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nateconnolly · 28 days

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WHAT DO ALL OF THESE BOOKS HAVE IN COMMON?

ANSWER UNDER THE CUT

All of them have been banned, or access to them has been restricted, in a prison in America within the last ten years.

In many states, prisons have broad and vague guidelines for book restrictions -- N.J. Admin. Code § 10A:18-4.9 grants prisons the right to ban a book if it "Lacks, as a whole, serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value". In Arizona, "inmates are not permitted to send, receive, or present... Publications that depict nudity," and explicitly states that classical art is not an exception (DO 914: 8.2.1 and 8.2.1.1).

I volunteer at a nonprofit that sends free books to prisoners. From personal experience, I know there are sweeping book restrictions such as "no dictionaries," "no coloring books," or "no manga". While these books are not always strictly banned, inmates are frequently underpaid, or forced to labor without pay. That means many inmates cannot afford to purchase books, and rely on nonprofits for access.

Book bans in public libraries and schools are unconscionable, but they are usually not effective at restricting access. A high school student can usually still see an image of Michelangelo's David even if they cannot learn about it in class. In prison, a book ban on nudity can permanently prevent inmates from accessing great works of art, the shared heritage of humankind.

DONATE TO THE INSIDE BOOKS PROGRAM IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY. THEY SEND FREE BOOKS TO PEOPLE IN PRISONS.

Sources:

Found on Marshall Project

1,001 Movies You Must See Before You Die (banned in California according to Marshall Project

Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo (Illinois)

No role playing games. A Practical Guide to Dragons. Abolish Prison Slavery. “A Multi Denominational Wicca Bible. (Montana)

101 Things to Do With Mac and Cheese (New Jersey)

“But, Didn’t You Kill Malcolm?” and “A Field Guide to Lucid Dreaming” (North Carolina)

“100 Years of Chevrolet” “1000 Dot to Dot Animals” (Oregon)

“San Francisco Bay Newspaper” “Making Everyday Electronics Work” (Rhode Island)

“Marvel Encyclopedia” (South Carolina)

“A Brief History of Manga” (Texas)

“1001 Photographs You Must See in Your Lifetime” (Virginia)

“A Question of Freedom” Reginald Dwayne Betts (Wisconsin)

The Tennessean

A prison in Tennessee restricts access to The Quran, The Torah, The Bhagavad Gita, and books about Norse mythology. (The ban did not apply to the Bible.)

Personal Experience

I am not willing to dox myself, so I cannot name the nonprofit where I volunteer. However, I swear that I have seen book bans on manga, how-to-draw guides, coloring books, electronics books, dictionaries, and composition notebooks.

#book bans #prison #prison reform #anti intellectualism #censorship #original post

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bluginkgo · 29 days

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Just what in the fack did I watch... I'm gonna go watch it again just for funsies and to cry again (Rambles/Thoughts)

This post will mostly contain random rambles and thoughts I had while watching and rewatching the episode. And a lot of this is just going to be me ranting about scenes (the rants will most likely make you wanna go "Ginkgo, that's common sense we can see it smh." XD Just roll with it. Oh and NUzi scenes

Spoilers, duh and lots of words. Oh and gore warning? Kinda?

I mean... that scary *ss mother facking thing towards the end- you know what I'm talking about if you watched the ep 😅

First thing I found interesting, is how the Solver behaves in this scene. It's mere shadows, not even fully manifested. Further proves that the Solver transcends simple time and space, and is on a different plane of existence- a 4th dimension if you will.

The humans did, in fact, learn how to control the Solver. The pentagram like projections act as gravity enforcers and lights that subdue the solver for a period of time. Buuuut it seems that it's not full proof. It seems that this occurance is fairly common, seeing as the workers nearby were not very concerned that an eldrich being was about to break loose.

Alright another slow moment here. But I had to google wtf "MacGuffin" meant (English isn't my first language, so take it easy on me ;w;). And taking this straight from the google search "an object or device in a movie or a book that serves merely as a trigger for the plot." So most likely, the Absolute Solver is referring to the fact that Mitchell the intern set things in motion simply because he was mistaken for the real Dr. Chambers... Classic- CLASSIC human mistake XD

So... Heart/Nori. Something interesting is going on with her. I believe Nori WAS injured by the DDs and had to be finished off by Khan. I'll touch on Khan a bit later. But, just as seen with Eldrich J... I'm not sure why I've never thought of this before! It makes sense for Nori's corrupted core: Heart, to still function properly. Meaning, she could have snuck away when she was killed and returned to the cathedral to search for the crucifix. Uzi gets most of her style from Nori 🥹. Seems like Uzi got her mom's style and Khan's engineering abilities.

I had it all wrong- and I am ALL FOR IT! N wasn't afraid of something he saw ahead. He was upset with what they left BEHIND! V! And THIS ENTIRE SCENE

You cannot believe how surprised I was. This scene was so much better than I could have imagined it. Yes, it was painful to watch, but sweet robo-god this was executed SO DAM WELL TwT It was delicious angst. And Tessa was not in fact drawing her sword on Uzi, but instead protecting her... kinda... with an ulterior motive of course.

The gut wrenching betrayal right there. The animation team did a wonderful job at animating the betrayal and how it manifested in Uzi. Disbelief and then anger.

Not to mention her stumble. I hyper fixated on that stumble a bit too much on my first 2 watches. (Yes, I've rewatched the episode 8 times now, hush I love it XD). Her stumble shows weakness. And in that moment, she wishes to be anything BUT weak. The suspicion of betrayal is settling in, and she needs to be able to fight back. But her body is giving out. The events are taking a toll on her. And makes me appreciate the animation detail that much more.

This scene N is definitely angry. He's trying his best to keep it together and Tessa's pressure to injure and kill Uzi is not helping. So for him to be talking to Uzi, while glaring at Tessa is just him driving the point home. He is NOT going to hurt Uzi, no matter what they might find down in the labs.

But a poor choice of words that was. It gives Uzi a glimpse of what was actually happening and what has been bothering N. The trust vaporizes, and with it, any attempts with communication.

And what I believe, gives a nod back to ep2. As N steps in to try to help Uzi up, she retreats. Same happens in this episode. And the kicker? "Falling... for you" song starts lightly playing in the background.

This is far too comical after he says he deserves to have his limbs cut off. The whiplash I got from that is ridiculous... in a sad and funny way.

What an amazing shot. But it does paint a picture of what the DDs have done. Perhaps the blood also acted as cooling agents, and this is why the trend continued with robots- except this time around as oil. And this is what the Administration CYN most likely blocked out. Not only the manor time, but also the bloodbath that followed as Earth collapsed.

THE DOG MADE IT IN AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

It's interesting on how the solver manifests in the drones. It seems that Uzi's wings and tail, do not make the solver go insane, and she can continue to use it. However, later in the episode the same wings and tail go berserk. So it seems that once the transformation has set in- like with Uzi- it becomes part of the drone rather something that is manifested by the Absolute Solver's control.

SO MUCH TO UNPACK HERE XD Part 2A that Khan refers to is on the bottom left corner, the green core that Uzi got a hold of back in pilot episode- also titled as "I think this is a robot liver or something lol."

