#speak your wise and poetic words

[khaire-traveler]

The Nine Muses

This is a very simple post about the Muses in hopes of explaining who they are, what their domains are, and some things they may be able to help with. This post isn't a deep dive by any means - just a simple introduction. Enjoy!

Who are the Muses?

The Muses, or Mousai, are goddesses of inspiration for various creative, scientific, and poetic endeavors. They were believed to also have knowledge of all things that have come to pass, remembering events with clarity that mortals could not hope to have. Their names are Kalliope, Kleio, Ourania, Thaleia, Melpomene, Polymnia, Erato, Euterpe, and Terpsikhore.

In total, there are nine Muses. The god Apollon was often believed to be the leader of the Muses, having a very close connection with them. The goddess Artemis was also paired with them.

Their origin and family varied depending on the source, but the most common notion was that Zeus and Mnemosyne are their parents and that they were born at the foot of Mount Olympus. Some other possible parents are Ouranos and Gaia, Zeus and Plousia, Pieros and Antiope, or even Apollon.

Poets of the past used to invoke the names of the Muses in hopes of gaining inspiration and the ability to gracefully convey their words. When a connection was drawn between them and Apollo, they were also known for their prophetic abilities as well, even being said to teach the art of prophecy.

What are each of their domains?

Kalliope - The eldest of the Muses, she is the goddess of eloquence and epic poetry. She is often considered the mother of Orpheus. She was depicted with a tablet, a scroll, or (later on) a lyre. Her name has been translated to mean "beautiful-voiced".

Kleio - Wise and intelligent, she is named the goddess of history. In art, she was often depicted with an open scroll or chest full of books. Her name was translated as "to make famous".

Ourania - Associated with the stars, she is the goddess of astronomy and astronomical writings. She has been depicted pointing at a celestial globe with a rod, but I wasn't able to find more information on her symbols. Her name means "heavenly one".

Thaleia - A goddess that helps bring joy to the world, she is the goddess of comedy and bucolic poetry. She was also considered to be the mother of the Korybantes (a group of seven demigods). She was often depicted with a comedy mask, a shepherd's staff, or a wreath of ivy. Her name has been translated as "festivity" or "blooming".

Melpomene - Holding a domain more somber than the Muse above, she is the goddess of tragedy. She was named the mother of the Sirens by Apollodorus. She was depicted with a tragedy mask, a sword, a wreath of ivy, or cothurnus boots. Her name likely means "to celebrate with song (and dance)".

Polymnia - With a name meaning "many hymns" or "many praises", it's no surprise that she's the goddess of religious hymns. She was often portrayed in a meditative pose.

Erato - A Muse that needs no introduction, she is the goddess of erotic poetry and mime. She was often portrayed with a lyre. Her name means "lovely" or "beloved".

Euterpe - Likely full of rhymes and reasons, she is the goddess of lyric poetry. She was often depicted with a double flute. Her name likely means "well pleasing" or "giver of much delight".

Terpsikhore - Filled with music, she is the goddess of choral song and dancing. She was often depicted with a lyre and plectrum. Her name has been translated to "delighting in dance".

Kalliope - Speaking presentations, writing essays, script reading, reading/writing informational posts/articles/etc., interpreting poetry, poetry writing/reading, sharing your own poetry, communicating clearly with others, important conversations, coping with conflicts, addressing conflicts, making peace with others.

What are some things they can help with specifically?

***These are merely suggestions.***

Kleio - History exams/tests, studying classics/history, delving into your own history, discovering family history, recalling past events, writing myth retellings or similar, identifying patterns of behavior, releasing the past, learning from the past, finding hope for the future.

Ourania - Studying the stars/space, story-telling, understanding the universe around us, memorizing constellations, finding peace in the night, finding hope in the darkness, creating goals for yourself, "reaching for the stars", holding onto your wishes, finding a sense of direction.

Thaleia - Creating your own joy, finding what makes you happy, performing stand-up comedy, writing any form of comedy, play-writing, healthy positivity, learning to laugh things off, releasing stress/burdens, moving forward, expressing your joy.

Melpomene - Coping with hardships, moving through difficult times, releasing the past, forgiving oneself, coping with past mistakes/regret, healing from difficult events, coping with the "downs" of life, play-writing, telling tragic tales, addressing difficult topics sensitively.

Polymnia - Writing devotional poetry/hymns/songs/etc., growing closer with religion/devotion, inspiration for offerings/devotional acts, coping with religious difficulties, finding comfort/joy in religion, connecting with the divine, religious/spiritual writings, connecting with your practice.

Erato - Love letters, confessing your feelings through writings/songs/etc., connecting with sexuality, writing/reading erotic stories, communicating sexual needs, establishing/discovering sexual boundaries, sex positivity (especially through literature), embracing your sexual interests.

Euterpe - Writing poetry, interpreting poetry, communicating one's emotions, romanticizing life, sharing poetry with others, devotional poetry, expressing one's feelings through writing, processing emotions, finding the "right word" for a piece you're writing.

Terpsikhore - Song-writing, learning to dance, expressing yourself through dance/song, connecting with music, processing feelings with musical aid, instrument playing, choral/instrumental performances, writing a musical, musical theater, finding your voice, embracing who you are, expressing yourself.

#the muses #mousai #helpol #hellenic polytheism #hellenic pagan #muses

[pearlprincess02]

scorpio sun, aries moon, virgo rising, libra mercury, libra venus, aquarius mars

scorpio sun: these people are intuitive, mysterious and very passionate. they absorb everything that’s around them and they’re pretty good at reading others. scorpio suns may seem cold at first, but once they trust someone they are very protective and loyal. undeveloped scorpio suns can be overly possessive, jealous and even obsessive with their loved ones. these are quiet individuals… but once you mess with them, you will wish you never did. scorpios are vengeful and once you betray them, they will be your biggest enemies forever. they say what no one dares to say and they also love to talk about taboo topics. they can also have a very black-or-white mentality and they feel things in a very intense way. as I said before, scorpios are quiet and they reveal very little about themselves, since they don’t want to get hurt; it takes time to gain their trust. when these individuals want to achieve something, they will fight so hard until they reach it. scorpio suns are wise, sensual and even intimidating.

aries moon: protective/loyal, authentic/heart on sleeve, attempts to learn from past mistakes, emotional recklessness, allows people who have hurt/angered them to live rent-free in their inner life, seeks justice for past betrayals in present relationships

virgo rising: the "i'm better than you" look; they actually may be annoying sometimes with how they focused on doing things "the right way"; people usually think that their smart; may actually be very smart.

libra mercury: like to think of the pro’s and con’s (essentially think about all the options before making a decision), they can also be indecisive or tend to make a decision and may change it later on, with the venus influence; they can have either beautiful speaking voices or speak in a composed, balanced , almost poetic way, can have an interest in learning topics of art, justice, law, marriage, divorce, business contracts, relationships in general, they are social and charming with their words and the way they think, can be persuasive and be good mediators

libra venus: you can't miss her when she walks into a room, candlelight and wine, charm, beauty, and brains, falls easily, likely has a line of admirers, elegance and grace, now you know why lust and love are seen as magic.

aquarius mars: visionary wizard with enticing charisma, pushing boundaries, special aurora and bedroom moves, erratic and strong-willed, sees the best in you, channeling passion into each other's minds and bodies.

(@gothicoddity)

ᵒᵇˢᵉʳᵛᵃᵗⁱᵒⁿˢ ᵃʳᵉⁿ'ᵗ ᵐⁱⁿᵉ

#scorpio sun #aries moon #virgo rising #libra mercury #libra venus #aquarius mars #astrology #astro notes #astro observations #astro community #astro placements #astro tumblr #astroblr #astrology aesthetic #astrology moodboard #astrology observations #astrology notes #scorpio #aries #virgo #libra #aquarius

[moodymisty]

Hi ! I hope you're having a great day/night and I was wondering if I could place a request of maybe Crosshair wanting to have kids with reader (female reader if possible)/having a slight baby fever after seeing her interact with Omega a lot ? Have a good day/night ! ❤️

[ 𝕸𝖔𝖔𝖉𝖞𝕸𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖞'𝖘 𝕸𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖘𝖙 | 𝕬𝖔3 ]

Part 2

Author's Note: This took a bit of finagling to try and get a scenario that would work timeline wise, I will admit. But then I just said 'fuck it' AU time. So 'Crosshair doesn't leave the batch' AU it is. l I kept this one SFW just cause that's how I read the request, but if you want the spice, you're always welcome to throw in another request sometime ;3

This one got a little fru fruy and poetic, so if you just want the sauce, I can cook some up

Summary: Crosshair sees how good you are with Omega, and thinks of a future that's rare, but not impossible.

