#probably the first major threat to a dragon so far

[most-fuck-able-ff14]

MOST FUCKABLE FF14 MAN ROUND 3

#round three #aymeric de borel #haurchefant greystone #hraesvelgr #doesn't hraesvelgr look like a mischievously proud cat in that picture? #like when they've hidden something that's gonna start stinking up the house in a day or two #but instead he totally ate someone and came out the other side still looking like a good person #mod reaper #this should be interesting #probably the first major threat to a dragon so far #quite appropriately i might add #don't look too closely at the shield #i did my best #aymeric has his sword and haurchefant deserved his shield #you know...pre-heartbreak #ffxiv #ff14 #final fantasy xiv #final fantasy 14 #heavensward spoilers

[felixcloud6288]

Fullmetal Alchemist Chapter 30

We've had one traumatic death, yes. But what about second trauma?

Y'know how Greed said Ed was the type who doesn't mind getting beat up but will lose his cool when others get hurt?

Greed is also that type of person. This is the only time he's been furiously angry, and it's after seeing Loa and Dorchet killed in front of him.

I wonder if Bradley knew Martel was inside Al's armor before she tried to kill him. If she had kept quiet and let Alphonse quietly sneak her out, I wonder if the scene would have ended with Bradley saying something like "Before you go" and then running his sword down Al's chest.

The scene transition after Martel is killed implies Al lost consciousness from the shock. I wonder how that works though. I know falling asleep and being rendered unconscious are two different things, but I'd assume there are some overlapping characteristics that should cause Al to be unable to fall unconscious because of his condition.

I wonder if Martel's blood spilling on Al's bloodrune might have momentarily disrupted the seal and disconnected Al from his armor and if maybe Ed pulling Al's soul might have had something to do with Al not having his memories to begin.

I've got no real ideas with that. If something comes up later, I'll talk about it then.

But Al managed to reach that silhouette of his mother and that's what caused him to lose his whole body.

Bradley demands to know if Ed and Al traded any information or made any deals with Greed and threatens to kill them if they did. Considering what Bradley is, it's pretty wild he'd make that threat. He was willing to kill one of their sacrifices to ensure their plan wasn't found out. Or maybe he was intimidating them into silence.

Al being a suit of armor was probably known to the Homunculi long before this point. Greed found out because of the rumors in East City after the fight with Scar, and Lust was on the train to Resembool. Bradley asking about why Al is a suit of armor might be the first time they considered him as a sacrifice candidate though.

I'm glad Ed pointed out the inconsistency from Bradley saying he wants to find out what the military conspiracy is but then killing a bunch of people who could have been potential leads. Of course we as the readers understand it's because the conspiracy goes all the way to the top at this point.

Wouldn't it suck if you bought a house in Central and there's a window that allows one of those searchlights at Central HQ to beam into your house?

The scene with Riza is playing out like that scene with that white girl in every horror movie, right up until she pulls out a gun and shoots Barry.

I just love how she hid a gun in her grocery bag. Did she put it there after leaving or does the grocery store stock fully loaded revolvers next to the pet food? And where did that other handgun come from? She's not keeping a holster of any kind and just before this panel, she was using her right hand to hold her groceries.

Her grocery bag also had dog food so she canonically has Black Hayate at this point.

There was a missing person flyer for Yoki.

We can still see the bullet holes Danny and Maria gave Barry.

We see the military banner. It's a horned(?) dragon(?) with a winding tail.

It must suck for the people whose office windows are behind the banner.

back

Spoiler Discussion

Bido being established as not at the Devil's Nest during the raid shows how far ahead Arakawa had the story planned.

Arakawa planted a little seed here which would bloom into a major plot point dozens of chapters later. Hindsight and this scene proves she planned to have Greed return and have him betray Father a second time.

#fullmetal alchemist #fullmetal alchemist reread

[invested-in-your-future]

why should I care about grimm when maidens exist - it cheapens the threat that they or silver eyes are there

You know what cheapens the Creatures of Grimm? Cheapening the Creatures of Grimm cheapens The Creatures of Grimm.

Hyping up The Goliaths as this intelligent unstoppable force that even professors at Beacon don't want to approach and that new Huntsmen are taught to avoid and then having a Goliath job to a teenager(who has not changed at all since the last time she was faced with one back then when she got told she can't even scratch it) cheapens the Creatures of Grimm.

Hyping up and introducing a water type grimm only for one of them to get taken out by (yet again) two teenagers and the second one to to get taken out by a random mech cheapens the Creatures of Grimm.

Introducing dozens of different grimm types only for none of them to really matter and get taken out in few hits, cheapens the Creatures of Grimm. The show went through dozens of, honestly, pretty cool designs and most of them end up having the exact plot relevance of a DLC skin in a game.

At this point the creatures of grimm are more of redshirt enemy mook than even "masked WF fighters" were. There's often really no real thought put behind new grimm designs beyond "we need something that looks different get thrown at the cast".

The last new grimm types where them being new ended up genuinely mattering were all the way back in V3 when we got the Griffons and the absolutely terrifying dragon.

Once again, less is more. A more uniform look for mass of enemies is fine actually - it creates a distinct sense of "Sameness" in that unlike humanity which is defined by individuality, your average grimm is just almost exact same copy of the others like it. And having armies of beowulves and the like means that in that specific moment something DIFFERENT is introduced and pattern breaks, you know things are about to go down.

So if there's an actual NEW type, then you got to ask WHY. WHY is there a new type. One possible answer could be Rule of Cool but…Is the show about to do a long and cool fight scene like in V1 to show them dealing with it? Of course not LOL. So if its not rule of cool, then what? What's the narrative reason for a new type. What you are doing with it?

Look at introduction of a first Nevermore, or even a deathstalker. The show works to portray the cast taking them out and its pretty clear that those things are harder to deal with than Beowolves. Look at introduction of The Goliaths? You get a sense of dread of this probably unbeatable presence just lurking - its a thematic thread that not every "evil" can simply be beaten(nor is a simple beast) and a plot thread for V3. Look at the absolute terror and the havoc the dragon causes.

Then look at nuckelavee - arguably extremely creepy looking creature and one of THE best parts of V4. There's an attempt at narrative reason for it and an attempt to portray as something strong…but then bunch of teenagers just bonk it harder to death and move on. Not even "bonk it harder" in a creative way like with Nevermore. But okay there's story reason for it and it ties together nicely into backstory and stuff so eh…its fine.

Beyond that? So far pretty much majority of them boil down to "create mild annoyance for a while and then the cast bonks it harder a bit and its dead like it was never there". Show is OBSESSED with trying to recapture that one specific moment with the dragon from V3. It keeps trying to introduce these terrifying big new grimm things and then it throws them away the next second to try again.

Its yet another case of the same pattern of the writing staff trying to throw bunch of new things on top of existing ones in the kind of way that makes it possible to just remove all of it and nothing would change. You can cut out most of "new" grimm types and pretty much nothing changes in the story. You can't cut out the nevermore or the death stalker or the Goliaths or the dragon that way.

So no, having silver eyes or maidens does not inherently cheapen the creatures of grimm…the way the creatures of grimm are handled cheapens the creatures of grimm.

The show writing is pretty clearly uninterested to do anything impactful with them because its so enamored with all the Two Gods stuff. Its pretty reminiscent of how D&D handled White Walkers in Game of Thrones - where you could just feel they view them as a nuisance rather than something that can get focused on.

Just like with Maidens, just like with (sigh) Jaune, just like with Silver Eyes, the issue is not the concept but what the show does or DOESN'T do with it.

#rwby #rwde

[seregios-seer]

Monster Review: Dalamadur

So, it's been a good while, but I'm back and starting off big! Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate was my first ever game in the series, and young me didn't get much further than the single player campaign, and that is frankly a tragedy because if I'd encountered this thing when I was 10 it would have shattered my kid brain. The presentation behind Dalamadur is exactly what an end game monster deserves, right on par with World's cutscenes for the black dragons. I kid you not I had shivers entering this fight for the first time because of how badass the cutscene was. The design for this monster is top tier by far, taking an incredibly simple creature, and giving it a unique scale ridge and arms is such an easy change but also so famn memorable. I actively have to try and keep this intro short because I could (and probably will) rant about Dalamadur and how much I love it for several stand alone posts. When I first beat this fight, with well under 5 minutes left and no clue if I was even close, I sat there for literal minutes, staring at my ceiling and wrote quite literally a full (I think 2-3k word) essay to my friends about how incredible this capstone fight is.

4u (IG): It's gonna be hard to keep this to a purely mechanical review, but I'll damn well try. The first thing to talk about is just how fighting this colossus even works, which is where one of biggest strengths and weakness of this fight both come into play. The ability to climb on Dalamadur, jumping on and off at the bottom and top of a massive rock spire is a surreal experience, and gives great, and in most fights the only, access to body parts for breaking. Being able to leap onto Dalamadur's head from so high up really sells the massive size of the monster, and it's just incredible. There is however a pressing issue with Dalamadur's size, and that would be the tedium in running around the map after it. This fight is incredible, and certainly feels it, but it's also consistently about 40-50 minutes, and over that time, there's a good deal where you'll just be running from end to end trying to get a hit in before Dalamadur moves again. It's a notable gripe, but ultimatley won't hurt Dalamadur's rating because of just how amazing the rest of the fight is. For Dalamadur's actual attacks, the majority being physical is both fitting and terrifying. During the periods where Dalamadur sits on the upper left and right of the arena, not coiled around the spire, it can swing its arms in just a casual sweep, and that attack hits like a truck. It's not impossible to dodge, and is rarely followed up quick enought to set a kill, but it can come damn close. Dalamadur's sliding across the stage is perhaps its weakest attack, only dealing a small amount of damage, if it even connects, but this attack does run interferance for a move I'll discuss later. I was actually unaware of this, as it had never come up in any of my fights, but apparently standing too close to the head risks paralysis from Dalamadur's tongue, which I can't evaluate without personal experience, but that sounds terrifying. The tail also poses a threat, but really only if you are actively attacking it, which can honestly be an infuriating process when farming for drops due to how much it moves. But the tail attacks in much the same way as the arms, with a sweep that deals less damage, but is certainly nothing to scoff at. The last physical attack worth talking about is the scariest by far, Dalamadur's bite rush. Dalamadur sets its head, coils, and springs forward, twisting to the side as it goes, slamming its jaws on anything so unfortunate to get in the way. This attack is massive, incredibly fast after the windup period, and almost certain death. With armor from well into G Rank I would routinely be carted if I was hit by this attack unless I was at peak health. This attack is awe inspiring, grandiose, and among my favorite attacks in the full game. It doesn't feel unfair, it feels balanced in all the right ways while also being the peak threat of the entire fight. Dalamadur is not, however, fully physical, and has a host of incredible energy attacks, foremost being the meteor swarm. The meteors Dalamadur summons will rain in droves during several periods of the fight, and give a kind of white shrinking display to show where they'll fall, with some tracking the hunter, forcing them to stay moving. These meteors are terrifying if you're unprepared, but if you stay moving, you should escape unscathed. This is where Dalamadur's movement becoems a threat, as that's typically when most meteors fall, and being stumbled into the path of a meteor is a considerable threat, so avoid the snake's body. Dalamadur is also capable of producing fireballs (that I don't think are actually elemental) that it aims at hunters from its mouth. These blasts are, in my experience, wildly inaccurate in my experience, and hardly much of a threat, more a spectacle than anything. Dalamadur's chest can also give off a heat barrier, much like Teostra when the snake is enraged, which deals slow, constant damage. This barrier isn't much a threat on its own, but when it prepares a stronger attack, the damage taken from ignoring this flame aura can be just enough to send you packing to base camp.

Rating: 10/10

What the hell do you mean the meownster hunters have discovered a new target?

#monster hunter #monhun #mh reviews #dalamadur #I kid you not I had a full on reverie going on and almost blacked out laughing when it said the meownster hunters could now fight this thin #My friend those cats are so very dead

[the-apollyon-experiments]

the official poster of the Prologue Arc of the ApolloEra, an Unofficial AU Crossover between the SCP Foundation and Godzilla overall, and as a homage to the Heisei Era in some aspects, it will include some elemts of the plot of the ps4 game just like with the zajiaoverse's storyline, but that won't be until series 3. which really takes up the notch of being a true homage to the heisei era, this is more or less an prologue series because i realized that series 1, aka God Of The Monsters, is gonna be more or less an callback to the Showa Era if it was more or less in a heisei era like aspect. this is basically Series 0 of the ApolloEra, titled as Birth Of Godzilla. and yes this was purely inspired by Godzilla Zero/Minus One's trailer to have the prologue series be it's own thing, here is the plot and summary.

Plot: The Foundation in it's early days before containment was fully made, had faced an abundance of strange anomalies and what not that posed an threat to the world, while most have been somewhat secured. it wasn't until a few years after 682's discovery in 1906, that an new type of Anomaly, far more different than the SCPS have appeared, with only one major threat that has proven to be quite the disaster, an ancient sea dragon known only in odo island folklore as an god incarnate called simply... Godzilla.

Summary: The World is given an Grim reminder that man is not so superior to life as all would like to believe, as nuclear tests continue on and on, two groups, the SCP Foundation, and MONARCH, alongside the Global Occult Coalition, discovered an ancient anomalous creature that is feared on an island as a god incarnate based off of an legendary sea dragon called Gojira. where they all see the terror and wrath of what would be known today as, the king of monsters himself... Godzilla.

here is the list of episodes in this order.

1- Gojira Awakens (takes place during 1912)

2- Terror Of Odo Island (takes place during 1918)

3- Ghost Of Slumber Island (Takes Place in 1925)

4- Lucky Dragon (takes place during 1933)

5- The Lonely Behemoth (takes place during 1941)

6- The Broken God (Takes Place During 1943)

7- From Zero To Minus (Takes Place During 1945)

8- Minus One (Takes Place during 1946)

9- Incident Zero (Takes Place During 1947)

10- The Demon Beast (Takes Place During 1950) 11- An Ghostly Whale (Takes Place during 1952)

12- 20,000 Fathoms (Takes Place during 1953)

13- Hellfire Of Tokyo (takes place during 1954)

14- Symbol Of Fear (takes place during Mid 1954)

15- End Of The Terror? (takes place during Late 1954)

Human Characters are of course the Of cast, like Steve Martin, Emiko, Ogata, Serizawa, etc, but also with some returning characters from the Zajiaoverse and maybe the MutantoVerse, and also the Foundation itself, with some original characters both human, kaijus, and anomalies also being present. alongside the GOC, as for kaijus, it is obviously gonna be Godzilla, and if you all can't tell yet, Rhedosaurus. they'll probably be more but eh, gotta make the cast first. because im also lowkey lazy here is the link to the full thing, https://www.deviantart.com/toonartist403/art/ApolloEra-Birth-Of-Godzilla-Poster-970532278 credits of those involved will be in the said link, go check it out, very sorry for how uh. dead this blog has been, we've been more focused on the discord side of things ^^; -Admin Toon

#the apolloera au #mod toon posts #toon's art #king of the monsters (godzilla) #godzilla #containment breach. (dash commentary) #poster art #Addendum; [REDACTED] (Lore Posts)

[finnissilly]

Triple threat - dnd campaign updates (4)

The boys are back in town

Last part is here:

session 15? (I don’t remember):

We get to the silver dragons lair and he introduces himself as Avoraxx, tells us that his wrymling son Syle was taken by a bunch of circus people who he invited into his home in thinking they were just harmless adventurers and stuff but nope they steal his son.

He told us he’d reward us and whatnot if we rescued his son and then asked if we could help him by being “pest control” (harpies) and how they’d made their way into the mountain and made their nest and he was tired of hearing them in his walls.

So we went into the maze of the walls, and found our way to where the harpies were. We all made makeshift earplugs and tried climbing up this rocky wall to where they were- unfortunately. Blooper failed a stealth? Survival? (I don’t recall) check and fell on some ice stuff which made the harpies start to sing louder as we got up.

Orion and Miles (despite having advantage due to ear plugs) both got lured- Orion who thought he saw his little sister and Miles who thought he saw his brother and his best friend. The two started uncontrollably sobbing and going after these illusions of their family/friends.

Luckily Orion very soon was able to succeed a save as he bonked into a tabaxi skull and realized “oh shit wait a minute” as for Miles- that man almost got carried away by a harpy until Blooper was able to cast blindness/deafness on Miles, so he couldn’t hear the song anymore. (I rolled a 4 on my wisdom save and I was so happy to fail) after that- Orion and Miles basically beat the shit out of the harpies.

