letsquestjess

[letsquestjess]

Hot Shit | Tom Cardy

#this is an absolute bop #and yes I will have it in my head for the next week #regrets? none.

[letsquestjess]

Beard Batch !

#tbb #the bad batch #clone force 99 #super awesome art

[letsquestjess]

He do be sleeping tho

#tbb #the bad batch #tbb echo #super awesome art

[letsquestjess]

Weekly Writing Prompts #40 - Dialogue Prompts

“Give him time, he’ll get used to it.” “Doesn’t look like he’s getting used to it.” 

“Hand it over, and I will spare you. Defy me, and I will take everything you love.”

“I never wanted it to turn out this way. I’m sorry.”

“That went… surprisingly well.”

“He just ran down the pier and vanished. What was I supposed to do? Vanish with him?”

#writing prompt #writing prompts #writing ideas #writblr #writing #creative writing #creative prompts #creative prompt #story prompt #prompt list #prompts #dialogue prompt #dialogue prompts #writers on tumblr #writing community

[letsquestjess]

Totally different approach to the menu this time, but i'm still not 100% sure if this is gonna be the final one i'll use here's the corresponding poster, if you haven't seen it already <3 ---------------------------------------------------------------

taglist: @callsign-denmark @techwrecker @dahscribbler @lightspringrain @dreamsandrosies @brainless-tin-box @thecoffeelorian @luzfeather @burningfieldof-clover @99tech99 @theglitterdark @fangirl-goes-nova @foundenterprisefamily @fanfictasia @jedi-hawkins

#tcw #the clone wars #501st legion #captain rex #super awesome art

[letsquestjess]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Got warm fuzzies writing this one 😊💜

So I heard you were doing fic requests (I stumbled on a post lol)

I'm not a big x Reader fan (sry 😭) but is it okay if I just request the bad batch relaxing on a forest planet in a cozy cabin? I just think that huddling up next to a fireplace, hot soup and hot cocoa would be the ultimate way to relax 😅

(Also writing this request reminded me of a drawing of Cross chilling in a cabin that I made a while back, is it okay if I tag you when I post it?)

Thank you and have a nice day! :D

Hello! Thank you so much for the request! Of course you can tag me in the Crosshair cabin post, it sounds so sweet! 😊💜

By the Warmth of the Fire

Summary: The Batch go on a relaxing retreat to a cabin in the woods.

Word count: 904

Warnings: None.

-- -- -- -- --

“That shower definitely beats the one on the ship,” Hunter said, padding out of his bedroom and tying up his almost dry hair into a quick bun before readjusting his bandana. Despite his efforts to tame the flowing curls, a couple of stubborn strands still flopped over the red fabric. 

The worn fireplace crackled, casting a soft, welcoming glow over the open living space. The metal poker on the stand had been scorched until the original metallic shine dulled beneath the constant heat, and Hunter was careful when he balanced the deceptive weight of it and nudged the larger surviving logs. 

“Where are the others?” Echo asked as he set the steaming bowls of soup onto the coffee table. Crosshair trailed closely behind with a tray of hot chocolate, placing each on the stone slab by the fire to keep them warm. 

“They shouldn’t be too long,” Hunter replied. Settling into the nearest armchair, he sank into the plush cushions and accepted the bowl Echo handed to him. He took a sniff of the curling steam and recognised the scent. “This one of Gregor’s?” 

“Yeah. When I told him we were coming out here, he gave me the recipe and it seemed easy enough to put together.”

The door groaned in protest as Omega, Tech, and Wrecker pushed their way inside, shutting out the biting wind and tracking snow behind them. 

“We’ve been waiting for you three,” Echo chuckled, assisting his sister in removing her coat and hanging it on the hooks. He guided her to a comfortable spot in front of the crackling fire and placed a bowl of soup in her hands. “Careful, it’s still hot.” 

With a nod, the girl brought a spoonful to her lips and blew on it before taking a sip. “It’s good,” she said as Crosshair draped a blanket over her shoulders. 

“The smell’s making me hungry,” Wrecker groaned. His stomach growled as he dumped the armful of chopped logs onto the dwindling pile and grabbed his dinner. He ignored the spoon and sipped straight from the bowl, letting out a small, satisfied belch. “Tastes great,” he declared, digging back in. “We got anymore?” 

“There’s about half a pan left,” Echo said. “I also cut up one of the fresh loaves if anyone wants some bread.” Sitting himself down on the sofa beside Tech, he took the last serving and savoured the warm, heartening aroma. His brothers tucked into their meals, and the sound of spoons on ceramic and slurps mingled with the crackle of the fire as it put up a valiant effort against the gusts invading the chimney. 

“How did your exploration go?” Hunter asked, glancing between Omega and Tech. 

“We didn’t go far, like we promised,” Omega replied, “but we saw a flock of ice birds.”

“Arcasia birds,” Tech corrected gently. “I believe they were preparing to migrate underground, otherwise we would not have seen them.” 

“Sounds fun,” Hunter said. “Did you get a look at the trail?”

“The snow is clearing, so if we wanted to go on a hike up to the springs, tomorrow would be the optimal day for it,” Tech replied. 

The tracker relished the warmth of the soup as he drained the last spoonful and set the empty bowl onto the low table. “We can head out in the morning,” he suggested. “So long as we don’t have any heavy snowfall overnight.”

As a howl ravaged down the chimney, Wrecker swiftly shoved the mantlepiece guards up to prevent the ashes from scattering. “Looks to be getting colder,” he commented, ensuring none of the smouldering flecks had managed to reach Omega. “Might be best to grab those extra blankets from the attic.” 

“Oh,” Omega said with a spark of excitement, “I have an idea. If it’s going to be cold, we could bring the bedrolls in here and sleep by the fire.”

“I brought Sabacc cards so we could always play a few rounds before bed,” Crosshair added, and Omega threw him a competitive grin. 

