#the lucky bard commissions

[theluckybard]

Commission for @smolpocketmonstercoffee ✨

#dragon age #original character #commissions #renie draws #the lucky bard commissions #the lucky bard draws

[heygreyyart]

This menace of a man has crawled his way into my brain like a tadpole!

Couldn't resist drawing Astarion and my cheeky Bard Tav who constantly attemps to pierce through his heart with annoying sonnets, chaotic kindness and bare neck🎻🎶 This illustration took a little longer than I anticipated, but amidst all the chaos happening in our world right now (I'm looking at you, videogame and entretainment industry) I just feel incredibly lucky to enjoy indulging in something I like for a change. It has pushed me to study posing, anatomy, and experiment a lot with my style. Mucha’s artstlye and Art Nuveau in general has been a huge influence since the beginning of my art carreer, it feels like a full circle moment to reconnect with my “roots”. Can’t wait to apply all I’ve been learning lately in another BGD3 fanart piece between freelance and studying!

commissions open! ig / x / bluesky / twitch

#baldur's gate 3 #astarion #tav bg3 #astarion x tav #art nuveau #illustration #commissions open

[darthstitch]

Things That Never Happened in History Class

1.  Professor Gadling's History 101

"... and so you see, Nan Boleyn was no 'femme fatale' homewrecking the happy Tudor household and leading the 'good' King Henry astray..."

There were snickers in the room.

"... though it makes for some pretty good stories, aye?  Always love me a good bodice-ripper or that Jonathan Rhys-Meyers on the telly.  He's a dish, that one."  Professor Gadling leaned a bit forward, a naughty gleam in his eyes.  "Though, the real King Henry was a looker when he was younger.  Looked a bit like our Prince Harry, now that I think about it."  

More laughter.  Which was typical in Professor Gadling's classes.  Iggy Pop - really, that was his name and yes, his parents loved him dearly - said, "Like, the dude's got a way with bringing all that historical stuff to life.  Like he was totally there.  Totally awesome, dude."

Iggy also had some of the best grades in the class, California surfer animated Pixar turtle accent and all.  But the observation was accurate.  

And it was also one of the reasons why Professor Gadling's history classes were booked solid every semester.

2.  Nevermore

Sometimes, there was a raven on Professor Gadling's shoulder.  

The first time he appeared, he was perched all nice and comfy on the professor's shoulder, looking as calm as you please, fixing the class with his beady black clever eyes.  

The Professor sighed.  "No, he's not me familiar.  He's babysitting."

"You mean, YOU'RE babysitting him, right, Professor?"

The raven squawked in protest.  Professor Gadling rolled his eyes.  "He's the one doing the babysitting.  I try not to pick arguments with ravens, you see.  Terribly bad idea."

"Nevermore," said the raven clearly and drolly.  

The class eventually learned the raven's name was Matthew.

3.  There can be only one

There was a persistent rumor that someone once confronted Professor Gadling with an honest-to-God actual sword.  

It happened in that secluded alleyway created by the old library and the faculty building, or so the story went.  

The Professor, in atypical fashion, went, "Nope."

"There can be only one!" declared the sword-wielder, raising his weapon.

"Nope, I'm NOT that kind of immortal.  You don't get to take my head, there's not going to be any ruddy lightning quick-thing whatever it is you lot call it.  I'm not the droid you're looking for.  Go off with you."

Apparently, Matthew the Raven helped drive whoever it was away - aside from the fact that the Professor was actually pretty good in a fight.  

"Ugh, Pierson owes me THREE pints for this!"

4.    Shakespeare In Love

There was a rule that got passed down from class to class.  

For sheer unadulterated entertainment, get Professor Gadling to rant about William Shakespeare.  Oh, he wasn't one of those who posited that the Bard never wrote his plays.  Far from it.  

He just absolutely had Very Specific Opinions about the man.  And they were Loud, Pointed and absolutely Hilarious.  

This was also good for distracting the Professor long enough to get out of any last minute homework or suprise quizzes.  There was hell to pay during the next class, but it was well worth it.  

"You are too harsh on dear William, sir," said the snow-pale young man in black, with the messy, rumpled hair.  

The class wasn't sure how he suddenly appeared in their midst, although it felt like he'd always been there.  He looked perfectly grave, absolutely serious... except for the glint of mischief in his odd dark blue eyes.

The professor crossed his arms over his chest, looking sourly at him.  "He was a ruddy hack.  Got a bit lucky, I'd say."

The pale young man smiled faintly.  "He had a true gift that just needed a little bit of nudging."

