#no idea if we're shipping them or not ahhh

[empressgetou]

YOU'RE MINE, I'M YOURS

boyfriend senku x reader

hours after both of suika and y/n who went across to shore to the island where senku and the others were supposed to be. luckily for them ryusui managed to throw suika overboard who was cleaning the docks and y/n who was nearby the kid just in time for the petrification by a second.

y/n stayed behind the island to look for senku as suika went back to the ship to check up on the others and just as night the night falls ibarra and kirisame's group came checking up on the ship making the woman worried about the poor girl on her own in the ship.

"the lab!" echoed through the island.

i recognized that voice anywhere, kohaku! senku and the others must be near. as i look up on the side of the island there they were in a gather with a few people i don't recognized, i was about to ran up to them then i saw kohaku kissing senku...

KISSING SENKU??

i was never the type to be the "im jealous" girlfriend, even before the petrification my relationship with senku is actually great than the usual couples around. that's because he never gave me a reason to over something minor. sure, i may or may not have been a little jealous over the whole marriage thing that was set up with ruri back a few months but that was in the past and now i see this? boy you better have an explanation to this too or i might cut your–

i ran fast as i could to catch up, as i can already see the mobile lab who im assuming suika managed to drive through up to the mountains. as soon as the vehicle stopped they too have stopped their tracks and managed to spot me in my place.

"y/n! you're here! you weren't petrified?" gen asked surprisingly and his eyes went to the leek head whom im not naming.

"nahh ryusui managed to throw me into the ocean just in time with suika" i laughed a little remembering a few hours ago how pissed off i was thinking he has even the audacity to throw us like we're a rock or something but im glad ryusui did managed to save us.

"kekeke somehow i had a feeling you survived that thing though i never expected you'd be here on the island" senku already on my side and had a little smirk on. oh how i wanna punch that handsome face so bad right now.

i rolled my eyes, "course i did. m'not really and idiot ya know." i smirked back.

"good job, you two!" praised senku.

we managed to get out of the villagers hair and went to the underwater cave to hide in the meantime while we prepare in infiltrating the harem and well that includes getting kohaku ready for the act.

"the ingredients are simple!"

"honey, lemon and coconut?"

"ahhh you're making a conditioner?"

"that's ten billion points for you, my dearest!" senku pointed at me as if ive won the lottery.

"you mind leaving me some for my hair?"

and then here's amaryllis having the greatest idea i never would've thought i'd come up with. but men dressing as women? specially senku? i never thought i'd see the day.

"pftt"

"yeah, yeah laugh it while you can honey. you don't know what's coming next for ya." he said while having an obvious annoyed face.

gen however pulled it off but his height was a bit much for an average girl. then there's soyuz, yeah i dont even wanna explain how he looks. and then lastly ginro, well he passed, perfection i might add.

"well that's that. obviously we know who is coming to the harem" i said as i was about to go back to the mobile lab, kohaku spoke.

"we're not done yet y/n, you're next!" and managed to pull me to her side.

"waittt! im not–"

"no buts! come on, you're a candidate yourself if i say so myself plus we could totally infiltrate the harem without a problem if both of you and me work together inside."

"ughhh nooo i don't wanna. too much workkk"

kohaku and amaryllis managed to dress up y/n nicely and while doing so senku's eyes never left her figure and her hair specially. he realized that y/n never actually leave her hair down just like before the petrification maybe because they were always busy working back at the village it would be distracting having her long wavy hair in the way, he only saw her hair down whenever she'd take a bath by the river and whenever she would sleep beside him. amaryllis also put make up on y/n and it definitely just made her even more beautiful and vibrant much to senku's pleasure. he was falling all over again.

"looking good there", he complimented

"thanks. i thought you'd never notice", y/n sarcastically said.

"been a while since i've had make up on too. does it look weird?" she asked worriedly.

"nahh you're good. you're beautiful." he said almost whispering.

"alrightyyy y/n, you're coming with us right?", kohaku asked

"huh? but i'm not really needed there right? hehe", y/n tried to convince her friend.

before y/n and her group went to the harem selection she managed to get inside the mobile lab and talked to senku.

"so i was thinking since ya' know could be a few days or weeks before we'd succeed in the infiltration but i just wanna clarify something." fiddling her hands thinking maybe she just misunderstood what kohaku did to his boyfriend.

"yeah, got something to say before you leave me here all alone?" senku joked still doing his science work.

"i saw kohaku kissed you last night." and went silent, it made y/n think maybe she was stupid to even conclude at that idea.

"ah yeah she did"

"what! why?"

"easy tiger, that was unexpected for me as well, we have to get a distraction from the enemy. gen's fault he included me."

silence again.

"but i guess that made you uncomfortable huh?" she nodded still fiddling her fingers.

he saw this and went to holding her close.

"m'sorry if it made you feel bad, i take full responsibility of how you're feeling right now. tell you what i'll give gen an earful about that and maybe after this whole infiltration thing, we spend time more together after, hmm?" trying to apologize the woman.

"mmm, i see.."

"i understand i just want to know why it had to be done." she said faintly smiling.

"m'sorry if you understood that way. there's nothing going on. m'still yours forever and always" he tried to cheer up.

she then hugged him and he immediately reciprocated. silence engulfing them once again while enjoying the company of each other.

"i love you"

"me to honey. i love you so damn much. i'm yours. okay?" reassuring her and gently pushing his lips into her sweet candy flavored ones.

masterlist

"mmm, you're mine and i'm yours" she giggled.

#senkuishigami #ishigami senku #dcst senku #gen asagiri #asagiri gen #kohaku #dr stone #dr stone x reader #senku x y/n #senku x reader #senku fluff #senku x reader fluff #dr stone x reader fluff #senku #kohaku dr stone #empresswrites♡

[thoselethalarts]

ℙ𝕙𝕠𝕓𝕠𝕤 𝔹𝕒𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕣 - ℙ𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪

(SR) Ceremony Robes (Part 2): "Don't Get the Wrong Idea"

(NRC: Dark Mirror Chamber)

Idia (Tablet): Students of Ignihyde, please gather here…

Riddle: He didn’t even come after I gave him a good scolding… how incompetent. I worry for the students that have to deal with a dorm leader this unreliable. They have my deepest of sympathies.

Vil: Hah… I expected it would turn out this way. Almost too expected, honestly, there was hardly any glitz or fanfare to this finale at all.

(The sound of students whispering among the crowd)

Ignihyde Mob A: Hey… Do you know who’s supposed to be our new dorm leader? I don’t see him anywhere.

Ignihyde Mob B: I think it’s supposed to be that guy in the tablet. Right there, the one that called us over here.

Ignihyde Mob A: You sure though? I heard Idia Shroud was supposed to be here, and I don’t see him anywhere. That couldn’t possibly be him, right?

Phobos: …and so it begins.

Ben: Huh-hm? How what begins?

Phobos: Get your head outta your fuckin’ phone and you’d hear it for yourself.

Ben: Ow- Hey, rude! You're on your phone too! Sheesh...

Ignihyde Mob B: Look around, all the dorm heads are at the front of their group, and the tablet’s in line with everyone else. So that has to be our dorm head. Ignihyde Mob B: If that's our dorm head, then doesn't that mean that's Idia...? Why isn't he actually here, you think?

Ignihyde Mob C: Haahh… what a letdown. Of course, we have to have the one dorm head that didn’t even show up in person. That’s a bad omen for sure.

Ben: Ahhh… Yeah, you called it, alright. Ben: Doesn't sound like they're causing problems yet, but... just keep an ear on ‘em 'til we get back to home base. Ben: The crowd will be thinner back at the dorm, since it will just be all us Ignihydes. When he gives them a welcome face-to-face then, I’m sure they’ll calm down.

Phobos: You put too much faith in our “brave leader”, Ben.

Ben: I wouldn’t call it faith, SMH. At this point I’m either deluding myself for a pipe dream or praying for a miracle. Probably a mix of both.

Phobos: Hmph… Only time will tell, but I have a feeling with this mood Idia’s in, we’re in for a shitshow when we get back, too.

(Time passes as the ceremony concludes…)

(Ignihyde Dorm: Lounge)

Idia (Tablet): Here we are, at the “ever illustrious” Ignihyde dorm, based on the diligent nature of the King of the Underworld.

Ben: He's still not showing up in person...? He's not planning on giving the whole opening welcome like that... right?

Idia: Welcome to your school life for the rest of your stay here. Dark, gloom, and doom, and that's about it. You're all pretty unfortunate to be sorted here out of all the dorms, but it's whatever. You'll get used to it. Idia: If you have any questions about the dorm, look it up yourselves on the school website. It's kept pretty up to date and should have all the information you need. Idia: Unlike you newbies, I have a pretty right ship I have to run. Unless it's an emergency, try not to go out of your way to bother me. I have my vice dorm heads here for a reason. Idia: Anyway, to further welcome you to the dorm and get you all situated with your new living situations, I have my second in command here on standby to assist. Idia: Take it awaaaaayyy, Ben.

Ben: Wh- are you serious, he’s gonna make me…?! Ben: (sigh) This isn’t gonna end well… Ben: Alright... deep breath, mask on.

(Ben departs from the crowd and steps up beside Idia)

Ben: Ahem… Hey, what’s up gamers! I’m Benjamin Walker, second in command for Ignihyde. You all can just call me “Ben” though. Ben: Anyway, don't listen to what our gloomy dorm head says, Ignihyde isn't actually all that bad! In fact, I'd say we're one of the coziest dorms on campus! Atmosphere aside~ Ben: We've got the best Ethernet and WIFI on campus down here! And we'll be hosting LAN parties for special occasions too! Everyone's welcome to join in, so if you make friends in other dorms, feel free to bring them over too! Ben: If you're more interested on the mechanical side of things, we've also got a whole room on the first floor that's just for metalwork. Ben: There's blacksmithing supplies, welding and soldering tools, tons of scrap metal that's free for public use, and we even have a hydraulic press! Ben: The hydraulic press needs a key to work though, so you'll have to ask me or Idia for access. It's to prevent incidents from happening... again. Ben: Oh! And if you ever wanna get food delivered, we've got a great set of drones we just got set up that will take your order right to your dorm room door-

Ignihyde Mob A: Ugghh, how long are we gonna have to sit through this spiel?! Give it a rest already, your hypebeasting needs serious work!

Ben: Uh- heh... come again?

Ignihyde Mob A: Come on, dude, quit wasting our time with this bullshit. It's so obvious how fake this all is. Ignihyde Mob A: The first thing we got to hear when we got here is how shitty our school life is going to be from our dorm head himself, and now you're standin' here trying to buy us back with WIFI and a rec room?!

Ben: Uh... Yeah, kind of, I guess. Is it working~?

Ignihyde Mob B: Lil' bit, not gonna lie...

Ignihyde Mob A: Man, you can't even pretend?! Ignihyde Mob A: This is a joke, just a giant ass joke! Our dorm head can't be bothered to even show up on day one, and now we have some jackass influencer trying to buy us over so we don't get dorm reassignments!

Ben: Hey, I'm not some influencer! I'd be getting paid at least for doing this, if I was.

Ignihyde Mob A: He's not even getting paid?!

Idia: Why the hell would he? I'm not getting paid for having to deal with all of you low-level crybabies in chat.

Ignihyde Mob B: Oi! I'm not some crybaby!

Ignihyde Mob C: Yeah, what the hell?! What kind of dorm head talks to their first years like that?!

(Murmurs start to stir in the crowd of new students)

Ignihyde Mob A: I can't believe all this. I can't believe that I actually was excited to be coming here to NRC when people like you two are the ones in charge of the dorms. Ignihyde Mob A: How's the dorm head even decided here, anyway? Is it really all just who your family is? Ignihyde Mob A: I bet that's it, isn't it? However much money your family makes, that gets your the seat at the head! Ignihyde Mob A: Well, I might not be rich, but I bet I could take the position of dorm head by force if I wanted! I'm already a hell of a mage as is!

Ignihyde Mob C: Hey, you're gonna need a vice dorm head too, aren't ya? Ignihyde Mob C: I bet being in charge would be a lotta fun, actually~ I'll be your backup if you're serious about this. If it's two to two, your odds are evened~

Ignihyde Mob B: I'm not all that interested in the power or anythin', but I guess I can throw my name into the ring too. Could be fun to go a few rounds with a real challenger for once.

Ignihyde Mob A: Haha, yeah! That's what I'm talkin' about~! Who else is with me?!

Phobos: That's enough.

(Phobos emerges from the crowd and stands before the crowd of Ignimobs)

Phobos: I'm done with listening to all this pointless barking. I think it's about time someone reminded you lot of who's really in charge here and why.

Ignihyde Mob A: Yeah? And who the hell are you supposed to be?

Phobos: Phobos Banner. Third in command for Ignihyde Dorm.

Ignihyde Mob A: Hah! So our dorm head’s so incompetent that he needs not only a second but a third vice dorm head in charge? That’s rich!

Ignihyde Mob C: Heh, we've only been here all of three seconds and I bet we could easily take him and claim the role of Dorm Head as our own.

Ignihyde Mob B: You idiots are just askin' for a manhandling. One of them, maybe we could take, but not all three of them.

Ignihyde Mob A: C'mon, puff out your chest! You're not really gonna let some half-competent seniors be the ones bossing us around for the next three years, are ya?!

Ignihyde Mob B: I mean I wouldn't mind having a bigger dorm to myself, that's for sure, but still-

Phobos: Haahh... If you all think you're such hot shit, then fine. Lets test your strength. I don't need backup to keep you all in line. Phobos: Now... Have your knees give out on the cold, bitter ground. Kneel, like dogs, before the one who bears the crown.

Ignihyde Mob C: Hah! What's this about? Some kind of poetry reading... ugh!

(The mobs suddenly start collapsing to the floor)

Ignihyde Mob A: W-What's...?! Ow- I can't move my legs...?!

Ignihyde Mob B: H-Hey, why me too...!? What the bloody hell are you doing to us..!?

Phobos: Weakness courses through quivering veins, body and mind submit. Your face hits steel, your mind assent. Phobos: Your heart beats weaker, lungs tighten. Blood flow hindered binds your thoughts. Amidst the fog, your life stays taut.

Ignihyde Mob C: N-Nghh... I can't... my arms are shaking... I c-can't keep my body up.

Ignihyde Mob B: Everything's... getting all hazy.

Phobos: Recognize your master. Know your place. Phobos: The voice that calls you, a light in the darkness. Your hand of salvation, from a life condemned. Phobos: Follow the flame, I'll show the way. Surrender your soul. Submit. Obey.

Ignihyde Mob A: S-Submit... obey...

Ignihyde Mob B: Submit... obey...

Ignihyde Mob C: Submit... obey...

Phobos: The voice that calls you demands your submission. Accept the call. Surrender yourself. Know your place.

Ignihyde Mobs: I surrender myself. I know my place.

Phobos: Good. Looks like you're starting to understand now who's in charge and why. Phobos: As the calm before the storm, so too does it follow. The weakness dissipates, blood flow circulates as it once was, air rushes back to weakened lungs. Phobos: Minds of clarity once restored, and bodies rushed anew with life light.

Ignihyde Mob A: (gasp!) W-What the hell just... Ugh, my head is spinning...

Ignihyde Mob B: I-I should've bloody known better than to get roped in with you two idiots...

Ignihyde Mob C: I feel like I just signed a contract written in blood... I'm just gonna live here on the floor forever now.

Phobos: Hmph... listen up, new blood. You think it’s all fun and games today because your dorm head disappeared when you expected him to be there. Phobos: He may not have made a public appearance today, but don’t for a second think that speaks to his abilities. He’s the dorm head for a reason. Phobos: Let this be a warning to all of you. Don’t fuck with us. Ignihyde dorm is in just as capable hands as any other dorm on campus. Phobos: And if you think I’m powerful, then you have no fucking clue what Ben is capable of, let alone Idia. Am I making myself clear?

Ignimobs: …...

Phobos: I said, am I making myself clear?

Ignimobs: Y-Yes sir!

Phobos: Good. Now shut up and pay attention to your dorm head. This is your only warning from me.

(Phobos departs from the crowd and leans against one of the nearby walls behind Ben and Idia)

Idia: Well… that was a little more intense than I thought day one would go. Looks like they finally quieted down for a change though. GG, Phobos.

Ben: Heheheh... I don't usually get to see him whip out his U.M. on somebody so publicly like this~ Ben: That coulda been a lot more fatal if he wanted it to be. You lot should be grateful you're first years. Next time, he might not be so forgiving~

Idia: I hate how much you enjoy watching him do that... if one of them actually dies because of him, I'm the one that has to clean up the mess... Idia: A-Anyway... it’s customary for each dorm to host a “welcoming feast” on night one, so that’s what we’re doing after the room assignment event's done. Idia: Catering should be here soon enough, so lets get this done and over with. Ben, you have the card keys, right?

Ben: Yeah, I got 'em right here. Ben: Alright, lets get this started! Whenever either me or Idia call your name from our list, come up and we’ll give you a map of the dorm layout and the card key for your dorm room. Ben: First on the list, we have…

(Time passes as the room quiets down, and the crowd begins to dissipate)

Phobos: Haah... Finally, some peace and quiet.

Ortho: Phobos Banner, may I have a word with you?

Phobos: ...What do you need?

Ortho: I just wanted to say thank you!

Phobos: Huh?

Ortho: Before, when you lectured my brother about his appearance to the ceremony… your words were harsh, but you spoke from a place of caring.

Phobos: The hell gave you that idea?

