the inspector, the game looked like this:

notice how the pathfinding is avoiding grey tiles, and somewhat the blue ones? this is not the “shortest” path, but it is the one that costs the player the least movement (which is what we want)!

next, i put in a method i imagined would be helpful - something called upon Start that would take a unit’s position, figure out if there was a hex below (via raycast), and then take on that hex’s position and array coordinates. for a reason i cannot explain, this works only on this exact player object - not even on copies - and it works about 85% of the time. :’) i don’t understand why at all, and i’ve pored over this code (and updated it) for hours. if you see why this code isn’t working how i intend, please let me know!

this is what it looks like when it does work (player was originally just vaguely, randomly over a tile and is now centered on that tile, internally storing a reference to its coordinates):

and whoa! the tiles are at different heights?

well, yes, because i created something for each tileType called the “height offset range”. this data is used when first instantiating all the hexes. brings a ton more depth into the level. lesgoooo unity 3d!

with this, the tiles start to look more like environmental terrain. it becomes more apparent that the pathfinding is very much avoiding certain tiles.

this is just one of many changes i want to implement that will allow the game to generate interesting levels, procedurally, with almost no effort.

check out this “randomly” generated level, which has a more island-y feel, with the increased water tiles.

this was created by altering only 3 or so values, representing the proportions of a given tileType’s likelihood to be the one chosen when a hex is instantiated. (i want to soon move all of these variables into something editable from the inspector, so everything can be easily adjusted from inside unity, not from digging in the code.)

if i alter these few values again (notice below that i only change the 10, 9, and 6), we start generating levels that have quite a different feeling to them, something more rocky.

i even created another tileType (called “null”) which cannot be targeted or walked on. this creates an effect that looks like there are spaces cut out of the map.

it may seem like “well, of course, the pathfinding won’t go along these tiles if they don’t exist”, but they actually do exist; the pathfinding is recognising them and choosing against them. here is the same image as above, but with the null hexes changed to a visible/glassy material.

then, it felt like time to jump more into the code again and figure out how to not just calculate paths, but to actually use them to move the character. again, with insights from quill’s tutorial, i set up some code that would move the unit along the found path, guiding them to a specific “destination”, waiting for them to get close, then moving to the next piece as the next destination. cool shit that i definitely didn’t figure out alone.

after putting in some debugs (thanks to my virgo), we get a very satisfying list of steps the pathfinding went through to move the player, and our first visual..

! ! !

there remains only one thing to be done, from the two goals i defined for the pathfinding system. one was to be able to find a path and move a character there (which we just did), and the other was .. to highlight possible move spaces? how the fu--

welp, long story short, i panicked a bit because the few guides/tutorials i was finding were v e r y math and big, conceptual engineering (at least that’s how they felt). and when i found what felt like a more accessible tutorial that showed someone using pathfinding for this purpose (highlighting possible movement tiles), their implementation didn’t seem immediately like something i could integrate alongside what i had. i watched a bit, got frustrated and overwhelmed, then decided to relax, ease my mind .. which led me to this video lol? an mit talk about graph theory and breadth first search.

somehow, i found it comforting to just explore the concept without thinking of how to apply it immediately. i was just seeking to understand. and understand i did. right before i went to bed, i decided to write out - from this understanding - what kind of lists, variables, states, methods i would need to get this working. i set it aside, and went to sleep. and when i woke up the next day, this morning, this is what i did.

i translated what i had understood directly into new lists, variables, and the like - things i understood. and for the first time on this scale, i was doing this entirely freehand, without any tutorial. and i wrote for the code to do this when the the player was clicked on:

not so impressive? what about this?

that looks like what i asked for!

the only difference between the two is that, in the second implementation of this algorithm, rather than cycling through all of the hexes, i ask the search to stop at a certain point -- something i’m currently calling the movement buffer.

from the game’s movement rules, a player can not only attempt to move within a character’s movement range, but can also exert the player to try to push to a further tile; this has the consequence of the character hurting or overly fatiguing themself, if they do not make a high enough roll to move that amount. that’s what this image shows: the light blue represents the player’s movement, and the darker blue represents those exert/can-try-but-it’s-risky tiles.

i also took care of some other helpful, necessary features (can only select within the highlighted tiles, deselecting the unit will return tiles to their original colors, etc), also free-hand, just by applying the little pieces i know into a greater whole.

i have never felt more confident in my own programming ability; i define goals for my work, i research, i think through them, and then am able to create and refine the code that follows. with that massive update, i will temporarily be pausing on any pathfinding for a while (as both of the goals we defined have been completed!), and looking to other areas to explore.

thank you for joining me on this journey so far. <3 in the next days, i’ll mostly be looking into visuals - shader maths, animation, modeling - trying to get things looking pretty. most likely will be implementing a character stats UI, as well. see you in the next devlog (or find and chat with me on twitter.com/michaelinwords)!

with love and an ever-growing to-do list,

ahn

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tecinfo · 6 years

Text

Everything a VR studio needed to do to port to the Mac Apple rambles about AR, yet how does the Mac toll for VR? We asked Survios devs.