Hunter nodded in approval to the plan. “Okay, but if there are any arguments like last time, we’re leaving those cards here.” 

“It wasn’t that bad,” Crosshair reasoned. 

“Finish your soup,” Hunter told him in a commanding yet light tone. 

Omega wasted no time in grabbing her share of hot chocolate after she had cleaned her bowl. She took a small sip, relishing the sweetness, and offered the other mugs to her brothers as they mopped up the rest of their dinner with the fresh bread. Crosshair directed her to the Sabacc cards, and mug in hand, she disappeared into the back bedroom and reappeared moments later with them.

Hunter nestled into his seat and glanced around at his siblings. On the sofa, Echo indulged Tech’s ramblings, asking him about the various bird species he had encountered during his trek as he flipped through the pictures on his datapad, while Crosshair, Wrecker, and Omega got to work setting up the game. The brawler’s raucous guffaws warmed the room as he clapped Crosshair on the shoulder in amusement, and the sniper returned a tickled laugh. 

“Hunter?” 

Hunter’s attention lifted to Omega as she presented him with a set of cards. 

“Are you feeling alright?” she asked. 

“Couldn’t be better,” he replied, a smile spreading across his face as he graciously took the playing cards. “Come on, I’ve got games to win before we go to bed.” 

[letsquestjess]

Absolutely! They deserve a relaxing retreat 💜

So I heard you were doing fic requests (I stumbled on a post lol)

I'm not a big x Reader fan (sry 😭) but is it okay if I just request the bad batch relaxing on a forest planet in a cozy cabin? I just think that huddling up next to a fireplace, hot soup and hot cocoa would be the ultimate way to relax 😅

(Also writing this request reminded me of a drawing of Cross chilling in a cabin that I made a while back, is it okay if I tag you when I post it?)

Thank you and have a nice day! :D

Hello! Thank you so much for the request! Of course you can tag me in the Crosshair cabin post, it sounds so sweet! 😊💜

By the Warmth of the Fire

Summary: The Batch go on a relaxing retreat to a cabin in the woods.

Word count: 904

Warnings: None.

-- -- -- -- --

“That shower definitely beats the one on the ship,” Hunter said, padding out of his bedroom and tying up his almost dry hair into a quick bun before readjusting his bandana. Despite his efforts to tame the flowing curls, a couple of stubborn strands still flopped over the red fabric. 

The worn fireplace crackled, casting a soft, welcoming glow over the open living space. The metal poker on the stand had been scorched until the original metallic shine dulled beneath the constant heat, and Hunter was careful when he balanced the deceptive weight of it and nudged the larger surviving logs. 

“Where are the others?” Echo asked as he set the steaming bowls of soup onto the coffee table. Crosshair trailed closely behind with a tray of hot chocolate, placing each on the stone slab by the fire to keep them warm. 

“They shouldn’t be too long,” Hunter replied. Settling into the nearest armchair, he sank into the plush cushions and accepted the bowl Echo handed to him. He took a sniff of the curling steam and recognised the scent. “This one of Gregor’s?” 

“Yeah. When I told him we were coming out here, he gave me the recipe and it seemed easy enough to put together.”

The door groaned in protest as Omega, Tech, and Wrecker pushed their way inside, shutting out the biting wind and tracking snow behind them. 

“We’ve been waiting for you three,” Echo chuckled, assisting his sister in removing her coat and hanging it on the hooks. He guided her to a comfortable spot in front of the crackling fire and placed a bowl of soup in her hands. “Careful, it’s still hot.” 

With a nod, the girl brought a spoonful to her lips and blew on it before taking a sip. “It’s good,” she said as Crosshair draped a blanket over her shoulders. 

“The smell’s making me hungry,” Wrecker groaned. His stomach growled as he dumped the armful of chopped logs onto the dwindling pile and grabbed his dinner. He ignored the spoon and sipped straight from the bowl, letting out a small, satisfied belch. “Tastes great,” he declared, digging back in. “We got anymore?” 

“There’s about half a pan left,” Echo said. “I also cut up one of the fresh loaves if anyone wants some bread.” Sitting himself down on the sofa beside Tech, he took the last serving and savoured the warm, heartening aroma. His brothers tucked into their meals, and the sound of spoons on ceramic and slurps mingled with the crackle of the fire as it put up a valiant effort against the gusts invading the chimney. 

“How did your exploration go?” Hunter asked, glancing between Omega and Tech. 

“We didn’t go far, like we promised,” Omega replied, “but we saw a flock of ice birds.”

“Arcasia birds,” Tech corrected gently. “I believe they were preparing to migrate underground, otherwise we would not have seen them.” 

“Sounds fun,” Hunter said. “Did you get a look at the trail?”

“The snow is clearing, so if we wanted to go on a hike up to the springs, tomorrow would be the optimal day for it,” Tech replied. 

The tracker relished the warmth of the soup as he drained the last spoonful and set the empty bowl onto the low table. “We can head out in the morning,” he suggested. “So long as we don’t have any heavy snowfall overnight.”

As a howl ravaged down the chimney, Wrecker swiftly shoved the mantlepiece guards up to prevent the ashes from scattering. “Looks to be getting colder,” he commented, ensuring none of the smouldering flecks had managed to reach Omega. “Might be best to grab those extra blankets from the attic.” 

“Oh,” Omega said with a spark of excitement, “I have an idea. If it’s going to be cold, we could bring the bedrolls in here and sleep by the fire.”

“I brought Sabacc cards so we could always play a few rounds before bed,” Crosshair added, and Omega threw him a competitive grin. 

Hunter nodded in approval to the plan. “Okay, but if there are any arguments like last time, we’re leaving those cards here.” 

“It wasn’t that bad,” Crosshair reasoned. 

“Finish your soup,” Hunter told him in a commanding yet light tone. 