Ortho: You put a lot of importance onto the first impression of the newest members of our dorm, and on the memories they’ll be making when they arrive here. Ortho: You didn’t want them to have a bad first day; you wanted them to feel welcomed and optimistic when they came here. That shows you really do care about our dorm members and their time here at Night Raven College. Ortho: Though you were a bit rough with the first years when they began to revolt, you still acted only to incapacitate them temporarily, not to permanently injure them. Ortho: That resistance shows that you still care for them, and my brother's reputation, too.

Phobos: Tch… don’t get the wrong idea. Phobos: I don’t care about their time here… how they spend their life is none of my business. Phobos: I’m just not interested in some new blood getting cocky, causing problems, and trying to walk all over us upperclassmen. That’s all it is.

Ortho: Increased heart rate and sudden flushing of facial features. Abnormality in vital signs detected.

Phobos: S-Stop scanning my bio-readings! Ugh… Phobos: Just… tell Idia I’ll be waiting for my “payment” for taking care of things tonight. I’m going back to my room.

Ortho: Hehehe~ I’ll make sure to have him treat you well for all your hard work.

/ End

#ツイステッドワンダーランド #Twisted Wonderland #TWST #twst oc #oc #original character #soul writes #personal story #Phobos Banner #フォボス • バナー

[humbletumblecrudi]

I dont know if you have a character limit (ive checked the rules i swear) but could i request the first years confessing to their obluvious crush? Male or gn (whichever one youd like) thank you :)

Hello Anon! So sorry this took so long, I had a bit of trouble and now I'm back in action! And it's okay, I take generalized groups (First Years, Dorm Leaders, Staff, et cetera) or at least up to 5 individual characters unless you simply want a list of who and what! (Who is most likely to kiss the Reader, and stuff like that)! I also made the Reader masculine!

(Remember: Fem Aligned [She/Her and She/They] will be banned if they interact with my male works, only read and like my GN works.) (Only one exception has been made.)

Synopsis: Male Reader is oblivious to the First Years advances, and it wasn't until they tell you that you knew. If only they can confess right... !

Ships: Ace × Male!Reader, Deuce × Male!Reader, Jack x Male!Reader, Epel × Male!Reader, Sebek × Male!Reader

𒆜ǟƈɛ ȶʀǟքքօʟǟ 𒆜

① If your one of those guys that is oblivious in nature, he groans internally he should have seen this coming! If you're not that kinda guy… what the hell?! He can't be that bad at this, right… ?!

② Ace is a very straightforward guy that does not keep his mouth shut at the best of times, only really shutting up if he's truly outclassed, and he's pretty sure his hints are obvious! He tells you he like-likes you, you say, "You too!" And he's sure it was okay until he saw your slightly unfocused gaze… 

③ The conversation had dropped, and he doesn't know what you want more, so he asks you carefully about a date next week…

"So… since we're dating, would you like to go to the movies once testing is over?" He asked, his eyes shining with a new and more genuine light then normal. But you seem taken aback almost...

And your face snapped back into focusing, before a whirlwind of different emotions crossed your face! And you answer him, "D… Dating?"

④ … WHAT?! He just said he like-likes you… he wants to date you, in a romantic way! After that clarification, your eyes widen and he feels his blood pressure in his ears! Don't scare him like this, idiot! … But your acceptance helped me eliminate his nerves. 

⑤ He's a cheeky little shit, so he might poke fun at your obliviousness and how glassy your eyes looked while waiting for a different conversation. "You looked so lost! Was it in my eyes?" You both know you didn't, but he won't stop because nobody but you can prove him wrong!

⑥ Sharing anything he swipes with you (knowingly or unknowingly), playing cards in private and not tricking you, and sticking it to Grim for taking his food! But in sweeter spirits: Ace does like calling you his boyfriend on campus because, well, it's true. He confessed, he got his man, he's got the happy ending! Suck it Grim! 

⑦ There is also a high chance he might start using matter-of-fact terms around you, especially about his feelings and ideas… because he's not going through that again! You can't do that to your man's heart again! Deuce and Sebek say he deserved that little bit of medicine, and Jack and Epel sighed at how he almost messed it up. Hey! 

𒆜ɖɛʊƈɛ ֆքǟɖɛ𒆜

① Two peas in a pod! You both have no idea how to take the hints, and run with them! If you're the oblivious type, this has probably been a slow burn since the beginning. If being oblivious is rare, how unfortunate it started now! 

② While the most emotionally mature of the First Years, he's not the brightest boy in class, and only wants the best for everyone. He knows what he feels is affection, and soon love, but if he had to put it into words… Ahhh…

"I'm here for you, always. I really like you…" His confession is soft, almost sad sounding as he wants to continue.

But you cut him off, as he hadn't spoken fast enough to finish the sentence naturally. "I really like you too, maybe even a bit too much…"

③ Deuce states at you, you stare back at Deuce. It took a moment, but both of you fell back and Deuce cried out about what you said. "Do you mean it… ?! Romantically?!" He asked, and internally screamed at this turn of events.

④ Rides on his magic wheel, joining him in the garden as he paints flamingos, and all the other small bits of time you shared; it finally culminated to this! 

⑤ If you and Deuce didn't accidentally matched confessions and both of them click: we'd be back to square one. And Deuce knows that that slip of the tongue was truly benevolent because he wasn't even sure about his approach. 

⑥ Deuce isn't the type to hide anything unless you want to keep it secret, but he's happy your his boyfriend. He'll teach you anything you want in magic wheels, kiss his cheek, or hold his hand. He has no issue! 

⑦ You two were so oblivious and uncommunicative that you had the other First Years betting on you. Who'd confess first, who'd make the move, if you two end up together? Deuce was mortified, was he that bad… ?!

𒆜ʝǟƈӄ ɦօաʟ𒆜

① Jack's only downfall here is his tsundere nature, which can have one of two effects; either people can see right through him, or mistake his feelings. And against his will, if you're commonly oblivious or not, you seem to have missed his signs.

② He knows that smarter people like Leona, Vil, and Ruggie see through his behavior (and the other First Years, but he refuses to believe it truly) but he's still cool and tempered when he slides up next to you at an event… 

③ You had to have heard him coming, his boots squeak and his chains were clicking together, and your happiness at his arrival has his face heating…

After a long conversation about the event, his tail had not stopped wagging one bit, and he groaned, "I'd do anything to make you smile like this again…" 

"Thank you, Jack. Just being your friend makes me happy." You answer, watching his face contorting. You abashedly ask, "... Oh, is there something else? You look upset."

④ Yeah… Yeah, he was upset. At his own incompetence at securing you as a boyfriend, you were just the guy he wanted to date. And he was mucking this up. 

⑤ After a little pause, Jack let go of his face and let the confession come out fully. "I think I might love you, I… want to ask you on a date." It was blunt, and exactly what he wanted. He's actually happy to see your reaction, as he's sure all his cool behavior hadn't broken the ice. 

⑥ He's the one who helped you carry loads of books or material, actually studied with you regularly, and kept you company when you followed the rules and weren't at ADeuce and Grim's whims; please, be at his side! 

⑦ Jack is the most smooth of all the boys, it's almost like oblivious types don't phase him. He knows how he is and sometimes more gullible or honest people do get confused when he gets really defensive or cold, so he knows to knock it off when he's serious.

𒆜ɛքɛʟ ʄɛʟʍɨɛʀ𒆜

① A boy with no knowledge or want of romantic relations until he met you, and this is what you do to him? He's already struggling and your obliviousness to his flirting is daggum atrocious! 

② To be fair, I'll give you credit: Epel has no romantic knowledge and any signs he shows are rough and scrapped from another idea. If your not oblivious, Epel probably caused half of it… and if your naturally oblivious, you are nearly blind to how he feels. 

③ He really has to resort to… resort to… asking Vil… and even then, he only sees brief but confused glances you give him after an attempt to do whatever it is he needs to do! Damnit! He's almost at his wits end until a potion explodes on him and you take him to the back rooms to help him clean his hair and equipment in the labs basin sink.

④ He takes a deep breath and remembers how Vil taught him this was supposed to go… all alone… no threats of interrupting, no distractions… !

"You know, you're one of the few closest friends I've ever had…" He starts slowly after you take a brush to his drying goggles, and he cleans his hair fringes. "I want something more, if you… catch my drift."

Vil's famous pick-up line gets a skeptical look thrown his way and he almost drops his comb. "Did Azul make a deal with you, Epel? Do you need help breaking out of it?"

⑤ No! He's smarter than that, what the hell?! He actually yanks a couple hairs out on accident as he denies the very notion, he'd never! He calms down enough that his vernakular comes back, and his composure settles. "No. I want more out of you and I… perhaps a date at your place?" And thank goodness you finally got it, or he'd throw the comb! 

⑥ He's not shown any real romantic signs or shared too many experiences alone with you, but Vil's plans for your entire last month together was: study date alone in his room, inviting you to a Pomefiore dinner but coincidentally your the only ones there, and sporting event meetups without Leona teasing him!

⑦ Let's be honest here: Ace thought Epel would chicken out (and Deuce as well, sorry Epel). Epel is insulted but after Sebek sort of confirms his lackluster wooing practices, Epel sighed in defeat… then laughed in their face, cause who has the pretty cool boyfriend?! Not them! 

𒆜ֆɛɮɛӄ ʐɨɢʋօʟȶ𒆜

① Ace and Jack thought this was the easiest thing to do. Sebek is a loud and outgoing individual, so Sebek really should have no qualms against telling you but it seems he does! Ace couldn't believe it but: Sebek was shy!

② Sebek has many things running in his head and none of them are in his favor for confessing: will you even like him? Will you even entertain his fantasies? You're an attractive guy, why settle for Sebek?

③ Oh, but if getting riled up by the fellow First Years didn't get him moving, then nothing would. He was no coward, Ace! He was sure about this, Jack! Don't think he can't do this, Deuce! Have faith, Epel! And upon his arrival, he makes mistake number one:

"You! Yes, you!" His heart is beating in his chest and his gloves are starting to feel damp and tight on his hands. He had caught you before you could enter campus. "I like you!"

You, walking around in the campus for your classwork or something else, looked a little startled. "Oh, Sebek. Good morning, and you too…"

④ … Mistake number one of any communication starter: he didn't ease into it, or make it blunt. Unlike how he usually was, he messed up and now you and he were just standing there. 

⑤ He should probably go back, he should probably start from the top… But that seems to only ever charge forward! He now adds to what he said before, "I like you, a lot! A lot, a lot!" And to be honest, it probably took you both a good minute to finally understand what he meant (he panicked)!

⑥ He and you often find each other in physical education so being together is natural, your time at lunch is usually far exceeding normal times to talk, and he really does enjoy learning your favorite subject while walking with you. Thankfully, in the end, you both finally got together.

⑦ Being boyfriends with Sebek will have Ace and Epel clapping your back and wishing you well (one sincerely, one not so sincerely), and Jack and Deuce give Sebek advice on normal things outside royalty and school life… he doesn't get out much, but that won't stop you two! 

#Twisted Wonderland #TWST #x Reader #x Male Reader #Reader Insert #Make Reader #Ace Trappola #Deuce Spade #Jack Howl #Epel Felmier #Sebek Zigvolt #Twisted Wonderland x Reader #TWST x Reader #Ace Trappola x Reader #Deuce Spade x Reader #Jack Howl x Reader #Epel Felmier x Reader #Sebek Zigvolt x Reader #Twisted Wonderland x Male Reader #TWST x Male Reader #Ace Trappola x Male Reader #Deuce Spade x Male Reader #Jack Howl x Male Reader #Epel Felmier x Male Reader #Sebek Zigvolt x Male Reader #Disney's Twisted Wonderland #Fem Aligned Do Not Interact

[amaurotine]

ahhh cw for negativity.

i, too, long for plots. i feel like ppl really don't care about me, my muse, my desire to plot, or the oodles of meta i've written for hyth because at the end of the day, most ppl just want to ship with him or have a hyth muse on their ship roster and that's it, or its ppl who only ever really interact with me to like or comment on the occasional n/sf/w post out of the blue (which kinda makes me feel like both myself and my muse are being objectified, ngl) i do enjoy shipping, but this kind of behaviour is making me NOT want to ship with anybody period. i will also add that i love shipping for the sake of building a greater plot or dynamic. i want to have ships that exist for the sake of building stories. imo, that's the good kush.

i haven't been able to really find anyone who wants to do that, despite having been here for over a year. i really feel that for whatever reason, most ppl do not and/or cannot match my energy wrt writing and plotting (and to realistic, i definitely don't expect anyone to match my energy wrt portraying their muse to the extent that i do; i only ask that my energy be somewhat matched in the writing department), and while there are many valid (and often irl-related) reasons for that, it is nevertheless depressing and discouraging for me (and i will be th first to admit that im a slippery devil, i lose muse, and i drop threads due to my own energy levels and irl circumstances. it happens to everyone but like...damn. i do kinda feel like i put more into things than i recieve in turn. i am typically the one who approaches others first, and i feel like i'm silently expected to, which kind of spoils things.) as an accomplished writer w multiple degrees, i am more than capable of writing fic on my own, but i crave the collaborative worldbuilding that comes from rp, and that's literally why i'm here! it's also why you see me constantly talking about potential dynamics between hyth and other muses. (and if said proposed dynamic dosn't suit you or if you have a different idea, then please let me know so we can build something awesome together!) by that same virtue, i feel that i need to be more honest with myself and about what dynamics and muses do and don't interest me.

additionally, i very much feel like i'm generally the one who is expected to have plot ideas (and seeing multiple friends say the same thing, i do feel like this is a reflection of a larger issue of ppl who write canon muses/npcs constantly being expected to do the most, like we're always the ones who are supposed to have the plot ideas and we're magically expected to know about others' muses despite them having no about pages and not really telling us anything.) it places a lot of burden on me when ppl do this, especially when most ppl who do this dont have a detailed dossier or about page for their character. like. i don't know what the fuck i'm doing, i don't know about your muse, and i cannot read your mind. it's a really unfair and unreasonable way to treat ppl imo and makes rp more of a...weirdly one-off transactional process, which gives me horrendous vibes tbh? a lot of the plot ideas i personally have involve specific muses and have specific stipulations, which just don't seem to interest people or don't involve specific types of characters.

#🧋 — spillin' on ur dash. #i guess what im saying is: if ur not interested in writing with me and dont respect my lore then pls unfollow? sdjghdg #and if u dont have an about page or dossier thats fairly easy to find. then im not gonna write with u.

[shyspider]

Story idea!

What if you, the main character, are trying to survive in a zombie apocalypse (zombies could be of any kind), and while trying to escape from a horde of them, you come across your unlikely and surprising savior.

SUNSTREAKER

An autobot who went on a patrol to cool off after he and his crew became stranded on a unknown world full of hostile organics after their ship was damaged by the decepticons, only to come across a seemingly non hostile running from a horde of them.

(Do you think this would be a good story to write about?)

Uh YES!

Okay okay okay okay okay have you read World War Z by Max Brooks? How he handles the storytelling of a zombie apocalypse is just different and immersive. The book is filled with different accounts of survivors from all over the world. Unless we're talking about The Last of Us concept of infection via cordyceps, which is such a rich idea and adds the fear of infection through inhalation of spores. Either way, I imagine either of these universes with the Transformers thrown in would be a crossover I would absolutely read.

I gravitate towards a strong, competent MC, so don't let my bias change any ideas you have - BUT if the MC lived this long, they'd be a badass, a survivor, a fighter. I'm talking good with a gun, stealthy, cunning. In a world where society and common decency have collapsed, they might be wary as hell. Maybe even believe they're better off alone. Ahhh I'm at risk of drafting the intro on how MC and Sunstreaker would meet, and what would compel Sunstreaker to help, and how MC would trust him.

YES I think it would be an absolutely great story to write - but don't force yourself. You write what you want to read, and you'll be surprised who will come to see what story you're telling.

#Me - I will come see what story you're telling #Amazing concept #You've got a really good idea there #Anon asks #Shyspider answers

[danpuff-ao3]

[email protected] a lovely human! QUEEN of Fic Recs. Like, holy hell. How does she do it?? This lady can make a rec list at the drop of a hat, I stg.

So many themes! So many asks answered! Lots of Drarry, but not just Drarry! Rare pairs galore, too! Not to mention all the fandom love! She is so incredibly supportive, generous, and kind. Liv is such a blessing to fandom. Not only for the incredible (and frankly insane (but like in a good way)) rec lists, but for her very precious presence. Thanks for being such a great person, Liv. And thanks for being here! (Also: thanks for letting me pester you!)

Dark!Harry/Draco

Had to include this, which I stumbled upon while looking for another rec list. One: isn't Dark!Harry such fun? Two, lots of familiar author names! And a few fics I've read, even, though I don't read much Drarry! So we're starting this one off with the list I decided to include on a whim LOL!

Dralbus

My oh my! I can never resist Albus Severus/Draco. And what a list this is! I can second like...all of these, basically. With a special OH HECK YEAH for Make Your Own Bed and The Mark of a Good Man!!!!

Dron

AHHH DRACO/RON I LOVE THEM OH GOD. I am so obsessed. It's one of my favorite Draco ships for sure. And probably my favorite ship where both parties are the same age hahaha. If anything could sway me away from my love of age gaps, it's this bratty blond and riled-up redhead! And gosh, this list has so much good stuff on it!!!!! Seriously, all of them. Also my fic Collateral Damage is on here which ???? I cry.

I swear I'm not reccing this list for selfish reasons, though. Plumage??? Excellent. A Rush of Blood to the Head?? Oh god HOT. A Fine Foray Into Fashionable Fellatio???? God, this lady has taste. TASTE, I tell you.

Oh. oh.

