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lulublack90 · 21 days

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Prompt 6 - Strawberry

@jegulus-microfic May 6, Word count 835

Previous part First part

“So you can ask this room for anything, and it’ll give it to you?” Regulus questioned, staring around the room James had asked for. It was light and airy like the Gryffindor common room. There was a fireplace, an array of crystal phials on a bench and a selection of books on a small bookcase.

“I think so. The only thing it can’t conjure is food, but other than that, yeah pretty much.” Regulus looked as if he was in awe.

He walked to the bookcase and ran a finger across the spines of the books as he read the titles. He pulled one off the shelf and opened it. James wasn’t sure which book it was, but he’d asked the room for some on animagus transformations.

“I need to keep a mandrake leaf in my mouth for a whole month?!” Regulus exclaimed as he read on. James stared at the little wrinkle in the middle of Regulus’s brow formed by the frown pulling down the corners of his mouth. He wanted to go and stroke it with his thumb to wipe it away. He blinked wide. Why had he felt the urge to do that? “How on earth did my brother manage that? His mouth is never closed long enough to keep anything in.” Regulus continued, seeming to have missed James’s little crisis. James cleared his throat.

“Yeah, it was hard, especially when my mum sent him some strawberry bon bon’s, and he was too scared to eat them in case the leaf moved.” James chuckled to himself. Sirius had ended up giving them to Remus to hide as the temptation was too great. Regulus replaced the book on the shelf.

“How did you find this place?” He asked James. James looked around the room.

“Remus and Sirius found it. They sneak off here sometimes when the noise of the tower gets too much. I don’t know what they do though, they always come back dishevelled.” He hummed gently as he took the mandrake leaf he’d stolen from the greenhouses out of his pocket.

He turned back to Regulus to hand it to him and stopped. Regulus was standing there with a look of bewilderment on his face. “It’s surprisingly easy to steal from the Herbology greenhouses.” He said, guessing that Regulus was surprised that he’d gotten hold of a mandrake leaf. “Now you have to put this in your mouth while looking up at a full moon. If it falls out, or you swallow it, you have to start again. We found it easier to tuck it under your tongue and pray the house elves are making a lot of soup that month.” Regulus shook his head and reached out for the leaf. James placed it carefully in his hand. His fingers brushed against the soft skin of Regulus’s palm, and he felt a jolt go through him. His eyes snapped up to Regulus’s, but the other boy’s face was blank.

“Is that it? Just the leaf? Did we really need to meet in my brother's sex room just for this?” Regulus grimaced.

“Well, there are a lot of other steps that we need to do as well. The leaf is just the first step. We need to get our hands on a Death’s-head Hawk Mo—Did you just say sex room?!” James gasped. Regulus smirked.

“You can’t seriously be that oblivious. My brother and his wolf were all over each other yesterday. And you said they sneak off here, only the two of them?” James’s mind slowly started connecting the pieces together.

“But, he’s always been touchy-feely, has Padfoot,” James said, while at the same time thinking, but only with me, never Remus. No, he decided. Sirius would have told him. Sirius would never keep something like that from him. Unless. Unless he was afraid of how James would react.

“Why wouldn’t they tell me?” He said softly, not to Regulus, just voicing his thoughts. “Why wouldn’t he tell me?” He felt a profound sadness take over him. He looked up at Regulus. “Are you sure?” He asked. Begging Regulus to deny what he’d said. But he didn’t.

“Yeah, pretty sure. That was more than friendship how they were acting yesterday. And as for him not telling you, how am I supposed to know? He never tells me anything.” Regulus’s tone was sharp by the end. They all knew about the issues between the Black brothers. James found himself feeling sorry for the Slytherin. He reached over and squeezed his hand.

“He wants to tell you stuff, you know. But it’s complicated.” James sighed, he didn’t know how else to put it. Sirius was scared anything he told his brother would get back to his parents or worse. Regulus scoffed.

“Are we done here?” And without waiting for an answer, he ripped his hand from James and stalked out of the room, leaving James in his thoughts, thinking about how to ask his best friends if what Regulus had said was true.

Next part

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asleepinawell · 4 months

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since i tempted a decent handful of my followers into fallen london i decided as recompense to make a guide/hints/tips thing to a few early on things that might not be as easy to pick up on. the first couple may be a little more obvious but some of the later ones are more obscure. enjoy, delicious friends!

1) Use Plans!!!! That little bookmark icon on the top right of an action will save it to your plans page so you can easily reference if you can't complete it now. great for remembering what you were doing and how many items you need. extremely good for ambitions

2) Use Your Opportunity Deck. It's easy to get caught up in the making your name stuff, but there's a lot of good and important things in your opportunity deck you can miss out on. Bronze cards often help open little stories even if it's not immediately obvious. You get a ten free actions card once a week in there too

3) Look Through the Social Activities. There's a lot of stuff buried in social activities, some of it not in the most logical places. You can resign from your current profession under send a message to a contact. If a friend sent you a letter to let you boost a skill you have to use it under epistolary matters -> sort through incoming mail. And more.

4) Training Professions. Enquirer, Minor Poet, Pickpocket, Tough. You don't have to do anything with these, they just give you a weekly boost in the associated stat when time the healer rolls around. Once you hit 70 on a stat the profession will no longer boost it and you can resign and pick up a new one for free. After you are a person of some importance you can look into getting a fancier job with more perks.

5) Favourable Circumstances. You may have noticed you get something called favourable circumstances every week with time the healer. This is an item in your inventory under curiosity. Its primary use is to force draw a specific opportunity card. When you're just starting out the best use may be to arrange a meeting with your contacts, which lets you draw a connected card of your choice (like urchins, hell, etc). This lets you get a favor right away so it's good to use it every week.

6) DON'T GO TO POLYTHREME. Look, I know the option is right there in the docks but it is a very confusing area and not that useful at low levels. I got stuck there once early on and may be slightly traumatized. Definitely go there later, maybe when you have your own ship and get the map for it.

7) Mrs Chapmans Boarding House. This is in Spite. The options there all give you a few of a resource that's often a pain in the ass to grind other ways. The amount scales with your base watchful. It is just a nice little free way to get some resources. The items available change every week on a four week rotation. See the season in soup guide on the wiki for more info.