Omega wasted no time in grabbing her share of hot chocolate after she had cleaned her bowl. She took a small sip, relishing the sweetness, and offered the other mugs to her brothers as they mopped up the rest of their dinner with the fresh bread. Crosshair directed her to the Sabacc cards, and mug in hand, she disappeared into the back bedroom and reappeared moments later with them.

Hunter nestled into his seat and glanced around at his siblings. On the sofa, Echo indulged Tech’s ramblings, asking him about the various bird species he had encountered during his trek as he flipped through the pictures on his datapad, while Crosshair, Wrecker, and Omega got to work setting up the game. The brawler’s raucous guffaws warmed the room as he clapped Crosshair on the shoulder in amusement, and the sniper returned a tickled laugh. 

“Hunter?” 

Hunter’s attention lifted to Omega as she presented him with a set of cards. 

“Are you feeling alright?” she asked. 

“Couldn’t be better,” he replied, a smile spreading across his face as he graciously took the playing cards. “Come on, I’ve got games to win before we go to bed.” 

[letsquestjess]

Finally unlocked the Monsters Inc world in Dreamlight Valley. I have so much nostalgia, I was obsessed with that film as a kid!

(And yes, the third image cropping Mike’s face out is deliberate. I had to do it 🤣)

#disney dreamlight valley #dreamlight valley #monsters inc #james p sullivan #mike wazowski

[letsquestjess]

Thank you!

I loved writing them all so comfy and cosy 💜

So I heard you were doing fic requests (I stumbled on a post lol)

I'm not a big x Reader fan (sry 😭) but is it okay if I just request the bad batch relaxing on a forest planet in a cozy cabin? I just think that huddling up next to a fireplace, hot soup and hot cocoa would be the ultimate way to relax 😅

(Also writing this request reminded me of a drawing of Cross chilling in a cabin that I made a while back, is it okay if I tag you when I post it?)

Thank you and have a nice day! :D

Hello! Thank you so much for the request! Of course you can tag me in the Crosshair cabin post, it sounds so sweet! 😊💜

By the Warmth of the Fire

Summary: The Batch go on a relaxing retreat to a cabin in the woods.

Word count: 904

Warnings: None.

-- -- -- -- --

“That shower definitely beats the one on the ship,” Hunter said, padding out of his bedroom and tying up his almost dry hair into a quick bun before readjusting his bandana. Despite his efforts to tame the flowing curls, a couple of stubborn strands still flopped over the red fabric. 

The worn fireplace crackled, casting a soft, welcoming glow over the open living space. The metal poker on the stand had been scorched until the original metallic shine dulled beneath the constant heat, and Hunter was careful when he balanced the deceptive weight of it and nudged the larger surviving logs. 

“Where are the others?” Echo asked as he set the steaming bowls of soup onto the coffee table. Crosshair trailed closely behind with a tray of hot chocolate, placing each on the stone slab by the fire to keep them warm. 

“They shouldn’t be too long,” Hunter replied. Settling into the nearest armchair, he sank into the plush cushions and accepted the bowl Echo handed to him. He took a sniff of the curling steam and recognised the scent. “This one of Gregor’s?” 

“Yeah. When I told him we were coming out here, he gave me the recipe and it seemed easy enough to put together.”

The door groaned in protest as Omega, Tech, and Wrecker pushed their way inside, shutting out the biting wind and tracking snow behind them. 

“We’ve been waiting for you three,” Echo chuckled, assisting his sister in removing her coat and hanging it on the hooks. He guided her to a comfortable spot in front of the crackling fire and placed a bowl of soup in her hands. “Careful, it’s still hot.” 

With a nod, the girl brought a spoonful to her lips and blew on it before taking a sip. “It’s good,” she said as Crosshair draped a blanket over her shoulders. 

“The smell’s making me hungry,” Wrecker groaned. His stomach growled as he dumped the armful of chopped logs onto the dwindling pile and grabbed his dinner. He ignored the spoon and sipped straight from the bowl, letting out a small, satisfied belch. “Tastes great,” he declared, digging back in. “We got anymore?” 

“There’s about half a pan left,” Echo said. “I also cut up one of the fresh loaves if anyone wants some bread.” Sitting himself down on the sofa beside Tech, he took the last serving and savoured the warm, heartening aroma. His brothers tucked into their meals, and the sound of spoons on ceramic and slurps mingled with the crackle of the fire as it put up a valiant effort against the gusts invading the chimney. 

“How did your exploration go?” Hunter asked, glancing between Omega and Tech. 

“We didn’t go far, like we promised,” Omega replied, “but we saw a flock of ice birds.”

“Arcasia birds,” Tech corrected gently. “I believe they were preparing to migrate underground, otherwise we would not have seen them.” 

“Sounds fun,” Hunter said. “Did you get a look at the trail?”

“The snow is clearing, so if we wanted to go on a hike up to the springs, tomorrow would be the optimal day for it,” Tech replied. 

The tracker relished the warmth of the soup as he drained the last spoonful and set the empty bowl onto the low table. “We can head out in the morning,” he suggested. “So long as we don’t have any heavy snowfall overnight.”

As a howl ravaged down the chimney, Wrecker swiftly shoved the mantlepiece guards up to prevent the ashes from scattering. “Looks to be getting colder,” he commented, ensuring none of the smouldering flecks had managed to reach Omega. “Might be best to grab those extra blankets from the attic.” 

“Oh,” Omega said with a spark of excitement, “I have an idea. If it’s going to be cold, we could bring the bedrolls in here and sleep by the fire.”

“I brought Sabacc cards so we could always play a few rounds before bed,” Crosshair added, and Omega threw him a competitive grin. 

Hunter nodded in approval to the plan. “Okay, but if there are any arguments like last time, we’re leaving those cards here.” 

“It wasn’t that bad,” Crosshair reasoned. 