This one is a fun story for me. Drarry is a ship I struggle with. Much to my dismay! The Drarry fandom has such talent!! I'm in awe. Yet, I never could get my head around it. Partly due to my mostly monogamous feelings for my OTP, Snarry. Partly, it just never spoke to me. No matter how well-written a story, no matter how gorgeous an art, I never felt it.

Until Still Life. On this list! The title was familiar. Folks had mentioned the author not long ago and how they'd orphaned their works. And me being curious, I went digging, even though I didn't read any of them. Then Liv's list popped up and I suppose it felt like fate. It was the second time I'd seen that fic's title in a short period, and it was a short piece. And wow oh wow! I had to run to blather in Liv's DMs about it, but that was the first time I really felt Drarry. What a lovely piece!

Also what a fun idea for a rec list, so definitely check it out!

Scarry

So remember how I'm mostly monogamous to Snarry? I like to tell people that Snarry is my husband and Scarry is the hot poolboy. Lord, I have seen temptation, and its name is Scarry. Harry and SCORPIUS???? I need more of it in my life, for real. More to read, more to write, just MORE. The Claiming?? Oh wow. Getting Hard?? HECK. YES. A Temporary Reprieve???? ....Sorry, that was the sound of me hitting hitting the ground. Please read all of these, and then thank Liv for doing the Lord's work.

for an explanation about Mutuals March, or to figure out why i wrote you a thing, please check out this post.

#mutuals march #liv #sitp-recs #rec list of rec lists

[spindrifters]

20 questions for fic writers

ty for the tags dear @lynxindisguise & @fruityindividual rounding out the wolfstarbucks divorce squad

1. How many works do you have on ao3?

11

2. what's your total ao3 word count?

299,730

3. What fandoms do you write for?

hp at the moment, in the past have written for black sails, star wars, and the underrated camp gem that is starz's spartacus

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

marginalia

twentieth century boy

ocho kandelikas

until our ribs get tough

history books forgot about us

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

yes absolutely! I love the community that pops up around fics.

6. What is a fic you wrote with the angstiest ending

ahhh I guess until our ribs get tough?? but even that ends on a bittersweet, semi hopeful note?? idk, I write angst but I can't do bleak endings.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

why was this even harder to answer? I'm tempted to say history books tbh.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

not outright hate, and people generally behave themselves, but I've definitely gotten some weird comments that people 100% could've kept to themselves.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I doooooo and it's usually wolfstar crying

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

no.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

not so far as I'm aware! and I have to echo what's been said about this--most of the time 'fic stealing' isn't really... that. just because an art heist au already exists doesn't mean someone else can't write an art heist au with the exact same characters, so long as they aren't lifting the whole plot, you know? we're all working from the same source material so it's inevitable that like minds might stumble on the same idea. the celebration is in all the different things you can do with it.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

yes, in a former fandom

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

no...

14. What's your all-time favorite ship?

wolfstar

15. What's a wip you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

honestly right now I'm in good shape to finish my current wip. the question is whether I'll ever get around to any of the 300 bunnies currently gnawing on carrots in my brain.

16. What are your writing strengths?

hmm dialogue, worldbuilding, and emotional arcs

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

I hate outlines, I just deeply hate them and I'm learning to fucking get over that.

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

I always try to get a native speaker to check my work because I don't trust google translate

19. First fandom you wrote for?

hp

20. Favorite fic you've written?

toss up between marg and history books.

tagging @babblingflowers @soloorganaas @impishtubist @kaleidoscopexsighs @kaaaaaaarf and @achilleslikespeas

[rainbowangel110]

Episode 39! Was a fun one! Let's go

So we start off with a livestream that goes wrong... cuz something exploded. As is usual with most streamers tbh.

So now we've stopped at a nearby twon who's name I cannot remember so that's fun :) but it's a metal down that's pretty industrial so we're stopping by for supplies. Dot needs a new mic but... well the others have no idea what she's talking about

So!

If y'all don't watch this show, this is a pretty big deal. Dot doesn't normally come out of her room other than to grab the occasional snack from the kitchen or something. It's pretty rare to see her out and about but even more rare for her to leave the ship, because as she puts it, "A waste of my time." The last time she was actually off the ship was the curry competition, and before that was when Liko's memories got wiped by Spinel and was left wandering in one of the cities.

Anyways smash cut to the theme song which hell yeah.

Annnnnnnnd she immediately loses the two. So they've already got what she needed and were checking out the 'vintage' section of the market, where Liko and Roy were ogling at the T.V. and radio. And then in the mere minute it took Dot to buy an old mic from one of the stalls, they vanished.

Ahhh

And then she hears yelling from an alley way which uhhhh alright guess we follow that

Okay so it wasn't bad, just some guy yelling at a Tinkatink. It's trying to take his hammer to create it's own. Tinkatinks are small, and want to make hammers to their liking using any scrap metal they can find. So this guy, working at a factory, had something that caught it's eye.

Anyways she eventually lets go, and Dot gives back it's old hammer and that mic is so getting snagged by it isn't it

Called it. Dot decided to leave it be cuz, hey the thing is already pretty old (she was going to use it as a prop but eh, change of plans)

Awwww that's adorable. you do you little squeaky pink gal

Murdock chill out, everything is fine, they were gone for half an hour at max. He's such a doting uncle to her. This is definitely embarrassing her lol.

SEX MICE SPOTTED

LEAVE THEM ALONE

They're also on the card for the mons who are just living on the ship, no trainers!

Which is just as adorable as them :)

Idk ma'am you seem pretty angry to me..... I definitely didn't see what happened though, so don't look at me.

Anyways, as Orio is interrogating everyone over the metal she was going to use.....

BABY ON BOARD!!!!!

Awww that's so cute.

NO SHE ISN'T!!! LOOK INTO THOSE EYES AND THEM ME THAT THIS LITTLE GAL IS THE CULPRIT-

Anyways one hilarious chase later....

NOOOO NOT MY BOY!!! NOT THE COLON D MON D:

So apparently it eats metal to harden it's outer shell, which explains a lot.

NOT THE HAMMER ANYTHING BUT THAT

It ate one of the masts??? Are you kidding me??? Oh this is bad.

DOT FIGHT!?!?

DOT FIGHT!!! WHOO HOOO!!!!

So uhh didn't take much screenshots of the fight cuz I was too focused on it but!

Quaxly was using water gun to create a circle of wet sand, so the Orthoworm can't escape from crawling over the sand. But Dot left one part of the circle dry. Where she was.

So the Orthworm runs straight to her, and Quaxly quickly hits it to knock the hammer out!

Which lets our baby get it and give the final blow! Gosh I wish I could gif these things it was so cool!!!

OH?

DOT HAS ANOTHER POKEMON LET'S FRWAKING GOOOO!!!!!! WHOOO!!!!!!

And now it's part of the streamer family :)

cute.

#pokemon horizons #just posting #pokémon #this was a good episode I liked it very much :)

[avemstella]

Tumblr only just showed me that @ksjundel2003 tagged me with this just now, as technology does. I'll always take the chance to ramble (also thank u for the compliment ahhh :D). These ended up being essays hahahaaaha

1. Three Ships: Uhhh so I'm in a weird place where I'm not actively shipping anything. Like don't get me wrong I still love many ships (I'm a super multi shipper, I have no idea how people dedicate their online everything to one ship) I'm just currently not actively pursuing certain ship tags rn... Hmm hxh's return reminded me of how much I love Leopika, I got into fe3h in this last year and I've read a silly amount of dimiclaude. Also finally got around to getting into mp100 and Terumob is so cute.

Genshin thats what people are here for but if I'm honest while I still am very into the game, I haven't read genshin fic consistently for a while and thats how I interact with shipping the most. Like I love Chili, theres a reason I have plans for that ship, but I haven't read a fic with them in forever (and in the more recent examples it was me searching for found fam harb content). I also adore Kaebedo but same story. I love a lot of genshin ships, many 'contradictory' (love Zhongven as well for example), I just haven't been brainrotting about any of them for a while. God that sounds so morose pfft, its really me just letting my brain take a break and experience other things! Also just know I do think about the final planned Zhongli and Childe scene in this fic (well for the main fic at least) every once in a while and grin like a loon. Hehehe I love it so much and rip its so far away (though also once I get there it'll be right near the end and that thought makes me sad).

Also I think about my fic specific ships a lot too. Sandy and Nella for example have a scene that brings me much amusement in a couple chapters (those 2 always bring me joy). Also I've been recently thinking about the ot3 that's a big old spoiler. There's this angsty but also hopeful romantic scene that's been banging around in my head that I literally can't use in my fic it doesn't work with the timeline. But I love it, maybe an eventual bonus chap. (all I'll say on this ot3 is that at least 1 person is a harb). And taras x any harb that isn't his bro, my favorite running gag I take too seriously. Also Madame Volkov x Tsar, I can't wait to reveal why that ship cracks me up (also weirdly angsty).

uhhh that was way too long of an answer um sorry.

2. First ever ship: God I don't know. Probably amuto from Shugo Chara (I was elementary/middle school, the age gap did not clock as weird then). However my first ship with taste was Soulsilvershipping from pokemon (god we need to bring back that ship name format, so fun). I didn't have fictional crushes the same way most seemed to, however what was close enough was Silver Pokemon my beloved. He spawned my love of grumpy long haired red heads so when I saw Diluc for the first time I remember going fuck I'm gonna love him (and I did haha).

3. Last song: uhhh fun fact I'm not a music person at all. As a child I hated it pfft, while I grew out of that I still have no idea what I'm doing with it. 90% of the music I listen to is from animatics (and back in the day from amvs) or musicals because plot. And u know u find a lot of musicals because of animatics its a cycle. However saying that I was listening to Ricky Montgomery, idk why.

4. Last movie: my parents were like we're watching a movie as a fam and in true Christmas spirit we watched Top Gun Maverick pfft. tbh the movie was fine but not the stunning piece of cinema everyone seemed to be saying... also super military propaganda but we all knew that

5. Currently reading? I'm catching up on the Ascendance of a Bookworm Light Novels (I'm on the last book in part 4 and I have part 5 #1 ready). I've also been really slowly reading through (and got back into after almost a year accidental break) Lout of the Counts Family. Also hunter x hunter (my brain is filled with Sheila theories, despite being the Harbinger found fam fic writer I don't care about the troop lol, just Sheila). I also have some DC comics open in my tabs because I want to watch the newest comicpop back issues episode. Its sort of strange I've been on a reading fan fic break of sorts haha, reading lots of original stuff.

6. Currently watching? uhhhh Mob Psycho though that just ended. Also me and my sis are watching Miraculous together. We used to watch it years ago and we are watching all the stuff we missed and cringing. I also am constantly watching lots of video essays, love a good video essay to put on while doing other things like playing genshin/art/etc

7. Currently consuming? We have a holiday party every year and my dad makes his amazing to die for lasagna (we are not remotely italian, but everyone we know says its amazing). So I've been eating those leftovers and having a time.

8. Currently craving? validation uhhh free time maybe. I had so much free time while I was away at school (well more like I should have been working on stuff time, but it was time I could organize myself). I'm home and between Christmas and parties and my grandparents/Cousins/feels like everyone visiting I've had no time for myself. I love seeing my cute baby cousins I don't get to see too often but its a lot. Also a job, I don't want to have to job but it'll get my mother off my case.

Well that ended on a too serious note haha. Also this was way too long and I have no idea who to tag and I'm anxious so uh, no one I guess. I must now return to my chaotic life, as one does.

#avem rambling #avem's asks #i'll count this as an ask #this was very top heavy but its fine lol #my complicated shipping thoughts #also if anyone wants to contribute to this go ahead! #I just have always been terrible at tagging people in these sorts of things #I'm also just bad at engaging with people over the internet in general... #despite the fact that I sounded sort of distressed at the end #I really did enjoy doing this! #it was fun I just get a bit too honest sometimes lol

[novelmonger]

Thoughts on Jedi Apprentice 11: The Deadly Hunter

This one! THIS ONE!!!!! 8D I am so excited for this arc of the story! The Hidden Truth will probably always be my favorite, but after all the epic Xanatos stuff, these next three books are the best part of this series, in my opinion. Definitely some of the stuff that's stuck with me the most, even after all these years.

Let's dive in!

Chapter 2

We begin with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan landing on Coruscant after a series of missions. (Note that Obi-Wan is now fourteen. Since I'm pretty sure he was thirteen in the last book, and there was no mention of a birthday, and because they hitched a ride instead of using the ship King Frane gave them, I think we're supposed to understand that they've had other adventures in between.) Instead of going straight back to the Temple, Qui-Gon wants to stop by a cafe run by a friend of his.

The friend is Didi Oddo, who runs a tiny little hole-in-the-wall cafe that's seen better days. He's the kind of guy that seems to be friends with everybody, whether they're an upstanding citizen or a shady individual, and he doesn't hesitate to let those who are going through hard times eat for free, nor does he hesitate to coax more money out of those who are doing well. I'm not entirely sure why, because his description is just that he's a "small, round man with a melancholy face," but I always imagined him as a Little Person (though not his daughter, Astri). Couldn't tell you why, but my brain persists in imagining him that way ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Regardless, I like him. He's a bit dramatic, especially when insisting how innocent he is despite being surrounded by criminals on all sides XD

But we're not just in for an ordinary friendly reunion. After a bit of small talk, Didi takes them into his office in the back, to beg Qui-Gon for help. A bounty hunter seems to be after him, and he has no idea why. He serves plenty of criminals, but he insists he isn't one himself (though he seems to be toeing the line a little bit, since he sometimes gambles and buys things on the black market :P). So he wants the Jedi to go find the bounty hunter and convince her that there's some kind of mistake. Qui-Gon agrees, though Obi-Wan doesn't think it's a good idea. It doesn't seem like any of their business.

"'Here is a man who seeks out criminals and the dregs of the galaxy in order to get information, which he then sells to the highest bidder. If you live in that sort of world, you deserve whatever bad luck comes your way. ... I don't understand why you're helping him,' Obi-Wan said, frustrated. Qui-Gon hesitated. Then he said, 'It's because he is my friend.'" - And here, once again, we see the interaction of a Gryffindor and a Slytherin ^_^

Chapter 3

"'This place doesn't look as if it provides a soft landing to me,' Obi-Wan observed, casting a dubious eye at the Soft Landings Inn. 'More like a full-scale crash.'" - Ahhh, this book is already off to a good start XD

The Jedi go to the inn where the bounty hunter is supposed to be staying. As Obi-Wan commented above, it's not exactly an upscale place :P Anyway, they locate the bounty hunter's room, and walk in to find her sitting there silently. She's a humanoid with a shaved head, and she has a whip that Didi told them about. They try talking to her, explaining that there must have been some kind of mistake, but she doesn't say a word. Instead, she suddenly attacks them with her whip, choking Obi-Wan and tripping him up, and cutting open Qui-Gon's shoulder. Besides just being a normal whip, it also has a laser mode. While they're still reacting to the sudden attack, she slips through the narrow opening of the window, her bones compressing so she can fit through the gap. Qui-Gon says this means she comes from the planet Sorrus.

Chapter 4

The Jedi return to the cafe and tell Didi what happened. After getting his wound patched up, Qui-Gon grills Didi to see why someone would send a bounty hunter after him. Obi-Wan suggests that instead of some sort of official warrant being issued, which would be unlikely for a simple cafe owner, maybe it was a private commission because of some piece of information sold to Didi that someone doesn't want to get out. Didi can't think of anything in particular, just a senator resigning and a gang called the Tech Raiders moving their headquarters. Neither seem like big enough pieces of information to kill someone over.

In the middle of the discussion, Didi's daughter Astri bustles in. She's kind of clumsy and preoccupied, and complains about how Didi complains every time she tries to do something to improve the cafe, particularly in terms of their sketchy clientele. In particular, she's proud of getting a famous philanthropic scientist, Jenna Zan Arbor, to book their cafe for a medical conference. (This will be very important later!) I like Astri. She makes for a fun dynamic with Didi as they banter back and forth. I keep on wanting to call her Astrid, though I don't remember ever having that problem when reading these books before....

This moment gave me a chuckle: Qui-Gon: "Besides, it will give you a chance to see the seamier side of Coruscant." Obi-Wan: "Just what I always wanted."

Chapter 5

The first step is to track down Fligh, the informant who sold Didi those pieces of information. I like Fligh; he's fun in a scoundrelly-but-mostly-harmless way. He's also a total coward and pushover who is easily convinced to talk because he's intimidated by the Jedi and because Didi has been kind to him in the past.

Fligh: "How else does one survive on Coruscant?" Qui-Gon: "One could get a job." Fligh: "One could, if one were a different being. However, one is not."

Ultimately, they don't learn anything that seems particularly significant from Fligh. He heard about the Tech Raiders from their representative on Coruscant, and he learned about the senator resigning from an official memo that made it to his hands.

They stop by the office of Senator Uta S'orn, the one who is resigning, and let her know that her resignation has leaked. She seems genuinely surprised and distressed by this news, because of how it might affect support for some legislation she's going to introduce. It seems unlikely that she would have put a price on Didi's head, and even though now they've learned that Fligh must have stolen her data pad, since she lost it and that's where her announcement was saved, that doesn't necessarily mean much. Fligh could have just not wanted to admit to stealing something like that directly to the Jedi's faces.

Chapter 6

The Jedi track down Helb, the Tech Raiders' representative, in a bar. But it seems like a dead end, because Helb intentionally told Fligh about their new location so that word would get out and people could find them, like free advertising under the radar. Fligh owes the Tech Raiders a lot of money, but they have no reason to want to kill Didi.

As they're leaving the bar, Obi-Wan spots the bounty hunter again, watching them and wearing a disguise that makes her look like an old man. Unfortunately, she gets away before they can catch her.