Plan B: Uzi could have had a normal gun if railgun didn't work. Bottom right corner

Top left corner under Uzi's railgun title: "30 min recharge time. That'll be fine." Famous last words ever XD

Top right corner: "Other things it can do: Not judge me, force prom dance, I can say I had friends but fricken murdered them with sci fi weaponry."

I love how sassy he is here XD His character development and arc is something that I will never forget. He has definitely come a great ways. Khan also seems adamant about his wife being completely dead. Which proves that he didn't know a single thing about the Absolute Solver and what it can do. He could only reference Nori's insane drawings and deduce that the planet was going to eat them all soon.

Idk if this is just my tired brain, but this comment felt like a joke to me. (Remember, I don't know anything about computers and the language ;w;) But the physical patch to save herself... as in, the same patches that are sent out for games/programs to fix bugs? That's the joke I got out of that one 😅

This entire sequence was something out of my nightmares XD The heel tapping that KEPT GETTING QUICKER definitely had me reeling back from the screen XD

The Nori and Yeva scene was so wholesome 🥹. I loved the way the animators showed their interaction. Despite the hellish events, they were still close.

My only issue with this image is, on what is Doll moving? Not like the floor. The core is gone from her body, what the heck is still driving her forward? Perhaps just on the sheer will to warn Uzi to "fight back." And I suppose I can see how she could still move without her main core. Almost acting like chickens do, when you cut their heads off. One was able to live for 18 months after the head was cut. So I suppose I can get behind the idea that Doll's final wish was to warn Uzi, at the very least, and thus forced the body to move until it did so.

But then, Tessa shows up. Which makes me wonder if she was the one that simply lead Doll's body to come to Uzi. How? Uhhh... Absolute Solver! Let's just go with that sweat face. The con in that theory is a simple: why? Why bother leading Doll to Uzi? To spook her? To give a false reason to attack Uzi? Given that N was still very much behind them all, I don't see why the Absolute Solver would try to make up some odd reason to attack Uzi. It could just simply... go ahead. There was no one there to fool, and could incapacitate Uzi easily. Buuuut I could also be looking too deep into this, as per usual.

Hey guess what.

I found the answer. XD Just as I'm typing this up, a frame popped up.

Yup, the core was still inside and thus running Doll and thus Doll could move, ok carry on. XD

Emotions spike the Absolute Solver, something that I love seeing and appears to be less headcanon and more canon at this point for me. Through the entire episode, the Solver keeps glitching out and forcing Uzi to lose control because in this situation, she's very stressed. A betrayal, a misunderstanding, learning about the past, everything becomes too much. This makes keeping the solver at bay that much harder.

He did NOT give her any chance. Yes or no, Tessa. That suddenness surprised me- in a good way. This shows how much N has grown. He's willing to stand up for his beliefs that much better. If he suspects something, he now acts on it, and does not wait for the other side to perhaps change his mind.

This scene. This scene shall live in my head rent free for a long while... Actually, the entire episode is gonna live rent free for a while. XD Not to mention the "Falling... for you" song plays in the background yet again. Ugh, pulling on heart strings there ;w;

They had us all fooled XD The hand lights were on just to trick us, and in fact were meant to be off this entire time! Oh you sneaky sneaky people. >w<

ALL OF THESE SCENES, they're all so cruel but SO GOOD TwT So cruel in context of how tortured N must be to fight Uzi, but so good in context that this fight sequence and animation is executed SO WELL. All of Nori's slaps were so personal XD Mama Nori educating NUzi

When I saw this scene, I couldn't help but think of ep3 and their dance. This entire episode is so bittersweet ;w;

She's still there TwT And she sees this entire fight. Of what she has become and done to N and omg I'm crying again. Moving on.

OMG YOU SILLY GOOBER BAHAHAHAHAHAHAH XD I love Nori/Heart's reaction, but the Absolute Solver also gets me laughing a bit too hard. "WHAT." That's so simple yet so effective. "What. Why. You are a DD I sent to kill the hosts, why are you hanging out."

The entire scene with NUzi screaming. Just. YES. What better way of gettin rid of stress than screaming! ^_^

Oh you sneaky, sneaky people. Well, all I can say, you got me. You got me good. This is something I didn't think of, but should have. It's simple to get these shots with certain rigs missing. And it was done seamlessly. Well done, well done. I begrudgingly applaud you. XD

HE'S PATTING HER HEAD AAAAHHHHH *proceeds to ascend to another realm*

They did not... omg they did XD Ah, yes, welcome a new horror oh and by the way here- :3 a cute face

Omg they look so cool- KHAN WTF XD

LOL J THE PRIOR HAZARD WARNING AHAHAHAHAHA

The way she shook his hand trying to snap him back to himself and wake up 😭. And the entire sequence following this... I'm just now slowly starting to process it, oh and great I'm sobbing again. Alright, moving on.

Well, I have some thoughts in this. This is personal thoughts, thus this is where you are more than free to yeet this section into the void that Uzi was dragged into... sorry that was a bad joke- anyways. "Die mad." I feel like this is her way of telling N to not give up. To go out there and FIGHT. But if he can't win, then to die like she is. To die in a way that he will be proud of and to go batsh*t crazy. Because by now, Uzi must know that all of their chances of survival are slim. So you might as well go out with a bang and "die mad."

Something I noticed and was further solidified when @bloodywolfwings also mentioned it. Uzi looks at peace here and very accepting of death. And I say, yes, she very much is. I think this was a way of her asking N for forgiveness. For getting mad at him in the beginning of the episode, for failing to be useful/protecting N, and for fighting against him- despite being possessed. And perhaps even, as an incredibly insane and radical thought, for loving him. This entire episode has put the characters and us through the wringer, and that "sacrifice" was just the cherry on top.

Something I have seen already mentioned once at very least (by @/rebecca-babe) and something that also put me on edge was the ending credits... or the lack of. Of course, all the credits roll, but it's not the usual type. Instead of an upbeat music that is either "Uzi the drone killer" or a theme that was seen in the episode... its SILENCE. Being a musician myself, I love how much love has been put into Murder Drones. The sound effects and the main music are always top-notch. But that ending unsettled me the most. The lack of all noise is something that is terrifying and unsettling in that ending. Almost like all the music and sound left with the "sacrifice" of the main character, Uzi. The entire episode was filled with sounds, silence only being present when something incredibly WRONG was happening - like at the beginning when intern Mitchell re-entered the cathedral. And as much as I love how well executed this entire scene was, I hated it. Because that scene does the job that it was set out to do. Put you on edge, and make you feel like all hope is lost. That this is it. This is the end.

This is the end of my rambles and thoughts that I had while watching ep7. I may have more later on as I keep rewatching this episode for the rest of the week ;w;

Want to hear more of my stupid rambles? This has 3 other parts!

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anjian · 9 months

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Thoughts below.

"Look at how she holds her leister. See her arms? You should angle yours like so," I said to Kheeta. "Learn from her. She is the best we have."

"Then ask her to teach me," she replied.

I could not. I was not permitted to speak to any of them any longer, unless I swore off my vengeance. I said my final words to Khloa two suns ago. I bid farewell to my fellow hunters after the last dawn, half-hidden in the mist so that we could not see each other's faces. When the Sapphiric Sun rises next, I will tell my sister good-bye.

"I cannot," I said simply.

"In two nights," she said, sparing no thought towards learning fishing techniques, "I will leave some provisions in the tree-hollow we used to hide in. The taller one. I will wrap them in cloth and twine."