Relationships: Crosshair/Fem!Reader

Warnings: SFW, Mentions of having kids, tokophobia warning (trying take sure this gets hit by peoples blacklist if they don't like this sort of thing I know it's not everyone's cup of tea), Crosshair longing and thinking of his future with you, Treating Omega as a like pseudo-adopted kid give this kid parental figures lol

Hyperspace might be the perfect time to get things done- but to Crosshair, it's dreadfully boring.

The ship sails through the stars with a monotonous hum, putting anyone of a less overactive mind to sleep a long time ago. Wrecker is snoring away, a forearm over his eyes. Hunter isn't asleep, but he's relaxing, as is Tech. Which means more so that he's tinkering on a personal project, instead of needed repairs. Echo is resting his eyes- Crosshair can tell by the rhythm of his chest he isn't asleep.

You're nowhere to be seen however, though it's obvious where you are, as he looks to his right towards the cockpit.

He can see the top of your head in the co-pilot's seat, as your head is clearly leaned onto your left shoulder. You must've fallen asleep, as you don't move at all in the few seconds he looks. Getting up off the storage crate he was relaxing on, crosshair makes his way closer until he steps between the seats, and looks down on you.

And Omega, as he quickly notices.

She's sitting sideways in your lap, and you have her loosely supported with one arm over her knees and the other behind her back. Her cheek is smushed against your arm, and the both of you are completely asleep.

It's... Endearing. Crosshair hasn't really seen you this relaxed in, well, he can't exactly remember. Life hasn't been easy, since everything. The two of you have seemed to go with the flow perfectly so far, even after everything that's been thrown at everyone so far. Especially you; As while they were all used to the chaos, you weren't.

He slowly lowers himself into the pilot's seat, trying not to make a sound. But just as he finally settles, he notices your head shift. Not long after, you open your eyes. They almost instantly settle on him, looking over his body as he sits ankle over thigh in the seat. You swallow your mouth dry, blurry sight focusing.

"How long was I asleep?" He glances to you out of the corner of his eyes.

"Don't worry about it." He hears you softly exhale. "I wasn't asking because I wanted to get up."

Omega remains asleep even through your quiet talking, establishing that she's clearly a heavier sleeper than you. But even if Crosshair still doesn't speak up again for awhile, watching the stars streak by the viewport. When he glances back over to the two of you, he notices the way you're brushing a piece of Omega's hair out of her face.

The two of you have been stuck like glue since first meeting, and even someone far denser than Crosshair wouldn't have much trouble seeing it. He can't really put a word to how the sight makes him feel. It's not bad, not in the slightest. It makes his chest hurt in a similar way it did when he would watch the cities bustle with life while they were locked away for later use in clone bases.

Longing?

"You're good with her." He mumbles, jerking his head your way. You shrug your shoulders.

"Hard not to be. She's a good kid."

He doesn't exactly have much of a gauge of what makes a 'good kid'. All he's even spoken to was clone cadets, neck deep in training.

But you look so, natural with her. Omega seems to be so comfortable with you, and maybe in a way, she sees you as a parent. She seems to think that way about Hunter, Echo too; He kind of wonders how she views him.

She almost always views the two of you as a unit, as even in a small ship you and Crosshair are rarely apart. Does she view him the same as you?

He never even thought he'd get the chance to even think about those sorts of things, until he met you. But even then, he never wanted them. Kriff, if it hadn't messed with the early clone tests brains so much, the Kaminoans would've made sure they'd never have the chance. But would he even be able? He went from test tube to battlefield, how can that raise a kid?

But for all of his rough and gruff, he wouldn't mind giving it a shot with you. You'd help him in the spots that need work. He'd help with yours, even if he doesn't think there is any. If Omega is any indicator, you'd be the perfect parent.

How'd he get so stupidly lucky? This all feels like a dream sometimes. He feels like having a child with you would be like rolling the dice yet again and risking losing every good thing he's manage to win. But gods, does he want it.

"Crosshair?" He looks up, and sees you staring at him. Your eyebrows are raised, almost suspicious.

"You good? You look lost." He doesn't respond, instead looking away from a moment. He's trying to think of a way to word his thoughts, but Omega stirs before he has the chance. He probably wouldn't be able to word them in any way that made sense, anyhow.

"Hmm?" She rubs her one eye, looking up at you before turning awkwardly to see Crosshair. He wasn't there when she'd fallen asleep.

"How long was I asleep?" You respond as Crosshair moves to stand. "Not that long. I just woke up too."

Standing right beside your seat he lays an arm on the headrest, leaning downward. He can see all the little imperfections on your face, as you look at up at him and habitually smile. He'll never get over how it seems like the sight of him makes you happier. He feels the same, even if he doesn't show it in the same way.

"Should get out of that seat before you ruin your back." It's true; The way you've been tucked in is horribly uncomfortable, but you aren't going to abandon it right at this moment.

After talking Crosshair leans down just a bit farther, enough to steal a kiss. His lips are nice and warm against yours; Soft, gentle pressure as his nose brushes against your cheek. Afterwards he plops a hand on Omega's head, ruffling her hair before running it down her face and squishing it as she lets out an irritated noise, slapping it away.

He hears the two of you quietly snicker as he walks out of the cockpit, moving to sit on his bunk and take off his boots. The two of you are mumbling about something, and he hears his name mentioned once or twice. He can't help but take another glance and see what the two of you are up to, and while he won't join, he'll enjoy the sound.

Maybe once this is all over, Crosshair can finally enjoy the pitter patter of small feet he always heard the holo-dramas talk about himself.

Join the taglist here: @seriowanwan @starborncyare @simp-legend @nekotaetae @chad-somethingg @coffeyorky @merkitty49 @lokigirlszendaya @totesnothere04 @get-wr3ckered @rebel-finn @mandoloriancookie @therealnekomari @loverofclones @notthatfanfictionwriterr @lucyysthingsgs @jennrosefx @fxlsealarm @crosshairs-wife @sinfulsalutations @Rennyboo9

#the bad batch crosshair x reader #Crosshair/Reader #crosshair x reader #tbb x reader #the bad batch x reader #crosshair x you #reader insert #reader #mywriting #tokophobia #pregnancy

[beloved-calypso]

・ ゜ ʚɞ ゜ ゜𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖉𝖔 𝖕𝖊𝖔𝖕𝖑𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖐 𝖔𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖛𝖔𝖎𝖈𝖊?♡ ・ ゜ ʚɞ ゜ ゜‎♡‧₊˚✧ ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა ✧˚₊‧♡

♡“𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒽𝓊𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝓋𝑜𝒾𝒸𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓇𝑔𝒶𝓃 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓁.” ~ 𝐻𝑒𝓃𝓇𝓎 𝒲𝒶𝒹𝓈𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒽 𝐿𝑜𝓃𝑔𝒻𝑒𝓁𝓁𝑜𝓌♡

All pictures and gifs are not mine but belong to their original artists. ♡

I. -> II. -> III. -> IIII.

ɪꜰ ᴀɴʏᴏɴᴇ ʜᴀꜱ ꜱᴜɢɢᴇꜱᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ꜰᴏʀ a ᴘɪᴄᴋ-ᴀ-ᴄᴀʀᴅ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛᴏ ꜱᴇᴇ, ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ᴘᴜᴛ ꜱᴏᴍᴇ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴛꜱ ʙᴇʟᴏᴡ! ᴀʟꜱᴏ, ɪ ᴀᴘᴏʟᴏɢɪᴢᴇ ɪɴ ᴀᴅᴠᴀɴᴄᴇ ɪꜰ ᴛʜᴇʀᴇ ᴀʀᴇ ɢʀᴀᴍᴍᴀʀ ᴏʀ ᴘᴜɴᴄᴛᴜᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴍɪꜱᴛᴀᴋᴇꜱ. ᴇɴɢʟɪꜱʜ ɪꜱ ᴍʏ ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ ʟᴀɴɢᴜᴀɢᴇ. ɪ ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ꜱᴜᴄᴋ ᴀᴛ ɪᴛ.