Chapter 8

When they return to Didi's cafe to update him, they find Astri bustling about in a near-panic, preparing for the important meal for Jenna Zan Arbor. The Jedi go to talk to Didi as the guests begin to arrive...only to hear that Fligh has been killed.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan go to investigate Fligh's murder, telling Didi to stay in the cafe where it's safe. They don't learn much at the scene of the crime about who did it, but they do pick up on an intriguing clue: Fligh has been strangled with some kind of cord, and all of the blood has been drained from his body before it was dumped in an alley.

(Side note: I just remembered that this precise scene was when I learned the word pallor. Don't let anyone tell you Star Wars isn't educational! XD)

"'Do you ever get used to death?' Obi-Wan asked. 'No,' Qui-Gon said. 'That is how it should be.'" - It can be easy to forget just how young Obi-Wan is in these books, because of how much more competent he is than your average fourteen-year-old, but Qui-Gon doesn't. He has Obi-Wan stand back so he won't see the gruesome sight of Fligh's body, and he checks to make sure Obi-Wan's okay afterward. I love that, even though he's seen so much by this point, Obi-Wan is still affected by death, and Qui-Gon protects him from the trauma of it as much as possible.

Chapter 9

When the Jedi return to Didi's cafe, they find it suspiciously dark and quiet. Warily, they go in to find that all the guests are gone, and there's a mess in the kitchen and Didi's office, like someone ransacked the place looking for something. They rush upstairs to the living quarters, only to find the bounty hunter waiting for them there, having knocked Astri out and tied up Didi with her whip. After a short fight, the bounty hunter escapes yet again. Qui-Gon recommends that they leave Coruscant and go into hiding, and Didi decides to go to a house he owns in the mountains on a nearby planet. He's never been there before, because he just recently won it in a game of sabacc, but it's so remote it should be relatively safe.

The chapter is fairly ominous and action-oriented, but this moment of banter was fun: Didi: "I might--ah--have gotten myself in a tiny spot of trouble. Nothing serious." Astri: "Sure. This isn't serious. Just another ordinary evening in the cafe. I get knocked out on a regular basis."

Chapter 11

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan finally go to the Temple. Obi-Wan, poor kid, finally gets something to eat while Qui-Gon meets with Yoda and Tahl to update them on the situation. When she hears about the manner of Fligh's death and that he stole Senator S'orn's data pad, Tahl connects it to Senator S'orn's son Ren (what a choice of name!), who was Force-sensitive. But Senator S'orn didn't want to give Ren up to the Temple, so he was never trained and eventually wandered off to find himself. Six months ago, he was killed--by strangulation, and his blood was drained!

I really like this bit that Qui-Gon says to Obi-Wan: "You are too hard on yourself, Padawan. That can become a fault if you are not careful, for anger at oneself is a destructive thing. Every living being can be impatient, can turn away at a first glance, can avoid getting involved. It is a natural impulse. We are all creatures who want peace and comfort. Yet we are Jedi. Our own peace and comfort is not what drives us. We are dedicated to a larger good. But always remember that the peace and comfort of just one being is what drives us, too."

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan go to see Senator S'orn again. She admits that the reason she's resigning is her preoccupation and grief since her son died. She also mentions that her friend's data pad was stolen at the same time, when Fligh overheard them talking about trying to find a good cafe to host a meal and recommended Didi's cafe. And guess who that friend was? Jenna Zan Arbor!

Chapter 13

Obviously the next thread to follow is to talk to Jenna Zan Arbor. They go to her room in a luxurious hotel and investigate her possible connections to what's going on. She didn't report the theft of her data pad because she had backups of everything on it, and it wasn't sensitive personal information like what was on Senator S'orn's. They find out from her that the legislation the senator hasn't been able to push through because of her premature resignation had to do with creating a coalition against a black market tech gang - obviously, the Tech Raiders!

On their way back to the Temple to get some sleep, the bounty hunter shows up again, this time disguised as one of the hotel's valets. She manages to push Obi-Wan over the side of a railing, and he almost goes kersplat on the ground far below, but he manages to catch himself with his cable and climb back up. This is interestingly similar to what he does in Episode II in his fight with Jango Fett....

The next day, they track down Helb at the Tech Raiders' base on Vandor-3, a nearby planet. When they confront him, Helb admits that he hired Fligh to steal Senator S'orn's data pad, but he flatly denies putting a mark on Fligh's head; he's too useful. But then Helb lets slip that both he and Fligh lost a sabacc game to Didi the other day, and Helb is the one who gave the house to Didi to pay off his debt. And where did he get that house? From a mysterious old man he met in the tavern the same day the Jedi first spoke to him. Uh-oh....

Chapter 14

"'Have you ever used a blaster before, Astri?' Qui-Gon asked cautiously. 'How hard could it be?' Astri said. 'Point and shoot. Easy as making a meal.' After having seen her kitchen, Qui-Gon was not sure he trusted her shooting." - XD

Thankfully, the Jedi get to the "safehouse" soon enough to find Didi and Astri are completely safe. As they explain the situation, Astri admits that she paid Fligh to pass along tips for who might be a high-paying customer to drum up business. She also lets slip that Fligh actually gave her Jenna Zan Arbor's data pad for safekeeping, not telling her where he got it. She'd stuffed it in a broken oven and forgotten about it until they left to come here, but took it with her because her own data pad was broken. All the information on it is encoded, but Qui-Gon sends it to Tahl to decode it.

Just when they're about to head out to somewhere safer, Didi mentions that there's a caretaker, an old woman who comes by once a day with provisions. And there's only one person that could be....

Chapter 16

EEEEEK, the exciting conclusion!!!! 8D The bounty hunter turns up and attacks them, and an exciting battle commences! They manage to get up to the second floor of the house and out a window to the landing platform, but discover that both of their transports have been disabled. As the bounty hunter comes after them, Obi-Wan spots her cruiser down the mountainside, and they head in that direction. The bounty hunter basically sleds down the mountain on her back, getting to the transport before they can get to it in all the snow, and heading them off. She shoots Didi and grabs Astri with her whip, pulling her in and grabbing the data pad from her. Obi-Wan pulls off some really stunning moves in the fight, but Qui-Gon tells him to help Didi and Astri while he goes after the bounty hunter. He jumps into her cruiser as she's taking off, and then, the last thing Obi-Wan sees: Qui-Gon is shot and falls into the cruiser. The bounty hunter's ship flies off for parts unknown.

"Had Qui-Gon been captured by the bounty hunter, or had he captured her? Was he mortally wounded? Was he alive--or dead? The anguish of not knowing made Obi-Wan want to crash to his knees. But there were wounded he had to care for. Qui-Gon had told him to stay. 'Don't lose heart, Qui-Gon,' he whispered. 'I'll find you. Hold on.' He would find a way to bring back his Master." - And we have to leave it there until the next book! Worst cliffhanger EVER! D:

#star wars #jedi apprentice #the deadly hunter #qui-gon jinn #obi-wan kenobi #the mystery in this one is really intricate and engaging #and the next book...ohoho BOY do I remember the next one >:)

[dndfuckhouse]

FEATURING

Cimmorro, Keva and Vinny On The Rooftop - 5/9

The Pub Crawl Initiation of Mars - 24/9

Mars and Cimmorro in the Morning - 24/9

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Cimmorro, Keva and Vinny On The Rooftop - 5/9

After suggesting an evening outing to the two, Cimmorro and Keva rouse themselves from whatever they'd been planning previously for the night to follow Vinny outside instead.

Vinny: he puts his hands on his hips and nods pleased the two seem to have perked up at the idea "why waste a night in the city right? i dont see myself ever coming back after all" Cimmorro: getting ready to go, cimm plucks his pipe out of his pack and signals for jasper to come curl into his hood as he reacts to vinny's remark with slight surprise. "aw, never ever? here i thought you'd visit me sometime," he whines half-jokingly Keva: keva quietly makes that anime heeeee~h noise she lifts amos onto her shoulders to go as well "maybe you're more fun than i pinned you for, vinny" Vinny: he shakes his head somewhat amused "maybe if Beryll decides to ship me over for some reason or another.." he looks over at keva and blinks "im fun..! i just value er, general well being. though i probably wouldn't be getting up much mischief in shorewater anyway" he waves a hand through the air "a-and well lets keep our wits about us..." he recalls the sunite just a half hour earlier Keva: keva gives a not totally convinced but definitely teasing "hm" Cimmorro: he scrunches his face into a pout. in his mind he's making beryll explode looney tunes style. he decided to focus on the other topic before it dampens the mood. leaning towards keva a bit, he acts inconspicuously but loud enough for vinny to hear, "it's a good thing we're watching him because who knows what he'd get up to... he seems repressed...!" Keva: keva intentionally peeks back at vinny to play along before turning to cimm "good point, we do have an early day tomorrow" Vinny: he tries to not flounder further in an effort to convince her but he knows his reputation at this point.. his smile strains a little as he tilts his head at the two of you he shakes his head "i think i'd get up to worse in your company, knowing the things you all like to step into..." he moves around to grab his pipe and adjust his coat again Cimmorro: "it's okay. you don't have to hide it. i know you had fun spelunking in the palace with me," he sticks his tongue out. "stick with us and you'll be led down the path that rocks," he moves towards the door with a little fist pump Keva: keva snorts at cimmorro's gesture as she follows behind him "you two did what? what did you find?" Cimmorro: "ahhh, a necklace and a wand. some suspicious notes the king's consort wrote..... and finnian!" Vinny: he tilts his head "the path that rocks..? oh dear" hes trying to think on what that even implies before going on after cimm "finn and a man, and a hole in the ground we nearly fell into perpetually..." he makes a face as they step out through the inn Keva: keva doesn't really have to ask--she has a feeling she knows what finn was doing with that man. "what was a hole in the ground doing in a palace..." she wonders. she doesn't know what perpetually means and doesn't question it Cimmorro: "it certainly wasn't a trap to keep us out of there, nope!" Vinny: "and you definitely didnt step right on it..." Keva: "so what i'm getting from this is i'm going to have to watch over you both" Vinny: he nods his head seriously Cimmorro: this gif is cimm at both of them actually instead of the starbucks its his pipe

Keva: keva takes a deep breath in and sighs heavily as they step out into the cool night air. maybe she should have just stayed in and practiced her writing...

The outside is as busy as the three recall it from when they'd left it. People in the street mill about between the giant guild buildings surrounding them all and dining at the outdoor food vendors. Vinny glances upwards around at the higher walkways and steetpaths threading the same buildings together, they can spot people milling around on them as well in the evening air, drinking and laughing.

Cimmorro: cimm's all innocent smiles as they step out, the city lights sparkling accompanied with the ocean breeze make for a pleasant stroll. "so, any particular direction we wanna head off to or are we aimlessly wandering about?" he turns to vinny specifically since he's the one with plans of mischief. Vinny: he glances around and spies a stairwell outside a building leading up to one and begins trotting off "lets see if we cant get a better view higher up first, might be a nice vantage point?" he idly wonders where the highest pathway in the city might even be Keva: keva eyes the street food curiously... she had her fill while on the ship, but she finds she can't help herself at the sight and smell of smth new and potentially delicious... but she follows behind vinny anyway without stopping Cimmorro: cimm looks up at the height before following in a lazy manner, half-distracted by the familiar and homey scent of his homeland food wafting through the air. it's been apparent ever since they've landed, but in this moment during the dinner rush is it ever so tantalizing. he lags a little behind the other two while he makes a quick purchase, a swift toss of a few coins and a swipe of a couple or so treats is all that's needed to make the transaction. it's not as complicated as some other regions, he thinks, and he likes it that way. he catches up to the other two soon enough, wordlessly offering them both a share of what seems to be caramelized bananas. easy to eat as they walk around! Keva: 🤩 she takes her share and readily chomps away Vinny: used to being handed food at random at this point he takes it with a thank you as he stares at it for a moment having never eaten if before. he munches on it idly as you all continue on.

The three make their way up a set of stairs outside one of the guild buildings before finding themselves on one of the higher pathways. Glancing about they see alot of them go through and out the large public buildings on the street, it gives a strange sense of everything being interconnected, even the different guilds funnily enough.

After walking up for a few levels they glance down back at the lantern lit street below 5 stories below them now, standing on the highest pathway they could see, glancing at the sune inn beneath them. Even up here a few people are idling around or sitting on railings, chatting and laughing.

Keva: vinny's manners remind keva to (a bit sheepily) say her thanks too. she traces the connected pathways with her eyes while she eats, until eventually they reach their destination. she leans over the railing to peek below, and then over onto the other side as if she'll see anything different. Cimmorro: cimm's just like :3 at the gratitude from both of them. "it's just bananas with brown sugar." as they walk forward and up, his expression seems to slowly form into something more sour (but nothing too serious) and pouty as he recalls memories. at their stop he looks around curiously. "do we have to go higher? what are you planning anyways" Vinny: he smiles as they stop, glancing out and observing the horizon of the city with a slow turning gaze "i wanted to find where the highest point of the city was... or the highest one of these walkways anyway even" he continues staring off as if looking for it before laughing "its probably close to their palace i imagine.. or maybe one of the churches" as he says that he glances at a few particularly tall spires in the distance, unsure of the buildings they'd be attached to Keva: keva squints in the direction vinny's looking "the jasidian temple maybe? they like their buildings tall" Cimmorro: cimm also follows their gaze with a tilt of his head. "you wanna go there? to the temple? it is the largest one, I'll say," he ends with a munch of his snack Vinny: he blinks and glances over at cimm disbelieving "they'd let us out on their roof...?" Cimmorro: his face twists a bit. "it's usually off limits, really... but i could still have some access to some higher floors. the libraries are up there after all." he puts a hand on his chin with a smirk. "if i pull off some of my wicked charms, they might give us a pass on the roof...😏" Keva:

Vinny: he tilts his head while furrowing his brows with a smile as if not quite believing "you really want to try that now when you plan on visiting them in the morning..?" Cimmorro: "well i was merely laying out the option. it doesn't have to be now. besides, that's a long walk from here to there. that's the same area we found those sunites-- i think ive had enough walking back and forth for one night, thank you!" he crosses his arms humorously. "but if you'd like to see it tomorrow you're free to come with!" Vinny: he laughs a little "my mornings been booked up by finn and han if youll recall, i think part of that will probably involve getting that caravan..." he glances at some of the people standing aways away then back at the streets below "this view isn't too bad though, i can see why people even come to drink up here" Cimmorro: "right. ever so popular, you are... pfft, even kevsy doesn't wanna go to the temple." he finishes the last bit of his food before switching to light his pipe and taking a drag then an easy puff. "the liveliness is one of it's many delights... also the cause of many drunken people falling from these things," he snorts. Keva: keva looks up from peering over the railings again, disappointed about not getting to go somewhere higher but doesn't complain. "the temple of the goddess of death isn't much of a tourist attraction" her mouth screws a bit bitterly at a passing thought before it disappears with chewing. she scans the ground for signs of old blood stains from said drunken people "people here just like being in the air for a few seconds one way or another, huh?" Vinny: he winces slightly as he also looks downwards with keva "hm...." he distracts himself looking for his own pipe "quite a few ways to get your skull crushed around here, i agree..." he looks up towards one of the nearby buildings the pathway is attached to "i suppose we could always go for one of the guild roofs if we felt like it?" he chuckles as he remembers his own pipe, pulling it out Keva: "i feel like it" Cimmorro: cimm snorts but doesn't say anything Vinny: he smiles at her "ill follow you if you try?" Keva: "if you can keep up" she corrects, already breezing past him toward the building in question, an excited spring in her step. when she arrives she gives the building a quick scan, planning the most efficient route upwards... she supposes she'll have to consider what the other two can climb up as well. cimm can barely hold his own belongings as it is Cimmorro: cimm's literally just like [keva face] thinking abt how keva doesn't seem to have learned her lesson on the ship. Vinny: he blinks as she jogs off and follows at a leisurely pace a little flustered despite it being his idea "aha... well lets try and be careful about it..." he rotates one of his wrists a little, readying himself to cast featherfall on keva just in case she trips on her way up Keva: keva zoops up, stopping partway to lend the other two a hand up at least if there's a place she can stop to help them up partway Vinny: as she stops and turns he shakes his head like 'im good' then wiggles the fingers on one of his hands with a smile as if to imply he's got some plan of his own

Cimmorro: cimm stands a step behind them, slightly frowning at the turn of events. his clothes are not made for scaling buildings, boots included. he glances down below once more as he tries to figure if this is worth it. the height itself isn't so daunting when introduced to stairs, but he isnt much of a spider freak like keva so this is quite a conundrum. however, this is also something new, and he can't help but be curious to be up on a roof... the view is nice after all. he glances between both of them before going, "okay but how are we supposed to get down once we're up there" Vinny: he turns his smile towards you still wiggling his hand "thats a surprise..!" Keva: keva looks at him as if the answer is obvious "climb back down" and she shrugs a bit "or jump, if you want" Cimmorro:

Vinny: LHJKAFGHJKL

Cimmorro: he rubs at his eyes at both responses. "fine, just- fine. I'll figure it out," continues to grumble to himself as he tries to make his way up the same way keva started Keva: keva coaching him up like "put your foot there... uh-huh, then push up and put your hand there..." etc Cimmorro: HE IS VISIBLY STRESSED OUT BUT DOING HIS BEST THANKS TO HER GUIDANCE 🙏 always gonna give back Keva: jKJLGRLKJKLGJRG she pulls him up once he gets high enough 👍