Blooper tried to help but he mainly remained idle during the fight. Also Blooper got really hurt during this fight too (I think he got down to like 16 HP)

Miles was able to kill the mother harpy and used one of the whistle arrows he’d gotten to scare off a majority of the other harpies to fly off.

After the mom died- all the harpies began circling at the top above the mountain, Blooper used thaumaturgy to yell “your mother is dead, leave”

And they did, everyone left and we made our way back to Avoraxx, who was very delighted that his pest problem was taken care of and gave us a small scoop of his horde as reward, and we noticed he was Messing with a crystal ball- but not knowing what to do with it, we all managed to persuade him into letting him give us the ball so we could mess with it to see what was up.

We all spoke at it in different languages until Blooper spoke primordial to it- and that woke it up. Which we realized that this ball is like a sentient person.

Avoraxx then tried talking to it but after not getting answers he just threw the ball off to the side and complained about how it “wasn’t doing what it’s made to do”

Anyway, he offered us the ball if we were able to bring back his son.

Session 16:

We climbed down the mountain and made camp before hearing a call for help, initially thinking it might be a trap but it wasn’t- we found a gnome (or dwarf I literally don’t remember) trapped under a tree, and helped him out.

His leg was pretty messed up and he was cold and tired.

We made him a makeshift brace for his leg and let him camp with us for the night.

He told us his group probably wasn’t far away and that he was apart of the merchants guild as well- except he was from the ivory city. (Main city) and that this was enough for him. He was done and wanted to go home and not do adventuring anymore.

We were able to find his camp and they gave us food and cold weather gear.

And asked if we could go out and find their survey team who was surveying right outside the underdark in exchange for gold.

We agreed and went to find them.

Upon reaching the site- the ground was very odd looking, like many many holes (like cheese basically) in a tundra.

Quickly finding a group of terrified people hiding in a hole telling us that something killed their friends.

We also actively while walking on the surface felt something moving below us.

We got them out the hole and saw a baby Remorhazes (I think that’s the name?) this fucker killed a survey team person in one round (it did like 26 damage on one attack and ate a guy)

Anyways, Orion turned into a small housecat and zoomed in the opposite direction of the group while Miles ran the other way.

Ofc this thing followed Miles, and Miles was face to face with this creature.

He just kept running and bookin it, but then it turned to the survey team who isn’t moving and easy weak targets.

Orion saw this going down and ran back by turning into a panther, able to save one of the members as he ran back.

We only were able to save one person, but all three of us were fine.

I don’t remember how Blooper got off the map. But he did somehow.

We then went back to the camp and told them what was up, they thought it was weird that this creature was this far out here as it’s too cold for them here.

Which we suspected since it was a BABY and that it was so far out- mom must’ve had like a ton of kids and they all just kept moving out as their colony got bigger. (Like wreck-it Ralph)

Session 17:

We started making our way back to Valica and on the journey were stopped as we found a group of people in like full armor and stuff- looking like they were gonna kill something extreme.

This elf on a horse came and talked to us about how we shouldn’t go to Valica because of the dragon attack and we explained we actually came from Valica and were now coming back- this guy was confused as he didn’t see us come up on the trail from Valica.

But he wished us luck on our journey back.

Turns out that was the prince Zalastar and he was leading a dragon hunt.

Anyway, made our way back to Valica and the town was recovering from the dragon attack. We went to talk to Korg and Og to tell them that we were okay and what was going on.

Og seemed to have a merchants guild badge and a rank higher than us in it because he was actively helping out.

Korg was happy to see us and surprised we weren’t dead, and ofc we explained the situations to both of them.

We went to the local jail to see the circus people, Orion decided to turn into a panther for this to terrify them more.

We go in, after a few questions and Orion making them shit themselves by just messing with them and living up to the “demon cat” allegations, as well as persuading the prisoners with drugs (mushrooms). We found that there was a head of the circus named Thaal and he’d probably know about what we wanted to know.

We then- found Vizorazz in the jail as well, who was very pissed at us until we explained “yeah man you were just kinda. There.” And we bailed him out of jail as he promised to give us gold, we got his stuff back for him and he took us to a back alley where he had a box with a pouch of barely any gold left which he was pissed at since he figured his drow druid crime partner- took his share (her name is Nala) but we took some of his remaining gold, and gave him one of the poisonous mushroom drugs as well. And he was off and promised us a favor.

We made it to the building where Thaal was assumed to be, it was basically an office space building and we very soon found him.

He was an air genasi kinda dressed like a clown.

He wasn’t giving us any information and we got really frustrated with him. Until Blooper basically bullied him into fighting us.

Which we *mainly* played on defense the whole fight.

Blooper got shot out of his office by an air? Wave? Thing? He got pushed out really hard and hit the railing before falling back into someone’s desk on the first floor.

Orion used his dagger like once or twice within the fight while Miles just punched the guy like once.

We couldn’t let him die since he had info we needed.

Blooper talked to the crowd about what’d happened (kinda deceiving them leaving out that he made fun of bro) anyways, a paladin came to help us in our fight.

Thaal tried to deceive the paladin and say like “they’re attacking me :(“ but, Orion cast charm person on him.

We’d explain later.

So paladin helped us out and actually ended up killing Thaal by complete accident (he used divine smite and his sword didn’t stop going) Miles called out for a cleric with revivify, and luckily since clerics were called when Blooper fuckin fell like a Dingus- clerics were already being called and Thaal was able to get revivified.

He said how “there’s nothing left after this life” and talked about becoming a slime person which.

Means he’s a lawful evil person.

We finally got out the information about the dragon and he told us the dragon was in Arinthia and boom Thaal gets in trouble for being responsible for the dragon attack.

Orion dispelled the charm as the guards were coming to arrest both the paladin and Thaal.

Orion said “I’m sorry… I didn’t know what else to do…” and tried explaining, the paladin understood but now he was getting arrested and he lost his job.

We felt bad so we decided to talk to the inquisitors the next day to plead his case and bail him out.

Turns out the inquisitor was apart of a organization that goes as far as torturing and killing the guilty. (Miles knows this because he is a criminal and had to deal with these guys before)

The inquisitor was a really buff tiefling woman and we pleaded his case the next day, explaining the whole situation and she got into some details about laws and spells and all that and we were able to get him out.

He was surprised to see us and we explained how we felt bad and wanted to help him out, we didn’t ask for anything in return but he felt in-debted to us. The only thing we asked was that he teach Orion how to use a scythe. (I completely forgot to mention we went to the ivory city. We went shopping there- that’s how Orion got his scythe. Miles got alcohol and we also heard about portals opening up north in Arinthia, also there was a big underdark mine in ivory city.)

The paladin was surprised that, that’s all we wanted from him.

He introduced himself as Theodrin but we all just call him Theo, and he’s a half elf paladin of Ilmator.

He started traveling with us and Miles asked if he’d ever met any other paladins and asked if he met a 5’5 drow paladin with a wooden prosthetic leg (referring to his brother) and Theo said yes- that he met someone with that description about a month ago, heading to Arinthia as he was looking for someone in the shadowfell and that he was really nice and helped Theo out with some bandits.

Sounded like an exact match for Miles’ younger brother.

Session 18:

We helped out at the merchants guild for a little bit before grabbing Theo and going to our journey to Arinthia, Theo also explained that he knew a silver dragon wouldn’t had done this, and we found out that Theo’s hyperfixation was on dragons so. Bro knows a lot about dragons.

Anyway, first day of traveling went fine.

Night went bad though.

As Miles was watching over the campsite, (4 hour nap was over) he saw someone shuffling just outside of his dark vision and then a lizardfolk tried to kill him from behind.

Fun.

Everyone else woke up and saw the fight goin down. I think Miles went to like 9 HP, bro wasn’t lookin too good.

Anyways after beating these two up, tying them up and taking their shit they explained how they were assassins hired to kill Miles and that they got an in from the merchants guild saying Miles was heading this way.

They figured it’d be easy but yk it’s a full on party of people, just just one guy.

Theo was happy at first saying how he “knew he joined the right adventuring party” since we didn’t kill these guys and stabilized them initially. But yk. Then finding out Miles is infact a wantef criminal on the run and wanted for (accidental) terrorism and stuff. Theo wasn’t happy about that and Blooper and Miles did try to explain what really went on after we set the two assassins go- (we took all their stuff though)

Miles went back to do a long rest (which luckily is only a 4 hour nap for him) because he was so low on health.

We talked some more to Theo about what really happened and asked him some more about Miles’ brother Kilo.

(Haha get it, Miles and Kilometers. I’m so funny)

We were about to pass by the main city again- ivory city and didn’t really want to go in since they gave Miles a hard time at first, but when we went in the second time Theo was able to quickly explain that we needed in and whatnot. (I think we came here to stock up on supplies) we then heard about a monster of some sort terrorizing the mines and preventing the people from generating any new minerals for trade and whatnot. But that was basically it.

We bought some tents and that was that.

Theo bought us all rooms, and we decided to open up the book that Quintillious gave to Orion.

We did show this book to Avoraxx and he told us that this was like a terrible book that even some gods have banned this book. That this book could rewrite time itself and the universe as we know it. That being said- we all tried to open it. Then it got to Orion, and he was able to open it but he fell through the book into like a pocket dimension from within the book.

Everything was dark and Orion then saw a pair of red eyes from the darkness.

Whatever this thing was- it was huge and it had extremely long fingers. And he was asking Orion for a way out. Which Orion didn’t want to do, and tried to leave multiple times but he was unsuccessful and this thing had now fused with Orion’s body. The two becoming one.

He gasped away from the book and slammed it on the ground and curled up in a ball yelling “get out of my head” Blooper and Miles were very confused as for their point of view just saw Orion casually reading a book and calmly saying “give me a minute-“ when asked what the book said.

Anyways so Orion is possessed.

Miles decided to stay the night with Orion because he only needs 4 hours sleep and Orion spoke about how he didn’t want to be alone.

Orion barely was able to sleep, having constant nightmares of this thing where, he wasn’t in his own body and in some kind of war where there were literally rivers of blood and people yelling at him which he understood somehow and just kept killing these creatures in this war.

He also- knew something about Orion as well.

This book, was told to be written by Vecna when he was alive and that’s all we know.

Also that when Orion spoke in abyssal to this book it kinda perked up. And now Orion was proficient in arcana.

Fun stuff.

Also during the night Miles saw Orion sit up- do a big stretch, bigger than he’s ever seen Orion do before before rolling over, smiling and going back to sleep.

Not ominous.

At all.

Next morning Theo questioned Orion’s behavior since he was so tired, and Theo asked if he was sick, which.

I guess is one way to put it.

Theo offered to make soup which- I love this man but Miles interjected by saying “not that kinda sick” which- Theo seemed to kinda? Get the idea?

Anyway. I think that was it for that session?

#dnd #dungeons and dragons #triple threat #dnd triple threat #dungeons and dragons campaign #dnd campaign #campaign update #campaign updates #dnd campaign update #TTRPG

[gendrie]

i) do you have more concert speculations on how arya and dany might meet in Essos? I saw you speculating that she might intercept FM hit on Dany, which is more feasible than them sending her (an unruly green novice for THE assassin attempt of the century... yeah okay🤡) but I have troubles imagine her making the suicidal journey to SB that would require probably another book entirely; afterall Tyrion was sponsored, still spent the entirety of ADwD traveling, and finds himself at Meereen's barricated walls. How would Arya get on a ship going to SB? She doesn't really have the opportunity like Quentyn to simply enlist for a sellsword company. And the landway is nuts.

Or do you speculate they will meet when Daenerys does (is forced to do) busstops in Free City when sailing for Westeros.

ii) do you think the FM will be eradicated? Can't imagine an anti dragon agenda surviving in GRRM's world and current timeline.

actually, i think that if arya intercepts a hit on dany/the dragons it would happen in westeros. plot twist! the assassin formerly known as jaqen h'ghar is, by far, the most likely operative for that mission and it seems like he's already on it at the citadel (researching how to kill a dragon lbr). at this point nobody else needs to be traveling all the way to slavery’s bay. for the many reasons you said. arya has way too much to do in braavos anyway with her apprenticeships, the sealord drama, iron bank stuff, jeyne p.’s inevitable arrival, extracting herself from the FM, ect. i don’t think she has time for any major detours. unless grrm is giving her like 10 chapters bc she’s got stuff to do in westeros too. besides, how much longer is dany, realistically, going to stay in slavery’s bay herself once she returns? i’d imagine not too long. 

any dragon killing plots probably won’t fully play out until ados. which is why i see it happening in westeros. also it makes sense for arya to 1.) known dany and 2.) be made aware of the others and therefore understand how the dragons are needed to fight that threat in order to give her the motivation to intercept her old assassin pal. thats another reason im not envisioning it happening too soon. the connection between arya and dany needs to be made first.

but, yeah, if arya crosses paths with dany and/or tyrion in twow it will be in the free cities. i’ve never been able to shake the possibility of arya traveling back within team targ (whether they know it or not) but idk about the timing. arya can move a lot faster and i think she has to....but dany has a connection to braavos, tyrion thought about always wanting to see the titan, and we know its going to be a "crucial" location going forward so im not ruling it out?

im not sure about the faceless men in general tbh. grrm has only thrown us the tiniest crumbs about that mystery. they are anti dragon, but they’re also anti slavery and, currently, anti lannister. they’re an ancient order and a fundamental part of braavos too. their black and white imagery implies balance not evil. and dragons lived in westeros for hundreds of years without any interference from the faceless men. i dont think they need to be eradicated. any threat they pose can be managed. arya will deal with them as needed.

#as she has been since acok #asoiaf nonsense #ask #i hope and i pray arya has 10 chaps lol #i'd go crazyyyyyy

[duhragonball]

Dragon Ball GT 13

✨GT Stands for Gigantic Twerp✨

All right, so The Luud Cult stole the gang’s Dragon Ball, and they’ve come to Planet Luud to get it back, but in a desperate play, Doltaki, the founder of Luudism, has turned all of his followers into dolls and fed them to the big idol of Luud in their temple.  See, Luud’s not a god at all, but a powerful machine, one that runs on the most potent energy source of all: aliens that have been magically turned into dolls.  Doltaki was trying to gather enough victims to awaken Luud at full power, but he’s willing to settle for a sub-optimal launch if it means Luud can kill Goku and Trunks.

The problem with this episode is that it seems to hype a pretty major-league threat, and yet as Luud activates, he transforms from this four-armed bat-winged demon monster....

To this.   Goku openly laughs at how funny this thing looks.  Luud’s name is just “doll” backwards, so it probably shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that he looks like a mutant Kewpie, but I can’t help but feel like there are more bad ass dolls out there that they could have used.  Hell, I’d even take a Barbie over this.  Can you imaging a fifty-foot mint-green Barbie doll stomping around this place, smacking Goku and Trunks around?  The kitsch value alone would make it worth the watch. 

Anyway, Luud is just one more entry in a long chain of disappointing GT villains.   They spent four episodes hyping this guy up, and he’s just another big dumb monster who says his own name and not much else.  

While Luud fights the heroes, Doltaki withdraws to his chambers to continue playing with Pan, who was turned into a doll back in Episode 11.  Doltaki normally tosses doll-ified victims into Luud’s energy supply, but he can’t bear to let Pan go, and he play-talks with her about their new life together.  I fuckin’ can’t stand this guy and this is his second episode of doing this stupid schtick. 

✨Is This Episode Worse than “The Roaming Lake”?✨

 For all that was wrong with Dragon Ball Episode 29, at least Episode 30 was not “The Roaming Lake Part 2.” Toei hit rock bottom with Dragon Ball GT Episode 12 and for Episode 13 they started digging. 

✨Positivity Page✨

Mercifully, Doltaki gets a summons from a mysterious voice, so he has to go into a secret room and take a video call in a room that looks suspiciously like something from out of Star Wars.  And now we meet Doltaki’s boss, the real secret final boss of the Luud Cult.  As long as he distracts Doltaki from his creepy playtime session, then I’m all for it.