The blood of the dying fish ran down the spear-haft. My chest ached, as though a fire burned deep within; one that could only be quenched by blood.

"Save them for the clan," I chastised.

"No." She touched my hand. "I will want to know that you still live."

I have trouble imagining how a single Abyss can divide Lubrae in two. It is possible that the Abyss is in fact a circular moat that surrounds the City, and Lubraeans' worldviews are oriented such that there are only two sides of the Abyss -- the City side, and the wilderness side. However, thinking about the amount of land that would need to be encircled to provide everything a "crowded" urban area needs is too complicated for me. Especially if fresh water is also needed. Hence, I have gone with "island".

The "perpetual sunlight" can also be achieved with an orbital mirror, but I feel like the destructive potential is not enough compared to a laser.

I realised two things: one, that the beggar was once a Sta--a guard; and two, that he was older than Khloa. Than Kheesa. Older than any of my clan had ever lived to be. Our eyes met. One of his remaining ones was cloudy with a cataract. The insignia of the Regime rattled in his bowl.

"Does the Afeln belong to you?" I asked, pointing my chin towards the animal beside him.

"Yes. It is a good one. Very good."

"It's too old to hunt," I told him. "You should eat it."

My companion, not liking our exchange, marched me into the damp abode of the apothecary.

Some outfit drawings.

I think I am warming up to the idea of certain parts of designs being Earthlike. It helps with the reframing of the story.

#long post #anjiandraws #rhulk #lubrae #the current framing of destiny's story is that there exists a powerful spacefaring entity #which travels to worlds inhabited by beings who are not capable of the same feats as itself #and provides its special technology for these beings to use. It is often celebrated for its gifts #which are often portrayed as positive for the lives of those from the host planet or system.#The one case where a host species had a negative outcome portrayed is one where they are described as lacking in wisdom #which along with the case where a member of the host species stated that he would rather that the entity not have visited his planet #are both villain origin stories.#Why this framing?#Are other framings possible?#etc etc not looking to fight #nudity /#destiny 2

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azulas-lightning-bolt · 1 month

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so a couple people saw my post about the genocide in Palestine and how despite mandatory education on the genocide of the Holocaust the same systematic erasure of a culture is being actively funded by the ‘land of the free’ and many other places who claim to care about human life.

I’m not an adult. I’m not even in high school yet. How is it that I can sit at my phone and have a greater sense of injustice for these people, these innocent children and young adults and desperate people who are just like us, than the men who have lived six times my age? How is it possible that I have more empathy for the people being brutally tortured and murdered and exterminated like pests while not able to conceive what that suffering looks like than the people who have initiated it?

How is it that a man can burn himself alive screaming ‘Free Palestine’ and people still cannot find it in themselves to see Palestinians as human beings? It is not a war on Hamas Israel is ‘fighting’ anymore—it never was. And (correct me if I’m wrong) is Hamas not a group of the product of Isreal’s oppression, extermination, and expulsion of the people of Palestine for the last over 70 years? Does their land being stolen not remind you of the tears shed by Native Americans when Andrew Jackson was indifferent to their plight? Does the rounding up and bombing not remind you of innocent Jews herded into gas chambers and promised a shower (they said they would get food) and met only with death?

A week after I learned about the genocide of Palestinians, I looked at the list of deaths. It was too long for me to scroll through in an hour, and I was crying so hard I couldn’t continue. I promised myself I would think of one girl every day— Dima Khamis Sedqi Al-Madhoun. I never looked at her number. She deserves more than that. She was my age, a child, when she was murdered like an animal. What if she had liked to draw? Do you think she had a passion for writing? Maybe she was sewing a friend of hers a gift for their upcoming birthday, but she never got the chance to finish. She never will.

There was a girl named Ida who died in the Holocaust. I never looked at her number. She deserves more than that. She was my age, a child, when she was murdered like an animal. Her little brother survived. She never got to come home to him. Do you think she liked to draw? Do you think she had a passion for writing? Maybe she was sewing her brother a gift for his upcoming birthday, but she never got the chance to finish. She never will.

Are these girls really so different? They’re not very different from me. What sets me apart from them, so that I am still alive but they were not granted such a simple right? How is that fair?

I’ll still be posting stuff about my interests. But my heart and my mind are on Palestine and will be until the genocide stops and they are fully aided with recovery and every rotten hearted asshole who condemned them is burning in hell and even after that, because my heart and my mind are on every human being who is just like me in the heart that beats under their skin with passion and love and life and every human being who has been unfairly stripped of it.

Free Palestine. How much longer will the world turn their eyes away?

#palestine #free gaza 🇵🇸#free palestine #from the river to the sea palestine will be free #stop the Palestinian genocide

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ask-pokeprofvoid · 28 days

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Where have I been? (OOC)

heya guys, I know i have been basically dead for a while (thanks mental health) and left alot of people in the dark of what was happening. Theres no pretty way to say this but my meds stopped working on the 15th of feburary. A month I was planning to actually come back to Rotumblr since I genuinely missed the community. So, Since ive been gone ill give a rundown on things that have happened to catch everyone up. I am planning to come back dont worry but I feel like you all deserve to know what was going on. -in december I got very ill with an unknown infection, I still have it as of the 31st of march (today when im writing this), I have to go get tests done in april to find out if it is genuinely dangerous or if my body is just being a pain in the ass.

-I have stopped taking my depression medication (not forever) while I wait for a new medication to be perscribed to me.

-I turned 20 irl (yay)

-I am working towards getting a service animal irl

-I got a art tablet and a actual pc so i am no longer drawing with my fingers (my art has improved after learning how to use the new art app and art tab!)

-I shelved Vivianne for a little so I could return to her and tweak things I genuinely dont like about her ( I feel like I made her too stupid when she is ment to be a professor and specialise in magikarp / gyarados) -I am cooking up someone to add to the Rotumblr line up as I will be perma shelving some of the other blogs i own; Viola who will become a side char on Nana alicia's blog, Styxx and Locke (genuinely started to dislike her character as she feels a bit odd to play as)

I know this is long but thank you for reading <3 You all mean so much to me and I cannot wait until i can (eventually) get back on here :) lots of (platonic) love; Mod Void

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lunarcrown · 2 years

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your anatomy and posing always looks so nice and natural, any tips?

OK I DID THIS REALLY QUICK SO TAKE IT W A GRAIN OF SALT BUTTTT I cannot stress ENOUGH how taking pics or even vids of yourself is SO helpful!!!!

I learned that when I was in animation classes BACK IN THE DAY, that there are sooo many subtle things you do when you move that really bring action to life, and the same applies to still images! A lot of times I just do what’s in my head just bc when you draw a lot you retain some muscle memory for poses and stuff, but photo refs are my MAIN PAL for getting those subtle pose bits and for figuring out tough angles/body twists!!

I usually will stick them nearby and look at them as I draw, and for particularly painful and head scratching poses, I’ll trace over the photo and drag that over to see it broken down into simpler shapes!!!! And sometimes I just trace my pics bc drawing is for fun and I’m not here to stress myself out ✨

So ya here’s an example I did real quick of an angsty past lore Tango 😈 and up there is a very goofy photo of myself balancing on a chair for the pose, crocs n all (90% of my photos will look so goofy but usually no one sees them so who care!!!!! This time tho I am putting my self on the clown stage to be looked at PLEASE CLAP)

#tips #WIP #tutorial #idk what else to tag #blood #tangotek #hels to pay au #htp art

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justjams2003 · 8 months

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Sweet Savagery 7

Paring: Dark!Thor Odinson x Slave!Reader

Summary: All your life, Thor's blue eyes have haunted you. You believed you outran him, but now all your hopes come tumbling down.