Keva: keva's like "wasn't so bad right?" she's trying not to laugh at how stressed Cimmorro is... lightly dusting off a bit of dust on cimm's sleeve, she peers down at vinny, curious what his plan is Cimmorro: i wish i could draw what cimm looks like rn but hes just lying face down flat on the roof once hes up and trying to catch his breath JALWMMDKFKE Vinny: he watches a little amused but pleased nothing unfortunate occurred in their attempts. he stares at a specific spot on the roof before he speaks an incantation, moving his fingers. in a moment hes transported from standing on the pathway to standing on the roof next to them with a flash of magic, wobbling a little as he appears before catching himself. he glances down at cimmorro with a smirk "good work on that climb?" then glances at keva "where would we be without the professionals" Keva: keva startles a bit when vinny appears next to them. magic users...... Cimmorro: cimm sharply glares up at him with a huff. "oh! so you couldn't just help me up here with you, huh?" Vinny: he shrugs as he settles down on the roof "you walked ahead before I could offer? and you seemed eager..." he continues to remain amused Keva: "a little exercise won't kill you. maybe you'll be able to carry a few more books if you keep at it" Cimmorro: cimm's gonna lightly push vinny but it's just like a nudge with his shoe to his side like a joking threat while he gives keva a 'hmph!' "I'd be more keen to put more heart into it if I wasn't wearing heels!" Vinny: he chuckles at the half hearted kick "shouldnt have worn them for a walk?" Keva: keva gestures with a hand like 'he makes a good point' Cimmorro: he looks at both of them unamused. "I don't think you both know the difference between a walk and, uhm, scaling a fucking building!" he crosses his arms yet his face softens, acting benevolent "but it's fine, i accept your apology" Keva: she snorts and makes her way to the very corner of the roof and overlooks the city, holding her arms out a bit to feel the cool breeze blow by

Vinny: he smiles and bows his head to cimmorro jokingly "yes yes, very sorry..." before glancing at keva as she wanders to the corner of the roof from where's he sat himself. he glances upwards again to study the night sky pulling out his own pipe to start smoking "i realise we were just in it earlier, but ive only just noticed the skies quite clear tonight" Cimmorro: "thankfully in favor of our escapades," he settles more comfortably and securely on the roof. Vinny: he glances back downwards at cimmorro "you already sound tired of them" before laughing a little, letting out a puff of smoke Cimmorro: "simply wondering what other mischief you two plan to get into tonight. literally climbing up on a roof was nothing i had expected at all" he huffs a bit humorously. "satiate your curiosity at least a little, i hope?" Keva: "rooftops are best at night, esp the higher they are" Cimmorro: he shrugs half-heartedly. "i don't disagree. i just never had the need to be up on a roof. living on a spire does that to you." Vinny: "a shame we wont be able to go climbing up the local one then tonight" he nods his head at keva "much different to looking out a window" Cimmorro: "well, if you get the chance to visit again when we aren't pressed on time, i'd be happy to show you around more leisurely." his hand waves around to accompany his words. he lingers to smoke for a moment before adding, "but i guess we gotta deal with a drake pronto so here's to hoping the weather is as benevolent tomorrow.." he finds himself grimacing about it. Keva: keva makes a face at the mention of the drake. she'd really rather not have anything to do with it, but it's not like they can leave it alone either. she sighs, "one mess after another" Vinny: he tilts his head to the side as if in thought "hah well, ill remember the thought" on the drake talk he folds his arms tapping his pipe to his elbow "bad weather would probably be a sign its close if anything..." Keva:

that's what's happening in keva's mind rn sasuke knocking over a cup and thinking is nothing easy Chip: sorry ur in my game girl

Vinny: he tilts his head to the side as if in thought "hah well, i dont think ill be coming back but ill remember the thought" on the drake talk he folds his arms tapping his pipe to his elbow "bad weather would probably be a sign its close if anything..." Cimmorro: cimm rolls his eyes. "so pessimistic! after we got half off ship fares too, make the most of it!" he pouts at nothing particular into the horizon before perking his attention on his comment. "you think so? ahh... then would clear skies mean the calm before a storm..." Vinny: he shakes his head a little still smiling "i dragged you both out here already didnt i?" as if he were already 'making the most of it' he goes on after "well ah.. blue drakes and dragons command electricity typically. if there's thunderstorms around that'll be our sign" he glances back at the clear sky again "i shall drink it in while we can..." Keva: "i guess that means we should be looking out for any clouds gathering as we go then" Cimmorro: "probably... though thunderstorms aren't exactly uncommon, especially along the coastline," he glances up at the sky in thought. "a false alarm might be likely but it's good to be alert anyhow-- wait why would you need antitoxins if they're electric?" his head tilts as he turns toward vinny. Vinny: he thinks about having to nervously watch the horizon a little wearily before turning his head "well depending on the type it might not be chromatic.. it could be cobalt... or a gem type" he waves his hand through the air as if to stop himself off from rambling "er- well to cut a point short, some of them are toxic" Keva: keva peers at vinny for a moment "why do you know so much about them?" Vinny: he rubs his neck a little embarrassed for a moment before continuing "ah.. b-before i hit the road in my youth i read up on alot of different kinds of creatures.. a little more than i needed perhaps, but the information has stayed with me since regardless" Keva: she laughs a little in surprise at the answer "well, that sounds like you, alright. might be useful yet" Cimmorro: cimm agrees with a nod. "i mean who would've thought we'd run into this conundrum? by all means, share anything you know. i'm quite curious anyhow." he lets jasper run around the roof while shifting his way of sitting. "now that you mention it, i also had access to books about dragons but i couldn't really read most of them, so i'm relying on you for knowledge once more." he makes a little twinkle motion with this fingers to emphasize. Keva: keva thinks to make a joke about how she couldn't read books about dragons either but decides not to… she thinks it tho Vinny: he wonders what sort of reputation hes earned in their group at keva's words before shaking his head a bit "ah-im no expert so don't get your hopes t-too high!" he huffs a little good naturedly "I'm just hoping to provide what support i can... it's not like i can tell you their weak points or anything exactly" he's somewhat distracted as he briefly glances at jasper running around the roof Cimmorro: "if you ask me, it's better than nothing, right kevster? it's nice to get a sense of what we're gonna be dealing with." Keva: she nods in agreement "better than nothing is right. would be extra nice if you could find out their weak points too tho" Vinny: he takes another puff from his pipe as if to deal with the attention "maybe ill look for a book at a library tomorrow while were out and about..." Cimmorro: cimm looks conflicted for a second hearing vinny considering going to the library. "wtf...!! i wanna go too... they certainly have new editions and tomes after all these years... wah... i'll be towing horses.. wah... wahhh!!" Keva: keva lowers herself down to sit, legs hanging off the roof and arms supporting her weight as she leans back on them "why don't i go with you to the temple so you can hand the horses to me?" everyone else might be too hungover...

Vinny: he glances sidelong at cimm amused then to keva "you know how to lead them?"  Keva: (insert flashback to when keva was first learning to handle a horse via trial and error that she somehow had bc i want her to) "ssssssort of?" she squints her eyes a bit like she doubts what she's saying before eyeing him jokingly "no expert either though" Vinny: he smiles knowingly at her questioning voice  "they're certainly trouble to get a handle on at the start... especially if you get your hands on a moody one" he speaks in a cheerier tone after "but- if ive learned anything about you from our journey so far its that animals seem to enjoy your company, i wouldn't worry about your expertise too much" Keva: keva seems to get a bit embarrassed now and turns her gaze back to the sky while amos rests on the incline of her neck and chest "who knows, the way our luck tends to go we might get the most bullheaded ones" she already looks tired at the thought "you sound like you've been there yourself tho. from traveling, maybe? where'd you set out from before you made your way to shorewater?" Vinny: "you'll just have to work some magic charm..!" he takes another puff from his pipe as she speaks, thinking a little before he answers "ah, just out in the green glades, but our village likes to move. ive been in and around caravans and horses since I was a child" he smiles a little dimly "i know the beast quite well" Cimmorro: fake sniffles "they're not gonna be wild horses and i trust they're at least obedient especially coming from the mother's spire..." Keva: she snorts a bit "sounds like you much prefer your cats" at Cimmorro's fake sniffling, "yeah well, you came from 'mother's spire' too so, maybe not the best case to make" turning back to vinny, keva doesn't have the best mental map of portcus, but she hears plenty of the neighboring areas. "green glades tho, that's a far way to go to get to shorewater" Vinny: he coughs a little to hide a laugh at the jab at cimmorro before he realises hes being spoken to again "er, well it defintely is..!" he smiles awkwardly tapping his pipe "and would you believe me if i told you i walked for most of it?" Cimmorro: he gasps dramatically at the jab then glares at vinny and harrumphs. he doesn't admit it but he's somewhat impressed at her dig. "how dare you! comparing me to horses! tch, you should be grateful you even have my presence!" flailing around, he gets defensive. "a-and i meant her spire as in, this is the main church! the main hq! i'm not even from here!" Keva: keva ignores Cimmorro's tantrum tho she clearly looks satisfied with her work "wanted to get away from the life you knew that much huh? was it that bad?" funny, she thinks, even as tough as her previous life was, there's certainly a part of her that wants to go back to how things were before everything went south. at least she knew how the world worked then. but she shakes that thought for now--she can brood plenty on that when she's in bed later Vinny: he blinks as if surprised by the question "no not at all... well, yes i wanted to er- leave and learn new things obviously but ah..." he pauses and takes a smoke from his pipe as if to make himself less jittery "i wouldn't call it terrible at all really..." Keva: she takes a silent moment to eye him carefully. "guess everyone has their reasons.... doesn't explain why you walked most of the way though" Vinny: he doesn't meet her gaze as he thinks to himself silently "hmm.." at her second statement though he smiles a little embarrassed again recalling something "well at first i just wanted to try going on my own without help, and by the time i realised it would have been better to take one i didnt exactly have the money to buy one myself..." he scratches the back of his head "i didnt dislike walking, it just made the er, travel time alot longer than anticipated..." Keva: keva snorts "yeah i bet it did!" Cimmorro: cimms wincing but also sorta laughing at the domino effect of misfortune

Vinny: "well... we live and learn..!" he shrugs a little as if brushing the topic aside quickly "it'll be nostalgic to be rolling about in one tomorrow in any case" Cimmorro: "does that mean we can take shifts on coachman duty? since you're familiar with them and all." Vinny: he smiles "i wouldnt mind, we can cycle between those of us who know how to drive them" he pictures some of the party members attempting so as he tries guessing who actually knows their way around a horse Cimmorro: "you read my mind! should ask tomorrow who's able, then" he looks up in thought. "busy busy... hopefully we don't forget anything...!" Keva: keva lowers herself even further to lie down and look straight up "we as in those of us who aren't getting shitface drunk rn" Cimmorro: she hears him snort but a little tiredly. "right. i forgot we're going to have to do most of the hauling..." sigh. "well, at least we could give you some pointers right now 😇 " Vinny: he thinks for a moment as he tilts his head "on hauling..?" Cimmorro: "no! figure of speech! i meant the horses!" Vinny: "ah... yes we could!" he turns to keva with a cheery expression akin to a thumbs up Keva: her chest lifts with a big inhale and sinks with an even bigger sigh "fine" Cimmorro: "oh please, i'm sure you're at least interested in befriending horseys! it's settled then. horsey 101 tonight!" he clasps his hands together merrily. Vinny: he smiles at the difference in their responses a little amused "we could start on general tips... then on certain sizes or temperament..." he thinks on this very seriously to best deliver the information to their new horse protege

The Pub Crawl Initiation of Mars - 24/9

As the two educate Keva on the finer notes of horse behavior, the rest of the party sans Finn spend the night getting ready to go on a city-wide pub crawl.

Psalm: plans set for later at night Psalm had decided to take a short nap, which he was now waking from. His sleep schedule had been ruined by the ghouls, and he suspected going out tonight would only ruin it further. Oh well, he was never one to turn down free drinks. Hopefully they actually found thr airship crewmen though. With a yawn, he turns to his current roommates. "Evening, you two." Mars: he just nods at Psalm's greeting. "More are joining on this outing right? Plum: plum looks up from where they had been sitting on top of their bed, poking through a large book they'd pulled out from their bag of holding. "good morning," they say. "i think han is joining us. and rokka too, probably. i'm not sure about the others." they shrug. Han: muffled chanting of "bar! crawl!" can be heard from one of the walls Rokka: Muffled chanting "bar crawl!" Can be heard x2

Psalm: Psalm just makes a face at them before adding, "If they haven't said anything I doubt it." He doesnt say that he thinks Finn is avoiding him, or that Cimmorro would probably rather watch paint dry than drink with him again. Plum: plum, totally unaware of the increasingly complicated relationships of their party members, closes their book and hops off the bed. "sounds about right. let's go get the other two then. i think i can hear them..." Psalm: "Oh you too? Could've sworn it was just the wind." Psalm stretches and gets out of his bed, but makes a short stop at the bathroom to wash his face etc. first. Han: ominious clapping and chanting is outside your door now "BAR. CRAWL. BAR. CRAWL. BAR. CRAWL" Mars: "I'll go wait out at the hallway." Opens door directly into Han and Rokka's chanting.  Rokka: Rokka pops his head in from the side and accidentally yells at mars "BAR CRAWWWWWLLLLLL" Han: han fist pumps the air "BAR CRAWL!" Mars: "I see you two are excited about this.........." Thoughts of a straightfoward check through all the bars in the dock area are being promptly thrown out the brain window. Psalm: "This feels more like a ritual than an evening out." Han: excitement not going down for a moment, han goes "how?" Psalm: "More chanting involved." Plum: plum laughs and groans at the same time. "i don't wanna think about rituals." Han: han goes from anime sparkles and grinning to frowning and gloom almost immediately Psalm: "Oh. Sorry." Psalm turns to her, somewhat panicked, "My bad Han, let's get that energy up again." He starts pumping his fist a little, in his usual unenthused way... Han: sniffles but smiles at psalms show and pumps her fist up too, returning to a quieter "bar crawl!" chant Plum: plum, thoroughly amused by this interaction, pumps their fists as well. "yeah!" they say a bit teasingly. "bar crawl!" Rokka: Rokka adding his own fist pump to the group excitedly speaks "I don't know about u guys, I'm ready to let loose and forget!" and I mean that literally! he thought to himself, "and I mean that literally!" He adds after a pause Psalm: Psalm claps his hands together, "Sure! Why not!"  Han: WOOOOOOO!!! then in stage whisper "what are we forgetting?" Plum: "okay, that's true. fuck the ship." at the question plum looks in Mars direction quite obviously. "do you know your way around here?" Mars: "I do yeah, though I haven't been here in a while so I'm not sure where your sailor friends would frequent. I've a hunch they'd be at some of the bars by the docks, but it'd be a little bit of trial and error before actually finding the right one." He looks at Rokka and Han's direction as they regain their hype. "Doesn't sound like that's a problem though...?" Han: "what is bar crawl! if not to crawl through them all!" Plum: "well lead the way then, please. i'm alright with trial and error."

The first bar the group find is somewhat small, having more counter space than tables, they get the feeling it it's more for regular patrons but that doesn't seem to be an issue, theres also a live band playing in the corner. The other thing of note is that all of the drinks are named after saints.

Plum: plum sees a patron with a hearty flagon of some green thing and learns it's called the saint bartholo who was the patron saint of not falling off of your horse and dying during battle Mars: there be some specific ass saints in this world Han: some specific saints we- goddammit)

Psalm: Psalm gets the st malazar the saint of not saying things you'll immediately regret Han: han gets the st ouronia the saint of finding small possessions about 28 days after you've lost them Mars: Mars is getting the st yuor’er the patron saint of spelling and grammar Rokka: rokka gets the st nikloj'h the saint of giving and receiving (im being unoriginsl)

constitution saving throw from everyone for how hard ur shitty drink hits u ! DC 5 (roll 5+ to not be affected) Success: Everyone

Han: han chugs the whole thing in one go, its not more than a fruity spritzer really, so shes completely satisfied "so, mars, where you from? what you do? and most importantly, how you know cimmy?" >:3 with her chin on her hands Psalm: Psalm takes a good swig and coughs Mars: Mars took a sip of his nasty fuckin drink and thinks against getting something at the next pub. He was halfway through sipping when Han started her interrogation. "Ah- Uh. Han right?"  Trying not to let the swill spill out his mouth rn. Han: "yes" big grin Mars: "Right, well you know my name now, I think you can guess what I do just from what you've hired me to do." He conveniently hops over the where he's from question. "And Cimm was a chance meeting, we were simply headed in the same way when I saw him in trouble. I'm frankly more curious about how you all ended up traveling together." Plum: plum drinks theirs much like one would drink water. then they say very blankly "this seems like a useless one for me to get. i've never seen a halfling on a horse." Psalm: "We're getting horses for our caravan tomorrow aren't we? Could always give it a shot." Han: chiming after psalm "yea!!" :D Rokka: Rokka downs half his ale, pondering the sweet and slightly tangy taste, "I'm not sure if I like my drink...?" Mumbling to himself Plum: "wanna try mine?" Rokka: "Sure!" He swaps his cup with plum and perks up "wOAH give and receive! St nikloj'h is real that's crazyyyyy" he then takes a sip before turning to han "AND WE KEEP ON GIVING AND RECEIVING" rokka joyfully yells, visibly having more fun with the wag of his tail Plum: they had meant it as a joke but tbh plum has never seen a joke land in this party before so they just blink for a moment. "yeah, i guess i could?"