A scoff.  "Sure.  Exchanged his soul for artistic immortality, Faustian bargains, deals with the Devil."

"No."  The smile was still there and it was mesmerizing to see, as if this wasn't a man given much to that expression.  "Just two plays, commissioned to order.  What need have I for men's souls?"

"Hmph."

"Jealousy does not become you, Hob Gadling."

"Oi!"

"Uh... Professor, should we leave you two alone now?  Like, this whole lover's quarrel UST thing you've got going is kinda cute, but we really don't wanna be around for the kiss-and-make-up part!"

Of course, it was Iggy Pop who just had to ruin what seemed to be the most interesting moment that had happened so far in Professor Gadling's history classes.  

Someone raised a hand.  "I don't mind being around for the kiss-and-make-up part!"

The class would later learn that the young man's name was apparently "Murphy."  

He was also Matthew's "boss."  

Any kissing and making up supposedly took place at that New Inn down the road, which also served, among other things, a delicious shepherd's pie.

- end -

NOTE: Yes, I did a Highlander reference. I couldn't resist.

#the sandman #dream of the endless #hob gadling #dream/hob #what have i done #i crack what i want #shhh no one tell neil #bwahahahahah #dream and the one time he made a sensible lovelife decision #such happy #very wow #losing his emo boi goth badge

[fshhtac0s]

How Do Genshin Characters Show Physical Affection?

*Warning: fluff fluff fluff, swearing because funny*

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Kaeya:

He doesn't care where yall are at, he's gotta be touching you or holding you at all times

He's a teasing ass but he's a touch starved man who want to make sure you know he loves you regardless of what teasing words spews out of his mouth

I feel he'd be more sentimental when it's just the two of you, whether it be outside at Starsnatch Cliff or in his quarters

He'll hold you close from the front or from behind, rubbing small circles into your sides while whispering loving words into the crevasse of your neck

"You must be the best thing that has happened to me, and it'll stay that way for a very long time."

Diluc:

Diluc Diluc Diluc, the man of the grape juice

He prefers to keep intimate touching private, but with few exceptions

Diluc will put a warm hand to the small of your back and rub it gently with his thumb so that you're still getting some physical love

However, if some monkey man/woman/person/thing flirts with you when he's around, he'll grab your hand and gently kiss it while dragging you away while glaring respectively at them

Might even toss them out of the tavern if willing

"Dearest, I think your new friend had to many drinks tonight. Let me take care of them while you rest your pretty feet at the bar."

Childe:

This man

It doesn't matter where or who you're with, he's touching you as much as he can (hell he might even smack your ass)

He's loving towards you but boy if someone even looks at you with slight interest, all touches intensify ten fold

He's hugging you, making out with you, holding your hand, you name it

In all the while, he's looking right at whoever the person with a dark glint in his eye that only changes when he interacts in conversation with you

"Baby! Let's go get something to eat, my treat! After all, I gotta show my sweetheart some lovin~"

Zhongli:

Mr fancy big booty broke ass man

He's a man who sticks to old mannerisms

Grandpe Zhongli will open doors for you, hold your hand to guide you somewhere, pull your chair out then push it in, all while giving you his sweetest smiles (except he's still forgetting his money you're paying)

Mans will take your hand and take you to different places in liyue that he'd think you'd like, and he'll especially lead you away from some person who is trying their hardest to flirt with you to no avail

Once he does, he'll cup your cheek gently and kiss you lovingly and ask if you're alright and if the rat person made you uncomfortable

"Are you alright my love? Did their words make you uncomfortable? Someone should take care of them so it doesn't happen again, in the meantime, let us go for a walk to clear your mind."

Venti:

This mini man (he never came home and I'm still salty about it kdbsjsj)

The only time you're getting something sentimental is if your sad, he's tired, or you fluster him somehow

Venti will be holding your hand everywhere and showing you off to everyone and I mean everyone and you don't even have to be there

Kisses spam from normal kisses, making out, teasing hand kisses, and him peppering your face in quick small sweet kisses with the goal in making sure you know for sure that he loves you

Venti would take you to Windrise or to see Dvalin and cuddle you while striking conversation about the wind, weather, and your commissions

He might even play you some songs and sing because he says "I am a bard after all~"

"Do you know my beloved windbloom? They're amazing! They've saved Mondstat, Liyue, and even Inazuma! I sure am lucky someone with that much bravery chose to love a bard like me huh?"

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I have returned, but probably for a brief while. Summers almost here lovelies! I hope those who are already out for the summer are having fun and those who aren't the best of luck for finals or whatever you're doing right now.