Warnings: Death of loved ones, violence, nightmares, non-con, p in v, degradation, gore, blood, violence, Stockholm syndrome. Tell me if I missed any.

Word count: 1.6k+, Unedited

1st Divider by: @firefly-graphics

2nd Divider by: @cafekitsune

Tag list: @torossosebs @steverogersistheguy

~Masterlist~

Part 6~Part 8

That night, Thor did not even visit you. Though, the first thing you see when you wake up is the back of your fiance.

It has occurred to you, that this marriage everyone seems so keen on, is not one you ever agreed on. It was out of the blue where the word, "future wife," or "queen to be" started popping up. Can you say yes at the altar if you do not even know you're getting married?

He's sat on the edge of the bed and as soon as you start to move and wake up, he turns to face you. "Good morning, little dove, were you tired?" He asks, drawing little circles up and down your bare leg. Show no fear. "Why, is it late?" He chuckles at your words.

He nods, "Almost noon." Your eyes grow wide. "Why did Mira not wake me?" You sit upright, it's not that you have something to do, you just hate being lazy. "I told her to let you sleep. But unfortunately, you have duties to attend." You furrow your brows, you do not have meetings now that he is back.

"Now that I am back, the monthly punishments must be carried out. I had hoped this would be the first time the kingdom saw our engagement, but I was informed you announced it without me."

He seems deflated with the news. Though you can only furrow your brows at this. Thor, like always, reads your expression within a second.

"You do not know?" He asks, seeming shocked and you shake your head in a response. "In our culture, you cannot get married without a human sacrifice. Usually, the partner's worst enemy. However, before the ceremony, wearing the partner's clothes is seen as an announcement of engagement." This is entirely new to you. You clearly have much to learn.

You nod, not wanting to set him off again with the true words you want to say. "I've picked a dress for you." Thor then proceeds to help you get dressed.

His touch is gentle, it's like a rollercoaster with him. One moment he's screaming and threatening your life, the next he's braiding your hair and clipping your corset.

You've got your thickest snow boots on, Thor's winter cape hangs around your shoulders. Even still, you're shivering. People seemed to have taken their place inside the coliseum. There is a buzz in the air. A murmur of thrill.

"They're excited. We've missed a few months since your arrival." Thor explains as you look over the balcony. The place where you sit is on a raised platform above them all.

In the middle, the ground where the punishment will be held is covered in a foot of snow. The steps where the people must sit too. Not that it bothers them. The villagers all have animal skin wrapped around them, some are of animals you don't even recognise.

A shiver is sent down your spine when the snow begins falling again. Thor notices and opens his arms for you. There is a moment of hesitation. If you go to him, it shows your compliance with his violence. If you do not you might get punished.

It's as if he himself is a blanket. His size swallows you whole, not a part of you isn't covered by his body heat. Small moments of domestic bliss.

Once everyone has settled in their seats, Thor steps up to the balcony. (With you still in his arms.) The crowd is as silent as the dead. No one dares interrupt their king. Without warning, he pushes you in front of him.

The whole crowd cheers at the sight of Thor's cape on your shoulders. He gleams at the roar of his people. Glad of their approval. Then, after seeing you shiver from the cold, he warps you in his arms again.

"Bring out the criminal." He commands and then the gate at your side of the collosium opens. Out steps the man you know as Sir Lancelot.

A gasp flies from your mouth and you jerk away from Thor. But his hand on your waist is tight and makes sure you aren't going anywhere. "What? But I-" you begin to plead, not wanting to see this man's death. "Apologized, yes, little dove. But he must still be punished for his crimes." He replies, his voice seemingly almost excited.

"The crimes this man is charged with, are treachery against the king and espionage against New Asgard. How do you plead, Lancelot?" The one who was a good knight before now stands shaking in only his underwear.

He turns to face the king, his arms pressed against his body. "Guilty!" He calls out, likely brainwashed to believe this. Your heart drops in your shoes that he truly believes this.

The crowd is on the edge of their seat. "Your punishment is combat to the death. May the gods decide your faith." The crowd cheers, people clapping and screaming, clearly they know something you don't. A loud growl vibrates through the arena. Lancelot begins to shiver more. The gate on the opposite side opens with a clatter.

Out storms a beast. A creature twice the size of Thor and, in this case, thrice the size of Lancelot. It's similar to a bear but somehow larger in size with twice as many teeth and claws. This creature lets out a growl and the floor rumbles.

The crowd begins jumping up and down with excitement. Their faces filled with glee to see this man get ripped to shreds. No wonder no one ever leaves. The people in the kingdom are more likely to kill them before Thor ever gets a chance.

In one swift motion, the monster tackles the guard into the snow. Lancelot gets a few punches in, but it doesn't little and he doesn't stand a chance. Within seconds the frosty white ground is splattered in red hot blood. Soon enough, guts start pouring out.

You jump, forcing your face into Thor's side. Gripping onto his clothes, just to keep yourself upright. The sight is gruesome and like nothing you've ever seen.

This beast makes Lancelot's insides his outsides. The people of New Asgard laugh at his pleas for help. They all cheer when the creature stomps on the knight's neck. It consumes its fill, its coat covered in blood and it soaks into the snow.

Thor gives your side a squeeze when the creature retreats back inside the gate. Little is left of Lancelot and it's certain he's dead.

"Wipe your tears." He commands and you don't even realise you are crying. Show no fear. Within seconds you force a stoic look on your face. "The gods have decided," Thor calls out and the people cheer. Happy as ever to be rid of such a traitor.

And that's the end of it. The people take their leave, some stay, however, just to watch his corpse begin to decompose.

As soon as you're alone, finally inside the room you've made into your home, you turn to Thor and shove your body against his. Your body racks in tears and sobs, your hands gripping onto his clothes. He responds by pulling you closer in, rubbing circles on your back. "They're savages!" You exclaim, struggling to believe that they find such joy in their death.

Not only that, but also struggling to understand how these are the same people as a week ago. Is the whole Kingdom an exact mirror of Thor? Kind and gentle the one moment and the next vicious and cruel?

"The mortals of this realm are cruel. Their minds wander and only violence seems to quench their thirst for knowledge of the world. This is why we do not show fear. They will eat you alive. This is how we keep them occupied and happy." He comforts, shunning the brutality of the world.

"Was Lancelot really a spy?" You ask, your eyes filled with tears but you're determined to look him in the eyes. He nods, "Yes, he was sent by the English to learn of a weakness. He confessed after some guidance." He explains and his words only make you comfort yourself again on his side.

"Thank you for protecting me. I know I act out at times. But I am grateful for what you've given me."

After your talk yesterday, it dawned on you in the maid's closet. It is true. He's taken you from being a slave to a queen. Given you a warm bed, a full belly, beautiful dresses and not a dull moment. If he's harsh at times, it's merely discipline, right?

He doesn't mean what he said. He cares for you. You're sure of it. If he didn't you wouldn't be alive. You know it.