✨ “Good” “Ideas”, Poorly Executed.✨

Let’s go over the Goku/Trunks vs. Luud fight: It sucks.  Luud is pretty damn slow, but he’s agile enough to keep Goku and Trunks from chasing after Doltaki.  At first, it looks like Goku has a plan to distract Luud by goading Luud into attacking him.   Except Trunks never head off to go find Pan, so they just end up getting their asses kicked.  Was that not what Goku had in mind?  Because it seems like that would have been a good plan, and yet they never spell it out, and Trunks completely botches it. 

Instead, Luud knocks them around some more, and steps on them for good measure.  Then Goku and Trunks turn Super Saiyan to knock Luud off his feet.

And yet, they immediately change back as soon as Luud has fallen over.  They press their advantage and get in some good hits, but they do it all in normal base mode.

And this is what I want to talk about, because we’re 13 episodes into this show, and we’ve only seen Super Saiyan used on three occasions, and very briefly.  In Episode 5, Goku transformed to quickly overwhelm Ledgic.  In Episode 12, Goku and Trunks transformed to overcome Mutchy’s powers, and now this.  The weird thing here is that the fight is far from over, but they’re only using Super Saiyan long enough to get out of a pinch.

So I think this is a deliberate choice by the GT showrunners.   They wanted to throttle back on Super Saiyan transformations, either to make GT stand out from Z, or maybe because they wanted to make it feel more special.  Or maybe this is all some sort of unintentional thing, and they just didn’t notice that they were using it less.  The story goes that the reason Toriyama made Goku’s Super Saiyan hair yellow was because it would save time inking his hair on every page of the manga.  So maybe he used Super Saiyan more than he needed to just to make the deadlines easier.  But GT has no manga, and coloring Goku’s hair yellow on an animation cel is probably no easier than making it black.  So that might be all it is. 

All I’m saying is that, as a fan of this stuff, it feels cheap to alter the premise with no explanation.  In DBZ, the characters could maintain the Super Saiyan form for several minutes at a time, at least.  It’s hard to get a sense of how long their fights actually last, but we’ve seen characters just stay transformed throughout an entire battle.  Majin Vegeta fought Goku, then went to fight Buu and he never powered down, for example.   So when the characters don’t do stuff like that in GT, it seems odd. 

It’s not that it can’t make sense.  In GT’s continuity, we haven’t seen Trunks or Goku use Super Saiyan since the Kid Buu fight, which was fifteen years before GT began.  So maybe Trunks has gotten rusty and he can’t do it as easily without wearing himself out, and Goku’s kid body can’t handle the strain as long as he could as an adult.  Or maybe they’re much stronger than they were in the Buu arc, and the Super Saiyan form doesn’t provide the same boost as it used to.  Maybe it’s only good in short bursts now.

My point is that there’s plenty of ways to spin this, but GT refuses to explain it at all.  The message here seems to be: “Hey, did you like Super Saiyans? Well, fuck you, because we’re going to make it as unsatisfying as possible.”

Anyway, Dr. Mu is seeing all of this tom-foolery, and he doesn’t like it one bit.  He called Doltaki to ask for a status update on the Dragon Ball hunt, and Doltaki reports that he has two of them, but he had to activate Luud to stop Goku and Trunks from taking them back.  Mu’s like “Oh, did you get enough power to activate him at Level 3?” and Doltaki’s like “No, but Level 2 should be enough to handle them.”  Except it’s not, and Mu is worried that Doltaki has jeopardized the Dragon Balls and Luud.

And you might well argue that GT doesn’t have time to give dull explanations for things like why Super Saiyan is used so sparingly, but you’d be wrong, because GT found plenty of time to have Doltaki indulge in his creepy doll fetish.  And they still had time left over to have Mu explain his entire relationship with Doltaki.  Mu created Luud and considers him one of his finest “mutants”, and he recruited Doltaki because he had the charm necessary to bring unsuspecting victims to fuel Luud’s powers.  So the entire Luudism faith was just a front for Mu’s experiment in making a giant ugly robot that breaks stuff. 

But Mu also tasked the cult with finding the Black Star Dragon Balls, in order to wish for galactic domination, or something like that.  So in other words, this whole stupid cult gimmick they’ve been setting up for the past four episodes has been a waste of time, because it all comes back to this Dr. Mu guy, who’s an evil scientist guy instead of a cult leader guy.

Mu notices the doll that Doltaki is carrying around, and deduces that she must have a lot of power, since she was associated with Goku and Trunks.  So he orders Doltaki to feed her to Luud, since that might give Luud enough of a boost to reach full power and win.  But Doltaki refuses, because Pan is “the girl I’m going to live together with forever.”  Fuuuuuuuuuuuck this. 

Mu decides that if Doltaki won’t cooperate, then he can just be fed to Luud along with Pan.  So wait, Mu has the same turn-you-into-a-doll power as Mutchy, Doltaki, and Luud?  He even has the means to send both dolls into Luud, remotely.   So what the hell did he even need Doltaki for in the first place?  He’s been running this cult for twenty years, but why?  If Mu has the power to do this at a distance, then he could just doll-ify hundreds of people on distant planets and send henchmen to bring the dolls back to Luud. It might take a while, but I bet it wouldn’t take twenty years.

Okay, so Luud absorbs Pan, and now he’s invincible?  Why?  Pan was weaker than Goku or Trunks, but now she has the power to make Luud stronger than both of them combined?  What’s stupid is that this won’t even be the last time GT tries to use this trick.

✨The Blade Braxton Memorial Haiku*✨

Luud is a mutant?

A god? A machine? Who cares?

Just explain the nipples.

#dragon ball #2023dbapocryphaliveblog #dragon ball gt #really sucks #goku #trunks #pan #luud #dr mu #dolatki

[gear-project]

Before being recruited during the crusades, was Ky and the other soldiers were physically or magically enhanced in some ways? I'm asking becase I feel like, even if Ky was holding back and not trying to kill Sol in the past and before he obtain dragon install, it would take a tremendous amount of power of any kind to stop Gears

To get in to that you have to understand a bit of the history of Magic itself.

Magic (the knowledge and study of it) was actually being regulated by the Conclave at the time… that's exactly what the 666 Arcanum was… and that's also why Forbidden Magic (and by extension Information Flares) were considered "forbidden" in the first place.

That's not to say that Magic users didn't have Outliers and people who did forbidden research (hence what the Postwar Administration Bureau was actually tasked with doing, inhumane or otherwise). Their experiments on Humans and Gear conversion (among other black projects) further advanced knowledge of what Magic was capable of.

Even Faust's research on Resurrection was a major upset on its own.

Dizzy (at one point) makes a comment to Eddie about the Dark history between Gears and Forbidden Beasts… the latter of which were literally "programmed" to fight the former and sacrifice their tenuous lives as necessary.

This is a side of the war we don't see as often, but did occur… a battle between Gears and the advancement of the research on them.

It's this same research that created Zato, Testament, Judgement, Gig, and even Millia. Even Robo-Ky and A.B.A. to an extent.

If you compared the 666 Arcanum with the Tome of Origin, the difference would be like a Light Novel versus a Phone Book.

The Conclave had "some" knowledge of Magic, but they kept most of that knowledge to themselves… trying instead to stop Humanity's advancements as if they themselves were the enemies of Humans during the War.

Even the research on the Japanese, Ki Tuning, and other esoteric concepts were investigated, though how much of it became something of use is not fully clear.

Bedman himself is the result of such research as well, but he's still very much a mystery too.

It should be made clear that Ethics were not in their consideration at this point… so yes… "modified humans" were being used (like Leon Mining's God Series), and even the Assassins and Child Orphans were being used as test subjects for various research.

Solaria and Marina were also victims of this cruel experimentation. Tyr was the result of experiments that even shared a connection with the OutRage Sacred Treasures… though even he is still a big mystery as well.

As far as the Sacred Order is concerned, much of what they were capable of and the resources they were given was limited despite their "Holy Mission" of protecting Humanity from the Gears as a threat.

Even Ky was kept in the dark about the existence of the Bureau… though rumor had it that Kliff Undersn tried to disband the organization… usually such tasks are not so easy.

Not even Sol Badguy fully knew what his Gear powers were capable of… much less the full nature of whom was involved in Gear Research, try as he might to destroy any vestiges of it.

Still… it should be said that Kliff had the foresight to consider his resources well enough to task Sol and Ky with ending the War for good, even if it meant "stealing" the OutRage that the Conclave had been safeguarding for themselves.

It's likely that the Conclave didn't even WANT Ky to have the Thundersealed Sword in his possession, much less giving Sol the Fireseal. That was probably Kliff's influence at work.

Still, if one looks at the broad view of the War between Humanity and Gears… it was still something of a stalemate… Many of the Gears that existed were either too unstable to serve as an active effective force for Justice to utilize, or, assuming they were… Humans were still a capable fighting force, even without Magic.

Justice even went so far as to comment on the idea that Humans didn't NEED Gears to do their fighting for them, so in that sense, despite her Ego and Hatred, she was impressed.

Had Ky gone through on his Killing Intent to kill Sol as a Gear… it is more than likely Ky would have still lost, as Sol's power was still growing at that time, and Ky was also STILL very inexperienced as a Warrior both physically and emotionally (he was very hot-headed). In later duels with Sol, Ky even had his sword taken from him… that's how strong Sol was overall.

All the more reason why Kliff Undersn insisted on speaking with Sol directly instead of letting Ky handle the situation when Sol stole the OutRage Jinki.

Anyway… from a history perspective, the Knights did use different kinds of Magic to get a leg up in their battles against Gears… but in most cases it was never enough to win until much later.

#Crusades #Magic #666 Arcanum #Magic Regulation #GG Expanded Timeline #The Crusades #The Great War

[savior-of-humanity]

@rathalascendant

--

Laios was no stranger to finding himself in foreign and outright perilous locales. Except, unfortunately, the vast majority of his personal experience was with dungeon-diving and not with being lost in the middle of a vast jungle that was probably also in the middle of nowhere. At the very least he could tell, based on the sunlight that seeped in between the leaves of the upper canopy, that he was somewhere on the surface.

It also meant that he was totally alone.

Well, alone wasn't really an accurate term in this case, for while he may have been without companions, the forest around him was alive with wildlife - mostly unseen but definitely heard. Chirps and buzzes and calls of all kinds that were utterly alien to him. This place was, for all intents and purposes, paradise. The only thing that would've made it better was if the rest of the group were here - but then again, they likely wouldn't have been as thrilled as he was currently (with the exception of Falin, probably).

So Laios went exploring.

To list all of the things that caught his eye would've been an exhausting ordeal; all sorts of plants and mushrooms, insects bigger than his head, even some strange blue lizards that ran on two legs. They happened to run right past him - and at first he thought they must've been chasing down unseen prey.

At least, until he realized that the sound of something particularly large crashing through the underbrush was coming from behind him and not necessarily in front of him. Perhaps, if Chilchuck or Marcille had been here, they'd be urging him to move, get out of the way - but his feet remained glued to the ground not with fear but awe as the source made itself known.

The beast was huge, easily a few heads taller and almost the length of a small house from what he could make of it. The size of it wasn't what caught his eye however - it was that it bore the anatomical traits of a typical wyvern, yet also had physical traits of insects, from its exoskeleton-like armor to the beautifully intricate wings it possessed. Laios would've been perfectly content to spend a couple of hours studying what was surely a new species of dragon (or perhaps even a chimera?!), were it not for his quick realization that it was now standing over him with hunger glinting in its eyes.

Which led to his current predicament; actively running for his life with the aforementioned bug-wyvern hot on his heels. Though, as dire as the threat of being eaten was, Laios found the experience of being hunted to be quite educating, if not exhilarating. So far he'd found out that not only was the bug-wyvern surprisingly agile and fast for its size, but it could apparently conjure green-tinted lightning!

As much as Laios was willing to participate in this 'game' of cat-and-mouse, he didn't have infinite stamina; he'd have to find some means of escaping the bug-wyvern, but through the blur of foliage flying past his vision, and the rush of being chased down while running as fast as his legs could carry him, he didn't see any viable escape routes.

...He was starting to realize that he had a bit of a serious problem on his hands.

#rp thread #devourer of all things terrible; laios touden #threads of fate; crossover verse #rathalascendant #sorry this is a lil late!! and also long lol

[onewomancitadel]

I'm no stranger to discussing direct real life allegory of oppression narrative but at least with R/WBY (oh, at least) you can see how it relates to the themes of the story and the nonviolent stakes at hand, however clumsy it ended up being, and however clumsy I think the allegory was in the first place.

The difference with The Grisha Trilogy is that in a story about how power corrupts, I'm not sure that the Grisha oppression really has much to substantially say. It's more to give a vehicle to the Darkling's corruption and his villainy, so it's a means to an end. It thereby has serious consequences in commentary because the 'revolutionary villain' archetypes errrrr doesn't usually have positive things to say about the oppressed (and sympathy for villains in general). I mean I know it's ridiculous YA shit but it's also a major TV adaptation now so it has to be talked about. Now the TV show has changed the thematic stakes it's reallyyyyyy confused.

I generally don't find allegory that interesting because it leads to lazy analysis (and by allegory I mean actual allegory, as in x was y all along to make you think about it differently, not simile) and often times it has implications far beyond the text that the author didn't potentially consider. Say, the Faunus having magical powers/traits specific to them automatically neuters the allegory because that is not allegorical to any real-life racial or class oppression, thereby giving it bizarro implications. This is similar to the Grisha or the mages in Dragon Age, where mages can literally become possessed by demons and kill people. They are an actual threat with potentially magically devastating consequences, even if you disagree with the way the Templars handle it (which most people do), even if the threat is in some way a self-perpetuating one (e.g. all the fear surrounding spirits and demons, not realising demons are twisted spirits and they 'become what you believe them to be', the fact that mages are made monsters as a consequence of beliefs about mages - but it is not comparable to what people in real life experience because they don't have secret magical powers), and even if that potential threat from the Fade is from some earlier, much more monumental decisions (borne out of good intentions). The Mage vs. Templars threat situate Solas' decisions in the next game.

But clearly you can't say the elves or the mages are direct allegory (yes, even the elves, because they had a magical kingdom and they might also have been actual spirits who took on physical forms, there's all sorts of stuff there that makes it different). The problem is that Anders blowing up the Chantry does relate to real-life events and choosing to depict him heroically or villainously makes specific commentary on real life events, despite the fact the allegory is all warped. So now you've effectively poisoned the well of fandom discussion because I have to put up with people calling Solas a 'genocider' for years despite the fact all of this is a made up fantastical scenario with magical consequences, because there is demonstrably BAD ALLEGORY at play (also they don't know what genocide means). It's clumsy and it's silly. Of course I also think there are issues with depicting freedom movements etc. like the way mages are locked up, you're telling me there are not more mages banding together even way before Kirkwall to free themselves etc. they have magic superpowers!!!! The problem also with oppression allegory is that it usually just depicts mindless, mindless milennia of oppression until something happens, when we know in history there are plenty, plenty of uprisings and occasions of Trying To Change Things.

But that's exactly what I mean, the allegory can get out of hand quickly. I think it's natural to draw on real life events and experiences and it's probably natural there will be points of convergence (there are only so many ways to depict human suffering) but that means you need to be thoughtful about it and approach it on the narrative's terms with specific ideas you want to explore... the Mage vs. Templar conflict as a setting to explore Solas' villainy and decision to change the world back is interesting. There's no real life allegory for that because no one has ever physically changed the fabric of the real world with magically disastrous consequences (which were necessary to free his people from magical enslavement).

To circle back around to the Faunus, the Faunus plotline makes sense because there was a movement for freedom, then a corrupting force tried to twist it, and there was a redemption - which ties to the themes of redemption in the story, and the themes of nonviolence, and the themes of separation and things Not Being Quite Right. The Faunus emerge after Ozma returns to Remnant when he's resurrected, and they represent the symbolic breakage of humanity, and humanity oppressing the Faunus is oppressing its other half. But does that work as real life allegory? In many ways, no, and perhaps chief of all because they're people with animalic traits. I really wish they had leant into the fantasy element more and more of the element of hurting yourself, but they went with direct allegory and they had to commit to it even harder. As I've said before I do hope that Ilia is the Summer Maiden because it would tie the Faunus storyline to the magical storyline better, and I hope that Cinder is redeemed because it also redeems some of those themes surrounding wounded villains and systemic violence.

But allegory fucks it. Allegory fucks it. Allegory is such a messy, unwieldy thing.