Han: han leans in towards rokka "you wanna try little mine?", listening to mars talk. "you... help people cross mountains and stuff? thats cool thats cool..." han thinks on how they met and grimaces a bit "i guess also chance meeting? we had to catch cat together, and then our-" she pauses, thinking how to call vinny here "our vinny got stabbed at this pretty ball, and it all went to shit there i guess"  Mars: "Among other things." He adds. Psalm: "Love how there is absolutely no filler between those two moments in time." Han: han thinks on the order of events and nods seriously "it was basically one week between catching cat while getting our asses kicked, and going to elfonsent ball. i just helped with tables during then" Mars: "From cat catchers to... stabber catchers in a week then?" He's certain there's something about catching cats that eventually leads to being across the ocean but the answer is clearly somewhere further down the line. "So you were at the Elfonset ball?" Han: "yea! turns out vinny is kinda big deal! (i think?) and he invited us cause his cat made us fight some guys and he felt bad... oh thats when we met ezra, too! turns out he was after same guys, then cole helped us out, if you met her" Psalm: "One week... sounds absurd in retrospect. Starting to think some god somewhere has it out for us." Plum: "vinny is a big deal?" plum comments. Mars: "Huh, no I can't say I had the pleasure of meeting Cole." Vinny is a big deal? sentiment echoed. as far as mars is aware he's just a guy who lets ezra couch surf Psalm: "???????????" Plum: "....???" Rokka: "Cheers to vinny" +1 drink Plum: "cheers" also gets another

Han: han clears her throat and nods, then tries to regurgitate the speech vinny gave her about who the berryl accord is, pointer finger out cause shes making a point "the berryl accord is the highest order of wizardry, they make all the decisions about who gets to become wizard and what schools of magic are legal or not. cheers!!" han orders another one too Psalm: "Mars I understand not knowing, but Plum?? Cheers" Psalm says but hes too busy being confused Mars: "Oh so is he? Part of the accord or??" Really....? "And cheers." But he's still stuck on drink 1 Han: she amends, suddenly uncertain "well like, become official big dick wizard. u can be wizard either way"  Mars: he coughs out drink 1 at big dick wizard Han: "yea!! they got his balls in clutch tho... he doesnt seem happy about it... i promised to help him"  huffs proudly Plum: "to be fair, it's less knowing about vinny and more about not keeping up with all of the city stuff. like what han is saying about accords right now is going in one ear and out the other." Han: background HEY :( Plum: "so he's part of the accords? i only remembered the "got his balls in a clutch part" but that would explain why that lady's always doing the clutching." plum looks like it's all coming together in their mind. Han: han nods enthusiasticly like u got itttt Psalm: "Oh, well I don't give a shit about any of that either. I thought you were just generally unaware he's not just some bumbling shopkeep." Waves his hand around Plum: plum like maybe i don't answer this…"well," they say, pouting, "he is pretty bumbling. it's why we all like him." Psalm: "Fair point." Han: han laughs "its very cute ya" Rokka: "He's super nice!" Rokka chimes

Plum: "this time i got the saint larryn, patron of waking up early in the morning. thanks vinny."  Psalm: Content with the drink he'd ordered, he'd gotten another one. Regrettably, he was unaware that its one of the stronger drinks on the menu... perhaps to loosen the tongue and invoke the very thing this Saint is supposed to prevent against? is anyone else starting to feel a bit tipsy... no...just him....... Rokka: Rokka chugs his second drink, it's the st tarluu of lightness and peace, probably not the best choice after having a taste of a few drinks already. "Hoenstly my head feels oddly light and fuzzy...hehe" Han: han pokes mars "you didnt say where you're from, by the waaay..." >:3c han takes another drink down the hatch, its a saint of honey and bees, quiet tasty!! thank u vinny cheers Mars: "Ah there really isn't much to tell... I'm from Krenic if that helps, one of the small, little towns scattered about the countryside." he waves off as he decides the quiet when everyone drinks is a good chance to try to finish of this thang.  Han: han snaps her fingers in thought "krenic.. krenic... isnt that where cimm is from, too?" Mars: "Seems to be, bit more inland than he is though. Far more inland." Han: :0 "i guess it is pretty big... but then you travelled, right? where have you been?" Mars: "Here and there, easier to mention where I haven't been to really... Can't say I've been in Habrin much actually." He takes a peek at Rokka and Psalm over Han. "I don't suppose your sailor friends are in this bar then? We better crawl to the next pub those two get worse, we've still got some spots to check out." looks at rokka and psalm Plum: "sure," plum says, snickering a bit. they feel totally fine. energetic even. Rokka: "Woooooooh bar crawl!!" rokka raises both his arms and cheers Han: han ooohs at mars expertise, and snorts at the two low tolerance-ers "ye, lets"

The group pay for their drinks and head onto the next place. The building they enter is quite the posh looking bar, with lace on the tables and a waxy stone floor. There's still a counter thankfully so they head there and eye the racks of colourful liquids in perfume jars warily. Some alchemist with too much time and money seems to run this place.

Han: han oohs and ahhs, enjoying the aesthetic in here, "its so pretty..." Rokka: Rokka inspects the perfume bottles "are u suuureeee we can drink theseeee" Mars: "Not sure if they'd visit a place like this but worth a shot..." Psalm: "For sure they don't. Feels like the kind of place you spend the whole night at to be honest." Plum: plum asks for one (drink) and sniffs it when they get it. "pretty sure. hey, maybe one of them wants a place with a little more...whatever is going on in here." Rokka: He nods at plum "I'll take ur word for it!!" Psalm: "After such a long journey? Sureee.." Han: han orders something with the word sun in it, it comes with a little umbrella, han is ecstatic at this Psalm: psalm gets a purple drink called "the bicorn's blood". it looks thick and rather ominous.. it's small so he also downs it in one go  Plum: "well maybe the drinks are really good? feels like a tourist spot in here almost..." they down their drink in one go and stick out their tongue in disgust. ironically plum has never been a fan of plum alcohol Mars: “Eh… sort of, but its got some nice drinks in it. Bit pricey though.” Mars gets something called an Eclipse Martini and watches the bartender squeeze a lemon in it as the drink changes color. He just chugs the whole thing with little to no appreciation though. Plum: plum is impressed Han: han chugs her fancy little umbrella drink but starts coughing at the end of it "its so bitter?!?" Rokka: Rokka takes a little more time picking out his drink, more focused on the bottles designs, ordering a bottle with funky designs labeled berry bliss he quickly chugs this one too "OHH I LIKE THID DRINK!!" Psalm: Psalm downs his drink in one go... which is an awful idea. It not only tastes awful, but is so strong he immediately coughs. Then he sneezes, which makes him laugh."Lucky you. I imagine mine is what coal tastes like." Han: han is delighted by this

Plum: "psalm much love, how are these getting to you so fast? you're six feet." Han: "ferrie chris always said drunkness is all in the mind... if you want to be drunk, you will get drunk faster..." Plum: "that's....... yeah." plum ponders this seriously. "i think i agree."  Psalm: "I'm not exactly the perfect picture of heavyweightedness(?) despite my height, thanks. In fact I surmise height has nothing to do with it. Heavyweightedness... is that an actual word?" Han: han puffs proudly for passing on ferrie chris' wisdom... "which mEAnssss... psalm wants to be drunk!!!" she points at psalm like its an ace attorney deduction Plum: "was gonna say the same thing," they laugh han "and well not height you know, but there's like. more of you. i guess it's about as real a word as our understanding of drunkenness though." Rokka: "U gotta go with the cute names! Can't go wrong with those!!" at psalm Mars: “Might want to slow down, big traveling day tomorrow.” <- deadass forgot Han: han pouts "they can walk it off" Psalm: "I'm on a bar crawl because I want to be sober actually. Is that not how it goes?" Mars: "Not typically no." Plum: "oh no he's getting upset," plum jokes. "he's unleashing the sarcasm." Han: han eyes him suspiciously "thats... th..." she clearly blue screens, then points again with more vitriol "YOURE MAKING JOKE AND BEING FUNNY Rokka: Rokka cheers, oddly getting more pumped and stable than earlier " LET'S GO EX ROOMIE!!!" Psalm: "I'm always sarcastic" shrugs, "not always funny though." Plum: "the rare moments i get it, it's funny." Psalm: "Maybe if I wasn't built like a literal walking stick this would apply in any meaningful way." Plum: this makes plum literally die with laughter. like they're. Crying Psalm: "HUH, rare moment." Han: han considers this and mimes trying to walk using psalm as a stick, and comes to the conclusion that it would be possible. if psalm was like, under a hold person spell Rokka: Rokka cracks up at hanHan: "the horns make for cool walking stick, i guess" 🤔

Mars: Mars was watching Han and was trying to mimic her gesture but has no idea what she's doing until she brought up the horns and connected the dots. "I think he's a little too tall for it." Han: han looks at him like HAVE YOU SEEN ME? and then turns to the losing his shit psalm and is like psalm, get up, psalm stand up straight, we need to measure, PSALM WORK WITH ME Psalm: "Why do you sound like you're considering it..." Han: "BECAUSE I AM?" Psalm: "NO" Han: "PSALM I HAVE TO KNOW" Rokka: "I'm curious too" encouraging han encouraging han Psalm: "It won't work. There you know now." Han: han starts to manhandle him in full "we wont KNOW till we TRY" Plum: "c'mon han, don't do that." plum frowns at the manhandling, "he already said he didn't wanna" Psalm: * is manhandled * Han: han pouts at being chastised , getting embarrased, but plops psalm down pats down his hair "okay okay...." and goes back to her seat mumbling "could totally do it..." Psalm: * is petted *

ROUND 2 OF DRINKS, DC 12

Rokka: Rokka passes out from his second drinks ggez Psalm: Psalm tries the unicorns blood bc he doesn't learn, it's a thick silver liquid but surprisingly tasty. Han: han gets something called the eye of newt, which seemingly has an actual eyeball rolling in it, solidifying this as the best joint theyve been at this night Psalm:

Mars: For some reason Mars gravitated towards something called hag's venom which is pretty pleasant tasting and smelling all things considered, but a little strong. Rats off to you alchemist Han: hans trying to catch the eyeball without downing the whole thing when she remembers something "hey, actually, did you guys get to talk to that guy we got from the ghosts? how were they?" Mars: the guy from the what Han: the wraiths mars KEEP UP

Psalm: "What a fucked up situation, honestly I guess they're handling it....well I don't know. Said they'd be with the ships crew for drinks today so maybe we'll run into them who knows." Han: han visibly gets excited "oh, really? i hope they have fun night... i feel bad for the ghosties and for that guy, both..." Psalm: "Ugh.. fucked up situation all around." Plum: "yeah, i hope we never encounter something like that again," plum says. "or actually maybe it's better we do, since we were able to help.." they order something called the gryphon which for some reason tastes like pineapple but also kind of stings Han: han looks puppy dog eyes sad about that whole situation "did we..? i feel like we just made the ghosties super sad..... and you say anton was hundred of years out of time, right? wont it be difficult to find family or anything? augh i feel bad again" those drinks be doing Something to han even if shes not really tipsy Plum: plum frowns. "....that's true. damn, i didn't think of it like that. i don't know how i'd feel if i were him at all. i don't even wanna think about it." they shudder, kind of disturbed. "but i don't think i'd want to be stuck playing with ghosts forever like some ragdoll either." Han: han swirls around the eyeball in her drink to distract herself "i dunno... at some point, it feels like it would be kinder to just leave them together......" Plum: "well i don't think what's kinder is always what's better for you.. but i definitely can't say the results we got are better either. maybe we should change the topic," plum says kind of hurriedly, seeing han's mood dropping more and more. "is that an eyeball in your drink..? Han: han looks a bit absent minded, but she takes plum's words to mull over later. at the question she looks up and goes "oh, ye" and downs the drink, finally getting to the eyeball and cracking it with her teeth, slurping noisily to taste it. thru a full mouth she goes "o, ih juh ih" Plum: "oh what?" plum says, obviously not catching that. they're not really keen on watching someone swallowing an eyeball either so they wince at han as she downs it. "i was curious about what kind of eye it was though..." Han: han spits the eyeball back into the glass "its just ice. bit of flavour but otherwise just water." sighs "disappointing.." Plum: "what the fuck," plum says, disappointed. "i thought this weirdass place would have a real eyeball. i wasn't putting it past them to have poison in some of the drinks, just for fun. i think mine did."  Han: siiiiighs "wish i got cool poisonnnn...and real eyeball........" Plum: "easy, i'll just start up my own bar, where there's real eyeballs and half the drinks can kill you. the alchemist here isn't really impressing me otherwise." Han: han looks at plum like this 🥺 "YOU WOULD? I HOPE YOU DO... IT WOULD BE SO GREAT..! you could totally make this decor even better too..!!" shes looking far off, imagining this place

The group continue drinking on into the night hitting up a few pubs consecutively alongside the harbour looking for the airship crew. They all pile themselves into the fifth one of the night. It's of a larger size, tables and stools dot the outside of the front of the building as well as the inisde. The place looks near fit to bursting with patrons at this time of night, and the raucous noise and song of drunkard labourers and mercenaries fills their ears as they make their way inside.

After a glance about they spot some familiar faces seated at one of the larger tables inside, a few of the crewman they encountered earlier that night and Anton sit drinking and laughing under warm light. The latter has a warm flush and peaceful smile across his face it seems.

Plum: plum's gonna go over to the table and say "mind if we join you?" Crewmen: a few of the crewmen turn to you, after a moment of drunken staring recognition seems to kick in and a few of them cheer "aye!" "we were wonderin' if we'd see youse round!" "siddown siddown!" a few of them move aside and make space between each other on the benches on either side of the table, between laughs and the sounds of various drinks being sloshed about Han: han is like, 'why do they know us' for 0.5 seconds before recognizing the ship logo (on their uniforms) han is like (jude voice) HIII OMG HIIIIIII to whoever she sits closest to Rokka: rokka regaining conscious Plum: "i realise we hadn't asked which bar to find you at so we all went to like five different ones first," plum says, reaching for whatever was on the table. their drinking had been going well so far, not even the faintest sense of a hangover yet :) Psalm: "Yes, thankfully it didn't take the whole night." Crewmen: a few of the crewman laugh as you bring up searching for them "ahh, but ya' figured it out" "good thing too, we can give ya' those drinks we promised" "our dime thats right!" "wouldnt be able to spend nothing if youse aint been 'round" true to their word as you all sit down and introduce yourselves drinks are quickly pushed into your hands. followed by friendly slaps on the back and arms flung around your shoulders as you're shaken about Psalm: Psalm raises his in a cheers before drinking Plum: plum grins. "much appreciated," they say, accepting all the slaps on the back and shaking warmly. they look over at anton for a moment, at least he seems alright. Rokka: slightly confused, rokka follows along the group and takes a sippy sip Mars: i think he'd just not order a drink honestly save whatever miserable amount of gold he's got left [gets shoved free ones alongside the crew] damn no escape……….!!!!!!!! politely chugs with the rest of them

Psalm: Psalm turns to a few crewmen, in a chatty mood since he's a few drinks in. "Is it your first time in the city?" Crewmen: a couple of the ones seated next to you grin in your direction "ahh we dock here pretty periodically" "this's our favourite bar in the city after all" "they only charge us half for the pints!" one of the men laughs as he slaps you on the shoulder Han: "is every trip that exciting or just the last one" she asks while laughing Crewmen: a few of them sigh dramatically while a few others burst out laughing "if they were that jumpin' every time we'd have to replace half the crew each trip i reckon'" "because were dead or we quit?" another laugh rips through the group Han: she pouts "damn… pity. i would consider working for airboat if it was that crazy all the time… have you seen any flying dragons???" :D Psalm: "I don't know if I'd want it to be that crazy all the time," Psalm says. He straigtfaces being slapped instead of wincing like he wants to btw Crewmen: "aye im inclined to agree, its mostly routine labour" "bit boring, hazard pays pretty good though" "i'm here for something stable not no damn ghost fights" a couple of them ponder the question before you hear an older gent pipe up "you wont see alot of them on routes over the sea… inland though i saw one once…" he wiggles a drunken hand in the air as a younger man laughs at him "pretty sure it was a spec of dust mate" the older man immediately slugs him in the shoulder Psalm: "If it were up to me I'd have rolled over and gone back to bed honestly." Crewmen: the crewman sitting next to you laughs and claps your shoulder "big words from the man who did some of the finest work i saw under the deck!" "aye, aye bashful this one!" you're jostled around again as the ribbing continues Psalm: Psalm in his head like yeah that was probably Keva, but I see no reason to take advantage of this. He smiles, "Not bashful, just humble." [is jostled] Crewman: this earns you another round of whacks on the back and a couple more drinks shoved directly into your hands Psalm: DONT MIND IF I DO IG) Psalm just continues to drink

Han: han goes "no way?!" and leans in towards the older gentleman and turns into a catgirl seeing string for a second, whispering "where was it…?" conspiratorily Older Crewman: the older man flings the hang holding his drink out sloshing it a little "aye i did! it was in the dead of night, we were flying alongside the coastside up north… out in the distance in the night sky i saw it…" as he goes on you see a few other crewman groan and roll their eyes, and a couple other chuckle good naturedly "it was off in the distance, but i saw it glitter silver-white under the moonlight, in the clear night sky…." he weighs his words with gravitase Rokka: rokka interested in this conversation bc COOL DRAGONS!! he chimes in after han's question, "AND WAS IT LIKE…….SUPER BIG?" <-purely out of curiousity Older Crewman: he turns to you after "SUPER BIG…and magestic…" Han: han listens intently and at the end of it goes "woooooah… it sounds so pretty……… was it this here coastside? in krenic? we are actually going that direction, and there is bounty up for one dragon…………i wonder if its the same one you saw…." O_O Rokka: rokka ooohs and aaahs at the crewman, his interest growing the more he listened."that's so cool…….!!!!!!!"