He caresses your cheek like he's done so many times before. "I understand, little dove. You act out because you're not used to being spoiled. It's alright. I'll teach you to be the bestest wife and Queen you can be." His smile is gentle and kind and holds a promise he plans to keep.

You nod and just can't help yourself, bringing him in for a kiss. He holds your small hand in his own. "Come, you must be hungry, it's dinner time." The realisation hits you and after a glance out the balcony, you realise it's true. The sun is low on the horizon and just barely peeks past the snow clouds.

At dinner, he makes sure to pile food onto your plate. And even though, in the end, each bite makes you nauseous, you make sure to eat every last bit of food. Not wanting to spoil any of it. The conversation with the Warriors three holds much less tension. This time you make sure to keep your mouth closed. Speak when spoken to.

Things move much smoother this way. He won't hurt you.

#thor x you #thor x reader #dark!thor x reader #dark!thor smut #dark!thor #thor smut #thor x reader smut #dark!thor x reader smut #king!thor x slave!reader #thor #king!thor #thor odinson #thor fanfiction

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amethystsoda · 1 year

Note

your personal top (10?) manga? :))

Hello!!!

I am going to preface this with the fact that I only got into anime around 2014/2015 (Fullmetal Alchemist + Brotherhood) and then read the manga around 2016.

I only started avidly reading around 2019 with digital copies of JoJo and fell into loving manga from there and genuinely becoming a reader/keeping up with new releases and starting to learn Japanese (basic hiragana, etc) in 2021.

My other qualifications for these picks are that I am an irl artist (illustration and stained glass), taught an art history course for 1 year, and I read/write as much as possible outside of work.

I will also say that I may not have finished reading all these series yet, but they are the ones near and dear to my art-loving heart.

Also sorry it’s a few more than 10 *sweats*

Fullmetal Alchemist — Hiromu Arakawa

My very first manga.

Knowing that Arakawa taught herself art while still working on her parents’ farm and used her nights/time off to write it made me so in awe of her drive and skills. The ways the story deals with humanity, war, power, and love make it a timeless classic.

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure — Hirohiko Araki

It’s bonkers. It’s off the wall. It’s been going since the 80’s and Araki is still working. There’s so much to love. There’s so much to hate. But no matter how you feel about JJBA, it’s undeniably a masterpiece.

Araki’s dedication to the art is one of the biggest draws, with his fashion and art history references and use of bright colors. You can feel his love for the medium shine through his full color pieces!

My personal favorite parts are Phantom Blood, Diamond Is Unbreakable, Stone Ocean, and Jojolion (ikik all the “boring” parts, but I think that’s where the characters are most interesting)

Jujutsu Kaisen -- Gege Akutami

My next big read after JoJo. After watching season 1 of the anime, I knew I needed more. The way that Gege uses the classic shonen tropes combined with explorations of life and death is very strong storytelling.

We learn from the start about curses, cursed energy, we witness a major death in the protagonist’s life and he’s given a goal:

“You’re a strong kid, so help others. Even if it’s only those closest to you, just save the people you can. It’s okay if you lose your way, and don’t worry about whether they’ll thank you or not. Just save as many people as you can, even if it’s only one.”

The series often shows us what it means to save even one and the self sacrifice that comes from protecting others, even if it’s painful or difficult. Throw iconic characters into the mix and you have the basis for an already notable classic shonen manga.

Spy x Family — Tatsuya Endo

Found family slice of life with a big dose of action and fluff?? Literally the perfect comfort manga. I saw enough promos on tumblr that I finally caved and started it in 2020 and I LOVED it.

More people are familiar now bc of the anime’s popularity, but I definitely recommend reading it as well! The art is consistently high quality, the face expressions are hilarious, and the main concept of fighting for peace is re-stated throughout the storyline.

Loid took on this mission and his spy position to bring peace. He never wants to see the horrors of war again. He never wants to see another child cry. The family may be “fake” but the feelings are real.

Witch Hat Atelier — Kamome Shirahama

I cannot stop giving high praises for this series!!!! It’s like if you mixed Ghibli’s nature and art with Narnia or LOTR’s fantasy vibes. The magic system is based on drawing and it’s such a treat for artists to read.

Shirahama also uses a lot of traditional art references for her work, like rococo, art nouveau, classic illustration, etc. She’s won awards for the series and every one is deserved.

Also the two main witches, Qifrey and Olruggio, are definitely in love and take the best care of their witch students (cough daughters) in the atelier. Qifrey is like if you mixed Howl Pendragon with Gojo Satoru. Olruggio is the traditional tsundere with a heart of gold.

The series also talks a lot about disability and how we can improve others’ lives to make them more comfortable and accessible! It’s a very unique world and story that draws you in and makes you feel at home.

Chainsaw Man — Tatsuki Fujimoto

Yes, the series everyone is currently talking about. And I’m not going to call it peak or goat, but I think the concept is very strong and well-executed.

Fujimoto pulls you in from the intro (esp Pochita, how can you not love a cute little chainsaw dog!?), he makes you care about the characters, and slowly rips your heart out chapter by chapter. It’s won awards for good reason.

Not everyone is morally black and white. There’s giant battles and dynamic art. The main character just wants to touch some boobs. The other main guy is basically a househusband after work hours. Add in a pretty girl blood devil who doesn’t like vegetables. An Angel Devil who can kill someone through a touch and loves ice cream. A sopping wet kitten of a girl who works at her family’s burger place and hunts devils on the side. etc etc.

The characters are one of the strongest aspects of Chainsaw Man and their dynamics with each other. Hate, love, control, fear… The series talks about our basest desires and anxieties and explores them in a fictional playing field with all the flare you expect from a Shonen Jump title.

Toilet Bound Hanako Kun - AidaIro

THE ART STYLE THE ART STYLE THE ART STLYE. This series is done by a two person team (AidaIro - one for art, one for writing) and I appreciate that each brings their strength to this manga.

The coloring and art are so dreamy and whimsical, while still using strong jewel tone colors (instead of only pastels or earth colors as you might expect in a western fantasy series).

The work uses the “seven school wonders” as its base and Nene Yashiro as the protagonist who just wanted to get a date with her crush and called on Hanako’s help. Through her impulsivity, she ends up under a mermaid’s curse and makes a pact with Hakano to make it more bearable, getting pulled into the carryings-on of spirits around the school.

The art/story combo is engaging, dynamic, and emotional. There’s a lot of hilarious face expressions in this manga as well and little visual gags/jokes that make it fun to read. The series started in 2014 and is still ongoing!

The Way of the Househusband — Kosuke Oono

a former yakuza member marries a designer and becomes a stay at home househusband. Hijinks ensue. Add in his former gang friend Masa and their cat Gin and you have a recipe for domestic comedy.

I’ve genuinely laughed out loud so many times reading this manga. The chapters are pretty short and are good when you need a little break to not stare at a screen. It’s another good comfort manga when you need something low intensity.

Dorohedoro -- Q Hayashida

I have to admit I found this one because of the anime MAPPA did, but I immediately explored the manga and mud and sludge art book. Q Hayashida trained in fine arts before becoming a mangaka and it shows through the quality of her work.

From the heavily detailed manga panels, to the mixed media covers, and bonus comics done in color, the world is rendered in a blend of gritty realism and surreal fantasy.