I hope you enjoyed my little headcannon list, it's another one of my middle of the night thoughts lmao

I JUST REALIZED I FORGOT A PIECE OF THE TITLE I AM DUMB SORRY I NEED SLEEP LMFAO (If you didn't see it, it said How Do Show Affection)

I'll see you when I see you next, goodbye until then :))♡♡

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#genshin impact smut #zhongli x reader #childe x reader #diluc x reader #kaeya x reader #genshin kaeya #genshin impact x reader #genshin childe #genshin zhongli #genshin impact #genshin smut #genshin headcanons #venti x reader #genshin impact venti

[beth--b]

Fall

“One last contract Jask, we need the coin,” Jaskier muttered to himself as he walked beside Roach. Jaskier looks at Geralt’s unconscious form slung over the mare’s saddle and shakes his head. “For fucks sake what am I meant to do with you now? At least you have some sense about you Roach, I know you will get us to the keep but really it would be much easier if Geralt was conscious.”

It was late Fall and time to head to the keep for the long cold winter ahead. Geralt getting hurt and being out of commission for the trek up the mountain was not part of the plan.

He continues to chatter at the mare and berate the Witcher as he makes his way up the trail. It was going to be a long trip to Kaer Morhen with Geralt unable to lead them. He had made the trip a few times now, and Roach knew the way but it was not an easy journey under the best of circumstances and these were certainly not those.

If he kept talking though he could pretend that everything was alright, that Geralt was just being his usual silent broody self and he was riding Roach. Not that he was out cold and would be for who knows how long. He had taken a contract at the last town near the base of the blue mountains, it was unusual for any monster activity there with the number of Witcher’s that passed through, but a manticore had been spotted nearby and the people wanted it dealt with before Winter set in and no more Witcher’s would be there to deal with it until the Spring.

Geralt had been able to kill the beast but he had taken too many hits himself, along with a dose of venom in doing so. He was low on potions so Jaskier couldn’t just give him Swallow or Kiss to help speed up the healing process and he had nothing to counteract the venom. 

read it on ao3 here

Jaskier had seen this happen before, or at least something similar. Geralt’s body had basically shut down to aid in healing and to let him work the venom out of system, without proper treatment or potions it could take some days for him to regain consciousness. In the meantime Jaskier would need to try to get them to Kaer Morhen. Vesemir would be able to help Geralt once they were there. He only hoped that they made it before the snow set in.

After several hours of trekking up the path Jaskier gave up talking to himself in favour of focusing on his surroundings. He knew that there were many things in these mountains that could kill a man, the path was dangerous on its own the further one travelled, without worrying about wolves or wargs or forktails.

If he was lucky he might come across Lambert or Eskel on the journey but he wasn’t holding his breath.

When it began to get dark Jaskier finally spotted the small cave the Witcher’s used as a place to stop the first night on the trail to the keep. Jaskier sighed in relief and led Roach over the cave. The bard removed the saddle bags and set up their bedrolls before heaving Geralt over his shoulder and laying him out on his bedroll. He got a small fire going near the mouth of the cave and then checked Geralt’s wounds. Satisfied that the deep gouges in his chest were not infected and the stitches were holding well he moved to the head wound that Jaskier had at first thought had killed his Witcher from the sheer amount of blood.

Again, the stitches along Geralt’s hairline looked good. He then checked the more minor wounds and once done, he set about removing Roach’s tack and scrounging up some food for himself. 

With nothing left to do but sleep he lay beside Geralt and carefully lay his head on the Witcher’s shoulder. He fell asleep listening to the slow but steady breathing of his love.

Jaskier woke at dawn and after checking Geralt’s wounds once more and changing his bandages he saddled Roach and tried to wake Geralt enough to help get him back on the mare. He wasn’t confident it would work but finally he got enough of a response from Geralt that with Roach kneeling he was able to get him into the saddle again. 

After breaking camp and packing away the last of their belongings they set out again for another long day.

If Jaskier could keep up the same pace he would be able to reach the next stop over point by nightfall and then tomorrow they would reach the Keep and Vesemir.

“You can do this Jaskier. He would be able to get you there no problem.”

Getting himself some dried fruit and nuts from the saddle bags he set off again, Roach following behind him.

The day passed in much the same way as the last. Jaskier spent some of his time chatting to Roach, he checked Geralt a few times, tucking his cloak in around him, and finally lapsed into silence. Geralt was slightly warmer than he should be, though Jaskier was confident it was just his body fighting off the venom and nothing to be too concerned about. It was getting colder as the day wore on and the cloud cover was getting heavier. It wasn’t unheard of for an early snowfall this far North, it may only be Fall but Jaskier was growing increasingly concerned at the prospect of snow.