#blah blah blah #on the faunus

[cortexreaver]

apparently i wrote this in november i assume i never posted it because 1. it was stupid 2. drafts temporarily ate it thus 3. i forgot. it's probably an unfinished list of half-formed thoughts i dont remember what most of it says anyway end preface start post:

in the approximate month since i first played it ive apparently spent around 218 hours blocking out the horrors with dragon age inquisition at the time of starting to write this post. so heres my review but not really these are just #thoughts about an 8-year-old video game. this got out of control i need it out of my drafts but at this point i dont want to just delete it. longest fucking post ive ever written anywhere under the cut

initial + overall thoughts: i had low expectations and when i started out and the character creator sliders were different and the combat was different and the skill trees were sideways and you couldnt manually distribute your attributes and everything was hd realistic shiny raytrace 4k particle physics like youve never seent hem before and so on and so forth my kneejerk reaction having just played dao: awakening was "this feels weird, i'm gonna hate this." and there were a lot of things i didn't like about it but there were things i thought i wouldn't like that i ended up enjoying. the former was mainly plot and lore stuff and some gameplay mechanics and the latter was individual writing of many characters and level design and, most surprisingly, crafting (i liked the masterwork material stuff)

THOUGHTS ON PLOT: as stated above i thought it was some silly shit but i'm gonna keep it vague because zeroing in on each point i had issues with or just thought was lame would make this post even longer than it's going to be. so like the thing is i thought the game before this one was also fucking stupid however da2 got a pass from me because, in addition to it being produced in a time frame far too narrow for what it was supposed to be, it's all SO melodramatic and half-baked and so many things go nightmarishly wrong for hawke and pals that it loops around to being fun. inquisition i assume is also supposed to be an emotional rollercoaster but nothing really hit for me like some parts of da2 did. obviously that in itself isn't a bad thing, and it could partly be a me problem. hold that thought and peruse two paragraphs of rambling that i don't want to cut out but would fit even worse if tacked them on the end of this section.

one big thing i noticed is that inquisition feels less concerned with your character's background and their personal journey over the course of the game. i realize i'm not alone in this sentiment but that's the consequence of playing a game 8 years late. at times it was hard to pin down exactly why my inquisitor felt so flat compared to to my wardens and hawkes, but—when it wasn't a majority of the voice lines being read in almost the exact same cadence—i think it had something to do with the fact that the game starts with its focus on introducing the first big universal threat rather than introducing you to your character. your background is a short paragraph on the character creation screen and it gets referenced a few times for light flavor and if/when people are being racist towards you (i played as an elf) (i have thoughts on how odd playing this game as a dalish elf felt but nothing that hasn't been said before by pretty much every other person who's played as an elf)

in contrast origins has its backgrounds that each set a distinct tone and serve as introductions to various aspects of the da universe as well as giving context for how your character became a grey warden while leaving enough blanks for you to feel in control of your character's personality; similarly, da2's entire first two acts detail how a guy with nothing but a magnetic personality and the power of These Hands* became so respected by the freak shits running the city he fled to from his plague-ridden homeland that they turned to him to resolve their nuclear slapfight. in inquisition you're a pariah for the first like five minutes and then everyone realizes your special hand makes you the only person capable of fixing everything and after passing out from the power of your own earthshattering swag you awake to find yourself effectively in charge of an organization devoted to being heroic. life hack i guess

*not to be confused with inquisition's The Hand

inquisition's main theme, i think, was the past; looking at the past and its inhabitants for what they really were, even when the truth challenges one's beliefs. it's a clash between the past and the present for control of the future. the inquisition unwaveringly pushes towards the future even if it means discarding the past; the main villain, literally one of the guys whose foolery and fuckery spawned the chantry's canticle about evil mages walking into god's house and trashing it, is a walking relic of the past and he clings to it even as he's losing, crying out for The Old Gods to save him as you strike the final blow. you wage war on his supporters, you find the cracks in his armor, you kill his lame ass dragon because that's the only way to ensure he's dead for real this time or some shit, you kill him, you kill the past. it's a fitting theme for a game that strays so far from its prequels in almost every aspect to have woven into it.

near the end i took a break to finally play origins' witch hunt dlc and realized that that was where the concepts of fade rifts and eluvians and morrigan having mysterious motives were first established which provided context for parts of inquisition that i previously thought had been pulled out of someone's ass. 99% my bad for assuming a dlc wouldn't contain seeds of main plot points given that inquisition's main villain is the jokester from da2's legacy dlc but arguably 1% not my bad because my assumption was based on the amount of shit from origins that either didn't matter later in the series or underwent changes so drastic they bordered on retcon.

i thought it was funny that the mage-templar conflict that was built up over the course of the first two games escalated off-screen to a war that you personally ended in main story mission 3 of 10 (11 counting the trespasser dlc) and then the chodester whose shit you kicked in in legacy shows up and yoinks the spotlight. sure legacy ends with the implication that you haven't seen the last of his funny ass but if i hadn't already spoiled his role in inquisition for myself i would've been like no way it's this guy again you are shitting me. there's another bigger villain after this one right? but no it's just him and his pet dragon and then your shiftiest companion who is definitely a mortal being steals morrigan's "i have...... plans. goodbye my friend" bit except with more of a lore dump because he physically can't shut the fuck up. also objectively funny that you can have your character become convinced that they have indeed been sent by god to build a paramilitary force so powerful it starts freaking people out. the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a cult is a good guy with a cult

OTHER WRITING THOUGHTS jesus fucking christ this post is long: i liked a lot of the writing on an individual character basis. i had warmed up to pretty much every companion i wasn't big on by the end of the game, i think because i took the time to chat with them when given the option to and did everyone's personal quests. they all have at least one moment where it becomes clear why they are the way they are, what experiences have shaped their values and worldview and personality. i did not like that the wardens were fully turned into another dumb asshole brigade which is another thing that started in legacy that i wouldn't have expected to continue in a main installment, in this case because iirc the wardens trying to summon a darkspawnimation whatever the fuck in legacy were just some fringe weirdos in the desert? maybe i'm remembering wrong. anyway yeah remember when the wardens were scapegoats in origins well this time they're bad for real* to fuckin uhhh make a point about how anyone can become corrupted or something idk you can still collect grey warden decorations for your nice guys inc. headquarters though and nobody gives a shit

*"what about the time those fereldan wardens tried to overthrow king arland in 7:5 storm" not my prablem

THOUGHTS ON LEVEL DESIGN AND VISUALS: uh i wasn't expecting this game to be so big for some reason and by the time i finished i was a little over it but initially i was pleasantly surprised that there was still more to see wherever i was and excited to explore it all. aside from one cave in the storm coast where my party would get stuck in a corner and some rare (completely optional) pure platforming that was placed in the game by devils to taunt completionist dickheads like me every area is laid out really well

#final editors note what is it about this series that makes people physically incapable of shutting the fuck up about it #ive never willingly had this much to say on paper about anything else ever genuinely unrecognizable behavior

[dailyrugbytoday]

Wales players are still of their Six Nations clash with England

New Post has been published on https://thedailyrugby.com/wales-players-still-waiting-six-nations-clash/

The Daily Rugby

https://thedailyrugby.com/wales-players-still-waiting-six-nations-clash/

Wales players are still of their Six Nations clash with England

Wales’ Six Nations stars refused to buckle under pressure on Tuesday from their rugby bosses with the nation now set for judgement day on a possible player strike.

Wales stars refuse to buckle over strike with Saturday’s Six Nations clash against England in Cardiff in MAJOR doubt as players fume over pressure from WRU to withdraw threat ahead of Wednesday’s judgement day.

It is not any exaggeration to mention that the very destiny of Wales’ country wide sport rests on what will show up in discussions between the Welsh Rugby Union and Warren Gatland’s gamers.

More News :: All Blacks game today

On Wednesday morning, Welsh rugby’s Professional Rugby Board, which is made from representatives from the WRU, the u . S . A .’s four areas and independent electorate, will meet. Later, in the afternoon, the PRB will take a seat down with each expert participant in Wales.

Unless the 2 events can come to an agreement at the needs recommend via the gamers, the Wales squad are nonetheless motive on placing for Saturday’s crunch Championship recreation with England.

On Tuesday, Wales head educate Gatland expressed his perception there could soon be a decision and that the England suit would be on.

But at the day Gatland cancelled naming his crew for the scheduled Principality Stadium conflict at the 11th hour, no such agreement became reached.

As they left their education base inside the Vale of Glamorgan, contributors of Gatland’s squad indicated to Sportsmail a participant assembly had come up with no solutions.

It approach Welsh rugby’s day of destiny has now arrived.

Sportsmail understands Wales’ players, who have laid out three most important needs, have been livid at being placed underneath strain to withdraw their strike chance and comply with the phrases proposed via the WRU.

One of their prerequisites is the abolishment of Welsh rugby’s debatable 60 cap rule which restricts gamers from gambling home rugby out of doors of Wales and also featuring at worldwide stage except they have got that number of Test appearances. Interim WRU leader govt Nigel Walker is thought to be seeking to decrease that quantity to round 30 which has not been nicely obtained.

Wales’ gamers additionally want the elimination of a variable detail of their contracts and a participant voice at PRB degree and simplest one of these has been rectified so far. Even that – the participant representation element – hasn’t been fully brought. Welsh Rugby Players’ Association chief executive Gareth Lewis will be capable of sit in on PRB meetings, but now not be able to vote.

Gatland’s squad educated on Tuesday morning but their scheduled afternoon session changed into cancelled so as for in addition conferences to take area.

Gatland stated doing so became so that it will get ‘clarity’ and he added: ‘I’m confident with the discussions taking place something gets resolved.

More News :: All Bllacks Bledisloe Cup

Wales will face a crunch day on Wednesday when all professional players will meet

There is also the capacity for short-term decisions to be made today (WEDS) in a hurry to avoid a player strike that could have lengthy-term influences in years if no longer a long time to return. For example, abolishing the 60 cap rule might probable lead to a Welsh participant exodus.

Sportsmail first discovered that Welsh participant strike movement was a possibility remaining week and 8 days on, that stays the case. In the history, there’s additionally huge dissatisfaction at nearby degree.

The four aspects – Dragons, Cardiff, Ospreys and Scarlets – are unwilling to signal an agreement that could see their annual funding from the WRU drop considerably. Everywhere you appearance in Welsh rugby right now, a fireplace burns.

Several of them will must be positioned out if a player strike is to be prevented. As Welsh rugby’s very own judgement day arrives, the power remains within the players’ palms.

[voluptuarian]

Also not to go completely nuts on asoiaf today, but like, one of the major themes of that series-- maybe the major theme-- is how humanity in this world lives at the mercy of forces outside their control and beyond their understanding, be it magic, gods, other species, or the weather (and if we really go into, maybe even human nature-- though that's getting beyond the scope of this rant).

Whatever security they achieve, they continue to be vulnerable to the predations or even just the fallout of the existence of these forces-- Patchface, for instance, or the Stone Men, or potentially whatever happened to to Aerea Targargyen.

Humanity has generally tried to achieve security and control by serving or seeking alliances with these forces-- the followers of R'llhor, or Craster are examples of this path, as are most the historical founders of Westeros' Houses, like Garth Greenhand. Alternatively they've tried to exterminate these forces, as the First Men did with the Children of the Forest. (I think you could consider this first option the oldest way of dealing with it, and the second the new way; certainly extermination is the most popular choice in Westeros at the story's beginning, and one the influential factions in Westeros have worked hard to continue).

The Valyrians went for a third option, and tried to subvert the situation entirely by seeking to transcend the limits of their humanity and either becoming more like these forces, or actually becoming them (depending on how exactly you interpret Valyrian magic)-- basically they went Bloodborne, but were actually successful. I would consider this the intermediate path between service and extermination, and while it lasted it made the Valyrians uniquely powerful; they didn't refer to themselves as "like dragons" but as dragons, and they didn't serve the creatures, but acted as their masters or partners, and they relied on the power of the Fourteen Flames a resource they controlled, rather than one they served-- temporarily at least. (This is a path the Targaryens continue to try and take, even as their power is dwindling-- Aerion's death resulted from a direct attempt to transcend himself and literally become a dragon; likely the fire at Summerhall, and potentially even Aerea's vanishment and death are tied to similar ideas, ones that the reader and most of Westeros are not privy to, but that continue to dominate the Targaryen's imaginations-- frankly I've started to wonder if Daenerys' abilities and achievements aren't the direct result of the deaths at Summerhall, overlooked because they manifested differently than expected, and too late to be useful.)

Even after the Doom they were still far more powerful than anyone around them, and their advantages allowed them to unite the continent under their banner. Their approach didn't fit Westeros well in the long run, however. Westeros of the ancient past was amenable to wheeling and dealing with supernatural forces to get ahead, but by the time the Night King came along, that wasn't acceptable behavior anymore-- the extinction method quickly became Westeros' favored approach when dealing with these factors, and they increasingly drew on their own ingenuity to protect themselves, even devising systems to survive long winters and keep the forces they couldn't eradicate out of their hair. (I would argue the Maesters are probably the closest thing to an intermediate path that still exists in Westeros, all while they stalwartly hide the fact and work to undermine and destroy any competition.)

As representatives (or members of) a supernatural faction, the Targaryens superseded the Westerosi system, and thus threatened it. Ingenuity and ambition could only get you so far against dragons, face to face at least. So-- beginning with the dragons and then with the dynasty-- the Targaryens and their Valyrian legacy were removed.

However humans deal with them, the powerful threat of natural and supernatural forces is a constant in this world, and choosing between serving these forces or wiping them out-- or in the rarest cases, of rising to their level-- is a continuous point of tension culturally and individually-- one that was entirely ignored in the show, and which ultimately crippled it.

It's obvious just in titles; the books, where politics is the momentary distraction blinding humanity from the supernatural extinction event waiting outside their door, are called A Song of Ice and Fire-- the power of Westeros' nature, at the very least, is the focus, if not a full supernatural and cosmological interplay. Meanwhile the show is Game of Thrones-- the politics is the heart, human ambition is the center--- instead of the supernatural we get (very shallow) fascism vs monarchy vs democracy, "chaos is a ladder" circle-jerking (as voice over alongside actual sex acts), and the world's most self aware dialogue ever in "if you were expecting a happy ending, you weren't paying attention," gleefully drawing on the supernatural and supranatural realm of fairy tales and then letting us know this show is too edgy for any of that nonsense.

The long history of Westeros' families negotiating power through supernatural alliances is never mentioned; characters make prophecies that are never really fulfilled or explained; the potentially cursed aspect of grey scale is ignored, portrayed only as a disease; whatever the Fuck is going on with the ocean in the books is completely nonexistent; magic only (potentially) exists if it is involves killing people, or while centered around acceptably "serious" ice zombies and dragons, and very badly explained; the climactic meeting of 2 opposing supernatural forces was neutered for some parkour and a "politics (ahem *feminism* ahem) was the real threat all along" finale, and a completely random presidential election somehow less satisfying than the real thing.

They gutted Westeros' central reality and allowed humans to achieve a magic-less, semi-secular, "hard work and ingenuity" path to security and achievement without exploring or satisfyingly dispensing with the myriad of natural and supernatural elements that make that untenable as things stand in the books, and didn't even give us a proper ice vs. fire showdown to get us there. It makes as much sense as adapting Pride and Prejudice and then pretending the concepts of marriage and family don't exist-- this factor is so important to the story that there isn't one without it.

Fucking BOGGLES the mind.

(Off the soapbox, though, if my expectations for the books are correct, and "ice" and "fire" are both pretty much obliterated by the end, allowing for humans to at least have some control over their environment and future, I wonder how long that will last. Valyria, and whatever untold horrors populate it, is not currently a problem because nobody goes there; if that were ever to change, and Valyrian elements made their way into the rest of Westeros, what is anyone going to do then? Or a thousand years from now when the Lovecraftian abominations at the bottom of the ocean decide visiting the surface would be fun, what possible defense plan will Westeros have? I mean, maybe the Valyrians had the right idea all along, you know...?)

#wrote this instead of doing my Ottoman history readings lmao #randomly started thinking about this series in depth again this week and now I can't stop #maybe it is time for that re-read #also I still haven't read the world of ice and fire sooo.. #a song of ice and fire #asioaf #a song of blood and mud and magic

[a-weird-writer]

Would diablo kill his lover if Rimuru ordered him?

In the long run, yes.

Warning; Angst and Dark themes (Death, emotional turmoil and mentions of betrayal.)