“Finish your soup,” Hunter told him in a commanding yet light tone. 

Omega wasted no time in grabbing her share of hot chocolate after she had cleaned her bowl. She took a small sip, relishing the sweetness, and offered the other mugs to her brothers as they mopped up the rest of their dinner with the fresh bread. Crosshair directed her to the Sabacc cards, and mug in hand, she disappeared into the back bedroom and reappeared moments later with them.

Hunter nestled into his seat and glanced around at his siblings. On the sofa, Echo indulged Tech’s ramblings, asking him about the various bird species he had encountered during his trek as he flipped through the pictures on his datapad, while Crosshair, Wrecker, and Omega got to work setting up the game. The brawler’s raucous guffaws warmed the room as he clapped Crosshair on the shoulder in amusement, and the sniper returned a tickled laugh. 

“Hunter?” 

Hunter’s attention lifted to Omega as she presented him with a set of cards. 

“Are you feeling alright?” she asked. 

“Couldn’t be better,” he replied, a smile spreading across his face as he graciously took the playing cards. “Come on, I’ve got games to win before we go to bed.” 

[letsquestjess]

Legends of Myriad: Arc One - Chapter 26: The Waters of Skuld - Part 1

“I can not believe everything has remained exactly as it was,” Bartholomew enthused, tail of his coat flapping as he circled the room in search of any signs of disturbance. The only difference in the sculpted mountain cavern was the growth of fibrous dust and stringy spider webs. “Almost like I was never away.”

But you were, Lilith withheld. You were gone for almost three-hundred years. Even if the cosy research nook had remained untouched by time, the outside world had likely evolved. Certainly, they were the first outsiders in centuries, and while Bartholomew may have been convinced of their safety, she wasn’t taking any chances. He had been confident of their security in The Compendium and yet they had teetered on the brink of being devoured by a soul-ravaging book. She refused to make the same mistake twice. 

As the professor secured the private gateway, she roamed the cavern, scraping her nails along bowls of multi-coloured stones and shelves lined with musty, wilting tomes. “Do you have personal gateways on every world?” 

“I do. I purchased small plots of land specifically to store my research materials.” Hoisting himself off his knees with the help of a nearby shelf, he dusted off the dirt from his trousers. “Right, the gateway should be stable until we get back. Shall we?” He retrieved his cane from beside the damaged desk and twirled it towards the cave mouth, shadows spinning within the influx of daylight. 

Without waiting for Lilith’s response, he strode out into the crisp air and inhaled, savouring the distinct earthy aroma of each tree and the mild, powdery fragrance of Mino blossom. The treetops rustled and thinner boles quivered as large animals bouldered between them, legs thumping and bodies swaying. 

Lilith gawped. Forest stretched out to the horizon and painted every lift and dip with a mosaic of vibrant greens. Neon blue spilled from waterfalls and pooled in lakes in dots of ethereal light, and gigantic skeletal remains emerged from the ground, reminiscent of the ones on The Core. 

“Are they fires?” she asked, pointing to the expanding, smoky plumes in the distance. 

“That is chimney smoke. The villages are equipped with a central vent, where the dwarves carefully direct the fumes, taking precautions to filter out any harmful toxins before releasing them into the air. Some even incorporate fertilisers to promote the prosperity of the forest and safeguard the trees in the colder months.”

“So that’s what I can smell?” 

“Yes. Admittedly, that particular aroma does take some getting used to.” Bartholomew swivelled to get his bearings and muttered to himself before he directed an arm to the east. “That is where we are heading. Thuldran.” 

“Thuldran,” Lilith repeated, as though tasting the word. The sensation was strange but not unwelcome, rolling across her tongue as naturally as the high-altitude breeze teasing her braid. 

“That is the one,” Bartholomew smiled. 

Sticking close to the mountain wall, he assessed each step and paused along the way to strategise the best route ahead. Over the centuries, much of the path he had originally built had eroded and fallen apart, but the brunt clung on, enabling him to navigate the treacherous rocks with a certain level of safety. 

“The dwarves of this realm are known for their prowess in trading and their insatiable appetite for exploration,” he explained as they ventured closer to the base of the low mountain. “They have a knack for finding things, but haggling over prices for goods can be a challenge. They have a deep understanding of worth and will not easily let something go without it being fully appreciated.” He made to speak again, eager to share more vital information before they entered dwarven territory, but his words drowned in his throat when he saw his companion absentmindedly rotating the Eventide crystal on her left bracelet. 

“That is a beautiful piece of jewellery,” the professor remarked. “Clearly more interesting than I am.” 

“Sorry,” Lilith said. 

“Do not apologise. It is all right.” Bartholomew slowed so she could walk beside him on the gravel track now that the path comfortably held them both. Her nails traced the interwoven gold and silver bands encircling her wrists, the pads of her thumbs caressing the stones that governed her power. In a steady rise and fall, she tempered her breaths to accompany the pulsating rhythm of the wooded world.

The more he watched, the more he noted where her eyes searched, where they lingered for further detail. How she drew in her surroundings to align herself within it. It wasn’t just discipline and practice. It was innate, etched into her soul from the moment she had been born. And something about it provoked Bartholomew’s curiosity. No matter how much he pondered, he failed to figure out why. 

“Where did you get them?” he inquired. “The chains do not seem to be of Mora craftsmanship.” 

“They were a gift from my guardian, Farina Canaris. She got the metals from her home in Saan Asari and commissioned the best jeweller there to fashion bracelets that would hold the crystals,” Lilith replied. “When I worry and find myself at a loss for my next move, I ask myself what she would advise.”

“Are you worried now?” 

“I’m in a land that is not my own, with unknown dangers and strange magic. It would be unwise of me not to be at least a little wary.”

“And what guidance would Farina Canaris offer to solve your current apprehension?”