8) Mr Chimes Grand Clearing Out Activities. This was an event that happened in the past but left behind a few activities that are unparalleled ways to gain some resources. These are: Descend to the Underclay Quarter in Spite, The Spider Symposium (head into the cellars) in the Singing Mandrake, Seeking Documents in the Sunken Embassy in Moloch Street, Hunt Bees in the University, Brawl with Dockers in the Blind Helmsman (not sure if the was part of mr chimes but the mechanics are similar), and LB Industries in the Blind Helmsman. They all work by gathering a certain amount of some item through the storylets and then handing it in for a resource reward. You generally get one nice reward and the rest is paid out in a low level resource, making it a decent grind for echoes as well (i use moloch st for that).

9) Expedition Supplies for your base camp. Descend to the Underclay Quarter mentioned in the point above is a fast way to get strong backed labor to cash in for supplies during your watchful making your name (and after). Go there, work with unfinished men, get 50 convincing falsehoods (the second option gives you 25 a pop) and send an unfinished man to spite for labor x3. This makes watchful myk so so much easier.

10) Buy Gear. All resources have a use so don't go spending them all like crazy, but it really is worth spending some to buy gear, yes, even +2 gear because if you have +2 in every slot that is a nice boost at a low level. Holiday events are also a great way to get a ton of very good free gear.

11) CP. Change points, basically XP. You need as much CP as the next level to reach that level. So you need 3CP to get to level 3, 4CP for level 4, etc (this caps at 70). You get more CP for succeeding in things that you have a lower chance of success for. 60-90% chances are a nice range to aim for. Also! You get CP for failing which also scales with your percentage chance of success. So if you have a 0% chance of success you may get way more CP than succeeding on something you had a high chance of success for (example: a 90% success gives you 2CP, a 0% failure gives you 4CP... this is why the weasel of woe is good).

12) What are the Bizarre/Dreaded/Respectable stats on gear used for? So you may have noticed that you sometimes get points of Making Waves. Once you become a person of some importance you have the ability to cash in making waves to get a stat called Notability. Notability can be used for getting advanced professions, upgraded lodgings, and more. BDR gear lowers the amount of making waves you need per level of notability. They're also used in checks later on much the way your base stats are and they have uses at the bone market when you get there. Basically, grab gear with them if you can but don't worry too much about how it all works now. It will make more sense when you get there.

13) Cross-Conversion Carousel. This is a slightly more advanced thing that you don't need to know about yet but can be very very useful even at low levels. You know how you can click on most resources in your inventory and combine a lot of low level ones into a few high level ones? There's a bunch you can also cross convert, meaning convert to a different category of item of the same level. These are: brilliant souls, tales of terror, compromising documents, memories of light, zee ztories, strangling willow absinthe, whisper-satin scrap, journal of infamy, correspondence plaques, mysteries of the elder continent, incendiary gossip, and memories of distant shores. You need 50 of one to convert it and you get 51 of the item you convert it to.

What this means is if you have 50 of ANY of these, you can turn it into 50 of any other by converting it around the loop until you get the one you need. This often saves you from having to grind items that can be annoying to get (mrs chapman gives several of these too to help you get the initial amount). ALSO if you notice some of the conversions give making waves which can be a decent way to grind them. See the wiki page here for more info.

14) Last but definitely not least: the wiki is your best friend. It has guides for everything. It tells you what every single action does. It tells you where to find resources. It has terrifying math graphs. Use it. Love it.

And there is also the fifth city wiki which has lore on it. It contains MASSIVE spoilers, but the lore of fallen london is obscure and spread out across multiple games now so sometimes you just wanna know wtf everyone is talking about.

15) Don't Look In Wells!!!!!!! Just. Do not. (Hunters Keep well is an exception. It is a very nice well).

#fallen london #flmp #mp #i feel like i forgot something important....#there's just so much

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conflagrate · 2 months

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Dungeon Meshi 15

Shouldn't have looked at 'em dryads making out!

THE HAY FEVER

Me too, Marcille.

I could never drink soup from that mandrake face😭

That's what you get for using magic!

wwwwwwww

wwwwwwwwww

Laios dissolved her! Success!

Been a while since I laughed so hard at an episode😂😂😂Thanks hay fever and Marcille😂😂😂

#dungeon meshi #danmeshi

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dungeondaily · 2 months

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Dungeon Menu: April 5

Nightmares Steamed in Sake, Ice Golem Savory Egg Custard and Cooked Fish (from in the Golem), Boiled and Sweetened Mandrakes, Barometz Soup (Kabru and Mithrun), Barometz Balut/Chops

#delicious in dungeon #dungeon meshi

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theoppositeofprofound · 2 months

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Assigning First Age humans favorite foods for reasons

Bëor/Balan: Holds a traveller’s fondness and fear towards the humble mushroom; he counts himself lucky that Nargothrond is so vigorous in fungiculture.

Haleth: Though she’s eaten orc (before the elves got all hysterical about it) she doesn’t like it. As an older woman she gets a taste for dried hawthorn and very piquant rowan wine.

Marach: Grains are a new indulgence, he was never much of a farmer while on the march. In Estolad he finds a love of barley cakes.

Adanel: Raises ducks for gizzards

Imlach: Turnips in mountain goat butter. Like elves, he’s not “lactose tolerant” but cold climate girls make do.

Andreth: Innovated heavily in the field of Jellies, combining old advice from her teachers and elf lore to finalize the perfect crabapple jam.

Bregor: Lake trout with bitter orange.

Beril: Trained truffle hounds and valued her prizes highly.

Emeldir: Roast pig, fattened and butchered in autumn. As the main coordinator, she takes pride in the finished product and lets herself have a bit of crackling when it’s done.

Barahir: Is impressively lactose tolerant and enjoys an early, soft cheese, baked till its gooey.

Beren: In the dark woods, birds without a brood that year would spit crop milk into his mouth. It isn’t the taste he misses but the sense someone was one his side. Also hot drinks—after years being hunted it’s nice to have the security to build a fire.

Húrin: Lamb with a a certain blend of spices, the recipe reportedly over the mountains by his ancestors. No one uses cumin like Hador’s people.

Huor: The elves of Gondolin kept snail—he’s never been able to recapture the crisp, woody taste of their eggs.

Morwen: Dove, roasted, maybe a little more raw than is advisable but she trusts her butchery.

Rian: Nectar from the woodbine that blooms late in spring

Ulfang: Fresh wild-strawberries; his sons would bring him handfuls of them when they were small.

Bór: He likes a fermented milk, somewhere between kumis and filmjölk, but he’ll also drink milk raw just to flex on Maedhros’ kin.

Aerin: Even before she was tasked with feeding great numbers in the shadow of famine, she had a fondness for the humble onion.

Tuor: Bumblebee honey, dug out of the ground right at the coming of winter, when the bees are dying and don’t need it anymore.