~ XOXO 💋🎀

౿૮꒰ྀི pile 1 ๑◞꒱ა

KNIGHT OF SWORDS (RX), 3 OF SWORDS, THE TOWER (RX)

Pile 1, ya'll are slow and thoughtful speakers. You are very mindful about what you say, and you are very aware of the power words can carry, hence why you speak with caution. Your voice may be thin and reedy by how many swords cards are here. It could also be high-pitched but more mature sounding. By the way you talk, people perceive you as an intellectual. Do you like poetry? You have a big, almost poetic vernacular. Your words sound almost melancholic. You speak with a lot of emotion and are very forthcoming with what you feel. You may vent a lot or express your emotions through writing. I feel like you're a great storyteller. You know just how much inflection and drama to put into your voice to draw attention and establish an atmosphere. I also think you use your words to heal. People find your voice very soothing and your words important. They trust that you would speak the truth. You may play therapists with a lot of people. People like to vent to you and sometimes seek your counsel because its likely you've felt what they have at one point.

⊰᯽⊱┈───── ✧

౿૮꒰ྀི pile 2 ๑◞꒱ა

2 OF WANDS (RX), THE EMPEROR, 4 OF CUPS (RX)

Prominent fire energy here Pile 2. The emperor sticks out most to me. Your voice may be deeper than most, almost carrying masculine qualities (nothing wrong with that, I loooovvvee deep voices. Ya'll are natural seductresses). It could also be that there are a few men in this pile. Your voice is perceived as commanding and powerful. You mean what you say, and you don't usually speak if you have nothing substantial to say. People are likely more to do what you say or take your advice. Unlike pile 1, it's almost hard to read the tone of your voice. It may sometimes be perceived as flat and bored, only because you don't like to be forthcoming with your emotions. People want to confide in you because they find you to be a wise and honest speaker. I think you can easily hurt people if you don't watch your words, and that may contribute to witholding your advice sometimes. You dont sugarcoat, which is a good thing. People think you keep a lot to yourself, but your words are rich in wisdom and meaning.

⊰᯽⊱┈───── ✧

౿૮꒰ྀི pile 3 ๑◞꒱ა

THE EMPRESS, 4 OF CUPS, THE WORLD

Pile 3 I think people perceive your voice as being very soft and feminine. You have a good way of speaking to people. People think you speak with eloquence and proper etiquette. Your voice may be high-pitched, but not childlike. You may be apathetic to other people's attention because you're so focused on what you got going on. It's like people would love to hear you speak and hear what you have to say, but you prefer to keep to yourself. People may daydream about starting a conversation with you. People may assume that you come from an affluent family and you've received a well-rounded education that's made your vocabulary and way with words so prim and proper. You're a good public speaker and sound quite charming. People feel you have a lot of knowledge to share. I think your voice could be especially helpful in your career.

⊰᯽⊱┈───── ✧

౿૮꒰ྀི pile 4 ๑◞꒱ა

5 OF CUPS REVERSED (RX), 2 OF PENTACLES, 6 OF SWORDS, KNIGHT OF WANDS

I think your voice can vary in your mood. It can go from low pitch to high pitch, and people can tell what you're feeling when you speak. I see you going through a personal transition and wanting to change peoples perceptions of you. I think you may have sounded quiet in the past. Maybe you were going through a hard time and were withdrawing from most people, but you want to come back louder and stronger as ever. You're releasing things from the past that may have stifled you and your voice. You'll be saying whats on your mind and saying them with confidence and energy. You want to be more social and outgoing, and I see you succeeding! You're trying to find more balance in your life and going on new adventures. Possibly, you'll be traveling soon. Your voice now sounds young and brims with passion. I think your voice revitalizes people, gives them high energy, and is infectious when you laugh or sing.

⊱┈───── ✧

ᴀɴʏ ᴄʀɪᴛɪᴄɪꜱᴍꜱ ᴏʀ ꜰᴇᴇᴅʙᴀᴄᴋ ᴀʀᴇ ᴡᴇʟᴄᴏᴍᴇᴅ. ɪ'ᴍ ᴛᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴀ ɴᴇᴡ ᴅɪʀᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙʟᴏɢ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀᴍ ᴏᴘᴇɴ ᴛᴏ ᴏᴘɪɴɪᴏɴꜱ ᴀꜱ ᴛᴏ ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ɪ ᴄᴀɴ ɪᴍᴘʀᴏᴠᴇ ɪᴛ. ♡

ᴅɪꜱᴄʟᴀɪᴍᴇʀs

© lolita-bonita — Please do not plagiarize, translate, or repost any of my work on other social media platforms without my permission. This is the only platform that I post this type of content. If you see my work being posted anywhere else, please kindly report them to me.♡

⊱┈───── ✧

✨️ ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ɴᴏᴛᴇ: Tarot is not an exact science, nor can it produce information that is factually true. All things posted are alleged and for entertainment purposes only. The future is fluid, and what may happen is based on your choices and actions, not what I and a deck of cards say. You are still the creator of your future. ✨️

#tarot #pick a card #pick a pile #pick a picture #tarot reader #tarot reading #divination #tarot cards #tarot blr #tarot blog #lolitabonita's

[leviathans-watching]

hey :3 can you do a fic about mc who kept her feelings for solomon secretly for more than one year? and mc was fighting with a lower demon who was saying that she likes one of the brother and then she says that it was solomon not the brother/s but she didn't confess because she was afraid that solomon would reject her because he don't want to lose another lover and like those worries? muahh

solomon overhearing your confession

includes: solomon x gn!reader (no pronouns mentioned)

wc: .7k | rated t | m.list

a/n: lmao he's so dumb i love him sm. thanks for requesting and i hope you enjoy!! my inbox is open to chat, request, or leave feedback so come say hi <33

warnings: (mildly humerous) depictions of (poorly executed) bullying

please reblog >:0

“admit it,” a lower-level demon says, pressing her finger into your chest, “you like lucifer!”

“i do not,” you protest hotly.

“fine then,” another says, rolling his eyes, “mammon, then!”

“i don’t like any of the demon brothers,” you argue.

“that’s such a lie!” the leader dismisses. “anyone would like at least one!”

“i thought you didn’t want me to like them,” you say, confused. “otherwise, why would you be threatening me?”

“we obviously need you to admit which one you like so we can warn you off of him,” a third demon says.

“this is so dumb. i already told all of you, i don’t like any of them! there’s actually someone else i hold close.”

“now you’re just making excuses. if that’s really true, then who do you like?”

you hesitate. it’s not as if you’re lying–you really do like solomon–you’ve just never admitted it to anyone and can’t believe the first time you do will be under duress.

“see, you’re not saying anything,” the second one speaks up again, “that means you’ve got to be lying!”

“what is with you weirdos! i like solomon, okay!”

“solomon? you mean like that shady sorcerer?”

“figures,” the third demon says nastily, “two humans, meant for one another.”

“why do you like him?” the leader asks. “how can i believe you without evidence?”

you groan. this is so freaking cliche. “he might be shady, but he’s really smart, okay? and he’s got a good sense of humor and strong morals. they may not be good morals but he knows what he believes in and stands up for it. he also is like, super attractive.” you go on but for the sake of brevity, it will get left up to imagination.

“wow, you must really like him,” the leader demon finally says, face crinkled. “why haven’t you confessed?”

“well, he’s never given an indication that he likes me back,” you say, wondering how you’re life has gotten to this point, “and i don’t do well with rejection in general.”

“i believe in you,” the second crony says passionately. “i’m sure he likes you back! you just have to take the first step!”

“i thought you guys were threatening me,” you say, confused.

“well, we were,” the leader says like you’re stupid, stepping back. “but we don’t actually dislike you. just threats to our chances with the brothers.”

wisely, you hold back the fact that you don’t think they have very much of a chance at all. “so you’re encouraging me now?”

“obviously. it’s kind of pitiful how down bad you are, you know,” the third says. “you seriously need to just jump in with both feet and be brave.”

after a few more inspiring words, they leave you, even more confused and honestly just ready to go back to the house of lamentation. but before you can, a voice speaks up, and seriously, this is way too cliche.

“now, that was interesting,” solomon says, and you turn to him with a scowl.