Diablo has shown nothing less than incredible loyalty and unwavering respect to his eternal master, Rimuru's orders go above all his personal feelings, going as far to be willing to sacrifice himself and his subordinates. As long as it helps his master, he would do anything to get him one step closer to achieving his master's goals. In all honesty, I think he'd go as far to ask Rimuru himself if he may be the one to kill them.

Rimuru isn't a remorseless or cruel leader, merciless to his enemies, in passing judgment. Able to understand his foe's ideals, but if they pose a threat to his city then his citizen's safety is his first priority. The lover would've had to be an active present threat to Tempest or a traitor of sorts. He wouldn't order the death of anyone without a proper reason, his hands are bloodied enough as it is, lives by a moral code; no death unless it is a complete necessity. Diablo knows his great master is like this from his constant observation of him, servants hear and know everything. Not to mention Diablo doesn't keep his beloved a secret from him, or anyone else. He wouldn't announce it aimlessly, your personal lives are private and should be respected, but will tell if asked. Demons are selfish in their sin, and while his lord has taken it upon himself to bear a majority of the sins of and for his people, Diablo doesn't want his precious lord to burden himself with a problem Diablo feels responsibility over. He should've watched you more carefully, should've been more aware, less lenient.

A lover of Diablo is someone of extraordinary importance to him, a rarity he protects furiously. A great storm awakens if anyone dares to take his beloved, disaster will strike, he guards his precious treasure with might equal to the great Dragons. However he regards them, they won't be ranked higher than his lord, never. Butlers are tied to their masters, soul bound by name. No matter how close they may be to someone else, the master is first and foremost. Tempest is his home, where his most important memories of his master became. Its important to his master, so its important to Diablo. He will allow no one to harm it, over his dead body. Depending how deeply you slighted his lord, forgiveness may never come.

If it is inedible, in your confrontation, Diablo would kill his lover.

The devil loves games, he always wins, but no games here. This is serious business; cares not to disgrace his lord by acting like a fool. Diablo prefers to make it painless, quick and easy. In testament, in honor for all you have done together, your determined death will come swift and simple, numb as his heart. Take it as his last declaration of love for you, all before he officially loses it.

If you roughhouse, fight back against him, he won't bother making you come quietly. No sugarcoating. He won't play with them like he usually does with his prey, if anything, he probably allows you to let loose on himself, lay out your fortitude. Stall time for you to put your foot down, state whatever little excuse or monologue you prepared. Parrying your moves and dodging earnestly, straightened back and eyes forward, tirelessly refined in his mission, ever elegant. The butler is maturely modest, tidying your mess. Avoiding blood splatters on his neat suit, too much dust and dirt on his shoes.

Conduct all your attacks on him, reveal all the cards in your deck, do all you can to defeat Diablo, because it will be the final moves you make until he finally subdues you, held back far more than originally anticipated. He wishes it didn't have to be like this, but he can't twist fate to his whims. His goodbye to you is silence, he hardly uttered more than a single sentence your entire encounter, the air breathes dread, yet your former lover holds no tears. His gaze is powerful, but dead, a sickening blank. There is no anger, no burning molten golds in his eyes, dimmer than they ever been. He prepared himself for his, hardened his resolve and bordered his sorrows. Whatever you can't see, its covered by a false mask of indifference. You catch the slightest flutter of his dark keen eyelashes, nerves tighten, it threatens to hurt, it eventually does. A pitiful grimace of sadness you aren't sure you actually saw, it surely looked real. Almost as if he really was crying waterfalls. True monsters, true demons can't weep, nor sob, they can't shed tears. No matter how much they want too, and Diablo doesn't. He can't, why should he? Can't show weakness, can't break, not in front of a traitor. Peering into his bright red sun, dwarfed by the swirling yellow, the center of the cruel galaxy of tainted gold for the last time, you notice they aren't shining as passionately as they used too.

Thats a disappointment, his shine, his beauty was your daily boost, your confidence, your energy. One look was all it took for you to melt, in a good way. His eyes were coins, worthy of God's vault. Where no angel, demon, monster or human could reach it. If only you could collect them, hide them away from anyone else but yourself...

You won't see it-the smooth flick of his claws-till your head is dethroned, cut almost too clean, from your neck.

#ask #anon #anonymous #diablo #noir #tw death #tw death mention #tw angst #tw betrayal #ttigraas #ttigraas x reader #diablo x reader #that time i got reincarnated as a slime #that time i got reincarnated as a slime x reader

[azucanela]

Hi! i’d like to request a Zuko x Reader oneshot please and it takes place a few years after he’s crowned as the Fire Lord: Zuko is entering suitable age for marriage and yet he has no one that he likes enough to take as his queen, what if Uncle Iroh hired the reader whom is a famous matchmaker that usually arranges the courting & marriage between nobles, but instead of all these ladies that she threw at him he ended up falling for her instead but he’s just so awkward and inexperienced Thank u

INAMORATA | ZUKO X READER

SUMMARY: after a few years of being Fire Lord, Zuko still hasn’t found a companion. so naturally, when Iroh comes upon a matchmaker, he does what he does best and helps Zuko out by hiring her to help him find someone. and inadvertently... iroh ends up playing matchmaker himself. 

WORD COUNT: 12.6k

WARNINGS: mentions of death, death threats, kissing, pining, very mild innuendos, blood, injuries, crying

A/N: this is literally art omg i feel kinda honored to be seeing this ngl and i ended up researching matchmaking and they’re basically therapists that help you find love?? kinda. the profile thing is something that some matchmakers do and idk i have fun analyzing zuko so

in·am·o·ra·ta/iˌnaməˈrädə/

noun

a woman with whom one is in love or has intimate relations.

ATTEMPT ZERO

After years of being the Fire Lord, Zuko had come to realize the job was pretty basic if you thought about it long enough. There were just a few major things to deal with. First, there’s the internal relations, like the civil wars and uprising he deal with at the start of his reign because people disliked his ways. Then there’s the external relations, Zuko worked alongside Aang to repair those, helping the Southern Water Tribe rebuild itself from the ground up, and hosting meetings between the nations, friendly and work related. Those are the more diplomatic aspects of the job, and sadly, even as a ruler who sought to end a war, there was still violence in the world. 

When Aang and the rest of Team Avatar ended the One Hundred Year War, that only exposed a variety of other problems within the world, problems that the team seeked to end. There were people out there who disliked this line of thinking, and similarly wanted it to end, but ending the lives of Team Avatar.

Zuko was used to the death threats, and the assassination attempts. He’d had a security detail in place to ensure he lived to rule his nation, this was especially necessary since he lacked an heir and the only other people eligible for the throne were an old man who ran a tea shop and a psychopathic teenage girl in a mental institution. This is where the social aspect of the job came in, the part that Zuko had never been good at. The Galas and the girls who threw themselves at him, the nobility of all nations that approached him offering their children’s hand in marriage. Zuko was an enigma, a young and powerful bachelor, and now all the nobles with children were lining up for a minute alone with him to try and sell their own kids.

It disgusted him. The way they treated their children like cattle reminded Zuko of his own father, how willing he was to get rid of Zuko since he had a replacement on standby. Though, Zuko sincerely doubted he ever would’ve gotten the throne if Ozai had a choice, even if he hadn’t been banished. 

Alas, even Zuko could recognize the urgency of it, the death threats weren’t letting up, and the assassination attempts were only getting more and more elaborate, leaving Zuko wondering when they’d no longer be attempts. He needed and heir, or at least a wife who could rule alongside him and take over entirely in the event of his death.

The problem was, he didn’t want this.

He was in a unique position, where the person he married would have an immense effect on society, on politics. If it was an Earth Kingdom girl, then maybe the years of violence against their people could be mended sooner, and they could begin working together to combat a variety of issues. If he ends up with a Fire Nation girl, it could be viewed as strengthening the traditional ideals of Fire Nation independence and sovereignty because the Fire Nation is “supreme.”

Dating was political now and he hated it. It wasn’t like Zuko wanted to be alone, it’s just that now everything mattered far more than it used to. Of course, even as a prince it had been the same, but now that he was the Fire Lord, things seemed to be ten times worse. Perhaps it was excessive but Zuko couldn’t help but feel paranoid whenever a new person entered his life, he couldn’t help but assume that they were just using him for some other agenda.

Of course, his friends had tried to assure him this wasn’t always the case, and they’d even made attempts to set him up with girls. All of which had failed. Zuko knew he wasn’t an easy person, much less an easy person to date. As Fire Lord, a lot of his time was taken up by meetings, and diplomatic missions, and not-so-diplomatic missions alongside Team Avatar. That and he was rather awkward when it came down to most social interactions, though he’d improved over time, especially as the ruler of a nation, his speeches were elegant and so was the way he negotiated with other kingdoms. 

And yet he struggled to talk to strangers.

Iroh seemed to be tired of this as well, he’d sent Zuko several letters in regards to his lack of romance, insisting that he was a “handsome young man” that had “lots of potential” and he was “wasting” his prime with so much work. Zuko didn’t consider managing a country as a waste, though he understood where Iroh was coming from, Zuko probably should’ve been spending time with friends, going to clubs. Not saving the world.

Regardless, there wasn’t much he could do about, he didn’t have time for dating, and Zuko wasn’t willing to compromise his morals and beliefs just for an heir in the event that he got brutally murdered. He refused to raise a child just for that purpose. He learnt the hard way that you should only have kids if you intend to cherish them. And the idea of marrying someone just to strengthen his nation felt wrong, though he could see the benefits.

God, he hated being Fire Lord sometimes.

On the other hand, Y/N L/N liked her job. Amongst the nobility of the Earth Kingdom, she was a rather famous woman, Y/N had brought together some of the most powerful couples in the country. A lot of people owed her favors, and the money that came with the job was more than satisfactory. If Y/N had to guess, she was one of the richest people in the kingdom, considering how much people were willing to pay to fine “the one.” Her business had been rather successful since she’d gotten renowned in the inner ring of the city, and now, Y/N was considering expansion, to the Fire Nation. The borders had long since reopened, when the new Fire Lord came into power.

A whole new set of nobles for her to profit from. 

She’d decided to head to a high end tea shop in celebration of her choice to expand her business. Y/N had heard it was only for the best, since the tea shop served the best. One of her clients had insisted that someone of her esteem try the tea there, given that she was the best in her own profession.

So, here she was. It was a nice place, she wouldn’t deny, and Y/N had heard of the shop before. The Jasmine Dragon, run by some old guy who’d appeared in Ba Sing Se just before the war ended with some major talent when it came to brewing tea. The interior was fancy, but not excessive, several people were already seated within. Y/N even recognized one of the couples there, who waved at her enthusiastically, “hello! Lady L/N, how lovely to see you!” One of them called out.

Y/N smiled at them, “how are you two?”

The other beamed at her as she responded, “oh we’re just lovely! Preparing our wedding invitations and one of them has your name on it.” This wasn’t abnormal, most of the couples she’d brought together attributed their love to her. In actuality, Y/N found that if you found two people with compatible personalities, then they’d work things out on their own. All she did was introduce them. 

“I’m excited!” Y/N assured, moving past their table, “now if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to try this famous tea. But, I’m looking forward to the invite.” 

The pair nodded, before returning their attention the friends seated across from them, and Y/N made her way to the front of the shop, bag of coins in hand. An older man stood behind the counter, a smile on his face as he brought his attention to her, “what can I get you today Miss...”

“Y/N. Y/N L/N.” She replied, small smile on her face as she looked at the menu, “what’s your name?” Y/N asked, meeting his eyes to see the flicker of recognition within them before returning her gaze to the menu.

He nods slowly, “I’m Iroh, and you’re a matchmaker, no?” He’d recognized the name, her business had begun gaining traction amongst the nobility of the Earth Kingdom shortly after the war, and she was one of the most sought after matchmakers in the nation. Iroh himself had looked into her business, seeing as his nephew was yet to find love in his chaotic lifetstyle. 

Y/N smiled at him as she nodded, “indeed.” She placed the menu down, “any suggestions?”

“Perhaps, Jasmine tea?” He suggested.

Y/N nodded, “sounds good.” She places extends a hand with coins, dropping them into his palm, “so are you looking for love?” Though she was certainly famous for her skills, Y/N tended to work behind the scenes, and she was surprised to find this man recognized her.

A small laughed escaped him at her words as he shook his head, “no. I believe it is a little too late for that.” He was working on her tea beyond the counter, and Y/N began to wonder how he was steaming the tea pot when she noticed there was no stove beside him.

“Don’t say that! You seem like a fine man that anyone woman would want.” Y/N assured, though she now wondered why exactly this man knew who she was in the first place. It was rare for those outside of nobility to know who she was.

Turning around, his hand pressed to the pot that Y/N was positive had to have been burning his hand in some way, “oh, you’re too kind.” He replies, a small smile on his face as he poured a bit into a cup, “I was looking to help my nephew find love actually.” 

“Really, now?” Firebending, that was the only explanation for the way this man was handling the tea. “I was looking to expand my business to the Fire Nation, perhaps I could help him out.” He didn’t hold himself the way most Earth Kingdom citizens did, and coupled with the possible Firebending, he was likely from the Fire Nation.

Iroh raises a brow at this, “what gave me away?” He stirs the tea a few times, before placing it on the counter for her to take. 

Y/N shrugs, “it’s my job to know people well enough that I can find them a match.” Taking a sip of her tea, she smiles, “so this nephew of yours. He wouldn’t happen to nobility, would he?”

He laughs at this, pouring himself a cup of tea as well as he sighs, “actually, he is nobility. In a way.”

Now Y/N did not expect the nobility Iroh spoke of the be the nobility. As in the Fire Lord, the actual ruler of the entire nation, though this would certainly be great for business. Once the world hears of how Y/N found the Fire Lord, someone who had been notably difficult to woo apparently, a match, her business will be set. 

“Isn’t this exciting, guys?” Y/N exclaimed, looking to her assistants, they were both on the younger side, Marcella and Evelyn. She’d brought them along since this would definitely be a valuable learning experience, and Y/N figured she’d need a lot of help if the Fire Lord was as difficult as they made him out to be. That and Y/N didn’t want to leave them alone in the Earth Kingdom, both of them had been orphaned at a young age. Y/N couldn’t help but relate to them, so when she’d come upon her newfound wealth, brought about by her job as a matchmaker, she’d taken the pair under her wing. 

With a bag thrown over her shoulder, Evelyn simply nodded while Marcella exclaimed, “yes! I’ve always wanted to see the Fire Nation. Do you think we could find a client in one of the Water Tribes next?” 

Y/N couldn’t help but smile at the young girl’s excitement, “if this goes well? We’ll be able to find clients anywhere.” She wasn’t wrong, Y/N had never had the opportunity to work with the actual Earth King, the true ruler of the nation. Now she was working with the ruler of a nation she’d never stepped foot in, entirely new customs and traditions to research, a new social structure, new everything.

What a fun challenge.

With a smile on her face, Y/N followed closely behind Iroh, the palace was stunning, she couldn’t deny it. And compared to the crumbling infrastructure of the lower rings of cities like Ba Sing Se, Fire Nation cities were prospering Fire Lord Zuko’s rule. From what she’d heard, things weren’t always this way.

“Y/N and I are going to wait here,” he gestured to the open space before them, dozens of paintings within it, “these two will take you to your rooms.” He explained to the pair of young girls, nodding to the servants beside them, who began to guide the young girls away.

Y/N’s eyes found their way to the paintings, the newest one being of the current Fire Lord, Zuko himself. She wondered how accurate the painting was, and seeing as she would be meeting him soon, Y/N figured she’d find out as she sighed, turning to Iroh, “so how does the original heir to the throne become the owner of an infamous tea shop?” 

Iroh smiles to himself at her words, “age brings wisdom. And tea is a nice substitute for alcohol.” He jokes, though Y/N can see the pain in his eyes, along with admiration as he stares at Zuko’s portrait alongside her.

“Uncle!” A voice exclaimed, joy clear in his voice as he called out. Y/N watched as Iroh spun around, a broad smile on his face as he moved forwards to embrace the person.

He looked better in person, Y/N quickly decided, though the portrait did its job just as well. She wouldn’t deny he was attractive, but she already knew looks weren’t the issue. Iroh had informed her of the situation, Zuko’s constant rejection of any and every single person that approached him, and the stress he experienced because of the politics of it all.