Túrin: A pine nut/bear fat/mandrake pemmican Beleg taught him. None of his friends handle the alkaloid content as well as he does. He likes raw potatoes too.

Nienor: Used to catch the snakes that came to prey on her mother’s birds and make them into soup. As Níniel she eats crabapples before they can be jellied.

Dior: Little minnows found in the cold streams of Doriath and around the island of his birth. Also, eel.

Brandir: Roast chestnuts—he uses his cane to crack them open to the delight of children.

Eärendil: Enjoys shark as a child, before Morgoth’s seeping rot builds up dangerously in local bioaccumulators. Likes fennel in Sirion and the sea buckthorn that grows near his lady’s tower across the waves.

Elros: Seafood is a steady source of protein for an establishing society. Once they have the stores to use their sheep for meat as well as wool though? He’s your king for mutton in almond milk.

#since my second age post has been going around #the silmarillion #edain

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blinkpen · 3 months

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sitting here

gonna be honest: news of the latest person who self-immolated is messing with me because i have for weeks now been fighting off very aggressive intrusive thoughts/the urge to self-immolate in protest, it's why i'll probably be pretty quiet, i am trying to not let that particular desire gain momentum since not obviously not everybody is cool with that idea/as long as other trains of thought are still arguing against it with cogent points i'm not giving it the steering wheel but mmmhhh

brain is mush, brain is soup, brain is digesting itself alive in fury and grief any second it's anchored in reality properly aaaaand the factors making that happen aren't changing fast enough

not much to say really

death by fire is one of the worst ways to go like pretty low on the tier list of how i would ever want to die but the idea still lurks on the horizon of my mind like a carnivorous animal, a beast of mine i know how to subdue with the arms available to me, but its presence and manic hunger for my ruination means i cannot turn my back on it and so i cannot sleep

like mentally i'm shutting down and not sure how to. make it stop. my brain is retreating into itself/locking me into parachosm to frolic constantly whether i want it to or not, and brute force yanking it back out risks pulling the "THERE IS NO FUTURE FOR YOU ANYWAY MAKE YOUR HOPELESS DEATH MEAN SOMETHING MAYBE AND SET YOURSELF ON FIRE" mandrake up with it and deal with its constant doomer idiot screaming

like shut up we are trying to function and be remotely useful in a way that doesn't then prevent us being useful ever again after that

and then it becomes a whole argument while my brain has to put up one of these to the rest of my consciousness,

consciousness, a word i will NEVER spell right the first time, huh, thank you spellcheck

#sporadic warbling #cw for discussion of ideation #boy howdy i sure miss the days where i had a grip

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davidluongart · 8 months

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Under the adobe of Olympian palace 🏛️🏺🪔

Heavily inspired by Professor Jenks-Brown @greekmythcomix’s #Classicstober - even though deals with love magic, charms, amulets, & potions of the ancient Eastern Mediterranean-Near Eastern world (an idea from my friend, @aimee-maroux, who happened to be writing erotic stories of the Greek gods, also.)

Ares feels worn down from carrying the heavy war armor and weapons all the time, while his wounds haven’t been healed enough yet. This often leads to Aphrodite’s messaging one of Ares’ wounds with her magic love potions/charms and both of them cuddling, smooching, and having their passionate nights later afterward. The magical love potions/charms of late antiquity are all Ancient Greek, Ancient Near Eastern (especially Babylonians, Assyrians and Phoenicians) & Ancient Egyptian; as her home, Cyprus is a melting pot of all of them.

From right to left on the 1st table: the Ancient Greek honey cheesecake, figs, pomegranates, dates, grapes, mandrakes, and Roman honey cookies (often filled with various types of nuts, opium seeds & almonds) While the mandrake tree - often associated with witchcraft & magic - wasn’t popular among the Ancient Greek society per se (as they often burning them as incense), it is widely used as a tree of love & fertility/ a fortune amulet in Ancient Egypt & Near East. As cousins of the nightshade, mandrake is both hallucinogenic & narcotic, and small usages of the tree have been used as a surgical anesthetic/ pain relief in ancient times. The 2nd table got the main vegetarian meal, of course: hearty red lentil saffron soup & Greek pita bread. I plan to add a silver tray of oysters to it, but I don't think it will fit in the aphrodisiac collection. The final table was filled with apples, wine & several love potions/ amulets that the goddess currently working on.

#ancient greek #aphrodite #ares #my art #mars #venus #ancient egypt #ancient near east #classicstober #classicstober2023 #witchcraft #love magic #love charms #love amulet #love potion #Halloween

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piscesseer · 7 months

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Samhain Traditions

Toward the end of October the leaves change, the air crisps, and the world seems to take on an eerie, magical glow. Samhain is celebrated on October 31st, and it’s a time to remember the dead and to celebrate the coming of the new year. It is the third and final harvest festival.

Samhain (pronounced "sow-in") is believed to have its roots in Celtic Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The Celts, an ancient people who lived in these regions more than 2,000 years ago, celebrated Samhain as a significant holiday. It marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darker half of the year.

Samhain was celebrated from the evening of October 31st to November 1st, coinciding with the end of the Celtic calendar year. This was a time when the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds was thought to be at its thinnest. To honor this unique period, the Celts engaged in a festival of fire. Bonfires were lit to symbolize the sun's waning power, ward off malevolent spirits, and guide the souls of the departed to the Otherworld. People would wear disguises, often made from animal skins, to ward off vengeful spirits and trickster fairies.

One of the most important aspects of Samhain was paying tribute to deceased family members and ancestors. Celts believed that during Samhain, the spirits of the dead could return to the earthly realm. Offerings of food and drink were left out for these spirits, and places were set at the dinner table to welcome them. It was a time for remembering, celebrating, and seeking guidance from the other side.

When Christianity spread to the Celtic regions, it attempted to integrate the existing pagan traditions into the new faith. In the 9th century, the Catholic Church established All Saints' Day on November 1st, which was followed by All Souls' Day on November 2nd. These days incorporate elements of Samhain, such as the veneration of the dead. Over time, this blending of cultures resulted in the creation of All Hallows' Eve, which eventually became Halloween.

Fast forward to the present day, and Halloween has become known for its spooky decorations, costumes, trick-or-treating, and jack-o'-lanterns. It still retains many aspects of Samhain's spirit, emphasizing the thrill of the mysterious and the connection between the living and the dead.

Samhain, rooted in the cycles of nature and the mysteries of the afterlife, has stood the test of time, evolving and adapting across centuries and cultures. As we partake in the festivities of Halloween, we are, in a way, carrying forward the traditions and spirit of Samhain, honoring our ancestors and embracing the magic of this enchanting season.