His fears came true as it began to lightly snow as dusk approached. They hadn’t made it as far as he had hoped and they would be travelling to the stop over point in the dark at this rate, the path ahead made more treacherous as the snow covered the ground.

“Fuck,” he growled to himself. Feeling exhaustion deep within his bones he nevertheless began moving faster, Roach keeping pace beside him. Jaskier reached out and kept one hand on her bridle as the sky darkened, hoping between them they would be able to keep steady and not slip. He only hoped he would be able to find the cave as night fell.

As they approached where Jaskier was sure the cave should be he slowed down keeping an eye out for the opening to the Witcher’s cave. He knew there were others along the way but he wasn’t sure what they may harbour in their depths so he didn’t trust using them. Most creatures tend to steer clear of the cave’s along here that smelt of witchers, not to mention that there was always firewood and a spare blanket or two and as the temperature dropped Jaskier was sure they would need all the warmth they could get. 

It was now full dark and Jaskier had lost count of how many times he had stumbled, only his grip on Roach keeping him from falling. His fur lined cloak was no longer enough to keep him warm and he was almost at breaking point. Finally he spotted the marker for the cave. Nothing obvious if you didn’t know what to look for, but Jaskier knew and he almost cried in relief at the sight.

Although small, the cave was tall enough that Roach could come inside as well and Jaskier led her in, repeating the same tasks as the night before, though the long day and cold temperatures had slowed him down making everything far more difficult that the previous evening.

Once Geralt was off Roach and covered under furs in his bedroll Jaskier build a small fire near the mouth of the cave, though with his fingers clumsy with cold it took far longer than it should have.

Once he had finished his tasks he sat in front of the fire, trying to get some warmth back into his fingers. Once the feeling had returned he dragged his own bedroll beside Geralts and covered them both in all their furs as well as the couple of musty blankets stowed in the back of the cave. 

Despite his exhaustion, sleep did not come easily and Jaskier lay awake long into the night worried about how they would make it to the Keep the next day if the snow continued through the night.

When dawn came Jaskier had already risen and broken camp. The sooner they left, the sooner they would reach Kaer Morhen.

Geralt had roused enough to drink some water and eat a little jerky before he had passed out again. Jaskier reassured himself again and again that he was alright, his body just needed rest to heal. He had lost huge amounts of blood along with the fucking manticore venom, and if he was human he’d have bled out long before Jaskier could stitch his wounds. 

Jaskier always liked to correct his lover when he said he wasn’t human, though in these circumstances Jaskier could not be more grateful for that fact.

As they made their way out of the cave Jaskier was dismayed to see the snow had continued through the night, the way before him covered in an ankle deep layer of snow. 

He pulled a blanket free from their saddlebags and wrapped it around Geralt as best he could, before pulling his own cloak around himself with a shiver. 

“Come on girl, soon you’ll be in a nice warm stable, we just need to get home. We can do this. We have to do this,” he began to make his way through the snow leading Roach along the path.

By mid morning the snow was falling in thick flurries around them and Jaskier could hardly see the path before his eyes. He was seriously worried that he may not be able to make it, and wouldn’t that be terrible to have made it so close only to fail in the last stretch. 

Shivering, he leaned into Roach’s side for a moment trying to work out what to do. He was beginning to lose feeling in his fingers and toes and he knew that hypothermia would soon become a real concern. He had never been so grateful to be shivering as he knew that meant things were not yet so dire that he couldn’t push on. He briefly checked Geralt and found that the Witcher was cool but not too cold to be worried about. At least that was one thing to be thankful for.

Finally pulling away from the mare he set forth once more. He kept his head down and just focused on putting one foot in front of the other. After what felt like years but was in reality several hours, Jaskier became aware of the fact that he was no longer as cold. A part of him knew that there was something deeply wrong here as the snow was still falling and he was now walking in snow up to his knees. He couldn’t feel his toes, could hardly feel his legs for that matter.

He was so tired.

Maybe he should stop.

Roach nickered, nudging his cheek with her nose. Jaskier looked at the mare and remembered why he couldn’t stop. He needed to get Geralt home.

One foot in front of the other. 

He kept going until he reached a wall. He wasn’t sure why there was a wall in the path, why would someone put a wall there?

But then the wall was moving and there was someone speaking with him.

“Eskel?” he asked, voice cracking.

“Jaskier come on, we need to get you inside. What the fuck happened?”

“Geralt, he needs help. Manticore venom, no potions,” Jaskier ground out, he felt like he was going to fall but he needed to tell Eskel, Geralt needed help.