Calif.— When Apple disclosed the iMac Pro in December, it did as such with a help from outsider engineers. The organization displayed makers who were dealing with applications that connected the iMac Pro's capacities to new things beforehand unrealistic on earlier, less-skilled Mac equipment. Most remarkably, in excess of one dev was utilizing the iMac Pro for virtual reality (VR) improvement, something Apple had declared its goals to help at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June of a year ago.

One of the taking an interest studios, Survios, had been drawn nearer by Apple to port its new title Electronauts to macOS. Electronauts is a virtual music-creation instrument that enables the client to DJ quantized music with different 3D apparatuses, as though they were remaining on a phase encompassed by gear.

In the wake of finding out about Electronauts in December, Survios welcomed Ars out to its studio in the Los Angeles district of Culver City (one of the United States' most thought hot beds of both VR and outside the box diversion advancement) to hear more about precisely what was engaged with porting VR programming to the Mac.

It might even now be early days for VR on Mac, however no less than one long-lasting improvement studio sees potential for the stage subsequent to encountering Apple's help firsthand.

Apple's initial steps into VR

Established in 2013, Survios is monetarily sponsored by film and TV creation organization Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer—its initially authorized amusement, a boxing sim called Creed is expected in the not so distant future. The studio has likewise gotten wander subsidizing from Shasta Ventures and Lux Capital. Survios has dependably been centered around VR improvement, and its first-individual shooter, Raw Data, was the best offering amusement on Steam for some time.

This is an organization that has assembled a strong VR continue. So in the wake of reporting VR bolster at WWDC 2017, Apple connected with Survios planning to catch a potential early accomplice to exhibit the iMac Pro's VR abilities.

"At the present time, on the Mac front, they're somewhat digging out from a deficit. They're seconds ago including help for Vive and SteamVR and stuff," Jason Meisel, the product design in charge of the Electronauts port, said while portraying Apple's present position in the VR space. "We've been working with them straightforwardly to get everything up and running on the grounds that... there aren't a considerable measure of recreations that are in VR on iMac yet.".

Notwithstanding being new to the amusement, Apple has influenced conveyability to facilitate an early core interest. VR is upheld on the Mac through Valve's SteamVR stage (thus the Vive eliteness at present), and Electronauts was created in Unity, a diversion motor and altering suite that can fabricate straightforwardly to a huge number of stages, including the two Windows and macOS.

"Basically, what they've done extremely well is that they've been working with Unity and with Valve to make that entire procedure of porting a diversion that as of now exists utilizing Unity and simply make it keep running on the iMac," Meisel included.

As of now, Electronauts just backings the iMac Pro. So we asked Mike McTyre, the studio head (once in the past of diversion organizations Carbine, THQ, and Blizzard), why Survios would port an amusement to a machine with such a little introduce base:

To us, it's not just about 'Hello, this is restricted presently.' It's not going to be constrained later on. Here at Survios, we're making items to put resources into the fate of VR. It's not tied in with having a major money payout today. We're doing this since we trust this will be what's to come.

We're seeing a considerable measure of assets on their end, a great deal of exertion, a ton of enthusiasm. They need to center around this and work on this. So that may be genuine presently, yet that is only the beginning stage. It begins here, and we should perceive what they add on to that straightaway... I genuinely trust that they will put significantly more development into that going ahead past this. This is only a beginning stage.

When we asked McTyre and Meisel what Apple would need to do to drive appropriation of VR on the Mac from here, they offered two answers. Meisel said the most ideal way Apple could bolster VR is bolster groups that are conveying non-gaming applications to the Mac. He noticed that the Mac does not have a solid gaming history, but rather there are different utilizations of VR that are a more normal fit. On the off chance that Apple makes progress there, the amusements may take after. Additionally, "In the event that they bolster Oculus, that would be marvelous," he said.