There are many different ways to celebrate Samhain. Some people attend festivals, while others hold private rituals in their homes. Some common activities include:

Decorate the house and altar with the appropriate correspondents:

Colors: orange, black, purple, gold, silver, white

Symbols: pumpkins, acorns and nuts, fall leaves, apples, brooms, black candles, cauldrons, pomegranate, photos of ancestors and loved ones who have passed on

Animals: bats, cats (specifically black cats), owls, crows and ravens

Crystals: aquamarine, bloodstone, carnelian, jet, obsidian, onyx, smokey quartz

Herbs & Flowers: allspice, calendula, cosmos, chrysanthemum (mum), deadly nightshade, mandrake, mint, nutmeg, rosemary, sage, thistle, wormwood

We can also eat traditional foods like apple cider and roasted nuts. Some recipes to try include: Herb bread for abundance, Squash Soup for cleansing, Pumpkin Scones for Success, Apples Cider for Balance, Mushroom Pasta for Divination, Concannon for Wealth

Carving pumpkins is a wonderful combination of Samhain and Halloween. Jack O Lantern faces are meant to ward off bad spirits.

Observe the changes in nature. Take a nature walk or hike to connect with the changing season. Collect fallen leaves, acorns, or pinecones to use in decorations or rituals. Spend time in contemplation, feeling the energy of the earth as it prepares for winter's rest.

It’s a great time to perform closing rituals, or release rituals.

One of the central aspects of Samhain is honoring and connecting with our ancestors. Set up a special altar in your home with photographs, mementos, and offerings that represent our ancestors. Take a few moments to remember and connect with those who came before us. Honor the dead.

Samhain is an ideal time for divination and communication with the spirit realm. Tarot readings, scrying with a crystal ball or a dark mirror, or even a simple game of divination like apple bobbing can be great ways to connect with the mystical. Be open to symbols that pop up.

Samhain is a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the future. It is a time to connect with nature and with the spirit world. It is a time to celebrate life and death.

Journal Prompts and Reflections for Samhain:

What aspects of your life no longer serve you? What do you need to release or leave behind in order to move forward?

What were the highlights and challenges of the past year? What lessons have you learned? How have you grown and transformed?

What are your goals and intentions for the upcoming year? What steps can you take to bring your intentions to fruition?

Who are your ancestors, and what do you know about their lives?

#samhain #celebrations #holidays #halloween

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peanut-tyrug · 9 months

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DS Fanfic: Bonding Together

Wilson and Maxwell never really had a great relationship. A misfortunate accident in the caves however begins moving them in the right direction…

—

TRIGGER WARNING - This fic contains a call back to bad experiences/an experience that makes a character uncomfortable. If you aren’t comfortable with that, please don’t read this.

Wilson and Maxwell have been on thin ice since they had first paired up together.

Previous mishaps about each other float in their minds. For Wilson, Maxwell brought him here. Tricked him into making that stupid portal. For Maxwell, Wilson had always been a thorn in his side. He didn’t find him very pleasant to be around either.

Almost everyday, every minute, every second, the Survivors had to deal with their bickering.

“Oh, hush up, Higgsbury.” Maxwell would say.

“You’re one to talk, Mr. I-can’t-shut-up-and-stop sulking-around.” Wilson would retort.

“At least I don’t constantly boast about my non-existent achievements.” Maxwell would argue back.

Wilson would always scoff when a negative comment was made about his scientific prowess. “Excuse you!? I’ve achieved many things in my 33 years of life!”

“Like what?” Maxwell would ask. “Blowing up your university’s lab?”

Wilson’s eyes would wide and his mouth would go agape. He’d gasp. “Oh, why YOU—!!”

Their arguments always descended into a physical bout of some sort. Whether it be with dangerous weapons, or something as childish as a slap fight. By the end of their bout, they’d either be snarling at each other once Wickerbottom separated them, or knocked out cold on the ground after having tired each other out.

And the Survivors have dealt with it long enough.

Wickerbottom made the scientist and magician some Mandrake soup to help them fall asleep so they wouldn’t be around to hear their plans for how to help them bond. Wickerbottom knew that if they were to here talk of them trying get along, they would downright refuse to have any part of it.

Although they’d actually agree on something, their bouts would likely still be a prominent issue. They are relentless when it comes to their fights.

Wilson and Maxwell, with Wickerbottom’s help, get taken to their tents to sleep for the night. Wickerbottom calls her fellow campmates around the fire pit to come to a consensus on what they could do to improve Wilson and Maxwell’s relationship.

“Fellow campmates.” Wickerbottom begins. “I am certain we are all aware of the… relationship between Wilson and Maxwell… I’ve called us all here to discuss what we could do to assist in helping them get along. What are your suggestions?”

“Burn their clothes each time they argue.” Willow suggests.

“No, Willow.” Says Wickerbottom. “That fire could spread. It’s a waste of thread too.”

Willow folds her arms and pouts a bit.

“They’re practically children.” Says Winona. “Give 'em a spankin'” She chuckles.

“Winona, absolutely not.” Says Wickerbottom. “They may act like children, but they’re still grown men.”

“I was just playin' grams.” Says Winona.

Wes then flails his arms a bit to get the attention of his campmates. Wickerbottom looks over to the mime. She smiles, thinking he’ll have a good answer. “What do you have in mind, Wes?”

Wes puts his arms and positions them as if they’re sitting on two people’s shoulders. He then pulls his arms closer to his body. A group hug of some sort.

“Good suggestion, but I don’t think they will help much.” Says Wickerbottom.

“TERRIBLE IDEA AS USUAL, DISGUSTING MIME FLESHSACK.” Says WX. Wes frowns and averts his gaze.

“Hey!” Says Wolfgang. “What did Wolfgang say about being mean to clownman!?”

“Wolfgang, please.” Says Wickerbottom. “WX-78 should not have said that, but please do not start lighting a fuse.”

Wolfgang averts his, embarrassed. “Is sorry.” He says.

"I CAN SAY WHATEVER I WANT, MEATSACK." Says WX, looking to Wickerbottom.

Wickerbottom furrows her brows. "Well WX, what would you suggest?" She says in a bitter tone.

"I'D SUGGEST KILLING THEM. THAT WILL SHUT THEM UP." WX suggests.

"I resonate with the automaton." Says Wendy.

"Wendy, no!" Webber retorts. "We can't do that!"

Wickerbottom puts a hand to her head and sighs. "Oh, dear... would anyone else like to suggest anything?"

"We planned a trip to caves a bit ago, eh?" Says Woodie. “Why don’t we just bring them to the caves?”