There was muffled shouting nearby and then a flurry of motion as someone lifted Geralt down from Roach’s back and someone else led Roach to the stable. Jaskier was dimly aware of Eskel wrapping his own cloak around him and leading him towards the keep but before he could make it inside Jaskier lost the battle with keeping himself on his feet, numb legs giving out beneath him.

Eskel managed to catch Jaskier around the waist and lifted him into his arms, the bard turning his head into his warmth and going limp in his arms.

***

When Jaskier is next aware of his surroundings he is warm, almost painfully so and his toes and fingers burn causing him to moan.

“Jaskier?” Eskel asks, leaning over the bard.

“Eskel? What happened? Is Geralt alright?”

Eskel helps him to sit up and wraps a blanket around his shoulders. Jaskier looks around the room relieved to see the familiar walls of the room he and Geralt share in the keep.

“Hey Jaskier, Geralt’s fine, or he will be soon. Vesemir had checked him over and given him an antivenom and a dose of Swallow. How are you feeling?”

Jaskier took a moment to feel relieved that Geralt would be ok before thinking about answering Eskel.

“Ah tired I guess and rather sore. But I’m alright, at least I think so.”

Eskel nodded as though that was the answer he expected.

“You’ll feel some pain as you warm up, much longer out there and you would have been lucky if you hadn’t lost your fingers and toes, or your life for that matter. You’ve been out for a few hours. Next year maybe try for a slightly less dramatic entrance, hmm?”

Jaskier smiled and nodded. “Of course dear Eskel. When Geralt’s feeling better I’ll be sure to tell him no contracts at the bottom of the fucking mountain again shall I?”

“You and me both,” Eskel agreed. “Now you should get some more rest but before you do, are you hungry?”

“A little, something warm would be wonderful.”

“Alright I’ll be back shortly.” Eskel stood up from the chair beside Jaskier’s bed and headed out the door to get some food.

Jaskier lay back down while he waited, he wanted nothing more than to go to Geralt but he knew he’d never make it in this state. He would eat, sleep some more and then go to his Witcher.

Jaskier wasn’t aware he had dozed off until Eskel woke him with a gentle shake of his shoulder.

“Oh sorry Eskel, didn’t mean to fall asleep,” he said, yawning into his hand.

“It’s fine Jaskier. Here eat up while it’s warm.” Eskel passed over a bowl of warm stew and sat down beside the bed again, staying nearby until Jaskier finished before taking the bowl and standing again.

“Call out if you need anything.”

“Thank you,” Jaskier replied, already half asleep once more.

***

The next time Jaskier woke he was hot. 

While it was preferable to being cold he couldn’t quite understand why he was so warm.

When he finally blinked his eyes open he saw the source of the heat and decided he didn’t mind being a little over warm after all.

Geralt had obviously woken while Jaskier slept and joined him in their bed. With the fire banked high and the extra blankets plus a Witcher in the bed it was no wonder Jaskier was so warm. 

He managed to push some of the blankets away, still feeling warm but no longer uncomfortably so, he settled back on the pillow beside Geralt. He softly stroked a finger along Geralt’s jaw, the stubble making his sensitive fingers almost sting, not that it would stop him from touching though. After a few moments had passed he went to pull away only to have Geralt’s hand reach up and capture his, pressing Jaskier’s palm against Geralt’s cheek.

“Hm stay,” Geralt rasped, his voice rumbling deep in his chest. 

“Not going anywhere love,” Jaskier whispered, turning his head and pressing it up against Geralt’s neck. “We made it and I’m not going anywhere.”

Geralt finally released Jaskier’s hand only to turn onto his side and wrap the bard in his arms. 

They were both safe and warm and had the whole Winter to spend together.

Jaskier was on the verge of falling asleep again before he forced himself to speak once more. 

“Before I forget Geralt, no more fucking contracts at the bottom of the path. I’m not sure Roach and I will be there to rescue again if we have a repeat of this year.”

Geralt just snorted and shook his head. “Deal. Next time we’ll send Lambert back down the mountain.”

Jaskier laughed and pushed himself up enough to lean in and kiss his Witcher before replying. “Good, though I won’t be the one to tell him that. I like my body parts exactly where they are.”

Geralt just hummed and pulled Jaskier back against his chest, breaths evening out as he fell asleep again.

Jaskier fought the pull of sleep a little longer just to revel in the feel of Geralt against him. Despite what he had said he hoped he would always be there if Geralt needed him. Just as Geralt was there for him.