“how long have you been standing there? and you didn’t help me?”

“well, i got there and was going to help, but then you started waxing poetic about my cheekbones and i figured you had it in control.”

“kill me now.”

“ah, ah, ah, none of that,” he says, clicking his tongue. “at least not before you tell me if you meant everything you said. because if you did,” he continues before you can protest, “that would very good news for me indeed.”

you don’t dare to believe what he’s implying. “maybe,” you say instead. “what would you do if i had?”

his face splits into a handsome smile. “well, take you out on a date, of course,” he says like it’s obvious. “one where you can tell me more about how you like my charming wit and dashing aura.”

“oh god,” you say with feeling. “what have i gotten myself into?”

“the start of something beautiful,” solomon replies grandiosely, taking your hand, and for once, you actually think he might be being serious.

leviathans-watching's work - please do not copy, repost, or claim as your own

#obey me #obey me game #obey me shall we date #solomon om #om solomon #solomon obey me #obey me solomon #solomon x you #solomon x reader #solomon x mc #solomon x y/n #solomon x gn!reader #obey me humor #obey me! #solomon #leviswriting #leviswriting-obeyme #anon ask #answered asks

[oathkeeper-of-tarth]

Permit me a bit of gushing, even though I've said most of this before, in a variety of places. But what is a tumblr blog even for, if not for subjecting you all to this? Anyway, I am just so, so enamoured with Dame Aylin, the way she is written, the way she speaks and acts, and every single trope that makes an appearance with her.

I adore what she's doing to people's vocabularies! Love seeing 'panoply' come up in the context of her armour. 'Libation' is another great fun one popping up, in actual religious ritual contexts, in Shadowheart-getting-drunk-in-camp-again contexts, and sometimes Isobel's, uhm. Yeah. And hey, she has single-handedly brought 'succor' to unprecedented levels of popularity!

Also, I cannot tell you how fun it is to write her! The levels of sheer intensity! The contrasting genuine sweetness and moments of vulnerability! What a gift it is to let loose with some really apeshit vows of bloody vengeance or stuff about cleaving foul villains in twain to rot unburied in dishonour without end, then go into gloriously inspirational and actually quite insightful supportive words reserved for loyal and respected allies, and after that waxing poetic about fair Isobel and her wise countenance and the honeyed indulgence of her lips and the luminous moonlit halo that rests easy upon her blessèd brow-- I love her so much, she is invited into my brain forever, she sparks such pure unadulterated joy. Just this evening I was picking at a fic doc and didn't get much done, but I filled in a bit of banter

"A snivelling coward as always, Balthazar. Were there no spines to be found in any of the tombs you plundered?"

and then sat and had a little giggle with myself.

Anyway. I could happily post bits and pieces of Aylin lines all day (this is only slightly a joke post), there's just so many excellent ones, and ones I feel people often miss, which is a shame. But here, for now, to cap off these rambles, have this bit from the Shadowfell prison that just goes so hard and that I am particularly personally fond of for some reason. The phrasing is just... chef's kiss.

Know I will feel every wound, and still I will hurt less than you, who so utterly yourself defile.

On a more humorous note, I am also a big fan of when she calls you a chicken.

Run your coop all you like, chicken. You cannot fly without my wings.

#dame aylin #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 #voice lines #needed to get this out of my system need some pure fannish joy #oathkeeper writes things #aylin: my armour is drenched with the ignoble blood of my foes innumerable. my face is drenched with my belove-- isobel: AYLIN #okay off to bed with me now for real #aylin x isobel

[sukugo]

So as a fellow sukugo shrine sweeper, I feel like I have to share this with you first:

That's it. It was over. They all watched as Gojo fell to the rubble beneath his feet. Shallow, raspy breaths and the gurgling of blood would only be poetic in a moment such as this.

"You fought well, my sorcerer." Sukuna's words weren't a verbal sneer. He stated it as fact, therefore it was so. He walked to the highest pile of former buildings and sat down. "I will give you a choice, Satoru Gojo. You die here and now, or you can crawl to me. After all, it would be a shame to lose you. You've taught me something that no one else could."

Everything was shaking. It was too much but nothing at all. Gojo could only cling to the voice in front of him, to the eyes of the god before him. Crawl, Sukuna had said. What did he have to lose? The world was fucked either way, and he had caused so much destruction.

The refuge in his audacity had run out.

The refuge ahead was still here. Just a few steps away.

Stumbling was something he didn't think was possible when crawling. He never had to worry about it before.

A clawed hand raked through his blood crusted hair. If he wasn't using the king of curses as a bedrock for his sanity, he might have been startled.

"There we are, Satoru. I'm glad you made the right decision. Come here, and I will tell you what you taught me." He pulled Gojo between his legs and the sorcerer laid his head on the other's leg. He felt Sukuna healing his wounds right under his fingertips, and gasped as it overflowed into his bones.

Not quite healing, but more a brand. A mark of victory, pouring into his cracked cup of a body. He felt Sukuna filling every empty space, not just his mind, but his physical form as well.

He didn't know when his eyes had closed, but Malevolent Shrine was kinda hard to miss.

"Why so quiet all of a sudden?"

"It's not empty anymore. It's quiet." Was it always this dark?

"Your six eyes caused that void. I removed the problem. Made you whole. You were born rare, but also broken. Empty. I suspected that was what was wrong with you, but... you don't have to worry about that now."

"Explains why everything is so fucking dark."

A barking laugh came from above him.

"A small price for me filling your void."

"Careful now, I'm already on my knees." Gojo wise cracked. "But what did I teach you?"

"Love." That's... not what he was expecting. " You and I are very similar. That is the reason why our fight was as fulfilling as it was destructive. We fill and heal the void that makes us restless... but only you can give that to me. Just as I will be the only one for you."

The curse lifted him up onto his lap, and Gojo gently examined his remains of his eyes. Gone.

"When they regenerate, they will be no different than normal eyes, little sorcerer."

"When??"

"I would prefer if my love could see me." Gojo parted his lips to speak, but an insistent press of lips took the words from him.

When they parted, Gojo could only formulate one solid question:

"What would I see, Sukuna?"

The god holding him, his grin unseen, leaned back into his throne.

"That I alone...

...am the exalted one."

Sorry if this is really long or seem ooc, I was vibing to Neoni and things happened. I hope you enjoy though!!

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHFHJASHDKJASHJDSHGKLFHGLKSDHFKLDHGLKHGSDKLHFASKLJFKLHSKDFJAKLJASKLDJGLSHDLFJAJFASKFA

sorry i just. i need a fucking moment. IAUGHKDGAJFHKJLJASDLAJFKADKASÑ IM SCREAMING

THANK U SO SOSOSOOSOS MUCH FOR SHARING THIS IT'S SO GOOD AND IM NOT OKAY FUCK

#f.ask #jjk #sukugo #i cried. im crying right now. #how do i even. #im in love. im in love with them. #there's sososos many things. #SUKUNA SUKUNA SUKUNA. HE'S SO. #him referring to gojo as 'my sorcerer' and 'little sorcerer' OTL #'The refuge in his audacity had run out. The refuge ahead was still here' FUCK #just. the tenderness!!!! they're equals. they're meant for each other!!!!!!! no one else can give them that which they can give each other. #and the love that runs through them bc of this #felt through sukuna running his hands on gojo's hair. the laugh. the gently picking up satoru. the KISS. OUFGGHDHDGDJGA #'Not quite healing but more a brand. A mark of victory pouring into his cracked cup of a body. He felt Sukuna filling every empty space not #just his mind but his physical form as well.' oh FUCK im insane #'I would prefer if my love could see me.' SCREAMING CRYING #The god holding him his grin unseen leaned back into his throne. 'That I alone......am the exalted one.' FDHDJSHDHDBDHD SCREAAAAAMM #like. yeah. yeah. YEAH. #need to breathe. #and like. not to mention ur writing style is so lovelyyyyyyyyyyyy 💖💖💖💖 #OTL im cannot #like aaaaahhhhh this is such an amazing thing to get in ur askbox im so so so 🥰🥰🥰🥰😭😭😭😭💖💖💖💖💖💖💖 #like. fuck. fr overjoyed that u shared this with me thank u so MUCH!!!!!!! #i appreciate it a lot a lot. i enjoyed this immensel. it wasn't too long or ooc. ily. giving u a KISS <33333

[silurisanguine]

20 questions for fic writers

thankyou @poetic-poltergeist for the tag!! <3 (starting a new thread as the other was getting looooong.)

okay let's see

1) How many works do you have on AO3

23 currently!