“Nephew, it is good to see you,” Iroh said, releasing him from the hug, “how are you?” Initially he seemed fairly comfortable at the sight of just his Uncle, but as the Fire Lord’s body seemed to stiffen, Y/N realized she’d been spotted.

So, he wasn’t comfortable with strangers, “I’m alright Uncle... who is this?” He asked. There was an edge to his voice as he spoke, sizing Y/N up, not in the way you did for someone you were attracted to, but for an enemy.

Uncomfortable with new people, clear trust issues, and his mind was always alert. She’d have to write these things down and take them into consideration prior to finding him a potential partner. Though it was starting to look like he was completely unaware of her purpose there as she extended her hand out to him, “Y/N L/N. Professional matchmaker.” She explained with a bright smile, though, based off his personality, that would likely ward him off more.

He was polite though, shaking her hand despite his clear suspicions of her, “Zuko.” Y/N couldn’t help but raise a brow at this, he hadn’t mentioned his title in his introduction. Zuko turned to his Uncle, brows furrowing as he said, “you hired a professional matchmaker?”

With a shrug Iroh responded, “we met by chance! So, it must be destiny.”

Zuko gives him a tight lipped smile, nodding slowly before returning his attention to Y/N who stood away from the pair, examining the decor of the palace. It was minimalistic, truly basic if she was honest, despite the clear amount of riches they possessed, it lacked evidence of them. Bringing her eyes back to him, he spoke, “you don’t need to be here. You can receive your pay, but I personally see no purpose for a matchmaker.”

Iroh frowned at his words, “Zuko, you need to give it a chance! Unlike all those ladies who keep throwing themselves at you. Besides, she seems rather good at her job.” His gaze was on his nephew as he sighed, giving Y/N an apologetic look that she simply waved off.

“Oh, it’s fine. It just won’t be for long.” Zuko raised a brow at her words, and Y/N watched his feet shifted, “no need to prepare for a fight, your majesty.” She hummed, rolling her neck, in the corner of her eye she could see shock flash in his own. “You see, as a matchmaker I do several things, including developing a little... profile of my clients. Now we just met but I can already tell you a variety of things about you that’s making your love life rather trivial.” Even before she had to develop the profiles professionally, in the lower rings of Ba Sing Se, being capable of reading others was a necessary skill.

Zuko’s eyes narrowed at her, “and what have you determined, in the very short time we’ve known each other.”

A small laugh escaped her as she extended her arms and cracked her knuckles, “well. You have major trust issues, which is why you are desperately trying to keep me at arms length. That’s one reason why you have yet to find someone.” Turning her attention to the decor of the large room, Y/N closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. “Given the lack of interior design, I would say you’re struggling with social aspects of your job, and you need a partner. One that I can help you find.” 

“See! I told you she’s good at what she does.” Iroh exclaimed, moving forward to clap a hand onto Y/N’s shoulder, much to Zuko’s dismay. 

Y/N gave the older man a small smile before looking back to Zuko, who eyed her wearily, “you keep avoiding the portrait of your father. But you can’t bring yourself to take it down.” She said, and Y/N could practically feel the tension building with each word. “He’s one of the reasons you’ve yet to find a lover-”

“Because he gave me the scar?” 

Y/N paused, brows furrowing at his words, her eyes found his, “I’m sorry, was that a joke?” She asked, and Iroh stared between the two, amused. “You’re actually rather attractive, which is why I know this is a personality thing. Probably tired of the whole fancy court thing they have going on here, which I’m going to need to research...” Y/N pursed her lips, failing to notice the clear shock on Zuko’s face at her comment, and red flushing his cheeks. Waving off her thoughts, she looked back to him, “anyways. My assistants should’ve already cleared out about an hour in your schedule each day for our sessions. I’m going to be asking you some very personal questions. So, be ready!” 

And with that, Y/N waved to the two, bowing rather questionably shortly after, before heading off in the direction she’d seen Marcella and Evelyn go in. Effectively leaving behind a baffled Zuko, and a rather satisfied Iroh, who began to laugh at Zuko’s reaction. “I really like her, quite the character she has.” 

“Yeah, quite the character.” He brought a hand to his temple, “is this really necessary, Uncle?” 

Iroh simply sighed, looking to his nephew, “whether you want to admit it or not, she was right. Ruling a nation is difficult, and ruling it alone is even harder.” A small huff of laughter escaped Iroh, “and she figured that out by your lack of interior design!” 

Exhaling deeply, Zuko reminded himself that this was all part of the job, the job that consumed his entire life. The life that this girl had analyzed in a matter of moments. 

Yeah, he wasn’t looking forward to their meetings.

Though his morals and his disagreement with practically selling your own child were a major factor in his lack of a love life. There was also the simple fact that there was no love in many of the interactions he had with potential suitors, much less genuine interest. They all wanted the power he could give them should they get married.

There was also the fact that Zuko had very little relationship experience, a fact he was trying to ignore. At the end of the day, he couldn’t bring himself to approach anyone, and if he did, he wouldn’t know what to do. Zuko also doubted that people would act... genuine around him, especially if they knew who he was. And all he really wanted was something real, considering his entire day was surrounded by fake smiles that belonged to both him and others.

It seemed that Y/N wasn’t prepared to ignore this piece of information though, since the following morning she’d seated him down and begun to speak of it, “so. You’ve been in two relationships.”

His brows furrowed, “one actually.” He and Mai had broken up about six months into his work as Fire Lord, “Mai.”

Raising a brow at him, she leaned back in the seat. Zuko couldn’t help but wonder how she managed to decorate the place in such a short period of time, as he could’ve sworn there hadn’t been a desk here the previous day. Then again, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d toured his own palace. “Well, I’ve heard rumors of you and a Southern Water Tribe member, but I’m not sure which one so I just-”

“Okay! That’s enough.” His cheeks were flushed red as he looked away.

Y/N grinned at him, leaning forwards, “then let’s discuss Mai. You two were pretty on and off, right?” 

Zuko grimaced at the thought, they were. He wouldn’t deny that he’d gone back to her a few times during his time as Fire Lord, “yeah.” 

Y/N began to write into her notebook, “tell me about her.”

“I don’t see why that’s important.” Came his response, looking at her quizzically as he frowned.

Tilting her head at him, Y/N gave Zuko a look, “come on. Let me do my job, I need to know about her to gauge what types of personalities you like while also determining why the two of you broke it off entirely.” She placed the book down, and Zuko could very clearly see the words ‘commitment issues’ underlined. “The goal isn’t just to find you a suitable wife that can help you rule, but someone you can be happy with.”

He’s silent for a moment, eyes on Y/N, her words seem honest. And this was her job, “she was blunt. Honest. Kind of mean at times, but she could be sweet as well. Pretty stoic, expressing her emotions was always... difficult for her.” 

Y/N nodded slowly, scribbling a few more things down, “okay. And what’s your favorite color?” 

“What type of question is that?” Zuko asked, brows furrowing in confusion. 

Crossing her arms, Y/N shrugged, “well. Favorite colors can tell you a lot about a person.” Came her response, “mine is green. Maybe that’s because I associate green with the Earth Kingdom, where I lived. Or maybe it’s because I happen to like nature quite a bit.” Looking around, Zuko could see that she’d already gotten a variety of plants native to the Fire Nation, most were succulents due to the almost year round heat.

At the mention of colors, his mind immediately went back to his first experience with the dragons, when their fire encircled him and Aang. “I.. don’t know how to describe the color- colors?” Zuko’s brows drew together in thought, and Y/N looked at him.

“How would I not understand a color?” The confusion is clear in her voice as she looks at him. Y/N can practically see the nostalgia in his eyes as he looks to the balcony.

Sighing, Zuko shifted in his seat, “these dragons I met ended up making a circle of fire around me and there were just... so many colors. But together it was just,” he paused, searching for the right word, “beautiful.”

Y/N’s mouth gaped open for a moment, “you met dragons?” She exclaimed, nearly throwing her notebook aside. Y/N had never seen such creatures, in fact, the general consensus was that they were still extinct

Zuko seemed to forget about this fact as he straightened himself, eyes meeting hers, “you can’t tell anyone about them!” He exclaimed, “they were hunted to extinction, though I intend to outlaw such things it’s just...” 

She nodded in understanding, “people break laws.” Y/N leaned back into her seat once more, “you owe me a dragon story.” She said, before crossing her legs in her seat and continuing, “favorite food?”

“Well, Aang took me to Avatar Day, and they had these weird Avatar shaped dough things.” He explained, recalling the time he’d gone with Aang and the others. Apparently they used to burn his statue, but now they worship him for some reason.

Y/N brought a hand under her chin, “I have no idea what that is.” She began to scribble something down on her notepad, “but okay.”

“What about you?”

Y/N hummed in response, “what do you mean?” 

Zuko felt his cheeks warm, “this just feels like an interview.”

“Probably because it is an interview.” Y/N said, gesturing for him to elaborate.

Looking away, Zuko frowned, “it’s weird.” Sighing, he spoke once more, “so, what’s your favorite food?” 

Y/N was silent for a moment, staring at Zuko, who was trying his hardest to avoid her gaze. This was a rare occurrence, seeing as most nobles were rather self-centered and liked talking about themselves. She’d never had a client who felt uncomfortable with this portion because it was basically a one-sided conversation. “Jennamite is a good rock candy.”

Zuko turns back to her, a small laugh escaping him, “my friends were nearly killed in Jennamite by the King of Omashu once.” 

“I’m sorry, what?”

ATTEMPT ONE

Y/N wouldn’t deny how odd it was, to be sharing as much information as she was learning about Zuko. She’d never really considered just how personal some of the questions were until she found herself answering them. But, after about a month, she had assembled a pretty good array of potential suitors for Zuko. Along with a few of her own clients, Y/N had found some girls that from the Fire Nation that seemed pretty acceptable.

That’s what she had thought at least.

“What do you mean, you already rejected her?” 

Turns out, Zuko had met half the women, and rejected them. The other half were either from the Earth Kingdom, or yet to attend one of few Galas that Zuko hosted. Seeing as he handed off most of that work to his advisors, it was rare for him to remain at Galas for an extended period of time. 

He grimaced at Y/N’s words nonetheless, his Uncle had informed her of his situation, but clearly not the extent of it. “She was more interested in her guard than me. It was a power grab her parents likely forced her into.” He remembered the girl, she’d been kind to him, but she clearly didn’t want him as much as her parents did.

His words brought about a new level of understanding for Y/N, who nodded slowly, of course it was the parents that Zuko had a problem with. It wasn’t uncommon for nobles to practically throw their children at potential suitors as though they’re a bag of coins. It was something that disgusted her as well, her job found people companions that they liked while these people simply wished for an addition to their power.

Zuko was the ultimate power grab. Y/N could only imagine how many times this had happened to him, random people he’d never met approaching him, offering their child’s hand in marriage. 

Bringing a hand to her temple, Y/N sighed, “but the rest are fine?” 

He nodded slowly, flipping through the pages he had yet to remove, Zuko skimmed what Y/N had written. Taking note of her handwriting, he wondered if she’d written his profile like this. “Yeah...” Y/N narrowed her eyes at him, and Zuko sighed, removing a few more pages from the binder she’d presented him with. 

Exhaling deeply, Y/N brought a hand to Zuko’s shoulder, “be honest with me. I’m not gonna yell at you for removing them Zuko, this is for you.”

Sometimes he forgot it was her job to be nice to him. 

“Right.” He mumbled, trying to shake off the feeling he got as she removed her hand. “That’s still... a lot of people. Some of which aren’t even in this nation.” Zuko pointed out, a queasy feeling within him as he looked at her.

Y/N plopped down onto the couch in the common room they’d met in, sprawling her body across it, “you’re right, there is a lot. But,” She twisted her body so that she could see him, wiggling her brows suggestively, “it’s been a while since you hosted a Gala.” 

Zuko’s face dropped at her words, in his years of being Fire Lord, he’d had about three total, and hated every single one. But given how rare the Galas were, people got pretty excited when he threw them. “I hate planning those, it’s a waste of time and-” 

A small smile was on her face as she interrupted him, “and you suck at planning them? I can tell by the decor of your palace.” Glaring at her, Zuko watched as she shifted so that her head hung off the couch upside down, “well. This will be the best Gala yet, you’ll impress all the ladies that you can’t meet in the immediate future in about...” Y/N looked to the watch on her wrist, brows furrowing, “eight months. And I’ll help you plan it, since you desperately need help-”

“Alright, I get it, I’m horrible.” He grumbled, crossing his arms as he leaned back against his seat across from her after placing the binder on the coffee table between them. “Eight months isn’t a lot of time,” traditionally, Gala’s took at least a year’s worth of planning and preparation, especially since Zuko was so busy he barely had the time to assist in the process. Eight months was no where near enough.

Y/N was still frowning at his words, “no self-deprecation.” She ordered, taking Zuko by surprise, before continuing, “regardless. I’ve planned Gala in less time with less resources. It’ll be fine.” Pursing her lips Y/N sighed, “now we need to discuss your inability to talk to people in general due to your immense trust issues and constant battle field mentality.” 

Zuko’s mouth gaped open at her words, “excuse me?”

Bringing her hands to rest on her stomach as she laid upside down, Y/N spoke, “when we first met you looked like you contemplated attacking me. And when you met Marcella and Evelyn, I’ve never seen someone so awkward.” Zuko is silent and looks away, only proving her point as Y/N continued, “so we need to practice your people skills, and flirting for future reference, seeing as your first date is in about a week-”

Almost immediately, Zuko straightened his posture, sitting up and looking to her as though she’d thrown a bucket of ice cold water onto him. “A week?” He winced at the way his voice cracked.

“Yeah, I spoke with one of the girls, not her parents, and asked her to meet with you later in the week.” Y/N explained, “her name is Elara, she’s in there.”

Frowning, Zuko reached for the binder and began to flip through the pages, “how’d you know I wasn’t going to get rid of her page?” Only to find the girl’s page, details on her personality, skills, hobbies and more on them.

A smirk spread across Y/N’s face, “she was one of few I was sure you’d keep.” With a sigh, Zuko looked back to Y/N, who still sat upside down, “now. You need to practice your romance skills, so come on.” She twisted her body, her legs falling to the side of the couch, and then moving onto the floor, Y/N stood. As the blood rushed to her head, a wave of dizziness came over her, and Y/N found herself stumbling slightly.

A hand came to her back and forearm, steadying her, “you need to practice walking.” Zuko laughed slightly, a nervous edge in his voice as he eyed her. 

Y/N brought a hand to her head as she laughed as well, “oh my...” Y/N blinked several times as the wave of dizziness passed, her hand gripping Zuko’s arm as she grounded herself. Looking up to him, she quickly realized how close they were and cleared her throat, releasing his arm.

He followed suit, removing his hands from her, “sorry-”

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Zuko.” 

The look her gives her almost hurts. Because Y/N can see the shock within his eyes as he nods slowly in response. She wonders what he’s thinking of as he she gives him a tight lipped smile, clapping her hands together as she turns back to him, “practice.” She repeated, mostly for herself.

And maybe offering to be the person he practiced on was her first mistake. 

ATTEMPT FIVE

Y/N had learnt a lot about Zuko in the past four dates he’d been on. One of these things being the fact that Zuko was a wild card when it came to dates, and they seemed to either go very well with the girls contacting Y/N to let her know they wished for a second date, only for Zuko to reject the possibility. Or, they went very bad. And Zuko returned with some sort of drink splattered onto his clothing.

So, Y/N decided that the best course of action was to discover what exactly Zuko wasn’t mentioning, and to follow him with a disguise. Evelyn had suggested it, Iroh supported the idea full-heartedly, though Marcella had believed it would be a huge invasion of privacy, Y/N didn’t really care, seeing as it was her job to be involved in Zuko’s love life. She was getting paid to ensure he found love. 

And she was curious.

That’s how Y/N ended up dressed in some very suspicious Fire Nation clothing alongside her assistants and the apparent Dragon of the West, famous tea shop owner, and member of the royal family. 

What a wonderful assortment of people.

Marcella and Evelyn had separated from Iroh and Y/N, sitting in another booth across from them, it was a feeble attempt to keep them from sticking out. The girl had chosen a rather upscale restaurant, so dressing appropriately while also maintaining a look that prevented Zuko from recognizing them. 

Y/N pulled her hat further down on her face as she looked to Iroh, who was browsing the menu. She wouldn’t be shocked if he entered the kitchen just to make himself a ‘decent’ cup of tea. He’d been rather helpful during the whole process, anything she didn’t find out from Zuko, Y/N had learnt from Iroh. “See anything you like, Iroh?”