Wickerbottom furrows her brows curiously. “What are you suggesting, Woodie?”

“Put 'em in a circumstance where they have to get along!” Says Woodie.

“Ah, a plöt well devised, fellow lumberjack!” Says Wigfrid.

Wickerbottom smiles. “Ah, I see.” She says. “We will start planning the trip out first thing tomorrow, yes?”

The group nods. They’ve finally come to a consensus. Wickerbottom can be at peace. The group separates and heads into their tents for the night.

—

It’s the next morning. The sun has just started to rise. Everyone is awake except Wilson and Maxwell. The Survivors are in front of a cartographer’s desk planning the aforementioned trip to the caves.

Willow and Winona stand next to each other as they plan. Winona looks back to Wilson and Maxwell’s tents.

“I wonder how to the two stooges are doing.” Winona says teasingly.

“Let us pray that soup didn’t knock 'em too hard.” Says Willow, a little sarcastically.

Just as Willow says that, Wilson pops out of his tent, groggy as hell. “Ugh… good morning.” He says as he rubs his head. “What are you all doing here?”

“We’re planning a trip to the caves, dear.” Says Wickerbottom.

“This early in the morning?” Says Wilson.

“It is a very important trip.” Says Wickerbottom.

In fact, it was an important trip.

“Can you people quiet down?” Says a nearby voice. The Survivors look back to see Maxwell popping out of his tent, just as groggy as Wilson. “Can a man get any sleep over here?”

Wilson furrows his brows. “Of course, you need your beauty sleep.” Wilson says teasingly.

“Oh, hush up, Higgsbury.” Says Maxwell, going back into his tent. He lays back down on his bed roll and closes his eyes.

It’s peaceful and quiet.

Until the peace is suddenly disturbed.

“RISE AND SHINE, MAGGOT!!”

Maxwell quickly lifts his body up and shouts. He looks forward to see Willow looking directly at him.

“What could you POSSIBLY want!?” Maxwell asks the pyromaniac.

“We’re heading to the caves later.” Says Willow. “So you’d best be up on your feet now. COME ON, GET UP SOLDIER!!” She says. She gets out of Maxwell’s tent and starts marching. “ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR!! COME ON, YOU RAPSCALLION!!” Says Willow. “I AIN’T GOT ALL DAY!!” She continues to march.

Maxwell gets out of his tent. He looks over to Willow furiously. “I’M UP! I AM UP!” He says. “JUST STOP SHOUTING!”

“THAT IS NO WAY TO TALK TO A COMMANDER!!” Says Willow.

“You can stop now, Willow.” Says Wickerbottom. “He’s awake.”

Willow folds her arms sassily. “Okay, fine.” She says. She looks over to Maxwell. “But I got my eyes on you, soldier. You hear me?” She says in a harsh whisper.

Maxwell looks into Willow’s eyes. He can sense a fiery aura coming off of her. A blazing desire burns within her.

Maxwell quivers. He commits to Willow’s game. “Yes ma'am.”

Willow nods. “Mm-hm. That’s how a solider’s meant to act!”

“This must be an extremely important cave trip if you’re waking Maxwell up early.” Says Wilson.

Willow looks over to Wilson. “Yep.” She says. “Extremely important!”

“I’m excited to discover why.” Says Wilson happily.

“Oh, it’ll knock your scientific SOCKS OFF!!” Says Willow.

Wilson smiles brightly. “Oh! I’m intrigued!”

“You’re just going to have to wait, Wilson.” Says Wickerbottom.

“Although I don’t want to, I have to, I suppose.” Wilson says, trying to hold in his impatience.

“Good, you’re learning patience, dear.” Says Wickerbottom.

“That’s magnificent.” Says Maxwell. “I don’t have to hear words spout out of his mouth.” Says Maxwell teasingly.

Wilson sharply turns his head to face Maxwell. “How dare you!?” He says.

“Hey!” Says Winona. “It’s way too damn early to be hearin' EITHER OF YOU holler half-assed insults at each other. Can y’all just shut your traps for five seconds?”

“I know Higgsbury can’t.” Says Maxwell.

“You’re one to talk.” Says Wilson.

The men glare at each other.

Suddenly, Wes steps in between the arguing men. He grabs Wilson’s shoulders and pushes him to another part of the camp. He goes to Maxwell and does the same. The two men glare at each other from their positions. They then walk away to attend to their own business. Wes, satisfied, wipes his hands like he just finished working on an engine. He puts his fists to his hips and smiles proudly.

“…Huh.” Says Winona. “How efficient of ya, Wes.”

Wes smiles and bows to Winona as a thank you.

“So, grams.” Winona begins, now looking at Wickerbottom. “What exactly are we gonna do about those goons?”

“Hmm… I believe I have an idea.” Says Wickerbottom. “Spread the word to the others, please.”

Willow, Wes, and Winona nod. They all walk up to Wickerbottom as she explains her plan to them.

—

It’s early dusk now. The Survivors are ready to execute the plan Winona had codenamed: Operation: Get-Along. The small group of five prepare themselves for their trip.

“Is everyone prepared?” Asks Wickerbottom.

“We’re ready, Ms. Wickerbottom!!” Says an excited Webber, who has a backpack on.

Wes brightly smiles and salutes.

“I am ready for a scientific experience!” Wilson says excitedly.

Maxwell rolls his eyes at Wilson’s comment. His eyes face Wickerbottom. “I am ready, Ms. Wickerbottom.” He says.

“Delightful.” She says. She looks back to her fellow Survivors gazing upon the five of them.

“Good luck out there!” Says Winona.

“Many blessings I give thee.” Says Wigfrid.

“Try not to die.” Says Wendy.

“I’D PREFER IT IF THEY DID DIE.” Says WX.

“What did I tell you about talking all that smack?” Winona says, glaring at WX.

WX grumbles. “UGH… IF I TALK SMACK, I CANNOT GO ON ORGANIC HUNTS ANYMORE…” They say, irritated.

“Uh-huh. Now stop with the smack talk.” Says Winona sternly.

Wickerbottom’s brows furrow, but she still smiles. “Take good care of the camp while we are gone!”

“Friends will protect camp for Ms. Wickerbottom!” Says Wolfgang, flexing his arms.

“We will be back by tonight!” Says Wickerbottom. “Stay safe!”

The five head off. The other Survivors watch as they leave.

“So… you guys think this plan will go well?” Asks Willow.

“I don’t know to be honest. If we’re lucky, it may work, but I just got a bad feeling.” Says Winona.

“What is wrong, strong-lady handy woman?” Asks Wolfgang.