2) What's your total AO3 word count?

245,631 and counting...... (as i new chapter of a fic should be going up any day now)

3) What fandoms do you write for?

Starfield, Deus Ex, Vampyr, Dishonored, Thief and one for Destiny2 at the moment.

4) Top five fics by kudos?

Savages, Paradigm Shift, To See Beyond Forever, Starry Starry Night and Take me Away from All this Death. (would love to see some of my Starfield fics get in here by next year! ).

5) Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I always do, comments fuel me! Seriously the serotonin boost from getting a comment is often exactly what i need to keep writing.

6) What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Shattered Reflections i'd say. (but chapter wise, it's my new one Chasing Your Star...)

7) What’s the fic you write with the happiest ending?

That will be.... [redacted].

8) Do you get hate on fics?

First fic i published on Ao3 got a unsolicited crit. One point was valid but the other i thought was unwarranted...and in fact incorrect anyway. But other than that, i've had nothing but positive comments.

9) Do you write smut?

haha.....oh ...OH YES. But always with plot and in context of story.

10) Do you write crossovers?

Yes i have one crossover right now - Emerging Shadow (Dishonored/Thief), but i plan another -( deux ex/ Assassin's Creed).

11) Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Probably by AI.....

12) Have you ever had a fic translated?

No, i dont believe so.

13) Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No, i'm too much of a control freak for story telling, though i do work with others to work out plot points sometimes.

14) What’s your all-time favourite ship?

Named ships? Emsider and McReid. (also Sam Coe& Spacefarer).

15) What’s the WIP you hope to finish but doubt you ever will?

Im not jinxing anything. I WILL finish all my fics. It just might take a while...But i doubt i will write any more for the Destiny fandom.

16) What are your writing strengths?

Story telling and scene setting I'd like to think.

17) What are your writing weaknesses?

Expanded grammar and finishing stories.

18) Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I try to find someone who speaks the language natively to help me with any foreign dialogue i might add.

19) First fandom you wrote for?

Xena, Warrior Princess. Back in my Live Journal days.

20) Favourite fic you’ve ever written? I have to admit i have a soft spot for Obsidian Dreams and Take me Away from All this Death. But i am absolutely loving writing Chasing Your Star Until I Find Home. I tag - @lakritzwolf @eridanidreams @bearlytolerant @atonalginger @fangbangerghoul @booburry @toxiclizardwrites @aro-pancake @aislingdmdt @onewhoturns @lisa-and-shadow @thatsgoodsquishy0 @despicablediet @themortalscout

#20 questions for writers #siluri writes

[musingsofaperpetualdaydreamer]

The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology first listen 🎧🪻✨

More than 15 years later wow it still feels so magical to listen to a brand new album. The joy, the excitement, the nervousness. I mark chapters of my life with her albums, they always seem to arrive with perfect timing. Is it fate or delusion? Probably the later, obviously she has no idea who I am. Idk it feels nice to delude myself now and again that we’re all journeying through this time together in some connectedness (is that a word?). It feels sort of nostalgic in some ways, from being just a child to now an adult, it’s like Sesame Street that grows up with you. Not a great analogy but what I mean to say is it holds a special place to me.

This album, this anthology feels much like we’ve been handed her diary, filled with sticky notes bound together, it’s so raw but so expertly crafted, messy feelings but the penmanship is exquisite. From her debut album, it’s always been poetry. She transports you to her world. What a journey, what a joy, what a gift.

I like to capture my first thoughts of each song in my silly chicken scratching written notes. Most of it makes no sense. It feels like a nice silly tradition and it’s fun to look back on. So here goes:

Fortnight

- It’s giving moody 1989??? Excuse me miss?!!! Ohhh she knows. Preach bye time to cry

The tortured poets department

- Ooooh we’re in an 80s dreamscape. Yes yes yes. Who’s gonna love you but me? A fluffy dreamland Patty smith? Insert wait I understood the reference meme. Ooooh it’s lovely. I am sad

My boy only breaks his favourite toys

- excuse me?? I’m shattered byyyyyeee. I’ll tell you that he runs because he loves me?? You should’ve see him when he first saw me? Once I fix me he’s gonna miss me??? Ladies and gents welcome to afternoon tea on the menu SCALDING hot queen’s special. Maybe I’m a crumpled up paper on the floor. Maybe I am no more.

Down Bad

- well damn she’s said the quiet parts out loud again. Oh smokes time to dissapear into this galaxy smoky cloud of night. One of us. One of us. One of us.

So long London

- literally standing by the river in the rain. May as well cry my damn eyes out . Darn it blondie. Poetic destruction. Crying my eyes out by the water like I’m in made in Chelsea. Darn.

But daddy I love him

- a folklore ode? Little house on the prairie Princess revolution. Serve it up serve it up I’m ready to be stuffed like a winter pig. A grown up love story. It’s ridiculous and maybe wise eyes know too well it’s chockablock of red flags but darn I’m a cheesin’ this is so cute.

Fresh out the slammer

- oh it’s like August but dark. August dark afternoon blistering hot and the storm is about to come.

Florida!!! Ft Florence and the machine

-ExXUSE MEEEEEEEeE?????!?!!?teee heee heee heeee. Your home’s really only a town you’re a guest in??? Sorry can’t speak my jaw has shattered. Pls pls. Palm tree pls.

Guilty as sin?

- A false God dreamy haze confessional? With sprinkle of Gold Rush??? I am a melted.

Who’s afraid of little old me?

- The who’s who of who’s that is poised for the attack? But my bare hands paved their path, you don’t get to tell me what’s sad? - I AM CHOKED. Silenced mute. Ohhhh miss blondie is on BUSINESS. TELL THEM SWEETIE. Oh my heart 💔

I can fix him (No really I can).

- Oooh moody blues preaching with generous dash of delusion? Ah yes my routine favourite beverage. I am drinking this up like air. Drunk on false hope? One of us. One of us. One of us.

Loml

- You Holy Ghost you told me I’m the love of your life. Oh no I’m crying again. Back to crumpled paper rocking back and forth on the floor in a ball it is. It’s so pretty yet, shattering. Devastating. I wish I could unrecall how we almost had it all. Dancing phantoms on the terrace, are they second hand embarrassed that I can’t get out of bed ‘cause something counterfit is dead? Yep that’ll do it.

I can do it with a broken heart?

- Oh damn. Honey nooooo. Oh myyyy. Oh I’m in this picture and I don’t like it. It’s so artfully done, so upbeat and Poppy yet so hauntingly sad. Yes that’s the point but it’s sooo well done. Oh sweetie. I can’t stop laughing it’s not funny, it’s just you too pumpkin. I wanna hug her and tell her it’ll be fine. Ok ok.

The smallest man who ever lived

- Oh I’m speechless. And I don’t even want you back, I just want to know, if rusting my sparkling summer was the goal. The bridge? Excuse me while I sink to the bottom of the darkest ocean.

The alchemy

- Oooh it’s so cute and dreamy. I’m beaming you can hear her smile when she sings.

Clara bow

- Oooh it’s the lucky one grown up. The bridge is a masterpiece. It’s hell on earth to be heavenly, thems the breaks it don’t come gently. She knows she’s a star, The never ending cyclical wheel of stardom, even the shiniest, ends with a new star born in its shadow.

The black dog

- Oh No no no I Am 1 billion percent destroyed. Byeeeee

Imgonnagetyouback

- Oooh blondie is on the prowl and what can I do but bop like the well stuffed clown I am. Insert meme of cat bopping their head.

The albatross

- Banjo? Haunting country cautionary tale? - scathing review of one’s reputation, worst traits but underneath it all is just vulnerability. Caged for ‘monstrosity’ but being so vulnerable and just wanting to be freed loved. The ‘monster’ trying to protect the one they love from the things that will come for them too? Do they even realise it? Do they care? Wow it’s poetically beautiful.

Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus

- Oh it’s sad. If you wanna break my cold cold heart, just say I loved you the way that you were? Oh myyy. Replaying old moments, looking for clues wondering if it can all have a new ending? Wow.