McTyre offered a more coordinations based arrangement. "I would love to see—I don't know whether five years is practical, or if it's three years or two years—I'm trusting inside another couple years, we will begin seeing only the default PCs with designs cards that are adequate to do the base spec VR appropriate out of the crate."

Today, the iMac Pro advancement pack incorporates an outer GPU fenced in area, and as we noted in our iMac Pro survey, obviously Apple sees that as a way ahead for its whole Mac lineup to help more designs serious applications like VR, however the iMac Pro's GPU is all around prepared to deal with VR applications without it. macOS 10.13.4, because of dispatch soon, is slated to extend eGPU bolster for purchasers and designers, which could be the way to VR bolster on other current Mac equipment.

Neither McTyre nor Meisel had much to say in regards to eGPUs, in any case. Rather, McTyre emphasized his expectation is that, soon enough, most Macs' coordinated or discrete GPUs will meet the base spec for VR. "I do think we are not that distant from the implicit GPUs simply being sufficient to simply, out of the case, play VR," he said.

Now, we said that numerous work area PC clients can just swap out another GPU to accomplish VR ability, however Macs don't have that redesign way without the eGPU fenced in areas. "Would the appropriation rate be quicker in the event that they had a simple method to overhaul?" McTyre answered. "Indeed, I'd concur with that."

Eventually, when addressing the feasibility of the eGPU approach, Meisel stated, he "would completely expect outside GPUs" to be a sufficient answer for Survios' VR amusements on Mac.

The most effective method to port Electronauts to Mac, well ordered

As noted above, Apple connected with Survios. When Survios concurred, the studio got an early dev unit with pre-discharge drivers on which to build up the Mac form of Electronauts.

Leading regarding this matter, we asked Meisel whether the iMac Pro's equipment was adequate for VR. "Gracious better believe it," he said completely. "We're focusing on the Oculus min spec on PC and we're additionally focusing on PlayStation, so those being way lower spec machines implies that creating on the iMac, you have a great deal of headroom."

He likewise said porting to the Mac was about easy, except for the sound motor. That was composed outside of Unity, shockingly. We requested a nitty gritty once-over of the means, and shockingly there weren't many, as indicated by Meisel. "It involved simply changing a construct setting and hitting manufacture," he said. "From that point, seeing what happens and settling issues as you go."

That simple? We pushed for a more point by point rundown, and the designer obliged:

For our local module with the sound motor, it was in reality quite clear. We're utilizing a motor in light of LibPD (which is called Pure Data) which is an entirely old, extremely generally utilized sound motor. With the goal that's what our entire stack is implicit. So we could port that pretty effectively and simply assemble it for Mac and fix a few issues all over.

In reality, the main entanglement with that was there was some underlying work that should have been done regarding getting the dynamic libraries to connect up. I really needed to learn a lot about how OS X functions with their dynamic libraries and connecting and all that keeping in mind the end goal to get that working. Be that as it may, fortunately, there [are] huge amounts of documentation, so it was certainly not an immense problem.

Meisel likewise said that a minority of the diversion's shaders should have been returned to for Metal:

When every one of that was up and running, there were a few issues with... for instance, Unity abstracts the shader dialect. So you don't need to rework all your shaders in Metal; it does that for you. However, when there are sure highlights that exist in, for instance DirectX 12 that don't exist in Metal or the other way around, you need to explicitly compose diverse shaders to focus on those distinctive stages, thus we needed to complete a tad of that. I think we needed to do that for maybe a couple of the many shaders we have in the diversion.

Meisel doesn't have a profound foundation in Mac advancement, and he said it had been a couple of years since he worked in Xcode. Luckily, Electronauts was produced in Unity. Also, Apple, Unity, and Valve worked firmly together. As he put it, that implied Meisel scarcely needed to contact Xcode to port the amusement to the Mac.

"For the most part, we utilized Xcode for some profiling stuff. That was really the first occasion when I've utilized Xcode in likely five years, and I was extremely inspired," he said. "They've included a huge amount of apparatuses that made it extremely simple to make sense of, particularly on the GPU side. We were having a few hiccups in specific places and were capable make sense of precisely what those issues were."

Concerning those GPU hiccups, he clarified Survios worked straightforwardly with Apple to explore the circumstance. "We had a few issues with it," Meisel conceded. "It sort of is a full-stack issue with nonconcurrent reprojection, this being on the grounds that SteamVR is still in beta on Mac."