Winona shrugs. “I dunno. Somethin' just doesn’t feel right…” She says.

“Is it the feeling that they could perish?” Asks Wendy.

“…Kinda, yeah.” Says Winona.

“Those fellas should be fine.” Says Woodie. “Wickerbottom said she didn’t expect any cave ins or quakes.”

“We can önly höpe they return with victöry in their eyes.” Says Wigfrid.

The group watched as the their fellow Survivors fade out into the distance.

—

The group of five tread through a large field toward the cave entrance they’re looking for. Wickerbottom is leading while the others follow behind.

“Ms. Wickerbottom? I have a question.” Wilson asks.

Wickerbottom looks back to face the scientist. “Hm? What is it?”

“How come you didn’t have anyone with physical strength come with us?” Wilson asks. “You said this trip was important. Wouldn’t have been optimal to bring Wolfgang or Wigfrid along?”

Wickerbottom doesn’t hesitate to answer. “Wigfrid had suggested Wes and Webber tag along.” She says. “They wanted to see how far they had come.”

They were actually only there to help push Wilson and Maxwell in the right direction. Lead them down the path they wanted them to go down. Wickerbottom thought they’d fit best, as they’re the sweetest out of the 12 of them.

“Yeah! We’ve been training hard!” Says Webber excitedly. “Right, Wes?”

Wes nods enthusiastically. He then flexes his lanky arms. Wilson chuckles.

“I wish you both well on your endeavors.” Says Wilson.

“I have a follow up question.” Maxwell suddenly buds in.

Wickerbottom looks back to face Maxwell. “Hm? What is it?”

“You haven’t brought both Wilson and I on a cave venture together in ages.” Says Maxwell. “Why has this changed? And so suddenly too?”

Again, Wickerbottom doesn’t hesitate. “I wanted to see if you both were capable enough to handle being together.” She says. “If you can’t handle this, then you won’t be paired up again.”

“What makes you think we’ll get along here?” Maxwell asks.

“Just don’t talk to each other.” Says Wickerbottom.

“Look! Over there!” Webber points. “The cave entrance!”

The group stops at a large hole in the ground.

“Prepare your ropes everyone.” Says Wickerbottom. “I’ll go down first.” She looks to Webber. “And I’ll help you get down.”

One by one, each Survivor climbs down into the dark depths. Webber being the last one down, with Wickerbottom’s help. The five take out their miner hats and tread forward. Just like before, Wickerbottom is leading.

“Where exactly are we headed?” Asks Wilson.

“The Ancient Ruins.” Says Wickerbottom.

“Are we fighting that beast again?” Wilson asks, referring to the Ancient Fuelweaver. “Are you sure it’s optimal for Wes and Webber to be here?”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Wilson!” Says Webber. “We’re prepared!”

Wes nods, agreeing with Webber.

Wilson accepted the argument, but the situation still felt peculiar. Wes was weaker than the others and Webber was just a kid. Because of these aspects, they weren’t normally brought on cave missions like this.

Something feels wrong, but Wilson is willing to trust his companions. Wickerbottom especially. She always seemed to know what to do and how to execute it.

…But what if she was messing with him?

“Oh, dear.” Says Wickerbottom. Wilson is whacked out of his world of thought. He looks up.

“A fork in the road.” Says Wickerbottom.

The tunnel their walking in has been separated into two paths.

Wickerbottom looks back to the other four Survivors. “I will take the left. Everyone else, you take the right.”

Wilson’s brows furrow. “Are you sure?” He asks.

“I’ll be fine, dear.” Says Wickerbottom. “I’ve memorized this cave’s layout.”

Wickerbottom was right, according to Wilson. She may be old, but she’s tough.

“If you insist, I suppose.” Says Wilson.

“How do we know this isn’t some trick?” Says Maxwell. “You’ve never made groups more uneven, Ms. Wickerbottom.”

Wickerbottom’s brows furrow. “I know what I’m doing, Maxwell.” She says.

“Do you?” Maxwell asks.

“Mr. Maxwell!” Says Webber. “Wouldn’t make sense to keep going forward?”

“He is right, Maxwell.” Says Wilson. “We can’t focus on arguing.”

“I’m surprised you think that, Higgsbury.” Says Maxwell.

“Oh, will you just shut up?” Says Wilson.

“See? There it is, right there.” Says Maxwell. “The blatant hypocrisy that lies deep within your soul, as usual.”

Before Wilson can quip back, Wes suddenly gets in between the men and pushes them into the path Wickerbottom assigned them. Webber quickly follows. Wickerbottom sighs as she enters her path.

—

The four Survivors walk through the straight tunnel. Wilson leads, looking at the map Wickerbottom put in his bag, while the others stay behind.

“This is a surprisingly long tunnel.” Says Wilson.

“We should meet Ms. Wickerbottom when we reach the end.” Says Webber.

“Good.” Says Wilson. “As much as my scientific brain pushes me toward our goal…” He looks back at Maxwell.

“What?” Maxwell asks.

“Why did you doubt Wickerbottom like that?” He asks, still walking. “You know she knows how to plan these things. Why doubt her?”

“I don’t have a good feeling about her.” He says, also still walking. “The same goes for our fellow cave dwellers.” He says, now looking over to Webber and Wes.

“How come?” Asks Webber.

“What Webber said, Maxwell.” Says Wilson. “How come?”

“I have a sixth sense.” Says Maxwell.

“Is that sixth sense just you thinking you’re better than her?” Wilson asks.

“No!” Says Maxwell. “There is something amiss, Higgsbury!”

Wilson sneers. “Admit it, you imbecile.” He says. “You just don’t trust a great mind when you see one.”

“Are you that distrustful of me?” Asks Maxwell.

“How can I not be?” Says Wilson. “You CONSTANTLY reminisce about the so-called 'good old days'! The days when you TORTURED US for entertainment! How can I trust you when you have shown barely an OUNCE of improvement since we partnered up!? You’ve acted the exact same since I met you!”

“Can you not bring that up?” Says Maxwell.

“Hey!” Says Webber. “We’re supposed to go this way!” He says, pointing toward a nearby tunnel.

“Why?” Says Wilson. “It happened! We all know it did!”

Maxwell pauses, unable to speak.

“See? That’s your problem!” Says Wilson. “You’re in denial!”

“So are you.” Says Maxwell.

“Hey!” Says Webber. “Look where you’re walking!”

Wilson and Maxwell look back to Wes and Webber.

As they turn, they feel themselves falling.

Slipping off of a ledge.

They both fall.

The men can see glimpses of the mime and spider child as they quickly disappear from their view.