How did it end?

- Wow the invasiveness of empathy of the innate curiosity of wanting to know, so you can something comforting, learn from it but you forget how it can be the worst part, having to offer up a ‘post mortem’ to all when you’ve barely even processed its ended yourself. The cyclical nature of it happening every time like it’s just a formal process we’ve come to accept even though it haunts us all. Ironically as we listen to this. Wow so beautifully done.

So high school

- I wanna find you in a crowd just to hide from you, and in a blink of a crinkling eye, I’m sinking, our fingers entertwined. Awww the sort of bubblegum silly feels you roll your eyes but you have the biggest smile on your face. It’s soo cute. You know how to call, I know Aristotle.

I hate it here

- Oooooh tell me something awful like you’re a poet trapped inside the body of a finance guy. One of us. One of us.

ThanK you aIMee

- Oh my goodness it’s grown up mean but she made it out. It’s so sad but I’m beaming. I say that’s my baby and I’m proud. Andrea? Oh thank you next. Not the kid. I’m cackling.

I look in people’s windows

- Oh it’s haunted death by a thousand cuts glimmering of desperate false hope. It’s lovely.

The prophecy

- Oh. Damn yep that’ll do it. Right in the ticker. Damn. It feels very much like am I doomed to always be the one before the one? Wow. Just yeah.

Cassandra

- I don’t know why but this makes think of safe and sound. Like the woman that was there when everything burned around them. She’s telling her side. Everyone’s there to watch you burn, screaming your guilt but silent when they’re wrong? If that ain’t the truth miss. Oh wow. Shes beautifully captured such a dark chapter.

Peter

- Oh wow it’s beautiful. It’s like post cardigan and she’s all grown up. 'Cause love's never lost when perspective is earned. But the woman who sits by the window has turned out the light. Oh wow it’s wow.

The Bolter

- Oh we must stop meeting like this but it always ends with a town car speeding. Wowowow. It feels like the time she fell through the ice, then came out alive. Oh my a BEAUTY.

Robin

- Oh it’s so pretty. It’s like never grow up, safe and sound and seven swirled together. Wow. It’s like she’s talking to her child but then also herself in the past and present, like from an older perspective? Ohhh it’s beautiful. Why does this make me think of coraline’s real mother watching her sleep? I wanna cry.

The manuscript

- Wow god it’s beautiful. Another time travel song. You keep revisiting past in your mind and you gain perspective and then you realise you aren’t that version of you that lived it anymore. You can feel it still, not as deeply perhaps but you’re disconnected from thinking the way you did at that time or after. Is sobering and haunting. The healing. Wow wow wow.

@taylorswift thank you my love 💕

#taylor swift #the tortured poets department #ts ttpd #the tortured poets department the anthology #first listen #musings #hope you guys are doing well

[firsttarotreader]

Wew! it's hard to come up with a brand new request for a reading when you've scrolled through the 'readings' tag and saw so much creative questions! anyway, let me try: I've noticed P is very good at complimenting with writting words, he seems very expressive and poetic with his writting but what about speaking? to be more clear with my question, is he the type that compliments his romantic partner verbally? like, calling them beautiful, sexy, etc, face to face? is he loving with words or just physical acts?

Hiya! Let’s do a semi-naughty and light one this time. When I asked your question, the Major Arcana were The Devil, Strength and The Hierophant.

Lol. 🤭🤭 So The Devil points to him loving to compliment a partner or person he is interested in by calling them “hot”, “sexy” and anything that’s related to their body and physical attractiveness. The man is gonna be horny and he’s very physical so… 🤭 Strength is interesting because it shows him also using the compliments to “conquer” them, to win them over, to “dominate” them in a way, so the “sexy” and “just passed out” kind of thing will not be uncommon. The Hierophant means he might also like to compliment them for their wisdom and their knowledge and how smart and wise and competent they are.

The Minor Arcana were the 9 of Swords reversed, 5 of Wands and 7 of Cups. Honestly, this 9 of Swords reversed with The Devil makes me think he will become “obsessed” with the person and be all over them and anxious to express how much they drive him crazy (in a good, naughty way lol). 5 of Wands with Strength is curious because he might get in a “competition” mode with the person but in this combination it will be a healthy one, he will want to compliment them more than they compliment him, lol, all in the name of the conquest and seduction and dominance. 😂 Then 7 of Cups with The Hierophant shows us he might be the kind that will rave about the other person, that will daydream about them and idealize them and that will be translated into compliments, about how incredible they are to him, SO smart and so wise and so good in everything they do.

So yeah, he will compliment them, and it will have a horny and passionate component to it. 🤭🤭🤭🤭

#compliments #relationship #Readings

[astralnymphh]

i like the way you think is kinda unique yk :) it's wonderfully nice to talk to you, it's like everything you say comes from the bottom of your heart. well im not too good with this poetic things im more into the gruesome, blood, scary.

- 🍮

i love speaking with old english words, scrambling grammar and sentence setups, using the most gruesome and sickly metaphors for the utmost delicate and archaic happenings in life. i have soooooo many thoughts and yet none of them come out. it's hard to do poetic word vomit sometimes, especially when the words that linger don't match the nature of what you're writing. why am i so wise today bru

#⤹𓍢ִ໋aestras asks #⋆ .🍮 anon

[waltwhitmansbeard]

my fair lady: chapter eight

click here for the other chapters, if you're nasty. thanks once again to @romeoandjulietyouwish and her medieval au for the inspo!

The ballroom of the Emerald Citadel is a thing of grandeur. Vaulted ceilings stretch up toward the heavens, and the periodic marble pillars have been expertly carved to resemble massive, sprawling elm trees. The center of the chamber is currently empty, as the formal dancing portion of the evening has yet to begin, but a quartet of musicians sits off to one side, weaving an intricate, melodious tapestry of traditional Ashari, Draconian, and Syngornian songs. Long tables frame the room, with one at the head for the leaders of the three gathered nations.

Vax scopes the room, eyes alighting on each individual face, from his position a few feet behind Keyleth at the head table. Her introduction with the Ashari delegation went well enough; she shone like a gem on her father's arm, and anyone who didn't know her as well as Vax does would have been fooled by her polite smile and graceful movement.

Vax, for his part, is doing a far less convincing job of keeping his emotions in check. Within two minutes of taking his post behind Keyleth, while the Draconian delegation was being heralded in, Lord Percival had sidled up to hiss at him, "Relax your face. You look as though you're about to set the room ablaze."

Any given minute, he feels as though he might.

After some brief speeches in which Sovereign Korrin and King Kruvanis thank each other and their Syngornian hosts and wax poetic about the end of a long and arduous war, the celebrations formally begin, to culminate at the end of the night with the signing of the treaty. The High Warden steps up to announce the introduction of dancing, to be kicked off by the newly betrothed royals, Prince Tiberius Stormwind of Draconia and Princess Keyleth of the Ashari.

Vax locks his eyes on the dragonborn prince as he extends a hand toward Keyleth, bowing before her. Prince Tiberius doesn't seem to notice the way her hand trembles as it slips into his—or maybe he does, and he imagines the tremor is one of attraction and not one of fear. The dance is lively, with lots of spinning and turning, and the prince wisely keeps his hands in respectable places. Keyleth has never been the most sure-footed, and her nerves certainly aren't helping; she spends much of the dance watching her feet to ensure she doesn't trip.

The dance ends to polite applause, and Vax lets out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. The prince and princess genuflect to each other, and then the dance floor is flooded for the quadrille. Keyleth uses the activity to duck away and retreat to the head table. As she passes him, she catches Vax's eye, her face falling for the briefest moment so only he can see her true misery.

.

Keyleth is going to scream. Halfway through dinner, which is a sampling of Ashari and Draconian cuisine, Prince Tiberius hasn't let her get a single word in edgewise. He's filled her in on his entire life story, prattling on about how droll his life at court has been and pontificating on his academic and arcane exploits. Keyleth pushes her food around her plate, no appetite to speak of, and makes vague noises of feigned interest to hide the fact that she hasn't listened to a word in half an hour. He seems satisfied by this level of contribution to the conversation and blusters on.