Dorohedoro is one of the most unique pieces of worldbuilding I’ve encountered, with the smoke magic system, use of doors for traveling between Hole and the sorcerers world, as well as including devils in the lore.

Again, characters are a big draw of the series, but the art is just mind blowing to me as an artist, knowing the level of craft she put into them. I still flip through the artbook for inspiration when I’m feeling drained.

I haven’t finished all of the manga, but I’m slowly collecting the volumes (some are out of print). But I believe all the pdfs are up on archive.org (also please keep in mind there is an Adult Only/18+ content warning on this manga as there is gore and some nudity)

Blue Period — Tsubasa Yamaguchi

I started collecting this when they released volume 1 and just kept collecting. If you’re an artist at all or appreciate art, this is a series for you. It describes the struggles of finding your voice as an artist so deeply and you will feel understood and seen.

There are quite a few characters in the series, so I suggest looking at the wiki for this one to keep everyone straight. I also recommend watching the anime, as the colors and voices help distinguish the characters further.

The art history references in the chapter art makes this a scavenger hunt for art nerds and the messages of self searching, acceptance, and discovery are something anyone can relate to. (edit: I looked up the series more and it's another woman author!! :D )

The Case Study of Vanitas — Jun Mochizuki

Another I started collecting because of the anime, but it’s SO so beautiful (Arakawa sensei even gave a recommendation inside the front cover of volume 1!)

Also!!! Another woman author!! I’m so happy to give lots of women author recs. If you like gothic romantic vampire dramas set in alt history steampunk Paris with a dash of horror, then this is for you.

Bisexual vibes from literally all of the main 4 (Noe, Vanitas, Dominique, Jeanne). Some moments of sensuality, but it never goes into overtly sexual, making it more accessible for teen readers.

Her watercolors are instantly recognizable and stunningly gorgeous. Noe’s delight in the world is balanced by Vanitas’ grumpier realism. Also, the concept of a vampire that can read memories through blood blew my mind. Definitely recommend.

Special mentions:

Yotsuba&! (a classic first manga for kids. Heartwarming. Funny. Adorable)

Skull Face Bookseller Honda-san (also a good anime. Only 4 volumes. All the crazy things that happen in a bookstore/publishing. Funny and a great autobiography by the author Honda)

Kaiju No. 8 (an up and coming Shonen Jump that’s already slated for an anime!!!! Kaiju battle action + a 32 year old protag that had an accident while working and can now turn into a Kaiju >:D Monster lovers rejoice)

I also have a few singles of older shojo manga that I’m getting into recently like Cardcaptor Sakura, Sailor Moon, Kitchen Princess, Host Club!

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dimonds456 · 5 months

Text

Howdy!

I'm Dimonds456, and welcome to my garbage pile. I'm a bat who stays up way too late and cannot decide whether or not to be productive. I draw, write, animate, play/write music, and I'm also insane so watch out for that.

I'm neurodivergent, disabled, queer, white, a singlet, fictionkin, and a proud cat papa. I am a cartoon character who is way too bouncy for their own good lol.

They / he / xe!

This is my main blog, but my ADHD ass also has a bunch more.

@dimonds456-art - my art blog! Almost all art gets rbed there!

@dimonds456-but-only-hlvrai - my HLVRAI sideblog! Because yeah why not. This is one of me current hyperfixations lol it's bad

@rubberhose-roy is my sideblog used to gush about 1920's-40's aesthetics, music, culture, ect., as well as an animation blog! All my animations specifically will be reblogged there, as well as any animation rambles or gushes I do.

I have more but those are the main three.

My fandom-specific blogs are:

@dimonds456-but-only-hlvrai (again)

@hlvrai-stuck-together - HLVRAI AU I run!

@halfnautica - Half Life / Subnautica AU!

@a-second-chance-su-au - Old SU AU that has been discontinued, but the blog is still there!

@batim-rewritten - a Bendy and the Ink Machine rewrite I'm working on

@cuphead-contract-au - A Cuphead AU where Mugman makes a deal (discontinued)

And, I have my own OC story, Follychromatic! I reblog all that stuff here, but its main blog is here!

@follychromatic

To see pictures of my cat, check the #Checkers tag! :D

Okay great. Now, DNI, trigger warnings, disabilities, special interests, and more below the cut. Make sure you read at least once, k? Thanks.

Welcome to my cave!

DNI

Trigger Warnings

Do not FUCKING interact if you are:

- A proshipper

- A bigot

- An LGBTphobe / transmed / ect

- Trump supporter

- Nazi / fascist / conservative

- Weird about furries or furry art

- Weird about fandom headcanons (specifically trans woman headcanons)

I will add more if anyone wants me to, or we can come up with a custom tag, like what I do for one of my friends! (#dimond don't look)

I will tag as much as I can, and if you want me to tag something specific, let me know! But as a general blog cover, things that appear on this blog often are:

- Current events

- Talk of / discussion of sexuality (sometimes boardering on NSFW but not usually)

- Blood

- Guns

- Flashing

- Talk of proshippers (I try to be respectful but also I don't stand for them and I don't support them. I block and move on, and try to explain why proship is bad, but eh. I've only been listened to like once lol)

- Swearing / swear words

- All caps

- Bugs

- Suggestive content / NSFW (RARE DONT WORRY)

DISABILITIES

Hiiii I'm disabled! Both mentally and physically. I talk about being disabled a lot and try to generate positive talk about it. I also vent about it. I've had quite a few of these, and I also try to reblog as much about others I don't have as I can to increase awareness and understanding. So yeah! These are just the ones I have, but they are not the only ones that appear on my blog!

Hyperthyroidism

Graves Disease

Graves Eye Disease

Astigmatism

Athsma

Audio processing disorder

ADHD

Autism

Trauma / PTSD

Brain fog / disassociation / memory loss

Anxiety

Depression

Cane user

Weak / trembling limbs / trouble walking / trouble holding onto things sometimes

More to be added lol.

This is also a meds/treatment positive blog, a self-diagnosis positive blog, and my general attitude is just "if you think something is wrong you're probably right, you know yourself the best, even if you don't know what exactly is wrong." This attitude has saved my life and other people I know. You don't need a diagnosis or medication to be disabled.

THIS IS A SAFE SPACE.

If you are Jewish, black, brown, Muslim, indigenous, any religion, any race, any sexuality, any weird gender, anything at all- I love and support you. I'm still learning, and I try to learn as much as I can, but I'm not perfect. If I say something offensive or something adjacent, it was NOT on purpose. PLEASE, PLEASE tell me what I said wrong. I will make an effort to improve in the future.

I directly support:

- All races

- All religions*

- All sexualities (except pedos, y'all aren't LGBT, I'm sorry. You're actively hurting children. I've seen it again and again. Stop.)

- All genders and pronouns

- All "weird" identities outside of that as well (I'm fictionkin myself)

- Protests and protesters

- Neurodivergent people of all types (and yes, this means NPD, schizo, and all those other types that are often seen as bad or evil. I love you, I see you, and I support you.)