#witcher trick or treat #treat: fall #hurt geralt #the witcher fanfiction #fanfiction #the witcher #geralt x jaskier #geraskier #bamf jaskier #hurt jaskier #witchertort2

[skaldingrayne]

Titles! How about: When the Sun Rises

Title: When the Sun Rises

Pairing: Jaskier/Geralt/Eskel/Lambert

In the garden of the king, it was said there were wonders the like of which most men could only dream of. Massive fountains that sounded like music, flowers as large as a man's head and smelling of the sweetest perfumes, fruits so sweet and delicious it was as if heaven itself was on your tongue.

But in the very center of all these delights, was also the source of the king's greatest pain. Three statues stood, in the heart of the garden; said to be the cursed stone forms of his three wards, whom the king held dearer than if they were the very sons he could never have.

Every child had heard the story, of course. The powerful sorcerous he'd crossed, the spell cast, the curse -

Stone hearted you are

So stone they shall be

Caught in marble guises

But change your tune

By love transformed be

Freed when the sun rises

The part about the great riches - a prince's ransom, in fact - that should be the reward of any to break said curse tended to particularly stick in the memory.

Money like that could open doors; could buy a whole new life. It could certainly cover the tuition at Oxenfurt Academy for one aspiring, but penniless, bard-to-be.

Which is how Julian Pancratz - known to his fans as Jaskier the Singer, the local constabulary as "that damn troublemaking popinjay", and to the local shrubbery as "Ow!" - found himself covered in leaves and scratches while standing in the middle of the royal gardens at a terribly ungodly hour before dawn.

He was growing frustrated.

He'd already tried the classic kiss, of course - giving each of the three statues a peck on the lips in turn. He'd even - feeling very much the fool, thank you - tried a few so called "magic words" he'd once heard from some of the story tellers that would come sit with their begging cup in the market square.

Wait...

"Please?"

The statues remained extremely stone-like.

Damn.

If one didn't know about the curse, you could almost believe them the work of a master carver. Each of the three figures was incredibly handsome, though in a way entirely unlike the other two.

Based on the stories he'd heard, Jaskier could only guess this tall man with deliciously broad shoulders and an intriguing scar across one side of his face could only be Eskel; the son of some border lord hailing from hill tribes of the north.

To his left stood a shorter, slighter man with a piercing stare and an impressionably aquiline nose. Lambert, probably - son of a western Duke that had tried to rebel some years ago, before the King had had him put to the sword for treason. He had named the Duchess as her son's regent, and brought the boy himself to the palace to ensure he grew up with a much greater respect for loyalty than his father.

Jaskier wondered if it had worked. The statue's expression was frozen in a smirk; as if he knew a joke and was only waiting for the right moment to share it with you.

Which of course meant the third statue was the child sent by the druids of the south, to learn the ways of the court and be their representative. Geralt, he was called, of the White Wolf Grove.

He knew their stories, knew their song too - the one the great bard Dandelion had penned about them some years back, commissioned by the king himself in honor of his cursed wards.

But what he didn't know, was how to break this bloody curse.

He flopped onto the grass, exhausted after being up all night, not to mention sneaking into the gardens themselves. During the day, they were too filled with would-be curse breakers, all lined up and hoping to get lucky.

But now, lying on his back in the cool grass with the sky just beginning to lighten with the first hints of dawn, it was quiet. Beautiful, even.

Jaskier glanced again at the three statues and sighed.

Well, it was worth a try, right?

He wondered if they'd ever heard their song. Standing here all this time, had anyone ever bothered to play it for them?

It really was a lovely piece. Jaskier had sung it practically ever day as a child. Even then, he'd loved to sing, loved it more than...than almost anything.

He hadn't brought his lute of course. Even as sorry as that old banged up third hand instrument was, it was still too precious to him to risk losing should he find himself needing to flee from some overly zealous palace guard.

Which, speaking of...

Jaskier eyed the still lightening sky, the first edges of pink just kissing the horizon. Better get back before it was light enough for them to spot him. Those hedges sure weren't going to climb themselves.

But...

He turned, not quiet sure why; looking once more at the stone grey eyes of the cursed statues.

It really would be a shame to stand here for ages, see all these people day in and day out, without ever knowing why.

What could five more minutes hurt, really?

It's not like Jaskier had classes to get to or anything.

And so...he sang. There, sitting up in the middle of the small circle of statues in the heart of the palace gardens, he sang about loss and heartache, about family and gifts, about love - and about regret.

And when he finished, as the last note faded into the air and he finally opened his eyes -

He heard three more pairs of lungs draw breath alongside his own.

Three sets of eyes, their gazes locked on him; flashing golden in the dawn's light as the sun began to rise.