Lilith smiled, as if she could almost hear the words coming from her guardian’s mouth. “She’d probably tell me to trust my direction and my instincts.”

“From what I have witnessed of your skills and abilities,” Bartholomew said in certainty, “I would say that seems like perfectly sound advice.”

Traversing a steep ridge and beginning the last stretch over the foothills, slated rooftops peeped between the wide boles. From the collapsing exteriors to the severed rope bridges, the place reeked of decay. 

Figures thundered closer from the shade beneath the surviving structures and Bartholomew halted. 

“Enemies?” Lilith asked, gripping the handles of her circlet blades. 

“No,” the professor assured her. “I think it may be a patrol from Thuldran.” 

With a staunch nod, Lilith remained by his side as he raised his cane and motioned to the scouts.

The approaching party shook the forest, sending shockwaves along the ground and spurring a flurry of leaves and mud. It was only when they emerged into the growing wedges of light that the creatures unveiled their true forms. The colossal arachnids roared to a stop, legs wider than tree trunks and spindles bristling. Hundreds of eyes blinked at them and protruding crescent teeth clicked and hissed until beads of venom dribbled into the dirt. 

“Do not panic,” Bartholomew whispered, sensing Lilith’s increasing unease. “They will not harm us.” 

An armoured patrolman descended from the bulbous body of the cloud-white spider at the head of the procession, hitting the patches of grass with a metallic clank. “Mind telling me what you two outsiders are doing on Thuldran territory,” he said. “You don’t look like elves of any kind, you’re too big to be sprites, and far too small to be trolls.” 

“We are travellers from other realms,” Bartholomew answered. “I am Professor Bartholomew Amias Spark of The Core, and my esteemed companion is Commander Lilith Cleaver of Solgarde.” 

“And you are here because…?”

“Ah, yes. We require a vial of water from one of your mirror pools.”

The scout let out a hearty laugh, holding onto his clinking belt as though to keep the amusement from splitting his rounded stomach. “Pal, what makes you think we will allow you to do that?” 

“The world that gifted you those pools is in need,” Bartholomew said. “I am sure you understand the importance of that.” 

Within the silence, Lilith observed the interaction between the scout and the professor, glancing between them in turn. “What about a trade?” she suggested, before the dwarven protector could laugh again and disregarding Bartholomew’s chiding look. “I hear you are wonderful traders, so perhaps there is something we can offer in return.”

“With all due respect, miss, you don’t appear as though you have anything of value to offer,” the scout replied, scanning her from head to foot. 

“I might,” Bartholomew interrupted, “but I would need to discuss that with your elder.”

Refusal teetered on the tip of the man’s tongue and he scowled. Normally, they would firmly reject opportunists and issue a warning to deter any further attempts. But these were far from the ordinary sly traders and brigands he usually dealt with. “Fine,” he said with reluctance. “Any funny business, and you are goners. Do we have a deal?” 

“You may take our weapons if it would make you feel more comfortable with our presence,” Bartholomew extended, but the scout snorted aside his offer and heaved himself back onto the white arachnid. 

“Why would we need to do that? You’re heavily outnumbered,” he pointed out. “You make a single move we don’t like, you’ll be eating dirt quicker than a troll fart can knock out a sprite.” 

Lilith scrunched her nose in distaste and peered up at the professor. He brushed off her expression and gestured for her to follow the dwarven procession. He understood he would have to negotiate something valuable into the bargain, but for The Core, for his beloved home, for the entity that had nourished him and selflessly assisted him, he was willing to give up anything to aid in the revival of that crucial world. 

The flat land ended at the base of the foothills, and the forest floor rose in gradual lifts on the outskirts of the dwarven city. The scout introduced himself as Nestor Valdec, captain of the eight-hundredth scouting squad and guard of Lofran Redblade. As he adjusted to the new company, he gradually opened to them, recounting anecdotes from his youth in which he encountered mountain bears, giant hawks, and even a frost troll. 

“I tell you,” the scout said, gruff and low, “those icy monsters are no joke. Their magic is tricky, but it was no match for me. Hated to do it, but the bloody thing kept spreading an ice that was snatching away our young and vulnerable. Couldn’t negotiate with it, no matter how much we promised, so in the end, we had to resort to putting it down. Awful business.” 

Lilith glanced up at Bartholomew as though to question the legitimacy of the tale, but the professor shrugged. He had heard all manner of accounts, experienced plenty himself, and he had no reason to doubt Nestor and his trials. 

As they continued up the hillside, the dense tangle thinned out. The range of trees and vegetation varied until the wide trunks could support curving tracks and mortar structures that spanned from root to bough. A rushing river cut through, the vigorous current splashing beneath multi-layered bridges to connect the upper and lower waterways. Like a protective canopy, the needles and leaves overhead shielded the city from airborne dangers and filtered in streams of dazzling sunlight. 

“Why couldn’t we have gone to the pool ourselves?” Lilith asked in a hushed tone as their guide conversed with the border guards. “It would have been much quicker.”

“That would be a declaration of war,” Bartholomew stated. 

“How would they find out?”

“The dwarves have an extensive knowledge of all happenings in their lands. In order to maintain a positive relationship with them, this is something they must agree to.”

While Lilith was determined to act swiftly, she couldn’t disregard the importance of building healthy alliances. If an outsider had stolen from Solgarde without permission from any kind of authority, she imagined she would harbour a deep sense of violation too. Even if it was only a few drops of water. 

A curious audience accompanied their onward journey into Thuldran, eyes peering through the gaps in shuttered windows and others openly gawking. 

“Looks like you’ve caught a couple of half-giants there, Nestor,” a woman laughed, approaching the procession with a bucket tucked under her arm. She offered each of the scouts a ripe peach fruit and held out two for Lilith and Bartholomew, locking her scrutiny onto the mage. “Not sure about this one, though. She’s barely taller than we are.” 