Hearing the tale Mars ponders what creature in specific the old man could be discussing... he could place a couple of dragons it could have been… not white as they stick underground, silver maybe, though theyre prone to staying shapeshifted, mecury perhaps, theyre often known to be agile and avid flyers. Usually mercury dragons are spotted in warmer climates or craggier areas, theyre of quite the whimsical and impulsive nature. Theyre also known to breathe a certain type of poison, often described to glow a bright white light.

Accessing the encyclopedia in his mind, he knows their moods are known to shift quickly and on a whim, whimsical and impulsive. theyre known to love and crave new experiences over all, and so some, similar to silver dragons, like to live amongst two legged society as much as they like diving headfirst into lava.

Crewmen: the old man perks up and nods his head "it was beautiful! most incredible sight i seen in all my years" the same younger crewman pipes up "aye i still think you were hallucinating from lack of sleep" hes soon after slugged again as the man considers han's question "hmm? well i seen't it… a couple years back now" he pauses before regaining his vigour "but is very well could be…!" he gives you a serious nod while the others around him shake their heads in disbelief at your proclamation "and theyre dragon hunters too…" "im not thats surprised honestly" Han: han laughs at the act of violence but returns to the very serious dragon conversation "couple years back.. we dont know its migration pattern but maybe it oculd have returned… i dont really know much about dragons at all actually. other that they are cool as fuck" she perks up at the dragon hunters comment "hey, we arent dragon hunters .. YET. you can change it after we succesfully hunt this one" Plum: "why are we talking about work anyways, just drink up," plum jostles han slightly with whatever they're holding Crewmen: a few of the crewman nod as if to agree with the 'cool as fuck' comment before a few of them pipe up "well you've got our vote of confidence" "bet youse could do it blindfolded and backwards in that group of yours" a few of them glance around the table at each of you as if to reassure you of their confidence in your prowess with friendly grins Han: han tries and fails to not let this get to her head. shes like hehehehe im gonna show yall what dragon hunters are like… jsut u wait.. Psalm: "Ugh, don't encourage her." Psalm says, but he's mostly joking Crewmen: a few of the ones sitting near to you follow after "you'll need all our good tidings for something like that though" "far as im concerned you could hunt the emperor down if ya like" "if we hear you killed it we say we knew ya personally!" a round of laughter follows again Psalm: "Good tidings and a death wish honestly." Han: han laughs along but then gets confused "who is the emperor? why they need killing?" Mars: "I dont think he meant it literally……………." remembering theyre in an empire rn Crewmen: one of the crewman waves a hand around in the air "the emperor o' krenic?" "hardon or something" that gets a few more laughs out of them before one of the younger ones pipes up "i dont think he needs killin' more like, he was sayin' he bets you could with ah, how good's you are" "stop talking about killing the emperor or someones gonna give us stinkeye" Han: han snorts and dissolves in giggles at hardon

Psalm turns to take in the crewman sitting right next to him at the table among the shouting and revelling. A tan skinned elf with short cropped blue hair (and pronouns) continues to jostle him about with laughter, he has his sleeves rolled up so his white shirt under his overalls looks more like a singlet than anything else.

Mars: idk why i jsut imagined tanned elf aoba Chip: aoba does not have short hair Han: he does in post game WE CAN STILL WIN THIS Chip: NOOOOO we need to think of another man with blue hair asap Mars: ranulf. ike. marth. Plum: RANULF YESS Psalm: WHY ARE THEY ALL FE Chip: ranulf fire emblem next to u and hes divorced Psalm: Say no more

Psalm: Psalms gonna turn to dnd ranulf and go, "By the way, I never got your name?" Ike: the man glances in your direction again "hm? oh you lot can call me ike" he pushes out his tankard to clink with yours

Psalm: Psalm clinks his drink back, and holds up his hand for a handshake and says, "Nice to meet you Ike," he says. Ike: the man throws the tankard back for a second, drinking a few gulps before slapping his hand into yours with a friendly vigour, shaking it up and down "id say it back but im sure ya' know how we all feel about you by now" Psalm: Psalm shrugs, smiling. "A guy can only take so much praise in one night. But let me ask you something," He leans in a bit and lowers his voice, "are you free later?" (He's obviously flirting btw [rolls a non nat 20]) Ike: the man leans in towards you to hear over the din over the bar around you, cocking his head after, leaning his elbow on the table to turn more towards you "i was planning on getting drunk all night then swabbed off the floor in the morning honestly, we don't work until the evening again tomorrow, unless you got a better idea ?" he gives you a friendly drunken grin that barely reads as salacious, as if he were more giddy than anything Psalm: "Well its not every day I'm in Bakaldor, so I was thinking I wanted to get out of here and enjoy the nightlife a bit more before I leave," Psalm says, still smiling (like this you know how he is). He places a hand on Ikes arm, "but I might need a guide..?" Ike: the man laughs again, shaking the table a little "you say after i hear you've all been bar hopping aye?" he smirks with a flush on his face, again slapping his hand on your shoulder "i know a few places though, plenty quiet if you wanna get away from all the screaming in here" he takes another gulp of his tankard as he waits for a reply Psalm: "Oh, I guess I did say that huh?" Psalm says. He knocks back the rest of his drink as well, and stands up, a bit wobbly on his feet. "Well, lead the way then!" Ike: he blinks up at psalm surprised before slapping his tankard down and standing up quickly afterwards with an excited grin, wobbling a little as he actually gets to his feet. he steadies himself by putting his arms out and both his hands on your shoulders as he shakes his head as if to get his bearings "ermm uh- sure thing!" he turns his head this way and that before slinging an arm around your shoulders and leading you off, tapping the shoulder on one of the crewman as he passes, most of them distracted talking to each other "iiiii-ll be out!" Han: (han like 2 hours later: where is psalm? …WHAT DO U MEAN HE LEFT WITH SOMEONE????? WHAT??)

As Psalm staggers out of the bar arm in arm with a man for the night, the rest of the party continue drunkenly chattering with the rest of the crewmen in the bar.

Plum: plum is feeling very spirited by all the drinking and laughing, maybe the most lighthearted they've felt since this evil trip had started. and what better way to keep things going with a little friendly competition. they turn to han a bit conspiratorial, and ask, "you know, i've been wondering han. you're so much bigger than i am, which you'd think means you can hold your liquor better, right? you think that's true?" Han: han ducks down to hear plum clearer and makes one loud HA at that "yeah! definitely! and everyone back in shorewater didnt out-drink me everytime" she avoids eye contact on that last part, but then eyes plum up and down "although, you are slightly smaller than the dwarves… maybe i do have chance?" Plum: "well, there's only one way to find out!" they say, reaching for one of the free drinks on the table to pass to han before reaching for another for themselves. "cheers!" Han: han guffaws and follows suit "you're on ! cheers!" and downs the glass. she puts it down with a satisfied exhale like PWAAAH and then smiles worriedly "for some reason, i feel like im … um.. whats that word… like lied…?" 😅 Plum: plum downs theirs easily and wipe their mouth with the back of their hand. "lied…? whussat mean?" they ask. Han: "its like… uuhh… one time jessep was buying meat and he paid for it and then he come to inn and told ferrie chris how much he paid and she was like WHAT! THATS TOO MUCH! YOU SHOULDNT HAVE PAID THAT MUCH! and he was like buuuh they lied to me about price… thats how i feel right now" she looks happily at plum Plum: "you feel like….someone lied to you? about what?" plum looks worried, and also feels confused by han smiling after saying this. maybe they're misunderstanding though so they wait for han to clarify Han: 🤔 "like…. you are pretending because you are small… you cant drink more than me… its like trap" shes gesticulates something small getting caught in a trap and then looks pensive again "although you didnt say anything… you just see kind of confident" back to smiley Plum: at that plum's eyes widen and then they bark out a large, hearty laugh. "ohh, well i don't need to lie about that," they grin kind of haughtily. "i'm pretty confident about drinking. i was just genuinely curious if it'd be possible for me to outdrink you, is all. i'd be surprised if i could. wanna knock back another?" Han: han laughs back "i said you are on before! lets GOOOOOOOOO" gets another drink, down the hatch Plum: "good!" they say and also knock back another one. they're feeling alright

Han: han shakes her whole body after that one and gets more pink… brr. "you know, i keep playing question games with cimmorro and vinny and we get drunk… but you never joined before.. were you scared of us or something" Plum: plum looks at han turn a bit pink but says nothing, lest hubris bite them in the ass later. "huh? you do?" plum shrugs. "that's news to me. i'd have joined, i like drinking. i guess i'm usually milling about in my room then. the other day i was making something for rokka, or i read through this book i got from vinny. what kind of question game?" plum makes a face. maybe they should've made the effort to poke around the ship more if they were going to feel a tad left out. Han: han scrunchies her face in thought "like, just asking questions.. or truth or dare…. and you have to drink if you dont answer or do dare… stuff like that… what were you making for rokka?" her face gets more curious Plum: "ohhhh like drinking games, that sort of thing. well sure, that sounds fun, but i'm not very good at coming up with dares. also i was fixing up a music box i bought, and i enchanted it so only he can really play the thing, you can ask him to show it to you." Han: "i never know what to ask… maybe we can combine our powers next time" ^_^ at the musicbox she makes a surprised face "whaaaaat?! you can do that?? thats so cool!! ill ask him for sure!! what more secrets are you hiding?!" she reaches over the table and moves a glass towards plum and another for herself Plum: "i'll join next time, then. kind of hard to be asking questions and making dares with all the noise around us anyways," they squint good-naturedly whenever they're jostled by one of the crewmembers around them. "well, sort of. i just fixed it, and then attuned it to rokka. i think if you want something crazier vinny might be the guy to ask. and i'm not secretive at all, i think." at the drink plum reaches for it and grins. "thanks," they say and knock it back. Han: she grins and lifts a glass in cheers "next time!" and knocks it back too. han slumps on the table for a moment after that drink but straightens out and you see shes even pinker this time, eyes tightly closed until she relaxes a second later "okay. im fine." adjusts her vision at something over plums shoulder and then looks at them "i think you're kinda accidentally super mysterious and secret-y to me? or like… i dont know… i think you're always mad.." she furrows her eyebrows with her fingers to make a point, but then grins widely "but you are not! its greeeaaat!" Plum: plum chuckles at han a little, amused. "yeah, you look fine," they say, cheering her on. at han's words they get a bit embarrassed, though. "mysterious? no way, i'm as blunt as a bat. maybe worse," they stick their tongue out and make a face as if remembering some embarrassing memory. "well, you did say accidentally. honestly a lot of the time i just don't know what to say i think? i'm not mad though, although i look mad. that's true. but thank you…" they say and reach for another drink shyly. "i didn't know you thought of me that way. i thought you were gonna be all strict, if we're sharing, but you're the total opposite. which is also. great." they say awkwardly. Han: han giggles at the 'blunt as a bat' part like hehe i understood that… her eyesbrows raise a little in surprise at plums thoughts on her "strict…? i get scary alot, but not strict… i am strict if i know best thing to do, but otherwise everyone can do whatever… what made you think im strict?" she notices plum's drink and follows suit, stealing someones drink probably Plum: "scary?? why? because you're…tall, or something?" plum clanks their drink against han's. "i guess i just mean kind of like that, like you'd be mad if something went the wrong way if you know what was best. i think that might be because i met everyone for the first time while we were all fighting and musta got that impression." they knock back their drink.

Han: "i guess..?" han drinks the glass absent mindedly "goliaths aren't really common when we are not in snowy mountains, ive heard." han listens to plum's explanation and laughs "actually, ye, we were all pretty mad about the cat situation, and then the fake keva situation. no one was happy to be around together" han downs her drink and for whatever reason it goes down smoothly this time, and she starts playing with her glass "im pretty sure keva hates me about that" Plum: "oh, i guess, yeah," plum nods, not really seeing at all. "but true. i think mostly everyone has mellowed out, right? at least it sort of feels that way…" plum says cautiously, at this current moment knowing nothing of finn's increasingly complicated relationships with other members of the party. "and i wouldn't worry, i'm pretty sure keva hates me because i got mad at her for stealing from me. i guess that does make me kind of mad." they laugh Han: han nods a little at the mellowed out part, but perks after and snickers with plum "what did she steal? you dont seem that mad now… although i dont really get why bother with stealing" Plum: "a bottle of potion i had. i'm not mad anymore, i think it's easier to be mad at a stranger probably is why. and me neither, at least not from me. i don't think i look like i have very much on me…" Han: han nods in understanding but she might also just be entering her sleepy drunk era, until she perks up in curiosity "you said, before, you drink your potion to keep your stomachache from hurting..? i wanted to ask, whats up with that" then she smiles ,entertained by herself it seems

The group continue chatting and partying through the night, until they stumble around for a way back home to the inn.

Mars and Cimmorro in the Morning - 24/9

Following the previous evenings events, Mars and Cimmorro are the first of the group to wake, encountering each other at the bar of the sunite inn come next morning.

Mars: Early at arse am in the morning, Mars realises now would be a decent time to resummon his bird before she gets too fussy. Not wanting to do it where Plum and Psalm are sleeping though he decides to go down to the bar part of this inn and do it there instead when he happens upon cimm Cimmorro: cimm was simply finishing his breakfast while seemingly tending to his checklist as he recounts them with jasper on a chair beside him. the bar is quiet at this time of day, making it easy to notice when mars walks in. he greets him with a knowing but friendly "good morning."  his tone playing around the fact that mars had quite a busy night himself. "i'm impressed you're up this early" Mars: He gives a quick, mumbly 'morning' when he sees Cimm. "I'm not NOT tired, but I couldn't go back to sleep. I've something I ought to do before we set out so I might as well do it now when things are quiet." He was about to go sit next to Cimm when he noticed Jasper on the way. "Who's this little guy?" He's on the verge of greeting her and also leaving her be but at least he perks up a lil. Cimmorro: "hm? what ever could that be, i wonder..." he hums rhythmically. when the question comes up, cimm looks up at him in tiny bit of surprised delight. "oh! yes, my princess! :D" he makes a show of her as he theatrically gestures his hands around her as if weaving an ornate frame. "jasper, remember?" Mars: "You'll see soon enough..." He hadn't been around cats often, let alone Tressyms so he isn't quite sure of what to do with her, but he does lean down a bit to extend his hand for her to maybe sniff or bat away. "I do remember yeah." His tone's a little neutral but he's antsy with what Jasper's gonna do next. Cimmorro: cimm picks up on the minor tension between the two and tries to stifle a laugh. jasper seems to hesitate just a little. blinking at him as she recalls yesterday's events: her papa seemed to greet the man rather energetically, to say the least, and even said they were friends, so she gives mars' hand a polite sniff and a small meow up at him before turning to cimm as if to ask if she did right. he responds to her with a nod and introduces mars to her properly. he looks up at mars afterwards. "you've received her blessings to speak to me once more," he declares jokingly. Mars: He decides against pushing his luck on giving Jasper a scratch and instead gives her a little respectful head nod. "I'll be sure not to squander her blessings." Mars says as he goes off to finally sit down. He keeps the little observation that she looks a lot like Cimm to himself. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to see you up so early, though I thought even you would try to sneak in some extra shut eye." Cimmorro: cimm rolls his eyes with a groan, busying his hands with his lists as he replies. "that's all i've been doing in that damned airship-- sleep to pass the time! for two weeks! enough! i want to be out and about!" Mars: He stifles a laugh at Cimm's outburst. "I heard from the uh.. That Psalm guy, I heard you guys took an airship here. I take it the trip was uneventful?" He absentmindedly takes a peek at Cimm's list too what it say o_O.. Cimmorro: his list: -horsne :) -donute :) -librarey :) -feed wee jas ronk :) -more illegible shite Mars: incomprehensible list to incomprehensible list communication order recevied baws

Cimmorro: "it was. up until the last part where we got raided by mourning wraiths..." he blows raspberries into the air in dismay at the unpleasant memory. he notices mars peering over his lists though and gives him an amused sideways glance before swerving away to lean onto the back of his chair, propping his feet up the other's lap. "so, wouldn't you say the tables have turned?" he snickers before he looks up thoughtfully. "one moment, you're helping me from the bottom of the barrel, and the next... well, i'm just happy to return the favor. even more so that you're not in ashes." Mars: Recalling what he knows of wraiths that doesn't sound pleasant at all, and at Cimm resting his leg on his own, he spares it a quick glance before turning back to the conversation, either it didn't phase him or he's sort of just accepted it. "It is a little... I wouldn't call it amusing, maybe ironic how it all ended up. I'll admit I didn't think I'd ever see you again, let alone with the people that you did show up with." (vague recollection of rokka and han shenanigans from last night that may or may not happen in pub crawl rp help). He pauses a little tentatively at that. "As glad as I am that I'm not cinders right now, I'm glad to see they're treating you well. No more random muggings in alleyways I hope." Cimmorro: "i'm as surprised as you are." he doesn't move his legs away and actually shifts to sit more comfortably instead. "they've been... decent company. some a little less than others, but..." he trails off, not really sure how to begin describing their group. "none has attempted to shank me at least," is what he decides to say. "we do tend to attract some very peculiar trouble, though. ya know, we stopped a whole cult uprising shortly after you parted ways from me." Mars: He shifts a little so they can both get comfy and was about to ask what Cimm meant about his present company when he heard the words >cult >uprising and his brows furrow as he looks up to recall. "Hang on- Sorry, you did what???" He remembers the lockdown but it was a little at the back of his mind at the time. Cimmorro: he nods in a pensive manner. "things were brewing underground for a while then we were hired to act as bodyguards and got caught up in all that mess during the elfonsent ball. honestly, long story- i'll spare you the details-" he literally tells him every detail for the next half hour anyway "---and so, that's why we're heading to antessa."  Mars: mars the entire 30 mins