He smiled at her, nodding slowly, “I think I’ll just take some tea.” 

Looking to Marcella and Evelyn, Y/N smiles, the two are speaking with one another like they aren’t supposed to be spying on the Fire Lord. But Y/N doesn’t mind, this was more of a recreational activity anyways, and she was glad they were having fun. Since they’d gotten to the Fire Nation two months ago there had been an... adjustment period to put it simply.

Y/N nodded at Iroh’s statement, and her eyes fell back onto Zuko and his newest date, Amaya, she was a simple girl. She’d possessed organizational skills that Zuko lacked, planned dozens of events, had the expressive qualities that Zuko yearned for in a partner. Amaya was one of few that Y/N was sure Zuko would take a liking to. Especially since she also had training in a variety of fighting styles, and was quite the Firebender. She’d been a little skeptical when she first contacted Amaya, the girl seemed hesitant, but she agreed.

And from the looks of it, he had. The pair was laughing along with each other, but Y/N could see the way Zuko stiffened at any physical contact, in general he’d yet to relax. If Y/N was honest, it was basically like any first date, awkward.

Zuko didn’t really know how to feel about Amaya, she was what he should be looking for in a girl, everything he needed if he was honest. She had an interest in the art, something Zuko had never taken to and the main reason his palace looked, ‘dull’ as Y/N had put it. And she was expressive, the main issue he’d had with Mai was her lack of expression. But, for some reason, Zuko just couldn’t see her as anything more than a good friend. There was something... off about her.

“When that Earth Kingdom girl approached me, I was skeptical.” Amaya explained, taking a sip from her glass, “you know how most Earth Kingdom folk are...” She gave him a look as Zuko listened in confusion. “The Fire Nation citizens simply have more class.” Amaya settled for with a shrug.

Oh.

Zuko laughed nervously, “I’m not sure I understand. I find Earth Kingdom citizens pretty pleasant actually, and Y/N, the one you met, she’s actually very resourceful and kind.” His mind went to Toph as well, who had invented an entirely new type of bending. She was an impressive young woman from the Earth Kingdom, and Y/N was as well, she’d started her own business at a young age and turned it into something incredible.

“Really? She didn’t seem too smart when I met her, but who can say no to a meeting with the Fire Lord?” 

Zuko was pretty sure her words were meant to be taken as a joke. But Amaya wasn’t the first person Zuko had encountered with this mindset, she was just more subtle about it. The supremacy of the Fire Nation was still an idea that ran rampant in some people’s minds, though Zuko had dealt with most disputes regarding his peaceful relations with other nations. Many still missed the time when the Fire Nation practically owned the world, where Fire Nation citizens could treat the people who had their homes taken from them however they pleased.

It was a dark time in his nation’s history, nonetheless, several people missed it. This was something rather prevalent amongst Nobles though, they were the ones who lost an immense amount of land when the war had ended. Many of them were bitter about what had happened. 

If Zuko was honest, she’d probably had these ideas drilled into her since birth, and simply hadn’t grown out of them, which was a shame. But as the ruler of a nation, he couldn’t rule beside someone who looked down on others simply because they weren’t from the Fire Nation.

Zuko shook his head, “Y/N built her business from the ground up. And now she’s helping the Fire Lord get dates.” He knows he sounds defensive, as though he’s prepared to fight her, something his Uncle would likely scold him for, but he doesn’t care at the moment.

“All she does is set you up with people.” 

Zuko’s brows furrowed at this comment, and he raised a hand to get the attention of the waiter, “excuse me, could I get the check please?” The young man nodded, heading off to get the check, and Amaya looked at him incredulously. 

Y/N had done far more than set him up with people, she’d helped him begin planning a Gala, she’d tried her best to find a good assortment of people that would fit both Zuko’s needs and the Fire Nation’s, and that list was probably very difficult to narrow down. Zuko had seen the work she put in for formulating profiles of the potential suitors, and throughout all of it she had done nothing but support him. 

“What are you doing?” Amaya asked, shifting in her seat as she stared at Zuko quizzically.

The waiter came over and handed Zuko the check, and Zuko placed a pouch of money on the table, “thanks. Keep the change.” He explained, nodding to the boy, who’s mouth gaped open in surprise as he took the pouch of money, bowing to Zuko repetitively, though Zuko wasn’t paying much attention to him as he spoke to Amaya. “I don’t think this is going to work out, I’m sorry.”

Amaya is still seated in shock as Zuko rises from his table, and Y/N can’t help it when her mouth gapes open at the sight of him simply abandoning his date. She makes eye contact with Iroh, who raises a brow, and they both sit up. She moves to follow Zuko, only to bump into someone. 

“I’m so sorry!” Y/N exclaims, moving down to help them pick up their hat, that had fallen when they collided.

“No, that was my fault entirely!” He responds, shaking his head as they both leaned town to pick it up.

“Aang, come on! He’s leaving.” The woman behind him exclaims.

Y/N’s brows furrow in recognition as she looks up to see a blue arrow tattooed on the man’s head, and her eyes widen in realization. Zuko had described Aang several times during their conversations, he and the rest of his friends came up often. But Y/N did not expect the first time she met the Avatar and his friends to be when they were both following Zuko on his date.

ATTEMPT FOURTEEN

Y/N simply sighs as she opens her door to see Zuko, in the outfit she’d helped him pick out. “What was it this time?” He’d been on thirteen dates thus far, and Y/N was slowly realizing that Zuko was likely one of her most difficult clients. This was purely because he’d yet to get a second date, though there had been offers, Zuko had declined all of them. 

“She was just-” His hands gestured rather broadly, he was practically throwing them into the air, “she was so rude to the waiter.” This had always been a dealbreaker for him, since he’d worked as a waiter in two different tea shops, Zuko had come to understand the importance of treating a waiter with kindness and how difficult the work could be. 

His eyes dart between Y/N and her door, she’s rubbing her eyes due to the exhaustion and Zuko can’t help the guilt that floods him. Nonetheless, she opens the door wider, heading inside her room and signaling for him to close it as she falls back onto her bed. “You were a waiter once, yeah?” He’d told her a fair share about his life in the Earth Kingdom, she’d inquired quite a bit about that part of his life. 

He asked about her life in the Earth Kingdom too, and she’d told him how poor life could be the in the outer rings, something he’d experienced for himself. Zuko listened as she describe living after her parents had died, working for a matchmaker only to discover she was actually good at the job, making a name for herself in the outer rings and then making her way inwards until she was one of the most sought after matchmakers in the kingdom. Y/N spoke of how she’d met Marcella and Evelyn, and how she’d taken them in when she’d discovered they were both orphans, living on the streets as pickpockets.

Zuko wouldn’t help but laugh at this, he could imagine Evelyn as a pickpocket, but Marcella? She was a sweet girl, he couldn’t imagine her in a life of crime. Of course, desperation made people do questionable things. Zuko knew that much from experience. 

“Yeah, I was.” Came his response, taking a seat in the chair by her desk. 

Y/N sat up in her bed, bracing herself with her elbows as she raised a brow at him, “what are you doing?”

Zuko frowned, shifting in the chair, “sitting...?” He moved to get up but Y/N waved him off.

“Just lay with me, idiot.” She allowed her head to fall back onto the bed, patting the spot beside her. Clearly, her suggestion wasn’t bothering her, but Zuko felt his face flush at the possibility.

If he’s honest, he’s not even trying anymore when it comes to dates and women and love. There were three reasons for this, one of which was the fact that he simply wasn’t connecting with any of the women he had met thus far. Sure they were nice, and they probably would be his type has it not been for reason two. The fact that Zuko had realized he had feelings for Y/N, what feelings? He wasn’t sure, but they sure as hell weren’t platonic, if they were he would not be blushing this much. He wouldn’t get that weird feeling in his stomach whenever he spoke to her.

Then there was was reason three, if Zuko succeeded in finding love, then Y/N would leave. It was selfish, but he already knew he wouldn’t find anyone considering he pretty sure he loved someone else already. So now, Zuko was basically procrastinating letting Y/N know that this just wasn’t going to work out, mostly because he didn’t have a plan.

He was debating just firing her, but that likely wouldn’t go over well, and he wanted to see her business succeed. If you get fired by the Fire Lord, that just looks bad. Now Zuko wondered what the best way to go about this was, since there was no point in working for him, even if she was getting paid. He was a waste of time. 

He couldn’t help the smile graced his lips as his own thoughts reminded him of the time she’d scolded him, telling him to quit being self-deprecating. 

Zuko sat up from the chair, making his way over to her bed, Zuko found himself simply plopping down onto it face first, earning a laugh from Y/N.

He rolled over onto his back, turning to look at Y/N, only to find her eyes were already on him, bringing a blush to his cheeks as he mumbled, “what?”

“I’m just trying to figure out why you haven’t gotten a second date yet.” Came her response, propping herself up on her forearm. “You have a nice personality, you’re attractive, I’m sure at least one of the girls caught your eye.” Y/N sighed, running a hand through her hair as she began to wonder if she’d incidentally allowed her own feelings to get in the way of her work. Maybe that’s why this was going so badly.

This was a problem. 

Zuko simply shook his head, his face on fire as he listened to her words, though he couldn’t help the hand he brought to the scar on his face. Y/N had pointed out before that he was allowing his Father to control his actions even now that he was imprisoned, and Zuko was beginning to see what she meant. 

Removing his hand from his face, Zuko sighed. Though he didn’t have much time to dwell on his thoughts as her hand hesitantly came to his face, placing a hand on his cheek and allowing her thumb to brush against the scar. Zuko jumped at the sudden contact, and Y/N moved to withdraw her hand almost instantly, but Zuko’s hand came to hers and held it there. Looking to her, he couldn’t read the look in her eyes as she gazed at him, and suddenly he wished he was as good at reading people as she was. 

“No self-deprecating thoughts.” Y/N mumbled, “bad Zuko.” She removed her hand from his to flick his head, causing his brows to furrow.

He pouted, and Y/N let out a laugh as he spoke, “how come you haven’t found someone?” Zuko looked to her, “you’re beautiful, and smart, and just... perfect.” He didn’t notice when her cheeks warmed, “you’re a literal matchmaker, surely you’ve considered who your perfect person is.” 

Y/N fell onto her back, running her hands over her face as she shook her head, “how have you not gotten a second date?” A sigh escaped her, “I haven’t had time for love before, and I just haven’t found that,” looking to him, she pursed her lips, “perfect person.” Growing up in the lower rings, she didn’t have time for an actual relationship, and her business as a matchmaker grew incredibly quickly. At the end of the day, long term just didn’t work out, Y/N barely had for herself, much less another person.

“I guess we both suck at love.” Zuko said, his tone was serious and Y/N couldn’t help but burst out into laughter as she swatted at his chest.

Too bad they couldn’t suck at love together. 

ATTEMPT SEVENTEEN THROUGH TWENTY EIGHT

Smoothing over her green dress, a sign of her citizenship in the Earth Kingdom, Y/N moved to answer the knock on her bedroom door. Given how long she’d been in the Fire Nation, Y/N wondered if the Earth Kingdom would still feel like home when she returned. The idea of going back felt odd, and though that time likely wasn’t soon unless Zuko met the love of his life tonight, it was inevitable.

And it horrified her. 

Holding the edge of the dress slightly to make it easier to walk, Y/N sighed and opened the door, seeing Zuko. A small smile on her face as she eyed his Fire Nation robes, “you look nice.” She complimented, tilting her head at him as she allowed her eyes to travel over his figure.

Zuko nodded, a blush coming over her cheeks, his mouth gaping open as he looked at Y/N. “You look beautiful.” She did, the dress looked amazing on her, her hair styled just right, and bracelets adorning her wrists.

“Thank you, Fire Lord Zuko.” His nose crinkled at the use of his title, coming from her it felt even weirder, wrong almost. But she continued, “mind helping me out?” She asked, moving back to her desk and taking a necklace in hand. Y/N had been struggling to put it on for the past few minutes, and now she had someone to do it for her.

He nodded, closing the door behind him, he took the necklace from her hand, and when Y/N ensured her hair was out of his way, Zuko brought the necklace around her neck. He secured the clasp, hands lingering as he adjusted it to the center of her neck. Zuko couldn’t help but notice a small scar on her shoulder, hand brushing over it.

Y/N looked over her shoulder and to him, brow raised, “how’d you get this?” He asked, brows drawn together. His hand traced the raised skin gently, Y/n could feel her cheeks warming at his touch, inhaling deeply. 

She grimaced, “a knife fight I almost lost my life to.” Was her explanation. Y/N didn’t like to think back to the days when she’d resorted to several... questionable actions to stay alive. But she pushed those thoughts away as she turned to face him. “You ready?” Y/N asked, they had to get to the Gala soon, considering the fact that Zuko was the host, Y/N was shocked he’d even stopped by her room in the first place.

Zuko was silent, simply nodding as he extended his arm for her to take. And Y/N did, looping her arm around his as she smiled, “you are gonna woo so many Earth Kingdom women tonight!” Y/N exclaimed, more confidence in her voice than Zuko had.

Shame the only Earth Kingdom girl he wanted to ‘woo’ was her.

When they’d arrived at the Gala, descending the stairs together, they were greeted with the claps of the other guests. Zuko would feel the anxiety flood him, but he paid it no mind. Though Y/N could feel the way he stiffened as he ended his speech to the diplomats of all nations, “let this be a peaceful, and joyous night!” 

They all burst out into cheers before the party continued, the music starting once more, and everyone returning to feasting upon the buffet, dancing along the ballroom floor or speaking with one another. All while Y/N led Zuko down the stairs, dragging him by the hand, “come on. Enjoy your own party, meet some girls.” She winked, and Zuko swore his face heated up even more than it already had. 

Y/N wasn’t a fool, she knew that if she’d stuck by his side the entire night, she would serve as a repellant of any potential suitors. So naturally, much to Zuko and Y/N’s dismay, she removed herself from him, playfully shoving him towards a group of Earth Kingdom girls she’d mentioned earlier. Though there were several other clusters in the ballroom.

Zuko simply sighed, giving Y/N a small smile before making his way to the group of girls. If he was honest, he would rather be spending the Gala by her side, but he had to put in some effort. He owed Y/N that much. Besides, this was an entirely new group of girls, maybe he would find someone tonight. 

“Hi there.” Zuko greeted, waving awkwardly at the girls. 

This action earned him a few laughs, and he was unsure if they actually found it funny or felt the need to laugh since he was the Fire Lord. Shortly after they began introducing themselves, speaking like there was no tomorrow. 

If Zuko was honest, the number of women here was overwhelming. So, as he excused himself from the conversation, much to their chagrin, he placed his cup down on the platter of one of many waiters. Making his way outside, Zuko couldn’t help but feel relieved at the fresh air that hit him on the balcony. Though he contemplated heading back inside when he noticed another girl was already there, eyes shut as she faced the sky, she turned to see him, eyes widening a fraction. “I’m sorry, I can go-”

“No!” She exclaimed, cheeks flushing in embarrassment due to her outburst, “no... it’s fine.” She turned back to look at the sky, hand clasped together, fidgeting.

Zuko stepped forward, finding himself situated across from her, leaning against the railing, “so why are you out here?”

A small laugh escaped the girl, and she ran a hand through her hair, “it’s rather stress relieving. You have a lovely view in your palace.” 

He couldn’t help but feel disappointed when he realized she recognized him, though Zuko nodded along, “what’s your name? If you don’t mind me asking?” It was a stupid question, and Zuko nearly facepalmed as he pursed his lips.

“Aileen.” Came her response, and Zuko realized he recognized her name as well. She was the child of one of the more well known members of Fire Nation nobility, her parents had approached him in the past in hopes of arranging a marriage between the two of them. He had declined almost immediately. And now that Aileen turned to him, he had a feeling he made the right decision, “you’re Zuko, right?” 

He exhaled deeply, nodding, “that’s me.” Sometimes, Zuko wondered what his life would’ve been like if he wasn’t Zuko, perhaps things would’ve been simpler. No, things definitely would’ve been simpler. There would be no diplomatic meetings, no wars, no idiots trying to hurt other people, no more assassination attempts, no more fake smiles and no more Galas. Of course, if he wasn’t Zuko, he never would’ve met Y/N.