Finally, she is rescued by Percy, who interrupts the prince mid-sentence to ask his oldest friend for a dance. As they spin around the dance floor, Keyleth mutters, "Thank you for extracting me from that...well, I can't exactly call it a conversation, as I don't believe he's ever heard the sound of my voice." She sighs. "Vax warned me about how...trying he is, but nothing could have prepared me for that."

"I'm so sorry, Keyleth," he whispers back. "I can't imagine what this feels like."

Her eyes prickle, but she blinks the threatening tears away. "This is what a royal should expect, is it not? My future has never been my own. I can learn to live with him." She knows she has never sounded less convincing in her life.

Percy's face colors with pity. "You shouldn't have to. It is an injustice, to determine the fate of a nation but not your own life."

She wants to argue with him, to defend her father and the way her court is run, but after this trying day, she is simply too tired to lie to herself. Her eyes slide closed and she lets Percy lead her through the dance, happy to have this short respite from the responsibilities of her station. If Percy sees the wayward tear escape from beneath her eyelids, he gallantly says nothing.

The song is winding to a close when the melody is cut short by a cacophonous shattering of glass. All of the tall, intricately patterned windows lining the walls explode inward, sending a maelstrom of glass shards over the gathered guests. The chamber erupts in shrieks of horror as a legion of masked, black-clad figures swing inside on ropes. They land and immediately begin a violent assault on the party, firing crossbows and throwing daggers and brandishing blades with stunning speed.

Keyleth freezes in shock, but Percy doesn't hesitate. He reaches back into his jacket and retrieves from the hidden holster on his back the six-barreled weapon Keyleth spent years watching him craft by hand. He turns to her and commands, "Get to Vax, now!" before charging off to fight.

Heart thrumming and mouth dry, Keyleth whips around to look toward the head table, behind which Vax had been standing dutifully all night. Before she can take a step, however, a pair of thick arms wraps around her torso, yanking her back off her feet. She yelps, the sound swallowed by the screams of others and the clashing of metal and the booms of Percy's weapon. A hand clamps down over her mouth. She tries to shout through, heart racing unbearably fast now, but it's no use. She is hauled off of her feet and carried by some unseen assailant through the fracas, out of the ballroom, and far from any hope of help.

#critical role #critical role fic #cr fic #vaxleth #vaxleth fic #vaxleth au #tlovm #tlovm fic #my fic #my fair lady #vox machina #vox machina fic

[pennywaltzy]

For your 25th -- Sherlolly, black, 22

This was a long prompt that got picked (“I think you need to taste this for me,” Queen Molly said. She shoved the exquisite cake in her guard’s direction. Sherlock blinked. “Um.” “What, you’d rather your queen be poisoned?” "Of course not." He hesitantly took a mouthful, only to practically melt in satisfaction. “Oh my god.” It was amazing. He caught himself. “I - er - I think it’s fine.” “You should try a sip of the wine too,” Molly said. “Just to be safe. Sit, sit.” It took him slightly too long to realize it was a date.) that I used parts of verbatim. I also used a 30 Day Writing Challenge prompt (Use the words: crown, dance, smile) for this, even though I changed "dance" to "dancing."

The Royal Taste-Tester - Queen Molly has a task for Sir Sherlock.

READ @ AO3

“I think you need to taste this for me,” Queen Molly said. She was holding up a plate of cake. Not a huge slice, but enough that two people could get a decent amount out of the slice. Of course, Sir Sherlock had little experience with being the Queen’s personal guard, so he assumed it was simply a demand of hers, one of her whims that he was told about.

Sherlock blinked. “Um.” He wasn’t sure how to deal with the lovely queen. She put him off his senses. Not only was she lovely, she was smart as a whip and able to keep most of the kingdom happy. When he was guarding her he couldn’t help but stare at her in some sort of awe. And when he had to speak to her, he always tried his best not to foul it up.

As was just evidenced, he wasn’t always successful.

“What, you’d rather your queen be poisoned?” she asked him, a small smile crossing her lips. If he didn’t know better, he’d say it was a teasing smile, to go with the slightly teasing tone of the question.

"Of course not." She took up a fork and took a generous helping of the cake onto the fork, waving it in his direction, her eyes looking as though they were dancing in the dim light of her private chambers. He took a bite off the fork and nearly moaned. It was an amazing cake, light and fluffy with a blackberry filling and some hint of vanilla in both the cake and the frosting. “Oh my god. That was amazing.”

“It’s truly good?” Queen Molly asked, her smile growing and the glint in her eye matching the glint of light off her crown.

“I - er - I think it’s fine.” He was already making a fool of himself; no need to make it worse by waxing poetic about cake.

“You should try a sip of the wine too,” Molly said. “Just to be safe. After all, who knows who would want me dead?” It was just the two of them, and she patted the place to her left. “Sit, sit.”

“Isn’t that the place your consort would sit?” he asked. She gave him a Look with a capital L, and he sat. She was the queen, after all. Wouldn’t do to upset her.

---

When Queen Molly and formerly Sir Sherlock, now Prince Consort Sherlock, got married, he had a bit of the cake before pressing it into her face as she did the same, Laughingly, they took bits of blackberry filling and vanilla icing and smeared them on each other. It was the second best cake he’d ever had; the best had been the cake on their first date. A date it had taken him until the second course to realize it was, in fact, a date.

His wise, lovely Queen had gotten her way once again.

#sherlock #sherlolly #mollock #sherlock x molly #fanfic #fanfiction #my stuff #sherlock holmes #molly hooper #afteriwake's 25th Anniversary Prompt-A-Thon #30 day writing challenge

[cosmiccannibalcamille]

WTF are Astrology Aspects!?

Ok, so you’re reading a post by one of your favorite astrologers (in other words, me), and you love everything that she’s saying (thank you, I try) because her descriptions are so wise and on point (they really are) yet also cheeky, caustic, and slightly poetic (it’s a gift)— except she keeps mentioning these things called aspects. While this astrologer is amazing (stop, you’re making me blush), the words she’s using- square, conjunct, sextile, trine, opposition—kinda sound like something from your 9th grade Geometry class, and you want to know what f**k she’s talking about.

Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, I got you covered. I’m decoding all that Geometry lingo, which is better known as the major aspects in astrology.

Planetary aspects can be: soft, easygoing, tense, discordant, and nonexistent. What determines the nature and existence of an aspect is the degree in which the planets are transiting or placed in the horoscope, which is a 360° circle of the zodiac. This circle is divided into twelve 30°sections.

Whew. Ok, now that we know the basic function of the astrological aspects, we can learn about the most common types, otherwise known as major aspects.

Conjunction ☌ — A conjunction blends and intensifies the energies of the planets and the signs in which they are placed. Conjunctions are like having different characters in a play saying the same lines. They speak the same language, you know?

Trine ⧍- A soft and smooth aspect, trines allow a harmonious flow of energy between planets. Their dialogue is easygoing, sympathetic, and usually quite upbeat.

Sextile ⚹ — A soft yet stimulating aspect, sextiles allow planetary energies to flow in promising ways. The exchange of dialogue is productive and encouraging, with little disharmony or misunderstanding.

Square ▧- Arguably the hardest aspect, the square creates seemingly irreconcilable conflict, as the planets want two different things. However, there’s immense potential for progress if the tension is overcome.

Opposition☍- Another hard aspect, oppositions mean the energies of the signs and planets are polarized or divided and are in need of balance and blending. The exchange is like an old married couple who are always bickering, but can eventually agree if they both compromise.

Here are the degrees and sign relationships of each aspect:

The Conjunction ☌ — 0° occurs when planets are in the same sign. The planets occupy the same place in the horoscope.