- DID & OSDD systems

If I have reblogged or said anything that aligns with the bottom list, that was a mistake. PLEASE let me know and I will fix it as fast as I can. You reading this right now, I love you. I hope my blog can help you feel welcomed and like you have somewhere to go if you need it. /gen

I DO NOT support:

- Antisemitism

- Genocide

- Cults (*stuff like Jehova's Witnesses. I support the members, as they are victims, but I actively dislike the people on top who perpetuate the cycle. Not just JWs, but those are the big ones who come to mind. Hearts out to all the victims, I hope everyone gets to a better place soon)

- Racism in any way, shape, or form

- Religious discrimination of any way, shape, or form

- Israel specifically

- Trump, conservatives, Nazis, ect.

- Endo systems

MY FANDOMS / INTERESTS

I HAVE ADHD AND AUTISM AND I'M MAKING THAT EVERYONE ELSE'S PROBLEM /silly

The current special interests are HLVRAI and Half Life, current hyperfixations are Half Life and Poppy Playtime.

SPECIAL INTERESTS:

- Minecraft

- HTTYD

- FNaF

- Undertale / Deltarune

- BATIM / BATDR (unfortunately)

- Subnautica

- Biology

- Steven Universe

- Cuphead

- 2D Animation

- Writing

- HLVRAI

- Half Life

theres more but my brain is an egg :/

HYPERFIXATIONS (interests but not the special ones):

- Little Nightmares

- Hello, Neighbor (unfortunately)

- Petscop

- Portal

- Freemanverse (HELP ME)

- The Amazing Digital Circus

- The Owl House

- Gravity Falls

- Monster High (very first from what I can remember! I remember nothing though! But it's there!)

- Poppy Playtime

- Half Life

- Wild Kratts (I didn't even know there WAS a fandom until very recently, hi guys)

When it comes to ✨me,✨ I have a couple of original works as well! Specifically, Follychromatic! I won't get too into it here (bc shy) but it's 2D animation, rubberhose animation, magic, character-driven, action/adventure, mystery- yeah!

Outside of fandom, though, my special interests are biology, 2D animation, and writing. I am an animator and I suffer for fun.

YOU MADE IT! Have some Checkers for your time! :)

#dimond speaks #intro post #bout time i made one of these huh #dni #pinned post

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mintytealfox · 11 days

Note

Hi....

I love your art and when I saw one of your Au (are those au) about an anime with shadows, I would like to ask a question or two (or three...)

Do you take requests? Because I'm not sure if it's appropriate for me to ask and I'm just curious.

You can ignore this if you want.

But di you know the anime, Soul Eater?

If Alice, Norton, Melly, Orpheus, and Frederick (or any other characters of your liking) are placed in this universe, who are partners, and who is the miester and the weapon?

Thank you for reading, and as I said you can ignore this and I hope you have a nice day.😊

I wanted to draw something for this so gosh darn BAD but I want to ANSWER THIS ALREADY LOL I cannot wait for myself to catch up PFF (this is the same for so many asks in my inbox and I am just gonna start answering them ALL cause I am taking too long for myself to wait any LONGER PFF)

I DO TAKE REQUESTS lol but not so much right now orz I'm still getting used to this crazy job, the learning curve is like climbing mount Everest I cannot BELIEVE 😵‍💫 Once I regain that good good work life balance I will start doing requests again~

but I plan on drawing this at some POINT 👀 Cause this DOPE AS HECK

SOUL EATER MAAAANNNNNNNNNNN BLAST FROM THE PAST RIGHT HERE 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 (hopefully I am not 'carbon dating' myself by saying this pfff)

BUT LETS START THIS THING WITH NORTON: I think Norton would be a weapon and be absolutely fed up with it and desire to go his own way and be free. Like, he just gets used and tossed to the next person to work with, and that just repeating over and over and over and hating each and every person who has wielded him. There comes the point that he starts killing those who are wielding him wrong/mistreating him. So he gets black listed and hidden away deep in the mines (since he is a wild looking fool's gold-ie like pick axe) until Orpheus pulls him out of the depths~

So Orpheus would make a deal with Norton that if he works with him this one last time then he will help Norton go off and find freedom. So Norton agrees cause anything is better than being stuck in the dark mines.

Its with his partnership with Orpheus that he meets Melly and Frederick. I see Frederick as the wielder and Melly as the weapon cause of Frederick's talent with a gun and the fact that Norton will only listen to another weapon. So, for Melly to successfully persuade Norton she needs to be a weapon lol

But I can see Melly letting Alice wield her in an effort to protect Alice from Orpheus and Norton (but I dunno where Frederick went. hmmmm, retired? lol)

But one thing leads to another and Alice then has to wield Norton because he tells her to so they can go against Orpheus and his twisted nightmare weapon that shares his consciousness (I am breaking the anime lore with this one probably LOL) and she is like "uuuhhh????????"

Anyways that is the short rough draft of my thoughts on this LOL I have been P O N D E R I N G about it HA

#THANK YOU FOR THE ASK #ONE DAY I WILL DRAW THIS ONE DAAAYYYY #I don't ignore asks I just take a L O N G TIME sometimes lol #and answer hella out of order LOL #norton campbell #alice deross #melly plinius #frederick kreiburg #identity v orpheus #idv prospector #identity v #idv #idv journalist #nortalice #idv composer #idv entomologist #idv novelist

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broadwaybalogna · 13 days

Text

[Zutara] oneshot based on the story told in Travelin’ Soldier by the chicks

May 2, the Southern Air Temple

Katara,

Thank you for allowing me to write you during these times. We didn’t get to talk much aside from that day at the lake. Your kindness will not be taken for granted. Being able to write to someone during these times— the other men say it will keep me alive. Although we have yet to become close, I place my wholehearted trust in them.

It’s been a week since we’ve established camp. The General has been rough on all us soldiers, but it makes us stronger. At least, that’s what he says. It feels weird wrong fighting against my own element, I can’t help but think about the boys whom I grew up with, knowing they are fighting in support of the deaths they will bring to thousands if not millions.

I am aware that the other soldiers are weary of me, being from the fire nation would harbor such feelings toward me. It is my goal to prove my loyalty to them. And to you, too. Sokka speaks fondly of you, he says your smile itself would be enough to cease fighting on all sides of the war. The hour we spent at sunset on the pier brings no doubt to my mind about his words. I sense he’s still on edge about me writing to you. I will be sure to prove myself worthy of this, I swear. Sokka says to expect a letter from him in a day or two.

-Zuko

June 29, Omashu

Katara,

I sincerely thank you for writing back. I will be honest, I did not expect much in return for my letter. Sokka bragged that you wrote more to him than I, we have grown closer during this past month. He never says a bad word about you. Though perhaps he would’ve preferred to leave out the weekly yelling matches you two have. “Sibling rivalry” he says, “all in good fun”. He muttered about always buying you hot chocolate after. He never shies away from embarrassing you, however. I’ll spare you my knowledge but you should know that I find it, if anything, cute that you keep all your childhood stuffed animals close.

I cannot help but thinking more fondly of you the more I learn.

Our last few exchanges have sent warmth to my heart.

One of the soldiers here said he was an artist before being drafted. He offered to draw a portrait of you for Sokka based on his description. Sokka jumped at the opportunity of a portrait. I never knew how poetic he could be when describing a person. He would say things like your hair having waves like the sea. I simplified his words. He truly loves you beyond what I believe you know.

Not many other men have warmed up to me (pun not intended). They are all quite avoidant of me. I wish they would trust me as much as I do them. Sokka has not suffered at all being friends with me. He’ll sometimes talk me up to the other soldiers. He’s a true extrovert. His mindset is almost perfect for a soldier, our General said.