“I heard you’re looking for a partner in crime.” Aileen prompted, “why aren’t you in there finding that future love of your life?” 

Shrugging, Zuko looked up at the sky, “I found her. She just doesn’t want me.”

He can feel Aileen stare at him, she’s silent for a moment, and Zuko wonders what she’s thinking. Though he doesn’t need to wait long to find out as she responds, “I understand.” Aileen focuses her gaze on the glass she’d placed on the thick railing of the balcony, “the person I love probably doesn’t love me back. And even if they did, my parents disapprove.”

“Did you ask?” He felt hypocritical, Zuko himself had never spoken with Y/N in regards to his feelings, and he likely never would, but he wanted to know. “If they love you?”

Aileen laughs slightly, shaking her head, “I couldn’t bring myself to. I’m scared.” She replied, looking back to him curiously, “did you?”

“No.” He responded lamely, tapping his fingers against the railing with a sigh.

Aileen laughed at this, “I guess we are both cowards then.” She pursed her lips, “I didn’t ask because I was scared, why didn’t you?”

And then the words come spilling out, “whoever I end up with will greatly impact the whole world, whether I want to acknowledge it or not. And she doesn’t deserve that burden, nobody does.” He laughs bitterly as he continues, “she’s also the person that was hired to help me find love in the first place.” Zuko pauses, looking away from Aileen, “and I guess I’m scared too.”

“Ironic.” Aileen mumbles, bringing her eyes back to the sky, “let’s make a deal, Your Majesty.” 

Zuko cringes at the use of that title, almost asking her to simply refer to him by his name, though he simply responds, “what deal?”

“We both confess. And if it goes horribly wrong, we can get married.” 

Y/N can’t see the shock on Zuko’s face, but she can see how comfortable he feels with this girl, Y/N hadn’t seen her before, but she was just happy Zuko was connecting with someone. Except she also wasn’t, a bitter feeling enveloping her as she turned away, looking for something else to focus her attention on, something that didn’t hurt. 

She turned to see Marcella and Evelyn in the distance, speaking with each other. Y/N supposed if she wouldn’t be finding love tonight, then at least they would. She was no fool, she saw the way they looked at each other, the glances when the other wasn’t looking. Maybe it was dumb, but Y/N found herself feeling jealous as she moved over to the buffet with a sigh. Food solved everything in her experience, after a client had a particularly bad day, food made things better.

“Perhaps some tea?” Iroh stood beside her, a kettle in his hand, he had insisted he serve tea at the Gala, though Zuko had assured him it would be just as easy to find someone else to do the job.

Y/N smiled at him, nodding as she took a cup from the array of them within the buffet, allowing Iroh to pour her some tea. “Thank you, Iroh.” Her voice is quieter than normal, and it’s clear that Iroh can tell something is wrong.

“You know, you deserve to be happy to Y/N.” His words catch her by surprise, though she doesn’t have much time to consider their meaning before flames lighting the room begin to move erratically, causing her brows to furrow.

Something was wrong. 

Iroh nods to her, placing the tea kettle down as his brow furrow and she nods back, Iroh disappearing into the crowd of people. Y/N’s eyes fall back to Marcella and Evelyn, and she quickly moves to their side of the room, ignoring the hush that had fallen over the room, panicked gasps amongst them. Her hands fall onto both girl’s arms as she nods to them, “Y/N, whats going-”

Y/N is already dragging them in the direction of the exit, “get out of here, find the guards. I’m going to find Zuko.” The girls didn’t have much time to argue, as Y/N was already working her way through the panicked crowd, back to the balcony where she’d last seen Zuko. But, people were already pushing against her movements, making it difficult. Raising her head above the crowd in an attempt to see what’s going on, Y/N realizes whats happening. 

Firebenders were trying to force them together, and Y/N couldn’t help but panic as she wondered if Marcella and Evelyn managed to escape and find the guards. 

This was an ambush.

No, this was an assassination attempt. Zuko already knew as he watched the atmosphere of the party begin to shift, that and the person who stood before him in all black, brandishing several weapons. Alongside four others who stood by her side. 

“You know, it wasn’t until I met you that I realized how bad it had gotten.” Aileen stood beside Zuko, eyes meeting his in horror as they exchanged looks. Zuko simply hoped the nod he gave her provided some semblance of comfort as he returned his attention to the person before him. “I mean, defending some lowly Earth Kingdom matchmaker? What type of career even is that?” 

Her voice is almost maniacal, and Zuko can’t help but wince as he feels reminded of his sister. But he recognizes it nonetheless, Amaya. It had been months since he’d seen her, but he could still remember her voice. Her face was covered by a mask, and she wielded a sword, and if Zuko remembered correctly, she had been trained in dozens of fighting styles and was a talented bender herself. Alongside the four other men, Zuko couldn’t help but panic internally as he spoke, “Amaya, why don’t you put the swords down, and we talk about this.”

She laughs in response, ripping the mask that covered her face off and throwing it aside, “people have tried to talk to you about this. Your-” She grappled for the word, a hand yanking at her hair as she gestured to him with a sword, “your radical ideas!” 

Zuko didn’t find having morals radical, but he wasn’t going to say that, not while Aileen’s life was on the line. Zuko suddenly realized why having an heir was important as he shook his head, “Amaya, look. Why don’t you let Aileen here leave, and then you and I can talk.” 

Aileen looks like she’s going to protest, but Amaya glances at her red robes, a sign of her Fire Nation citizenship, and gestures for her to leave. “Get out. My problem isn’t with you.” 

When Aileen doesn’t move, Amaya quickly grows frustrated, calling out to one of the guards she’d brought along that lied inside, “take this fool away.” 

There’s no response, and Zuko can see panic flood Amaya’s face. And looking behind her, he quickly realizes that most of the guards have been subdued, Y/N holding one of them in her arms as she knocks them to the ground. Moving towards the balcony stealthily as Amaya’s hands begin to shake, fire sparking in her palms as she focused her attention onto Zuko. “You’re going to pay for what you’ve done to our nation.” 

But Zuko wasn’t looking at her as he shook his head, hoping Y/N would understand. There was no way she could overpower Amaya, not with her bending. Y/N didn’t even have a weapon.

Now, Y/N knew for a fact that no matter how talented Zuko was, he wouldn’t put the girl beside him in danger. His priority would be keeping her alive, and given the training Amaya had as a noble, in both Firebending and fighting, she might even be as good as Zuko in a fight.

Meaning she had to be taken out of the fight.

Everything happened pretty fast after that. Zuko was shielding body coming forward to shield Aileens as he extended his freehand to Firebend at the people who’d surrounded them, only for Amaya to move out of the way. The girl was practically screaming bloody murder as she lunged at him, now wielding her sword. 

Zuko didn’t have to figure out what to do next because Y/N moved faster than Amaya did, tackling the girl over the railing and down below as he began to scream. 

THE FINAL ATTEMPT

Zuko’s knee is bouncing rapidly as he sits beside Iroh, who knits a scarf of some sort despite the blistering heat of the Fire Nation. He’s insisted that when Y/N returned to the Earth Kingdom she’d need it, and Zuko didn’t have the heart to disagree. Iroh had started stress-knitting about four hours ago, when Y/N had entered the room they all sat before, anxiously awaiting news of her condition.

Marcella and Evelyn are to Zuko’s left, Marcella’s sobs had quieted down, but Zuko wouldn’t be shocked if he looked over and saw tears silently streaming down her face. The girl hadn’t taken it well. Evelyn remained composed, doing her best to comfort Marcella, but the wait was clearly getting to her as well as she fidgeted with Marcella’s hands.

Seeing as Y/N had fallen from several stories up off the balcony and into the water below, Zuko didn’t really think it was possible to take the news well. But he was trying. 

A pang sounded from inside the room, and Zuko practically shot up onto his feet, moving to knock on the door to discover was was wrong, only for Iroh to grab his wrist, shaking his head. Zuko exhaled deeply, beginning to pace across the hall. He found himself wishing that Katara hadn’t been busy with Water Tribe business, she was an excellent healer. Alas, Katara wasn’t there, and Zuko had to settle for one of the skilled Water Tribe diplomats instead, alongside a few others skilled in medicine. 

As he paced, Zuko could feel Evelyn’s eyes on him, and it became clear she was itching to speak and he sighed, “what’s wrong?” There were dozens of answers to this question, the main one being the fact that Y/N could die today, so he hoped she understood what he meant.

The girl is glaring at him, and Zuko can’t help but feel uneasy. Because maybe she blames him for this as much as he blames himself, and maybe she’s going to tell him off, blame him for everything. Because if Y/N dies, she and Marcella will have no one again. 

Not that Zuko would allow that. He’d grown attached to the girls as well, they were kind, and helpful. They’d help improve the interior decor of the palace, and if he was honest, it looked better than anything he ever could’ve done.

“You better tell her how you feel after this.”

Zuko’s mouth gapes open at the girl’s words, and he swears the breath leaves his longs, and its as though everything hits him then. 

He would never get to tell Y/N how he felt if she died. He’d never get to listen to her try and tell a story just to go off on dozens of tangents, he’d never get to watch as she attempted to cook again, and he’d never get to hold her in his arms once more. There would be no more late night talks, and he wouldn’t hear her laugh, she wouldn’t tease him anymore and they wouldn’t walk through the courtyard feeding turtleducks again.

She’d never know he loved her.

Zuko finds himself nodding to Evelyn’s words, frozen in place as he looks to her and asks, “was I that obvious?” His voice is hoarse, and its probably because he didn’t stop screaming, even when Y/N’s body hit the water. 

Marcella is laughing at his words, blowing her nose into a tissue that Evelyn hands her before she speaks, “painfully obvious.”

“For someone who’s job revolves around love, Y/N is one of the most oblivious people I’ve ever met.” Evelyn grumbles out, rubbing her eyes as she yawns.

It was late, Zuko knew that much, the guests of the party had gone to the infirmary in the palace, being tended to by doctors and any other available healers if injured. Otherwise, they’d all returned to their rooms to sleep, or more likely stay up in fear of another attack. Zuko surely would.

“Go to bed guys, it’s getting late.” 

Evelyn looks at him like he’s one of the dumbest people she’s met, and if Zuko was honest, he probably was. But he simply nodded to Marcella, who had started leaning her head against Evelyn’s shoulder, eyes fluttering shut. “Uncle, why don’t you take them back to their rooms?”

Considering the fact that Zuko’s guards were around the corner, he wasn’t scared for his safety, but their presence just made him want to remain awake. 

“Nephew, you should sleep as well.” His Uncle replied, though he rose from his seat, bringing the yarn and the start of the scarf under his arm. 

Zuko gave his Uncle a smile, “I will. But if anything happens before then, I’ll be sure to alert you all.” He assured, nodding to Evelyn, who eyed him wearily. But she relented, shaking Marcella gently before standing up alongside her and Iroh. 

When they were out of sight, Zuko plopped back down in the seat, his elbows resting on his knees as he brought his hands to his face.

And for the first time in the night he cried, his body racked with sobs as tears streamed down his face and he struggled to breathe. The pain of all that had happened felt almost unbearable. She had to live. Y/N had to live. Because Zuko was going to confess. 

His fear of losing her outweighed his fear of rejection.

Wiping his tears away, Zuko suddenly felt grateful that Evelyn had left the box of tissues as he blew his nose. He sighed, his eyes piercing the door, hoping that something would happen.

As though his stare had willed her to exit the room, the healer came out, a grimace on her face as she looked to Zuko, likely because of his bloodshot eyes. The woman simply sighed, the grimace becoming a more sympathetic look. “Miss L/N lost a lot of blood... several of her bones were broken when she hit the water, especially her ribs. Her internal organs were damaged as well and... well it wasn’t very likely for her to survive.”

She’s dead.

Y/N is dead.

Oh.

“Wow, you look like a mess.” 

Zuko’s head whips up, his eyes meeting Y/N’s, she’s leaning against a wooden crutch, grinning lazily at him. The healer beside her looks rather apologetic as she frantically explains, “she woke up far quicker than we anticipated and only agreed to rest if we participated in her rather cruel prank.”

So, she wasn’t a ghost.

Zuko launches himself up from the chair, nearly tackling Y/N, but the wooden crutch she uses for support serves as a reminder of her fragile state as he asks, “can I hug you?”

Her smile falters at the sound of his voice, hoarse and jagged, so she simply extends are free arm outward. Zuko takes this as an invitation for a hug, gently wrapping his arms around her waist and burying his head in her neck, Y/N wrapped her free arm around his neck, hand finding its way to the hair at the nape of his neck. “Im s-”

“It’s not your fault Zuko. I swear if you say its your fault I will throw myself over the balcony again.” She threatened, hand tightening in his hair.

Zuko laughs quietly, inhaling deeply before he speaks again, “please never do that again.” 

“I make no promises.”

Sighing, Zuko releases her, “I hate you so much.” 

Y/N scoffed, “you love me.” She was limping over to the bed in the middle of the room, blood coating the surrounding area. Though the doctors in the room were moving across the room that they’d placed Y/N on, and dealt with her injuries on, Zuko couldn’t help but feel sick at the sight.

She could’ve died.

“Yeah, I do.”

Y/N pauses, turning to look back at him, her mouth gapes open. Zuko’s looking away, eyes on anything but her as he inhales deeply.

The healer simply sighs, “before we do this, I should inform the two of you that Miss Y/N cannot do any... strenuous activities for at least one month.”

Zuko’s cheeks are flushing red as he shakes his head rapidly, “ma’am-”

“We’ll be taking our leave. Have fun, but not too much fun. Please.” The woman closes the door behind her once the other doctors are out of the room, and Y/N can’t stop laughing at the mortified expression on Zuko’s face, despite the sharp pain she feels in her ribs.

Taking a seat on the fresh sheets of the bed, Y/N sighs, “so you love me?” She’s picking at the sheets, “as a friend?”

Zuko suddenly realizes just how right Evelyn was as he slowly shakes his head, “no. More than a friend. I think I inadvertently sabotaged half of the dates you sent me on because of it.”

Y/N laughs quietly, eyes falling on Zuko only to see he’s looking anywhere but her, she calls out to him quietly, “Zuko. Look at me.”

He doesn’t hesitate to bring his gaze to her, eyes meeting hers as he begins to fidget with his hand. Y/N simply reaches her hand out, and he takes it. “I love you too, idiot.” She mumbles, pulling him closer and wrapping her arms around his waist. “I just wish you had told me sooner so I didn’t waste so much time trying to set you up with other women.” 

A small laugh escapes him as he brings his hand to her hair, “how do I know you weren’t purposely giving me bad matches because you were in love with me?” 

Y/N removes her head from his stomach, looking up at him, her nose crinkles, “unlike you, I am a professional.” Zuko flicks her forehead, and Y/N pouts at him, hand coming up to his face, “can I kiss you?”

She can feel his face warm, but he nods rather enthusiastically nonetheless, and Y/N finds herself smiling at his as she uses her hands to pull his face downward towards her. His lips meet hers, and Zuko finds himself feeling complete, hands coming to Y/N’s face in an attempt to pull her closer while hers move to his ball up his robes that he’d yet to change.

 Zuko pulls away first, forehead resting on hers, “you need to sleep.” 

Y/N scoffed, eyes narrowing at him, “you need to sleep.” Looking to the bed, she raises a brow at him, “wanna lay with me?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, I could accidentally injure you or-”

Rolling her eyes, Y/N yanks him onto the bed, making her way to the other side and getting comfortable, “I’ll be fine.”

Yeah, everything would be fine. Maybe not for the Fire Nation, seeing as Y/N would potentially help rule a nation but...

Everything would be fine.

in·am·o·ra·ta/iˌnaməˈrädə/

noun

a woman with whom one is in love or has intimate relations.

A/N: i hope this was good enough!!! i tried!!! and idk how it ended up over 12k... that’s crazy man um kjhdsajfhjkah omg i really liked this concept though i hope i did it justice

TAGLISTS [lmk if you want to be added or removed via askbox or replies]

ATLA: @bubblebars​ @jada-cleo​ @Art-flirt @the-deli-meat​ @wemissyou3000​ @ajediherowitchrunner​

ZUKO: @outerxorbit @shawkneecaps @lil-lex1 @boxofteenageideas @izzieserra @eridanuswave @bigbuckyenergy @celamoon @savemesteeb @shephard17895 @ijustwannabecanadian @duh-dobrik @anime-simp @lammello  

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