The Trine ⧍ — 120°, occurs when planets are in the same element, but in different signs. These are the signs that create 120° trine aspect to each other:

Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

Gemini, Libra, Aquarius

Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces

The Sextile ⚹ — 60° occurs when planets are compatible but in different elements and signs. These are the signs that create a 60° sextile to each other:

Aries, Gemini

Taurus, Cancer

Gemini, Leo

Cancer, Virgo

Leo, Libra

Virgo, Scorpio

Libra, Sagittarius

Sagittarius, Aquarius

Scorpio, Capricorn

Capricorn, Pisces

Aquarius, Aries

Pisces, Taurus

The Square ❒ — 90° occurs when planets are in incompatible elements but in the same mode. These are the signs that create a 90° square each other:

Aries, Cancer, Capricorn

Taurus, Leo, Aquarius

Gemini, Pisces, Virgo

Cancer, Libra, Aries

Leo, Scorpio, Taurus

Virgo, Sagittarius, Gemini

Libra, Capricorn, Cancer

Scorpio, Aquarius, Leo

Sagittarius, Pisces, Virgo,

Capricorn, Aries, Libra

Aquarius, Taurus, Scorpio

Pisces, Gemini, Sagittarius

The Opposition — 180° ☍ occurs when planets are in the same mode and compatible elements. These are the signs that have an 180° opposition to each other:

Aries & Libra

Taurus & Scorpio

Gemini & Sagittarius

Cancer & Capricorn

Leo & Aquarius

Virgo & Pisces

#astrology #astrology aspects #aries #taurus #gemini #cancer #leo #virgo #libra #capricorn #scorpio #sagittarius #zodiac signs #aquarius #zodiac facts #zodiac #pisces #compatibility #conjunction #sextile #square #opposition #trine #astrology facts #astro observations #birth chart #astro community #astrology tumblr #astrology signs #astrology lessons

[pyyles]

On The Picture of Dorian Gray

‎‏‏‎ ‎An interesting comparison to be made in ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ is one between Dorian Gray and Lord Henry, in terms of how Dorian attempts to replicate Lord Henry’s actions, in order to become like Lord Henry, personality and ideology-wise (almost subconsciously).

Lord Henry is a character who does what he wants for the sake of fulfilling his Hedonic ideology. His mindset is complicated because of its poetic articulation, made of twists and turns in how he speaks to Dorian, and yet remains entirely simple at it’s most fundamental level- Hedonism. Even down to his sexuality, where his (speculated) desire for Dorian is not entirely pinned to his potential ‘homosexuality’, but rather because he just does want he wants. If one were to ask Lord Henry on how he would describe his sexuality, I can only image that he would respond in a un-serious way, where after talking on about what the question even means, you will eventually realise that he doesn’t have an answer to your question directly, but rather makes his answer apparent through the articulation of his ideology; that it does not matter to him. If in that moment he wanted a man (or a woman) he would accept it, for the sake of maximising his own happiness. Dorian, upon meeting Lord Henry for the first time, has his innocence and his strong sense of morality questioned by himself. He admires Lord Henry and, from the first meeting of theirs, is poisoned to try and become like him.

Perhaps more evidence of this mindset is in Lord Henry’s behaviour towards Dorian’s ‘love interest’, Sibyl. Lord Henry views Sibyl in an entirely superficial way, and also through a sexist lens, where he admires and enjoys Sibyl’s presence due to her incredible ability to replicate the characters she plays on stage, as well as being beautiful. These things are all valued by Lord Henry due to his hedonism, but he only loves them insofar as they give him that pleasure he values FROM them. As soon as this is ends and she preforms a play that does not even come close to meeting the expectations of Dorian and Lord Henry, Lord Henry loses interest completely.

Dorian, on the other hand, loses interest in a much more aggressive way. Now he finds her "shallow and stupid" and can barely stand her. His hedonism is growing to be 'active' rather than 'passive' (passive being the kind that Lord Henry displays). He becomes so rash, that his words eventually lead Sibyl to commit suicide. Even the reaction of Lord Henry shows how different the two truly become, as Lord Henry urges Dorian that it doesn't matter anymore, that 'he cares not a whit for the young Sybil and instead speaks superficially about fashion, women, and the convenience of Sibyl's death'. While Dorian feels bad, and tries to reconcile with his troubled feelings after being the reason for Sibyl's suicide.

So, then, how can it be that Dorian and Lord Henry turned out so different, if Dorian looks for a hedonism that is the same as Lord Henry's? Well, this because Dorian seeks to value the consequences of Lord Henry's actions, rather than truly understanding and aligning with the values that Lord Henry has. Lord Henry values the beautiful, pleasure, art, riches and happiness because of what they are and what they GIVE him. Dorian seeks to become like Lord Henry, so by replicating his actions (a consequence of valuing the things listed above) he aims to replicate a SENSE of value for these things. So, in chapter 16, Dorian takes Henry's words "To cure the soul by means of the senses, and the senses by means of the soul.", and does exactly that; by going to an Opium den to do opium. He believes that this ideology, this philosophy implies that he should do some sort of drug, something stimulating to heal his 'soul', when actually, what Lord Henry probably implied was something much more tame, but still stimulating. You can see that Dorians attempt to think similarly to Lord Henry is failed, because of his lack of understanding and TRUE belief in hedonism. For him it is all a play, none of it is how he truly, really, thinks.

#literature #booklr #books #classic literature #classical literature #dorian gray

[princesssarisa]

Character ask: Hero (Much Ado About Nothing)

Tagged by @ariel-seagull-wings

Favorite thing about them: Even though she's mostly a standard ingenue, I like that when she's alone with other women, she shows more wit and playfulness than she does when men are present. Also, while her lines are few compared to the other main characters', they're always nicely poetic.

Least favorite thing about them: That she's treated so badly and suffers so much, poor girl! The fact that her own father believes Claudio's accusations and curses her is almost worse than Claudio's publicly shaming her in the first place – misogyny is a brutal thing!

Three things I have in common with them:

*I'm female.

*I'm short and a brunette (if that's what Benedick means by "brown").

*I often don't talk much in public, but I'm livelier in private.

Three things I don't have in common with them:

*I've never been engaged to be married.

*I've never been wrongly accused.

*I've never had to go into hiding while other people faked my death.

Favorite line:

From her instruction to Margaret to bring Beatrice to overhear her staged conversation with Ursula:

"Say that thou overheardst us,

And bid her steal into the pleachèd bower

Where honeysuckles ripened by the sun

Forbid the sun to enter, like favorites,

Made proud by princes, that advance their pride

Against that power that bred it."

From the staged conversation itself:

"Why, you speak truth. I never yet saw man,

How wise, how noble, young, how rarely featured,

But she would spell him backward. If fair-faced,

She would swear the gentleman should be her sister;

If black, why, Nature, drawing of an antic,

Made a foul blot; if tall, a lance ill-headed;

If low, an agate very vilely cut;

If speaking, why, a vane blown with all winds;

If silent, why, a block moved with none.

So turns she every man the wrong side out,

And never gives to truth and virtue that

Which simpleness and merit purchaseth."

Her brief speech of self-defense after her public shaming:

"They know that do accuse me; I know none:

If I know more of any man alive

Than that which maiden modesty doth warrent,

Let all my sins lack mercy! O my father,

Prove you that any man with me conversed

At hours unmeet, or that I yesternight

Maintain'd the change of words with any creature,

Refuse me, hate me, torture me to death!"

When she unmasks herself to Claudio near the end:

"And when I lived, I was your other wife,

And when you loved, you were my other husband."

and

"One Hero died defiled, but I do live

And surely as I live, I am a maid."

brOTP: Beatrice.

OTP: I'd rather not say Claudio... I ship her with happiness, whether single or with a man who trusts and respects her.

nOTP: Her father or her uncle Antonio.

Random headcanon: Her mother, Innogen, is still alive and well. Even though she's a "ghost character" who only appears in the stage directions, and Shakespeare may have meant to cut her altogether but forgot to cut those stage directions as well as her speaking part, I'd rather think she is present than ignore her. There are too many other dead mothers in fiction!

Unpopular opinion: I don't really mind that she and Claudio get back together in the end. The play's genre makes it only natural, and Claudio was tricked into thinking he saw her in the very act of cheating. I understand why most modern retellings only have them reconcile as friends, though, and I do wish that Claudio did more to redeem himself for how he treated her. Even if she had been guilty, he should have followed St. Joseph's example from the Bible and quietly broken off their engagement.

Song I associate with them:

The lament for her supposed death, "Pardon, goddess of the night".

Here's an 18th century setting of it by Thomas Chilcot, and Patrick Doyle's setting from the 1993 film.

Favorite pictures of them:

This painting by Alfred Elmore from 1846, showing her lying in a faint after her public shaming:

This illustration by John William Wright, 1849:

Cherie Lunghie being comforted by Judi Dench's Beatrice, 1976:

Kate Beckinsale in the 1993 film:

This unknown actress:

Margaret Odette, Shakespeare in the Park, 2019:

#character ask #much ado about nothing #hero #william shakespeare #ask game #fictional characters