We lost our first two men not long ago just outside the Southern Air Temple. One of them I believe you may know, Hahn. He was brave until the end, and he will forever live in our memories.

Sokka keeps your portrait in his bag for safe keeping. I’ll steal a glance whenever I can. Every time I look, you’re more extravagant than the last.

Your friend,

Zuko

September 13, Natsuo Island

My dearest Katara,

The war has had few good effects on the soldiers. Sokka attempts to maintain his optimism but as fall begins and the cold winds reach us, it is hard to live up to his past. He doesn’t speak as much of you, it must be hard on his heart. Mao died to a gunshot wound not less than two days ago. I’ve spoken of him a few times in our previous exchanges. He had a daughter and wife whom he wrote as often as we do you. In his last letter, he promised to come home and raise their child with the utmost love.

Sokka cried when he died.

He says he made a similar promise to you; coming home. I wish I could’ve told him to raise his hopes.

Mao was a man who had my utmost respect. And I would say no different about Sokka. We all know the possibilities of this war.

I pray to the spirits with Sokka for opportunity and blessings each night. I never used to do that before, pray. I find it gives me peace of mind. Sokka speaks of the water tribe spirits and the legends behind them. I have learned much about Tui and La.

Every time I think solemnly, I look back to the sunset we spent at the pier. I try to remember each moment before sleeping each night. The way the wind blowed in your hair, the way your eyes glistened the colors of the sunset, your perfect smile. It brings me hope.

You bring me hope.

I don’t know what to call it. Sokka says “love” and I look away.

I fear if I call it that, I will have to face these emotions in full.

Do you find yourself wondering the same?

Best regards,

Zuko

December 20, Fire Fountain City

My dearest, Katara,

Do you ever wonder what would have come of our lives had the war never begun? Would I have found you at the café near the train? Would you have taken me to the pier overlooking the nearby lake? Would your eyes had sparkled as bright as that day?

Sokka smudged the portrait Jan made for him of you the first few weeks we set out. He silently cried to himself that night. I couldn’t hear him, but I knew he did.

Every time we face a hardship, I close my eyes and see your face looking back at me. It is hard to imagine a world without you.

It is also hard to imagine a world without war.

Sokka has a scar on his shoulder from a gunshot that grazed him. A few other scars I’ve seen are similar on his legs and arms, but his shoulder is most prominent. I know he hasn’t written to you about this because he desperately wants you to believe he is the strong older brother you look up to him to be. But I fear his mortality is fading.

I’m sure he’s told you about my own scar.

It is hard to see or hear out of my left eye and ear. Sokka says you love me no matter my appearance. I trust him. I also trust you. I’m sure our love will never come to an end. Sokka says we share the adoration of a newlywed couple. It’s impossible to believe we’ve only seen each other once. I feel like I’ve seen you each day of my life.

My heart burns to see you again, glistening in the sunset. I fantasize about seeing you again each night. I wish you perfect prosperity.

Don’t worry, but I won’t be able to write for a while.

With love,

Zuko

January 1, Crescent Island

My sister,

You do not understand the life you have given me with death surrounds my every move. You have been the light that shines at the end of the tunnel for many people in my unit. I tell stories of our adventures when I can, when it doesn’t hurt to think about, which is not often anymore.

To say that you have given hope to the people who have had the honor of knowing you is an understatement. You have given life to people who believed they had nothing to live for.

Katara, on December 25th, Zuko was caught in crossfire between our and fire nation units not far from Fire Fountain City. He was shot and killed on impact.

The war has caused the deaths of many men, but never would I believe Zuko would be one of those men.

It was foolish of me to believe there would be a world that favored love over war.

He loved you more than himself.

He couldn’t tell you this, but each time he read your letters, I would watch his face flush and a smile inch at the corner of his lips. He would speak of you with pure adoration.

He will be missed by the thousands of lives he has directly and indirectly saved through his work. He will be missed by the units that benefited from his fire during the cold. He will be missed by me.

But I know that he will be missed by you the most.

I do not know when the war will end. And I know less of when I will return to you. But I know it will happen.

Katara, this soldier will come home to you.

I promise.

-Sokka

#angst #boyfriend to death #zutara #atla katara #atla #atla zuko #katara #zuko #war #letters

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that-wizard-oki · 5 months

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How did you start doing jobs for kingsisle?? I'm trying to break into the industry as an artist, and I have no clue how to approach potential employers, even just for commissions 😭😭

Hey! So I actually work full time with KingsIsle as a character animator- my job year round is to make pets, mounts, mobs, npc's move :D

How I got started here is kind of a wild story. I had been wanting to reach out to KI about possibly interning with them post-graduation- I had a few people I semi knew at the company, and knew I'd have a good portfolio piece to show them from my senior thesis project. However, three days before graduation, a friend from KI msg'ed me that KI was doing summer internships, and asked if I was interested. I spent the next 3 days building my portfolio website/resume & sent it to my friend. A month and two interviews later, they accepted me! Once my internship was drawing to and end, they were able to offer me a full time position.

My #1 piece of advice for folks trying to break into the industry: MAKE CONNECTIONS. NETWORK. Obviously having dedication and building your artistic skills (whether that's character design, animation, story boarding, etc) is a huge part of it- like you can make as many connections as you want, but if you don't have a decent set of skills/a portfolio to back you up, then you might be out of luck there. But I cannot understate the importance of networking.

So, how do you make connections/network? My advice:

-I know everyone can't afford it, but going to an art school/college is a decent way to make connections- not just with teacher's who have worked in the industry themselves, but also with your future artists. Heck, I've been seeing younger artists like myself start their own studios. You can defo still make connections w/o college, but I just wanted to note that.

-Interact with artists/folks in the industry online. comment on their posts, ask them genuine questions. Most folks are happy to answer questions or give portfolio advice.

-Mentorships are a great thing- also something i see offered on twitter a lot. Some studio's like dreamworks have "internship" like programs where people who have recently graduation or are looking for a career change can apply to and learn from. I'd follow companies you're interested in via linkedin, or visit their websites to see if they offer things like this

-Also!! Participate in anijams, gamejams, art swaps, zines- these are all great ways to connect with fellow artists online. My college has an animation club that does anijams twice a year- which is a GREAT thing to put on your resume- it shows collaboration, dedication- things you need to be open to when working in the industry.

-I'd also say that trying to narrow down what you're really passionate about doing (for me, 3d animation just fit my heart the best) and learn more about it. Watch youtube videos, follow tutorials. Practice your anatomy, do gesture drawings from life, draw as many hands and feet as you can, lol. All things to help strengthen your skills! Consistency is key!!

I know that's a lot of info, so I just want to reiterate something: I've been at KI for about a year and a half now, and I am still just as passionate about this game as I was beforehand. That passion is one of my greatest assets. WANTING to do what I do for work makes working a lot easier, and produces a better product. If you have a passion, a drive to do something, you can do the damn thing. Making connections/being consistent as an artists can feel wildly overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. You're worthy of sharing your art and ideas with the world, and people want to hear them. Baby steps! Start small. Heck talking to me already gets your started with networking :D

Hope that wasn't too rambly/answered some of your questions anon. Feel free to inbox or dm me if you wanna chat more- goes for anyone reading this :)

#oki answers a thing #anon

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