“They want to see Lofran,” Nestor told her. “Claim they’ve got stuff to trade.” 

The woman scoffed. “Hope it is something good. We know value and we won’t be swindled.” 

“I would not dream of such a thing,” Bartholomew promised, bowing to her as she scooted aside to let them continue on their way. He turned to Lilith as she wiped sticky juice residue from her mouth and swallowed. 

“Sorry,” she said. “This is amazing. Have you tried them?”

“Many times.” Bartholomew passed her an embroidered handkerchief. “It is a cinder fruit, grown in ashes. In Lucarian, they coat them in chocolate.” 

“Heathens,” Nestor muttered with a dull click of his tongue.

Ascending into the depths of the city, Lilith marvelled at the houses scaling into the trees and rising from the lift of the land as though they had sprouted like flowers. Rather than destroying the woodland to create space for their dwellings, the dwarves of Thuldran integrated their homes and businesses with their natural surroundings, seamlessly blending forest and dwarven architecture. 

“This was here all this time,” she mumbled, refusing to blink in case she missed more spectacular sights. “We told stories of other worlds, but dismissed them as mere fantasy. It all faded. Everything we once knew for certain… gone.” 

Her confession struck Bartholomew with a marked stab of shame, and he realised the immense profit and progress that Myriad had lost out on during his extended slumber. “You have the chance to rebuild that now,” he encouraged with a light nudge to her arm. “Make more stories.”

“You’re starting to sound like Altair.” 

Eventually, the steep ascent eased. Outside a squat, broad structure, a group anticipated their arrival, shuffling their feet and picking at their nails. 

“You took your sweet time,” the decorated dwarf amongst them remarked. A silver circlet nestled in his wavy fair hair and matching beads clung to the trimmed braids of his beard. Jangles of metal, cosmetic and weaponry, attended every booted step. 

“Elder Redblade,” Nestor said, dismounting the snowy arachnid and greeting his leader with a humble bow. “Apologies for the delay. River was up and we had to slow on the lower bridges.” 

Lofran grunted, leafy green eyes rolling and fixing on their unexpected visitors. He assessed them as he would a crate of freshly imported ale, and beckoned for them to join him. “The messenger you sent ahead wouldn’t shut up about you two,” he said, shoving open the rounded doors to the city’s central hub until they collided with the pillars behind them. “Now I can see why.”

Upon entering the circular hall, a blanket of heat wrapped them in a hospitable welcome, the multiple hearths blazing to ward off the growing chill and sunlight oozing through the window slats to cast a mellow shimmer on the silverware lining the feasting table. 

“Come,” Lofran said. He seated himself down at the head and stuck his spear and his axe behind his chair.

Bartholomew wasted no time in following suit, and with a hint of reluctance, Lilith unclipped her midnight circlet blades and shoved them at the rear of her seat. 

“Let’s skip the pleasantries,” the elder huffed, ring-adorned fingers clasped on top of the panelled wooden surface. “According to my messenger, you seek water from our mirror pool and are open to making a trade for it.”

“Yes,” Bartholomew replied. “I possess a vast array of gifts from other realms and collections of research and knowledge I am more than happy to impart.”

“We have no use for trinkets,” Lofran told him bluntly, shifting to the dark-haired mage. “You are Solgardian, correct?” At the nod and somewhat bewildered look, the dwarven elder’s lips twitched. “Does Mora still mine zedite?” 

“Yes, we do,” Lilith answered. 

“If you can secure me a heavy shipment of zedite, you are free to collect as much water as you need. As a gesture of goodwill and to show our willingness for future trade, I might also throw in some medicinal herbs.” A servant presented a platter of drinks, and once his guests had theirs, Lofran rose his own tankard in toast and drained it in several large gulps. With a refreshed sigh, he slammed it onto the table. “Do we have a deal?” 

When Lilith’s gaze met Bartholomew’s, she found no hints as to how she should approach the proposal, leaving her to grapple with an answer herself. “I’m not a diplomat or a negotiator,” she said. “I wouldn’t know where to even begin settling a trade of this scale.”

“Then you had better become one soon,” Lofran warned, motioning for another tankard and resting back into the fur of his high-backed seat, “or I will no longer discuss business with you.” 

* * *

In a buzz of insect wings and climbing lamplight, night blanketed the forest city and the natural hum of Thuldran descended. Shutters slammed closed on houses and lanterns flickered behind the slats. Darkness fled from the mellow firelight and the celestial blue glow of the water, banished to hunker in the nooks and alcoves. 

It hadn’t taken long for the news of the two new arrivals to spread, but the chatter soon fizzled out. Once everyone knew, they carried on with their day, and by nightfall, it had become stale gossip, unworthy of even a whisper. 

Lilith still attracted a few dawdling stares as she made her way down the steady declines, pursuing the thrum of the world to the largest bridge. After promising Lofran she would see what she could do about the zedite import, he had granted them freedom to explore, on the condition that they respect the natural flow and did not disturb his people. 

Despite the situation, she found a tranquil refuge with the dwarves. Clean, floral scents lulled her breaths, harmless furry critters padded about, and a lively wind that nuzzled her cheeks and refreshed her clothes passed by intermittently as though to check on her well-being. 

Near the middle of the bridge, she came to a halt and leaned over the low stone barrier, captivated by the skitter and flutter of glow bugs as they teased the river’s surface, avoiding the flurry of foam from the waterfall in their flight. They dipped their legs into the water and hauled the beads under the stone crossing, flitting out again to hoist more drops and deliver them into the dark. 

“They use the droplets to construct their nests in shaded places. Their young will be there now,” Bartholomew said, strolling to her side and peeking over the drop. “At birth, they are tiny, but some of them grow quite large, big as a fist and…” The professor coughed aside his ramblings and straightened his posture. “But I am guessing you are in no mood for local insight.” As she prepared to respond, no doubt to apologise, he interrupted her with a swift wave of his hand. “You have other things on your mind. It is all right.” 