Meisel additionally said that Survios never considered OpenGL rather than Metal, on the grounds that VR on the Mac requires Metal—and OpenGL would likely not be performant at any rate.

Is Apple's concentration VR, AR, or both?

While Apple declared VR bolster energetically a year ago, officials' open remarks have been substantially more centered around increased reality (AR). Apple even facilitated a dev feature of AR applications in the Bay Area in January when it reported help for vertical planes in ARKit 1.5.

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lordshaxxion · 5 years

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All that apply for Edix!!

oh boy this is gonna be a LOT under a cut bc tbh I’m just gonna do all of them >.>

01: Do you have a good relationship with your parents?

“It’s better now with my dad. We hit a rough patch during the Red War after he ran away to Titan and left me practically in charge of everyone, since they recognised me as the Commander’s son and all. It wasn’t a good time for a while between us, but we got better and now we have a better understanding of one another too. My Pa? He’s long since dead, before I was resurrected too, so I don’t have a relationship with him.”

02: Who did you last say “I love you” to?

“..... I’m not sure. I feel awkward saying it sometimes, like it’s reserved for romantic relationships only. Though I say it to dad sometimes, and to Artie too.”

03: Do you regret anything?

“A lot. Not being able to save my Fireteam in the Hellmouth being one, not being able to save Cayde being another. Lots of things.”

04: Are you insecure?

“.... Yes. Though it’s not so bad anymore, not like it used to be at least.”

05: What is your relationship status?

“Complicated. I like Asher, but sometimes I think he just sees right through me. Though I’ve taken to actually going out into the City more at night with some friends. That’s led to a loooot of kissing various Guardians.”

06: How do you want to die?

“I’d prefer not to, to be honest. Though I’d like to avoid death by Hive at least. I’m not sure, I’ve never particularly thought about a final death kind of scenario.”

07: What did you last eat?

“I don’t remember.”

“You had cookies Zavala made you, because you forget to eat.”

“Oh yeah. Dad makes great cookies.”

08: Played any sports?

“Does running around Io for Asher, collecting samples and fighting Vex count?”

09: Do you bite your nails?

“Only when I’m nervous, but even then I’m more likely to just fiddle with loose threads or bounce my leg.”

10: When was your last physical fight?

“Two days ago when I needed to gather samples of Radiolaria and Phaseglass for Asher. I’m still finding bruises from that.”

11: Do you like someone?

“Asher. But he doesn’t see me, not really. At least, not outside of being his assistant, I don’t think.”

12: Have you ever stayed up 48 hours?

“Yes, and I don’t remember any of it. I try not to do it too much, Spiro is forever telling me off and so is Dad.”

13: Do you hate anyone at the moment?

“Since I don’t count, no I suppose not.”

14: Do you miss someone?

“Yes. I worry for Artemis when she’s out on Hive murder-sprees and I... often miss her greatly. Cayde too.”

15: Have any pets?

“Too many! I have three cockatiels, two cats and an Ahamkara!”

16: How exactly are you feeling at the moment?

“Weary and very tired.”

“Well that all-nighter you pulled in your greenhouse didn’t exactly help.”

17: Ever made out in the bathroom?

“Probably? I know that I made out with a Titan on my first night out when I was very much wasted, but whether it was in a bathroom or not I couldn’t tell you.”

18: Are you scared of spiders?

“.......”

“He stands there like he’s rooted and cries if it’s a big one. He’s that scared of them.”

19: Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?

“Yes. I know it’s never a good idea, but... I know I could save Cayde, if I could go back in time. I know I could get to him on time.”

20: Where was the last place you snogged someone?

“In the corner of some club in the City, I think.”

21: What are your plans for this weekend?

“Studying my plants and tending to my garden.”

22: Do you want to have kids? How many?

“God no, never. It’s hard enough just taking care of Kilgharrah and myself, let alone anyone else.”

23: Do you have piercings? How many?

“I’m tempted to get some, at least some in my ear.”

24: What is/are/were your best subject(s)?

“I don’t really know. I’m good at botany and horticulture, and I’m learning more about the Light in-depth but other than that I don’t know.”

25: Do you miss anyone from your past?

“My Pa. I didn’t know him, I was killed as a toddler and at the same time as him, so I don’t have any memories. Dad showed me pictures of him, though, and he looks nice. I wish I did know him better.”

26: What are you craving right now?

“Peace and quiet. A partner. I dunno.”

27: Have you ever broken someone’s heart?

“I don’t know. I’m more likely to break my own half the time with how attached to things or people I get.”