Mars: (Pretending he's been asking follow up questions too along the way so he's not completely flabbergasted at the end of that.) "Well that- uh- fuck me mate, eventful hardly covers it." He just mutters out. "So Antessa's for this Finn guy, yeah?" Cimmorro: "yep," he shrugs lightly. "don't know what's waiting for us there but... ahhh, we have a whole drake to worry about first and foremost." Mars: "I'd hope its smooth sailings from here but given your track record thus far, I think I'm better off hoping its manageable." He taps a finger on the table at the mention of the drake. "Don't suppose you encountered a drake in your recent misadventures...?" Cimmorro: he simply sighs in response at the first comment. "no, i have not at all. but would i be wrong to assume that this is somewhat within your field of expertise?" Mars: "Can't say I've encountered one myself, but I have read about it, so that's the most of my knowledge." On the portcus nat geo books.......... "I've my own assumptions about this job, but its all conjecture until we actually get there." Cimmorro: cimm has a hard time hiding his disappointment? frustration? though it's not directed at mars specifically. just... the entire situation. "great. we'll all be in for a wonderful surprise, then!" he smiles hollowly. "that aside, care to tell me more about the, erm," he gestures at his own eye with a circle motion. Mars: "There, there. I'm sure if we put all our heads together we'll find a solution." He doesn't seem as frustrated, a bit used to the loop of 'dunno what that thing is, better go investigate' of a monster hunting job. He follows Cimm's gesture for a while before realising what he meant. "Right, no doubt you have questions. In truth I don't have a lot of answers either... I was on my way to find out more with Ezra before the whole teleport mishap happened." Cimmorro: mars' attempt to make him feel better doesn't really work but he doesn't say anything about it, deciding to focus on the topic of his eye instead... which also only leaves him feeling worn out as well. "so," a sigh while he rubs at his eyes and his feet finally finding the floor again. "i'm sorry but tell me again, where exactly did you get attacked? and how can we avoid this thing--- what's it called? you don't suppose it'll come back for you, do you?" Mars: Oblivious guy that he is he just keeps trucking on. "Would you believe me if I said it was in Shorewater? Right on the day I was about to leave too." Not entirely correct, but close enough to it anyway. He leans forward to rest his elbows on the table. "If it has a name I haven't the foggiest, I've taken to calling it the Eyeplucker, though Ezra might be calling it something else. It likes to attack alone, so we should be alright as a group if that's your concern. I've not met anyone that it likes to attack more than once..." Cimmorro: he kind of just gawks at him in disbelief. "you serious? in shorewater? as in, within the city?" Mars: now its cimm's turn to be karkat jawdrop Cimmorro: LMFAO

Mars: "Yeahp." 🤣 And he fails to elaborate.  Okay nah jk. "It was just after that lockdown, had to spend a little extra day because of it. Right as I was heading back to turn in the whole... thing happened." He's saying it like he just got out of a car crash and can't really believe it either. Cimmorro: "what I'm getting from this is that thing is just running around in the city with your eye as a perfectly delectable snack in its pockets..." he takes a pause to let the information sink in (or the lack thereof,) resting his chin on a hand propped on the table. "is this the one you've been hunting down or were you just some bystander that fell prey to it?" his free hand waves in the air as he raises the question. Mars: "Its the very same creature. If its any consolation, it doesn't just stay in the city, so I doubt Shorewater is where it calls home. It hunts infrequently and it hunts all over the place. Its why I've been having such a hard time tracking it down." His hands clasp together and he fidgets with it a little, clearly miffed about something. "That's why I need to get to Sharyun, theres folks there, they know something, probably more than I do. Maybe." He pauses a little bit more. "Hopefully." Cimmorro: "likes to move around that much, huh... what a pain. and you got so close to it only for it to blindside you like that-- no pun intended... " he shoots a glance up the ceiling, reconsidering. "or maybe there is," he smirks wryly. Mars: There's a little something akin to laughing and realising that your humour's broken. Its a quiet little laugh that snaps him out of whatever was irritating him. "Hah. Good one. Didn't see that one coming." Cimmorro: despite the immediate eyeroll, he snorts amused anyhow. "well, i don't doubt your prowess to tough it out... but that only makes me want to ask all the more:" he straightens his posture but tilts his head curiously at mars as well, "does it hurt? rather, can i help you relieve anything?" Mars: He’s a little chuffed with that joke and was hoping cimm would follow up a lil bit more, but also realises he’s being rather serious. “Its a bit uncomfortable at times, but they’re manageable. Let’s go with that.” A migraine here or there hardly deters him. “Worst thing I’m worried about is anything coming from my left lately. So it… well I appreciate traveling together.” its surprisingly soft Cimmorro: he quietly studies mars before deciding he's satisfied with the answer for the moment. "very well. i'll annoy you from the left from now on," he jests, a way to say he'll stay at that side whenever possible. "now, don't let me hold you from what you were doing. you said you had business to do." Mars: “Right. It’d hopefully be quick, ‘scuse me.” He leans back and rubs his hands together as little sparks and thrums of magic occupy the gaps. With a quick phrase he separates his hands as a small cloud of smoke fills the space. When the dust settles, a small bird sits in the middle of the table, it blinks as it takes in where it is, clearly shocked at the sudden change in scenery. “There we go.”

Cimmorro: a sound of surprised delight comes out of him the moment the critter apparates in front of them. "ah!! silva, sweet nutmeg! oh, what did he do to you this time?" he coos while jasper peers curiously over the table Mars: "Nothing too terrible." He mumbles as he takes advantage of Silva's surprise to fiddle with a note tied around her leg. The moment he does tho she lets out a high pitched chirp and pokes at his hand with his beak. "Ow, and a hello to you too." and he continues to unfurl the note undettered (i'll add because cimm should know but silva's no longer the owl he once saw but rather something more like a KESTREL now. She still has the same general feather colors and pattern but is definitely a different bird. mars makes 0 mention of this) Cimmorro: "her energy is still in tact at least," he laughs. noticing the piece of paper being unwrapped on her leg he adds, "she's the one you sent to seek ezra then?" Mars: “Yep, had  to change her and everything so she’d have an easier time flying there. Its kind of far… but she’s met him, she oughta know how to find him.” He pockets the letter to toss it out later. Or to forget his in pocket forever. Seemingly pleased with the screech she let out, Silva indignantly hops off to look at her new environs on to discover Jasper and promptly freezing up Cimmorro: "smart as she always is." jasper studies her from her seat, giving careful distant sniffs... she seems unsure of how to classify silva in her mind, making her more inclined to try to approach and sniff a little closer. she is careful and steady as she props herself up on the table on her two front paws and cimm just seems amused to quietly watch the interaction unfold. Mars: "It was a little rushed resummoning and changing her, but I think I did alright enough. Who knows, she might have more fun like this." Silva's wings have opened up a little, and her stance has gotten a little wider as Jasper comes up for an inspection. Her head just turns to Mars as she makes eye contact and lets out a concern squawk, to which Mars just hides a laugh at that. Cimmorro: "a little change of pace wouldn't hurt nobody," he responds with a smile. one of his arms move to serve as a divider between the two when he deems jasper curiosity has gotten her a little too close for silva's comfort. "let's not spook her too much now, darling. you have all the time to be acquainted." he picks her up in his arms the next moment while she continues to stare at silva with her big eyes listening as cimm introduces silva to her with a small 'mew' here and there in response, eventually climbing up to curl into his hood. her eyes dart between silva and mars a couple of times as she gets the idea that they share a bond, so they are friends. she remains curious but mostly relaxed otherwise. Mars: He's about done being amused and holds out his hand for Silva to come back to, who's still eyeing Jasper a little cautiously as she shuffles back into Mars' hand, too tired to argue with him. "You're about to meet a whole lot more people I think." He coos at her as he drops her off on his shoulder, and she makes her way to the hood part of his cloak. "Speaking off, I know what... most of your companions are like now," Recalling schrodingers psalm gets laid and han fail :( "But some of them I haven't really met, anything I ought to know about them?" Cimmorro: "mm, had fun last night?" he snickers quietly. "who were you with, ahmm, ah... so you've not met finnian and keva." he sort of sighs through his nose as he tries to figure how to describe them. "well, for starters, keva likes to keep to herself. i don't expect you two to have an issue since you also like to be on your brooding lonesome" a snort comes out of him. "finnian, however, ehhhhhh......." pained face jpg Mars: "My wallet certainly didn't." He grumbles a little. He just tilts his head a little at the mention of Finnian but goes '-w-;....? What'd he mean by that' at the brooding lonesome comment.

Cimmorro: he laughs a little more. "are you actually flat broke? how are you resupplying for yourself today?" Mars: "With enough gumption you can haggle anything around here." Though the image of him haggling is a bit out of place. "And I still have some rations tucked with me, I just didn't bring, say, my clothes, a back up sword."  He makes a note to summon that later actually. Its of somewhat lesser concerns to him at least, or at the very least, he's set aside that for his budget. "But ah that's that, and alright that's Keva then. What's this about Finnian?" <- Saw Cimm's pained face that never elaborated. Cimmorro: cimm was literally finding himself amused at the image of mars haggling since he can be such a doormat, and he thinks of this with concern and humor at the same time. when asked about finnian again he reclines to his seat, making a tired face into nothing in the distance. "I'm sure you'll soon come to understand it yourself..." he makes a pause as he thinks of what to say again before mars gets some wild ideas. "err, he's not... dangerous, i suppose. but, he and i, we don't get along, I'll say as much. try not to get in between us like last night." Mars: "Ominous warning, but...?" Just scratches his cheek in thought trying to get a grasp at Finn. Psalm and Plum sort of pulled him away before he saw the majority of it, so he's only got a brief sense of disagreeable. "Well far be it from me to mediate then, I hardly know the guy. And so long as we all pitch in, we ought to be fine." Cimmorro: "mm, he sure is a character. best seen than told." he gives mars a hollow smile. thoughts run into his mind in this moment. he knows mars enough that he hunts things, beasts specifically. but if met with a vampire... would he? curious, concerned and slightly feeling responsible, he decides to dabble a little in the topic. "say," he starts casually. "do you hunt other stuff aside from beasts?" Mars: He was pondering Finn when Cimm asked him that (guy who's about to see snuffkin). "Hmm? Well ah... not really, I suppose? Fugitive contracts are a bit of a hassle, too little trust in that field. There's the occasional aberrant or monster, but they're not exactly commonplace." He crosses his arm and hunches a bit to think. What else has he gotten up to... He flicks his earring in thought. "There was a brief thing with some undead... Dunno if that counts." Cimmorro: "it does," he pretends to ponder his nonexistent orb on the table. "what kind have you tracked down...? i don't suppose you hold immediate hostility until given the orders to do so, no?" Mars: "Track down's a bit of a strong word, I just... sort of stumbled into it really." He coughs and clears his throat. "A town cemetery got raised, but the spell got botched. Some kind of thrall spell gone wrong. They just... came back? Rotting and bones but still just regular folks. Had to let that one go, but still got paid for dealing with it, in a way." He wonders now if this is a good idea to tell to a cleric of Wee Jas so he doens't say more on the matter for both of their sakes. He blinks and realises what Cimm actually asked. "So- Uh- Guess not?" Cimmorro: cimm raises a brow slightly precarious at mars' storytelling. "sooo, you took care of it... how exactly?" Mars: "The uh- Necromancer died." He shifted a little uncomfortably. "HIs... lair, I suppose, was little more than an old repurposed tomb, rigged to shit, chased him all the way into a trap. When I came back the undead were still around and weren't under his control anymore, and there was a bit of a debate on what to do with them... But ultimately it wasn't my decision. They all got exiled before I did. I didn't think it was wise, so I stayed in town for a bit and they just... Didn't come back." He scratches the back of his head like the dog gif. "I say the town cemetery got raised, but the guy raised 3 people before he got stopped, and the town guard were greater in number than that."

Cimmorro: cimm: "ah, so you took care of it" with this he casually threw aside a large rock) Mars: kjhBIUGYKEHJBNGEKUIH

Cimmorro: he shows signs of relief at the first part. "ahhhh, yeah that checks out for you. it's unfortunate it ended that way, though. mother ruby guide them..." he does a little silent pause as if doing a  quick prayer in his head before clearing his throat and continuing. "i just asked, cause..." slight shrug as to not look so suspicious that he's asking in half-concern over finn, "my line of work, you know... and with all these, events i run into with the undead i can't help but be curious...? i don't imagine it'll be the last." he follows up with shallow laughter Mars: "Hardly my proudest achievement, but hey you're technically hiring me for this one, any undead we encounter is yours to decide how to deal with." He thonks a little bit more. "I just... Don't hunt anything sentient, personal preference." He shrugs. Cimmorro: "that's reasonable." he huffs satisfied. "you've passed my test," he says jokingly Mars: "Getting a good grade in undead class I see." He pffts. Cimmorro: "and a wonderful student you are," he coos. "anyhow," he goes back to his doing whatever he was with his journals and lists as he continues to speak. "if you need to be paid in advance just so you can resupply yourself proper today, just say so. majority of the party can be reasoned with, albeit everything. plus, they seemed pretty worried about that cry of help of a flyer you put up as it is," a snort. Mars: "Ackh hells." He grimaces at the mention of that flyer. "Its fine, I'll be fine for now, I'll ask for your grace and benevolence if there's any unexpected purchases, but I honestly doubt it'd come up." His hand hides his scowl, though he just seems mostly embarrassed. Cimmorro: he lets out a soft chuckle. "i'll be at arms reach, if you get the craving." the two continue to chat idly and casually as the morning ripens for the day Mars: He just stays downstairs and lets silva rest/bother him/air out her grievances loudly so plum doesn't get screeching bird @ hangover

The two continue chatting until the others make their way downstairs for the morning.

#im going to kill tumblr formatting wtf is happening to my POST #recaps

[bluejay-in-write]

Made up fic title: stars in the night

Ahhh ty so much for the ask! So for some reason this made me think of the saying we're like two ships passing in the night but instead… We're like two stars passing in the night.

Honestly idk where I would go with this but some ideas that popped in my head were sticking with the space theme and maybe writing something about the sun and the moon never being in the sky at the same time. This I would probably do by personifying the sun and the moon either by using gods or just having them straight be people? Pining over each other but never allowed to exist in the same space and interact. Not sure where else I would go with that one tho 😅

Other thought was two famous music stars maybe past best friends or rivals or even fans of each other who haven't seen each other since they were kids. They're never scheduled to be performing in the same city and so keep missing each other until one night they run into each other and maybe i'd throw some identity porn in there and have them not recognize each other at first. Idk I love the made up saying so much that I really wanna do something with this now but nothing is really standing out to be concretely 😭

#I really really wanna use this tho hopefully something else really jumps out at me 🥺 #chaosgod4life #answered

[semi-imaginary-place]

dgs 2-5 final chapter

unlike gs 1 and 2 where the first scene of a chapter shows the murderer and thus the cases include loads of dramatic irony pheonix doesnt know the murderer or when he gets knocked unconscious. but here in dgs we the audience know nothing. i only remember 1 case in the first 3 games were we doubt our client. but here as soon as 1-3 we are made to doubt if our client is innocent. and now at 2-5 i have no idea what the truth is. im pretty sure asa shinn was working as an assassin for the british government and that they are involved with the reaper. i did get spoiled on who the reaper is. but i still dont know what gregsons involvement was. was gregson really involved with setting up assassinations? i dont know! i fear that asogi and naruhodo know more about whats going on than i do and this is a nerve wracking situation.

they put a hit out for judge jigoku!

just what happened on that steam ship? the supposed assassin gregson brought with him onto the grouse couldn't have been asa shin because we know that she was killed by the journalist several months ago.

and kazuma was on the grouse on oct 31 this case keeps getting wilder and wilder. so kazuma knows that gregson and barok were in different places on oct 31 but still thinks that barok orchestrated the hit. does he actually think barok killed gregson or is he looking for an excuse to pin murder on him?

aaaaaaaaaaa so kazuma was the additonal person gregson brought along as an assassin. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. but if he never inteded to kill jigoku why did he go along for that trip. what happened on the grouse?

what is going on!! sholmes and mikotoba are on the grouse and the snake dude has an identical brother and jigoki is running away from them?? and of course iris knows the best methods for dealing with sholmes. why did jigoku come back to the grouse? he had a near miss assasination and the 2? 3? days later boards the same ship with all his luggage and then flees sholmes and mikktoba and disembarks to dunkirk.

ahhh and we get to play as mikotoba! we get a dance of deduction with these two!!!!! jigoku had better not be hiding in the wardrobe. are we're getting so many remixed songs for this case!

he really squeezed into that chest huh. why is jigoku covering up the assassination attempt?

i do wonder about the evidence folder. i usually assume ryunosuke and susato are carrying notes not the physical evidence but then in some cases you reexamine the evidence and like???? is a wagon following you around to carry all that! or like just now sholmes and mikotoba in dunkirk(?) discovered evidence that was put in the court record and like that a days journey away no way they teleported the physical objects into the court. also like really??? the knob and evacuation drill instructions are evidence but the bullet hole in the wall and ice aren't?

wait. THEY'RE IN FRANCE AND THE COURT IS IN LONDON and cell phones dont exist. ehhhhh iris alreadyhas magic blood identification smoke i suppose this isnt too much a stretch in a world where literal magic exists.

#dgs #tgaa #aa #dgs2 spoilers