@continentcakeshop @oxenfurt-archives

#witcher fic #geraskier #geralt/jaskier #geralt x jaskier #ask games #this was NOT supposed to be an actual fic DAMMIT #pre-relationship

[sea-drifter]

A new ship? TELL ME ALL !!!!!

also I'm glad your day got better !

AND SO HERE IS YOUR DAILY KISS

MWAH!!!

I FINALLY GOT TIME TO POST SO HERE GOES- CANT BELIEVE IM NOT THE FIRST TO SHARE THIS SHIP BUT AT LEAST THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO SHARE THE VISION-

also this is a very late reply wow- ANYWAYS-

So i was just thinking one day y'know, like, what if i shipped my first genshin crush and my latest genshin crush, and it resulted to

"Diluc x Kaveh" I was like, "haha, they're perfect for each other" as a joke...but bro...I don't think it's a joke anymore... also for the shipname, i was either DilVeh that's kinda eh or KaLuc that u can misread as KaeLuc But then i decided to call it DiVe!! the first one still pronouncing their names a bit, this one is just straight up dive cuz i wanna dive into their overflowing potential of a ship- This is gonna be a long rant about how they met and headcanons [which I will post separately] so be prepared- TW: ooc, mentions of alcohol but only a bit pls still do enjoy and see if you'd ship them with me^^

Diluc being a head of the Dawn Winery just gets him bitches y'know. And the Ragnivindr clan being nobles in the past just adds to that, he's a- Anyways- How I think they'd meet: Let's say Kaveh has been traveling with traveler and paimon for a bit and he may have done some changes to the serenity pot as thanks for letting him sleep in a comfortable bed and not just outside of al haitham's house. And since other genshin characters visit there sometimes too, ofc word of The Light of Kshahrewar's works would spread out. And that's where Kaveh lands in Mondstadt, commissioned to build something there or perhaps just commissioned to make a Mondstadt-inspired home/building for someone. Ever since Kaveh got that commission, he knew he had to save a lot of money for the famous wine of Mondstadt. And as we know, Kaveh is a lover of wine, so The Angel's Share is a must-go visit for him on this search for inspiration! Plus, where's he gonna find inspiration without a bit of chillaxing first, right?

With his smarts and passion for the arts, he would clearly love Mondstadt. The poems and bards, the flowers and freedom, oh so different to Sumeru who even banned such wonderful performances! He definitely fell for Monstadt first. Being lucky enough to make reservations to an Inn, though not nearby,(let's pretend there's an Inn in Springvale since the goth grand hotel is occupied by the fatui.) He sets off to Angel's Share. With how pretty this man is, you can't deny eyes were on him. A foreigner from afar with a beautiful physique, his shirt showing his back and chest tells the patrons of the bar that he is very confident in his appearance. Though the redhead by the counter didn't seem to even stare a bit and only looked up to see who came in and started making another drink. Anyone would've been hurt or offended but Kaveh was too stunned to see the Diluc Ragnvindr in the flesh and merely stood in awe by the counter. Ahhhhhhhhh two hot people in the same place, the bar is practically melting, save for the drunk ones who are already beyond the comprehension of their surroundings.

"Ah, I'm truly in luck today." Kaveh chirped as he sat down.

"I'm so happy to taste the famous wine of Mond and have the head of the Dawn Winery as the bartender himself!" He praised more. "My pleasure dear guest." "Coming from all the way to Sumeru, I think the pleasure of meeting you shall be mine. After all, you're quite more of the star here tonight than I am." Yea yea, Diluc doesn't like idle chit-chat, but like, I can see Kaveh just throwing flowers at him with his vocabulary and making Diluc have to respond. Though of course the attention is thrown back to Kaveh as patrons start swirling around him asking questions about Sumeru and perhaps if he's single- Drink after drink, Kaveh has become drunk to the point where he'd gone and started complaining unlike how flowery with his words he was earlier. The other patrons have already gone home or passed out outside, but Diluc was still at the counter, listening to Kaveh complain about this "Al Haitham" person. "HE DOESN'T GET IT DOES HE-" "AND THEN HE CARRIED BOTH KEYS AGAIN-" "HE'S JUST SO AGHHHHHHHH-" Diluc has enough and tries to at least ask Kaveh if he's staying anywhere. Of course, he got ignored. So he went with plan B. Which is to bring him along to his house. I mean, he can't get information, and he's too tired to have some people check in on where he's staying so he could just bring him there. He could finally rest, and the drunk blonde won't have to be in danger if he ever stumbled into the wild in his drunken frenzy. "What the fuck happened last night." That was all Kaveh could think of as he suddenly sat up which he instantly regretted when he feels his head throb in pain. He was in an unfamiliar and large room. His clothes were different and from the feel and looks of them, it's expensive as fuck-

"AM I DEAD OR SOMETHING-" "Not at all, sir." Reassures the voice, to which Kaveh jumps, meeting eyes with the maid, who smiles at him. "Good morning sir, here is some tea to soothe your headache and some breakfast to fill your stomach." A tray of authentic Mondstadt food was placed on his lap, making him drool at the sight.