…

“AH!”

Wilson shoots upward. He looks around.

“M-MAXWELL!!” He shouts, panicked. “Where are you!?”

Wilson tries to get up, but quickly stumbles and falls. His body hurt. He had fallen hard.

Maxwell likely had as well.

“Maxwell! MAXWELL!!” Wilson calls out.

Nothing.

“Stop playing around!” Says Wilson. “I know you’re there!”

Suddenly, grunting can be heard. Wilson turns his head to the direction of the sound.

He sees a shaky pitch black hand grab a nearby stone.

It’s Maxwell’s.

He lifts himself up. His face his beaten and bruised. He lays his head against the stone. “…Stop… yelling, Higgsbury.” Says Maxwell, weakly.

Wilson crawls over to the rock Maxwell was laying his head on. He lays his back against it. He sighs weakly.

“Say pal, you don’t look so good.” Says Maxwell.

“Don’t say that.” Says Wilson. “You don’t look good either. If not worse.”

Maxwell crawls around the stone and sits next to Wilson. “I take bigger hits than you, pal.” Says Maxwell.

“I’m aware.” Says Wilson.

“…You’re not going to try and start anything?” Asks Maxwell.

“No.” Says Wilson. “I’m too tired to try and argue with you… we’ve done enough.”

Everything then goes silent. The only sound being the weak breathing from the two men.

Until…

“…Can I talk to you?” Maxwell asks in a peculiarly genuine tone.

Wilson looks over to the magician with his brows furrowed. “…What is it?”

“I believe we never exactly… payed attention to our relationship.” Says Maxwell.

Wilson thinks about Maxwell’s words. “…We really haven’t…” He says. “We’ve been at each other’s throats for ages… while everyone else gets along with you fine.”

“That’s because they can mostly move away from their grudges.” Says Maxwell. “You- We have yet to reach a consensus.” Says Maxwell.

“We each keep starting fights with each other…” Says Wilson.

“Getting absolutely nowhere…” Says Maxwell.

“…Nowhere but the bottom of a cave…” Says Wilson.

“Bruised and battered…” Says Maxwell.

The silence returns.

…Until it’s broken again.

“…Maybe we do have a problem…” Says Wilson. “But how do we fix it?”

Maxwell turns his head over face Wilson. “…We try.”

Wilson looks at the magician surprised. “You’re not throwing a quip at me?”

“Just like you said.” Says Maxwell. “I’m too tired to try…”

He pauses.

“…And I can’t keep this game up anymore. We can’t keep this up anymore.” Maxwell continues.

“…We really can’t… we will continue to get hurt otherwise…” Says Wilson. “…Let’s say we have a truce? An actual one.”

“It’s a deal, Wilson.” Says Maxwell.

Wilson’s eyes light up a bit. “You’re not calling me 'Higgsbury'?” Wilson asks. “Isn’t that your thing?”

“You’re going to think I’m lying to you if I do.” Says Maxwell.

“…I would’ve…” Says Wilson.

“See? Now we’re getting somewhere.” Says Maxwell. “Stop being in denial.”

“You do the same.” Says Wilson. “You can’t deny that the past happened. Do what you can with your second chance.”

“I will.” Says Maxwell, a smirk appearing at the edge of lips. “Learn to be more open minded as well, you hear?”

“I will.” Wilson responds.

Suddenly, clacking and quick footsteps are heard.

“Are you two alright!?” Cries an feminine elderly voice. Wickerbottom approaches from the shadows, Wes and Webber behind her.

“We’re… decent…” Says Maxwell.

“Oh, dear… you both look horrible…” Says Wickerbottom, dismayed. “We need to get you both back to camp.” She says sternly.

“Wouldn’t you need some heavy lifters?” Asks Wilson.

“The others are near the ledge waiting for us.” Says Wickerbottom. “Wes and I will bring you to the ropes.”

Before Wilson and Maxwell can react, Wickerbottom and Wes lift the men up and carry over to handmade harnesses to carry them up the ledge. They are borg attached to their harnesses and carried up to the top of the ledge. Once they reach the top, they see to pairs holding up the harnesses, Woodie and Wolfgang carrying Wilson, and Wigfrid and Winona carrying Maxwell.

Winona catches a glimpse of Maxwell’s beaten up face as he rises above the ledge. “Oof, dang, you look awful. You okay?” She asks.

“Better than I was before.” Says Maxwell.

“That’s a start.” Says Winona.

Wilson is eventually brought and taken off the harness. He is sat down against a wall. “Science man look terrible…” Says Wolfgang, looking at Wilson’s bruised face.

“You alright, buddy?” Asks Woodie.

“I’m decent.” Says Wilson. “I could be better.”

The pairs begin treating the men’s injuries. Eventually, Wickerbottom, Wes, and Webber rise up from below.

“I deeply apologize.” Says Wickerbottom to the injured men. “I did not intend for this happen.”

“Just tell 'em our plan, grams.” Says Winona. “There ain’t much of a point keeping it from them anymore.”

“Oh, you don’t need to explain.” Says Maxwell. “I was suspecting something during our trip. I knew I felt something was going on.”

“Dang!” Says Winona. “We really can’t keep anything from you.”

Wilson then looks at Maxwell wide eyed. “You were right!” He says. “Ms. Wickerbottom! I trusted you!” He says, now looking to Wickerbottom.

“We were only trying to help you both get along.” Says Wickerbottom. “But I suppose our efforts were fruitless.”

“Oh no, they weren’t.” Says Maxwell.

“Whaddya mean?” Webber asks.

“When we were stuck down there… we realized that our fighting only put ourselves in danger.” Says Wilson. “…We’ve come to a consensus. We made a deal.”

“You won’t have to hear us bicker anymore.” Says Maxwell.

The other Survivors stare at the men. They had not expected for the odds to be in their favor after their fall. They, surprisingly, had come to consensus.

They wouldn’t fight anymore.

“Oh, my God.” Says Winona.

“'Tis unheard öf!” Says Wigfrid.

“We likely would’ve killed each other by the time you came back.” Says Wilson. “If it is truly unheard of, as you say, then why are we still here? In one piece?”

“…Ah, I see” Says Wigfrid.

“So, we won’t have to hear you spout at each other, eh?” Woodie asks.

“We pray not.” Says Maxwell.

“I believe we’re already starting on a good note, too.” Says Wilson, a smile curving up on his face.

“Hah, can’t wait to see Willow’s eyes pop out their sockets when she hears this.” Says Winona.

—

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY JUST MADE UP!?” Says Willow.