“If I can’t secure a deal, we won’t get that water,” she said, matter-of-fact, “but I have no clue where to start with that sort of thing.”

“Do you know anyone who does?” Bartholomew asked. 

In silent response, she traced the elegant curve of golden metal on her Eventide bracelet and stood up. “Farina is busy with important matters.” 

“More important than protecting Myriad?” 

“To me, yes. And to Solgarde.”

“Lilith,” the professor said lightly. He angled himself towards her as the luminescence of Thuldran’s nightlife decorated her almost grey complexion with sapphire. “This water is essential.”

“I get the need for urgency, truly, I do, but Solgarde is fresh from a purge.” Lilith gritted her teeth, idly twisting the violet crystal that conducted half of her power. She inhaled the herbal scents of the forest and exhaled the anxiety crawling in her core. “I don’t know if Altair told you, but a few years ago, an opposing leadership showed up and got enough support to abolish the council, proclaiming themselves the Exalted Authority. Their primary goal was to eradicate mages. Inevitably, war broke out. Millions dead. It’s not been over long. Mages are no longer seen in the same light as they were all those centuries ago. Many perceive us as either a valuable asset or a disruptive force in maintaining order. Considering that magic had been restored in Solgarde for over a decade, did you not wonder why there were so few of us? You must have noticed. You feel the energy there, right?”

With a conceded sigh, Bartholomew lowered his chin. “I did. When I asked Professor Bevan, he provided me with a thorough explanation of the purge. He would not divulge much of your part in it, but I have gathered enough to understand that your actions were vital in uniting the mages against the threat.” 

“That’s one way of putting it.” Lilith’s gaze wandered over the river below, placid rings stretching from scaled aquatic creatures as they dived and floated within the translucent depths. “If we can’t retrieve that water, other worlds will suffer as Solgarde has, won’t they?” The answer already clawed at her mind, but she needed to hear it spoken, to put it out of her head and make it real.

“It is a high possibility.” 

Closing her eyes to the incessant rush of thoughts, Lilith faced the professor, staunch and resolved. In the aftermath of the conflict, she had hoped for a reprieve from the toll of tough decisions and enduring hardships. But right now, Myriad needed a soldier, a commander who could make those choices, and it seemed that Bartholomew did not want to disrupt Solgardian matters without consulting her first. 

“Get in touch with Altair,” she told him, forcing her shoulders back to shrug off any loitering doubt. “He knows how to contact Farina, and we can arrange for her swift arrival.” 

Bartholomew’s face broke into a relieved grin, and he set his gloved hands on her upper arms. He understood the resolution had been a strenuous one for her to make. Her home was recovering from the ravages of war, and he was asking her to look elsewhere, but he was quickly learning that Lilith Cleaver was more skilled and astute than those around her let on. And he eagerly anticipated that in the future, she would play a pivotal role in the reconstructing of Myriad as a united system. 

If you enjoyed this chapter, please consider reblogging. Reblogging helps to get work out there and seen.

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#legends of myriad #my work #original writing

[letsquestjess]

i love this guy so bad

#tbb #the bad batch #tbb hunter #super awesome art

[letsquestjess]

List 5 things that make you happy, then put this in the askbox for the last 10 people who reblogged something from you! get to know your mutuals and followers 💗

Ohhh this is an interesting one! 💜

1. Making my family laugh.

2. Cuddling with my partner. He gives the best hugs.  

3. Writing. It can be a real pain in the arse at times, but it brings me a lot of joy. 

4. Books. Just lots, and lots, and lots of books. 

5. Music. Gimme epic tunes to listen to while I write and some classical covers of pop and rock songs and I’m happy. 

Tagging anybody else who would like to do this 😊

#ask game

[letsquestjess]

So I heard you were doing fic requests (I stumbled on a post lol)

I'm not a big x Reader fan (sry 😭) but is it okay if I just request the bad batch relaxing on a forest planet in a cozy cabin? I just think that huddling up next to a fireplace, hot soup and hot cocoa would be the ultimate way to relax 😅

(Also writing this request reminded me of a drawing of Cross chilling in a cabin that I made a while back, is it okay if I tag you when I post it?)

Thank you and have a nice day! :D

Hello! Thank you so much for the request! Of course you can tag me in the Crosshair cabin post, it sounds so sweet! 😊💜

By the Warmth of the Fire

Summary: The Batch go on a relaxing retreat to a cabin in the woods.

Word count: 904

Warnings: None.

-- -- -- -- --

“That shower definitely beats the one on the ship,” Hunter said, padding out of his bedroom and tying up his almost dry hair into a quick bun before readjusting his bandana. Despite his efforts to tame the flowing curls, a couple of stubborn strands still flopped over the red fabric. 

The worn fireplace crackled, casting a soft, welcoming glow over the open living space. The metal poker on the stand had been scorched until the original metallic shine dulled beneath the constant heat, and Hunter was careful when he balanced the deceptive weight of it and nudged the larger surviving logs. 

“Where are the others?” Echo asked as he set the steaming bowls of soup onto the coffee table. Crosshair trailed closely behind with a tray of hot chocolate, placing each on the stone slab by the fire to keep them warm. 

“They shouldn’t be too long,” Hunter replied. Settling into the nearest armchair, he sank into the plush cushions and accepted the bowl Echo handed to him. He took a sniff of the curling steam and recognised the scent. “This one of Gregor’s?” 

“Yeah. When I told him we were coming out here, he gave me the recipe and it seemed easy enough to put together.”

The door groaned in protest as Omega, Tech, and Wrecker pushed their way inside, shutting out the biting wind and tracking snow behind them. 

“We’ve been waiting for you three,” Echo chuckled, assisting his sister in removing her coat and hanging it on the hooks. He guided her to a comfortable spot in front of the crackling fire and placed a bowl of soup in her hands. “Careful, it’s still hot.” 