28: Have you ever been cheated on?

“Hah, no.”

29: Have you made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry?

“At time of answering, I don’t have one, so no.”

30: What’s irritating you right now?

“Being so god damn cold. I have a sweater on and the heating on and my own Solar Light and I’m STILL COLD!”

31: Does somebody love you?

“My dad does. I don’t like speaking for anyone else I know, though.”

32: What is your favourite color?

“Largely any of the Io shaders. Blue’s good too, and green.”

33: Do you have trust issues?

“Depends who’s asking me to trust them. I trust my dad, Artemis and Dad with my life. Plus Othion and his husband Izel. Oh, and Vigil, since he guards the Speaker. Ikora, too. But the likes of the Drifter? It’s getting harder to say.”

“Long story short, sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn’t.”

34: Who/what was your last dream about?

“I dreamt of a throne world that belonged to Crota, and it was filled with warped versions of the plants in my garden. Everything was a sickly Hive green and there was a broken throne with vines snaking all around it. I was sat in it, and there were hordes of Hive knelt around me like I was royalty.... I think it’s just a scrambled memory, after getting that shard of Crota’s soul crystal in my eye.”

“Yeah, that’s all it was. Don’t think on it too much, Edix.”

35: Who was the last person you cried in front of?

“My Ghost. It feels weird to be crying around anyone else sometimes.”

36: Do you give out second chances too easily?

“Yes. Sometimes I’m too kind for my own good.”

37: Is it easier to forgive or forget?

“I think it’s easier to forgive. That way you can move past it and carry on, rather than forgetting about it and then it coming back to haunt you at inopportune times.”

38: Is this year the best year of your life?

“I doubt it. Cayde died, Dad and Ikora have been arguing, the Drifter moved into the Tower Annex, the Black Armory opened its shady doors, the Spider is very interested in even more shady things, the Nine have rocked up with their Emissary and even with Mara gone, she’s up to no good as usual and I don’t like it.”

39: How old were you when you had your first kiss?

“In mortal terms, around 24 or 25? As a Guardian, no idea. I don’t count the years so much.”

40: Have you ever walked outside completely naked?

“Oh my god no. I’d rather die than do that.”

51: Favourite food?

“Not sure I have one, to be honest with you.”

52: Do you believe everything happens for a reason?

“Sometimes. Not everything can be attributed to that logic, given the nature of this bastard existence some things are just at random and have no or little reason to them.”

53: What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?

“Worked on some more jellyfish to give to families in the City. They lost more than we did during the Red War, so I try to give something nice back to them when I can.”

54: Is cheating ever okay?

“No. If you can’t do it on your own merit, then you don’t deserve to reap the rewards through cheating.”

55: Are you mean?

“I can be, but I don’t like to.”

56: How many people have you fist fought?

“Not that many. I’m not all that strong, physically.”

57: Do you believe in true love?

“I’d like to, but sometimes it just doesn’t seem possible.”

58: Favourite weather?

“When it’s raining on an autumn day, because at least I’m not too cold. But also I can just sit by the window, wrapped up in blankets and listen to the rain while I crochet or read.”

59: Do you like the snow?

“Yes! It’s so much fun to roll around in it and throw snowballs at other Guardians!”

60: Do you wanna get married?

“I don’t think so. It’s bold to assume a relationship would last that long.”

61: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby?

“Depends who’s calling me that and the circumstance of the name. If they’re taking the piss, and I don’t know them, then I’m not happy about it.”

62: What makes you happy?

“Little things. Looking after my plants, helping Asher, my crochet projects, being able to spend time with my friends.”

63: Would you change your name?

“No. I like it how it is.”

64: Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed?

“Probably, since I don’t know who they were, their name or what they looked like. I was... very drunk.”

65: Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do?

“Well that’s literally never gonna happen, so I’m not even engaging in this hypothetical.”

66: Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around?

“Yes. Artemis is very dear to me and we have an understanding of one another. Even with our differences, I still feel comfortable around her.”

67: Who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked to?

“Artemis, duh. Well, maybe Ikora.”

68: Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with?

“Probably Artie again. We talk about the Hive a lot, given our dispositions.”

69: Do you believe in soulmates?

“I’d like to, just not in my own case.”

70: Is there anyone you would die for?

“My dad, Artemis. I’d die for Asher and, in fact, have. Many times. Curse you, Pyramidion.”

#edix mohl #destiny 2 #long post #artemis #the kids #asher mir #commander zavala #guardian asks #seigephoenix

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