“I WOULD’VE PREFERRED THE SCENARIO WHERE THEY KILLED EACH OTHER.” Says WX.

Winona glares at WX. They notice. They fold their arms and grumble a bit.

“Odd.” Says Wendy. “It felt so unforeseen…”

“Although it felt unlikely, I suppose that is the timeline we live in.” Says Wickerbottom, looking over to the duo. The two men sit in front of the fire pit.

The two sit next to each other, mostly healed and recovered from their recent injuries. They aren’t arguing, or bickering like they had before.

It looks as if, for the first time since they had met, and banded together, they’re actually getting along.

- END -

#don’t starve #my writing #fanfic #dst wilson #dst maxwell #dst wickerbottom #dst willow #dst winona #dst wes #dst wx78 #dst wolfgang #dst wendy #dst webber #dst woodie #dst wigfrid

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curlyparmesan · 17 days

Text

To the tune of Johnny Saucep'n by Moxy Fruvous

Well he was just some Senshi Saucep'n when he walked into that dungeon

And the party was real hungry and put down their gear and gubbins

He said "make yourself at home, kids, I'll just prewarm this here griddle"

We killed twenty monsters, how 'bout now, lets make some gourmet vittle

Mandrake ketchup Scorpion ginger

Mushroom seaweed Parasite monster

Basilisk wheat flour Golem Veggies

Duck roast mana herb holy water Dried Slime

Coin Bug sake Harpy egg Big Bat

Waterweed Kraken Pumpkin soup

Gold cow cheese Centipede (pearl)

And a Dragon and a cabbage and a Mimic claaaaaaws

Sure he was just some Senshi Saucep'n when he walked into that dungeon

But his genius with the foodstuffs got the party's tastebuds itchin'

Senshi Saucep'n got the kingdom and the elves came all unglued*

There will always be a lineup for that strange and wonderful food

youtube

*Note, haven't read the manga, just speculation, no spoilers please

#Love me some moxy fruvous #delicious in dungeon #my art #moxy fruvous #credit to moxy fruvous for the unchanged lyrics they fit so perfectly

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tatiejosie · 1 year

Note

28 for Bella

ohohhhhh boy thank u for asking!!!!!

28. Top ten things that you love about your blorbo

• She's so pretty uwu <3 Her heterochromia is a really cool touch to her character design, and I love the punk 90s milf look. I'm using this opportunity to point out that Bella is unusually tall for a woman, but you can rarely notice it because Mandrake is the main Tall Bitch of the film, and there are few other adult humans to compare. I also very much enjoy her looks because she is Very Shaped and as much as I'm looking respectfully, I am most certainly still Looking. She's making it very hard not to look. [The film also never uses her looks to demean her character, but that's just Ghibli for you. Respect women juice has been dranken]

• She shamelessly reclaims her unusual appearance. Messy blue hair, mismatched eyes, pointy nose, massive stature and you won't see a hint of insecurity in this woman. She's glamorous and happily high-maintenance (wears makeup everyday, sharp manicured nails, hair-curlers routine), straying out of mainstream beauty standards whenever she feels like it (vibrant makeup colours, mismatched eyeshadow, bright high-heeled boots, skull earrings). Note the high contrast between the orphanage's matron and Bella. That woman sticks out like a sore thumb but she's oozing with confidence.

• She's not afraid of dirty labour and gross things. Look at her holding the damn slug with her bare hands and putting her entire arm into the gross gunk of her table without an ounce of disgust. She's not some dainty wimp who's afraid of chipping her perfectly manicured nails on the carcass of a roadkill. She's part of the primordial soup and she has no fucks to give.

• She is SO capable and versatile. Non-gentle reminder that Bella Yaga has been single-handedly managing the household; daily chores such as laundry, shopping, cooking (the artbook states that Bella is a great cook), probably cleaning to a certain extent; working on magic and the chores that come with it, foraging and gathering plants, processing the raw materials, preparing the spells and potions; and managing her spell business while maintaining her clientele and deliveries? And that's just the chores thing, but there's the whole bookkeeping aspect of maintaining the household and her business. Clearly Mandrake uses the demons card for any possible task, but she cannot do that, and the end credits show that Mandrake is only starting to learn how to cook! Bella is also the one who drives the car, and she seems to have the skills to repair it as well according to the credits. So yeah TLDR Bella is the housewife, the breadwinner, the Mom Friend, the Beer Dad, the Vodka Aunt, and the most reliable person of the house. We love a multitasking queen

• She's hot-headed and seemingly immune to bullshit - you're not getting away with being a treacherous little bitch without experiencing the Smack Of The Century. She also doesn't seem to be receptive to Earwig's manipulative ass trying to sweet-talk her way into practicing magic; I'm on the fence about the morality of Earwig's controlling behaviour so it's nice to have at least one character who doesn't fall for her bullshit.

• She's officially described as a skilled magician, even to demon standards! She has a whole ass notebook with hand-written spells that she probably crafted herself. And considering that the book looks childishly girly and worn-out, we can assume that she started writing in this notebook when she was a child.

• She's considerate and emotionally intelligent enough to live with and manage an unstable demon. Idk if that really counts as a quality because that's very much a fear response from abusive behaviour but hey, Mandrake loses his shit very easily and she's able to interact with him on a daily basis without dying so that's pretty girlbossy in my book. She seems supportive of him and obviously cares for him and his comfort, even if he's difficult. [Note that in the book, she does fight back when Mandrake assaults her]

• She's one of the queerest characters of the Ghibli pantheon. Excentric and glamorous, skilled beyond classic gender roles. She was ambiguously involved with Earwig's mother and Mandrake. Her husband is the twink of all times. She's the gruff drummer who starts the bar fight and WINS the bar fight, she's the blunt auntie who shittalks your parents with her cigarette hanging off her lip.

• She's a professional drummer and Mandrake thinks she's really skilled. Drumming takes a highly efficient coordination and an incredible sense of rhythm. Drummers are human metronomes with the stamina of a beast - they're the backbone of their band along with the bassist and yet they're always placed in the back of the stage bc otherwise they'll be too noisy and drown out the rest of the band. Managing to be both the brawn who bangs like a caveman, and the galaxy brain who maintains the entire song's tempo. Drummers are the unsung heroes hidden in the dark, carrying the weight of the drumline. That's Bella Yaga for you. /lh

• She still gets flustered when she's shown affection. That's it that's the thing I can't be normal about

Thank you so much for allowing me to be cringe about this specific blorbo, I love Bella very much and I feel that she deserves more love <3

#if anyone manages to read the whole thing im kissing you #earwig and the witch #bella yaga #.bella #ghibli

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