With a nod, the girl brought a spoonful to her lips and blew on it before taking a sip. “It’s good,” she said as Crosshair draped a blanket over her shoulders. 

“The smell’s making me hungry,” Wrecker groaned. His stomach growled as he dumped the armful of chopped logs onto the dwindling pile and grabbed his dinner. He ignored the spoon and sipped straight from the bowl, letting out a small, satisfied belch. “Tastes great,” he declared, digging back in. “We got anymore?” 

“There’s about half a pan left,” Echo said. “I also cut up one of the fresh loaves if anyone wants some bread.” Sitting himself down on the sofa beside Tech, he took the last serving and savoured the warm, heartening aroma. His brothers tucked into their meals, and the sound of spoons on ceramic and slurps mingled with the crackle of the fire as it put up a valiant effort against the gusts invading the chimney. 

“How did your exploration go?” Hunter asked, glancing between Omega and Tech. 

“We didn’t go far, like we promised,” Omega replied, “but we saw a flock of ice birds.”

“Arcasia birds,” Tech corrected gently. “I believe they were preparing to migrate underground, otherwise we would not have seen them.” 

“Sounds fun,” Hunter said. “Did you get a look at the trail?”

“The snow is clearing, so if we wanted to go on a hike up to the springs, tomorrow would be the optimal day for it,” Tech replied. 

The tracker relished the warmth of the soup as he drained the last spoonful and set the empty bowl onto the low table. “We can head out in the morning,” he suggested. “So long as we don’t have any heavy snowfall overnight.”

As a howl ravaged down the chimney, Wrecker swiftly shoved the mantlepiece guards up to prevent the ashes from scattering. “Looks to be getting colder,” he commented, ensuring none of the smouldering flecks had managed to reach Omega. “Might be best to grab those extra blankets from the attic.” 

“Oh,” Omega said with a spark of excitement, “I have an idea. If it’s going to be cold, we could bring the bedrolls in here and sleep by the fire.”

“I brought Sabacc cards so we could always play a few rounds before bed,” Crosshair added, and Omega threw him a competitive grin. 

Hunter nodded in approval to the plan. “Okay, but if there are any arguments like last time, we’re leaving those cards here.” 

“It wasn’t that bad,” Crosshair reasoned. 

“Finish your soup,” Hunter told him in a commanding yet light tone. 

Omega wasted no time in grabbing her share of hot chocolate after she had cleaned her bowl. She took a small sip, relishing the sweetness, and offered the other mugs to her brothers as they mopped up the rest of their dinner with the fresh bread. Crosshair directed her to the Sabacc cards, and mug in hand, she disappeared into the back bedroom and reappeared moments later with them.

Hunter nestled into his seat and glanced around at his siblings. On the sofa, Echo indulged Tech’s ramblings, asking him about the various bird species he had encountered during his trek as he flipped through the pictures on his datapad, while Crosshair, Wrecker, and Omega got to work setting up the game. The brawler’s raucous guffaws warmed the room as he clapped Crosshair on the shoulder in amusement, and the sniper returned a tickled laugh. 

“Hunter?” 

Hunter’s attention lifted to Omega as she presented him with a set of cards. 

“Are you feeling alright?” she asked. 

“Couldn’t be better,” he replied, a smile spreading across his face as he graciously took the playing cards. “Come on, I’ve got games to win before we go to bed.” 

#fic asks #fic request #tbb #the bad batch #tbb fanfic #tbb fanfiction #the bad batch fic #the bad batch fanfiction #tbb hunter #tbb echo #tbb crosshair #tbb wrecker #tbb tech #tbb omega

[letsquestjess]

Mutuals I want you to know that if you are feeling down I am handing you little heart stickers through the computer

[letsquestjess]

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS | THE PHANTOM APPRENTICE

In fact, I was so certain of his fate that I orchestrated this war to lure him here with Kenobi to kill him. Thus, depriving Sidious of his prized pupil.

#tcw #the clone wars #ahsoka tano #darth maul #that entire fight is incredible #recently finished a clone wars rewatch and I was glued to this entire sequence

[letsquestjess]

Hilarious random Bad Batch headcanon:

Whenever they know an explosion is about to go off, someone yells “Earmuffs!” and the person closest to Omega will grab her and get their hands over her ears before the explosion goes off. This is to give her as much ear protection as possible and to mitigate whatever potential hearing loss she might acquire because she doesn’t have the same protection their helmets give them.

Wrecker doing Explosion!Earmuffs is hysterical because his hands are just so comically large in comparison to Omega’s head.

Echo usually winds up wrapping his left arm around her head and pulling her into him to do a modified Explosion!Earmuffs.

Hunter will also use his whole body to protect Omega while he’s doing Explosion!Earmuffs. (Protective Dad is going to protective.)

Tech is a bit more of a spider monkey and gets Omega wrapped up safely with his arms as he’s doing Explosion!Earmuffs.

Crosshair, when he rejoins, is more straightforward. He just gets his hands over her ears when he realizes what “Earmuffs!” means.

And sometimes, it gets extra funny when the situation is super chaotic.

Something is about to blow up. Everyone yells, “Earmuffs!” at once and dives for Omega. Once the explosion goes off and the dust settles, Omega is in the middle of a pile of her brothers with their hands layering over her ears. When asked if she’s okay, she just smiles sweetly and goes, “I’m fine.”

#tbb #the bad batch #clone force 99 #headcanon accepted!

[letsquestjess]

Commissions for Sanji

To help out my friend and her kitten I decided to open Sketch Comissions to support them tackle the medical bill!

If you make a Donation please send me a screenshot of it in the DM's and we can discuss what you have envisioned. Please read my rules first though.

Friends Info Post

Sanjis GoFundMe

#signal boost