"I'll be off to tell the young master that you're awake so, please enjoy your meal as I call for him." Ever since he stepped into Mondstadt, everything was so fun and relaxing, and no annoying roommate to argue with all the time. He was truly in paradise- But his second day in Mond already started in chaos. I mean- HE'S IN SOMEONE'S HOUSE RIGHT NOW- WHERE IS HE- What more shall come to Kaveh? And what's this warm feeling building up when he meets him more often? couldn't decide how it goes to the point where they fall for each other so perhaps you can share your ideas hehe will post headcanons later in the day or when I get home

#genshin diluc #diluc #diluc ragnvindr #genshin impact diluc #genshin diluc ragnvindr #kaveh #genshin kaveh #genshin impact kaveh #diluc x kaveh #fiction #genshin fic #fic writing #i finally posted this shit god- #genshin impact #gaming #games

[pocarinapyon]

💢 Sing For Me -- Albedo

Mondstadt, the city of wind and song, was a place full of merriment wherein ballads could be heard from bards and citizens alike. To hear your lover sing – it was your one and only request to him that he never indulged you with. Albedo wished he did. If he sang now, will it make you come back? Impossible as it may be, he could only wish his voice had the power to wake you from your permanent slumber.

.

Starring : Albedo

Warning : 💢 [Angst] Implied character death (darling); Pet names (if it bothers you); Cheesy Albedo (?); Sad Albedo; etc.

A veeery very short piece with a word count of 752. Yet another attempt from me to write a different genre. 😅

Links : Pinned Post

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I made this gender neutral as much as possible. Please let me know if I missed anything.

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To whoever is reading, please enjoy.

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“Albedo, won’t you sing for me?” you pleaded with doe eyes. Both you and Albedo laid down in bed, preparing to sleep. Facing each other’s way, your hands rested on top of another’s hips in a loose embrace.

“My love, I would rather you sing for me,” Albedo responded as he closed the gap between you two, sliding his hand to wrap them on your back and nuzzling his head on your chest.

“Aw…! But I want to hear your singing voice! Please?” you whined.

“Ah, but I had such a long day,” Albedo countered, faking a whine similar to yours. You could feel his lips curled into a playful smile.

“Not fair,” you complained yet your hand lovingly placed itself on top of Albedo’s head to stroked his fluffy hair.

.

The memory looped inside Albedo’s head as he stared blankly into space. Why didn’t he want to sing for you? It was a simple request – one that he always had ways to divert back to you. It wasn’t the first time you asked to hear his voice in a song. He couldn’t even count how many times you begged to at least hear a melodic hum. But that particular night, he wished he indulged you. If he knew you would forever be gone, he would have sang every single ballad he knew, regardless if you thought his voice was terrible or not. Perhaps it would make you happy. Perhaps this wouldn’t even happen.

.

The skies were painted in a mix of orange, red, and purple – colours different from the usual dark blue Albedo used to see when returning from work. He silently opened the front door of your shared home, making his presence unknown in an attempt to surprise you. The faint scent of delicious food wafting from the kitchen greeted him. Walking further, he heard sizzling in the pan serving as white noise to your melodious voice. He took a peek to see you caramelizing onions as you sang a love song – your favourite one, he notes. Albedo smiled lovingly as he took in the homely image before him, thinking how lucky he was to come home everyday with a hearty meal prepared by his beloved. You truly were a wonderful person as he felt the tiredness from work washed away by just your existence.

“My love, your angelic voice really soothes me,” Albedo said, wrapping his arms around you from behind.

“Welcome back, my love!” you beamed, not losing focus on the dish you were making. “I thought you said you’ll be back much later. Why are you so early?”

“Hmn… Your sweet voice brought me back here,” Albedo said as he planted his face on your back.

“Silly! You didn’t leave work unfinished, did you?” you gently reprimanded to which Albedo chuckled a ‘no’ in response. “My love, I just figured the reason why I always come back home late whenever I did commissions. You never sing for me.”

“Oh, no. I believe the reason why you always stay late outside is because you wish to gather materials for me. Simply put, it is because you love me,” Albedo concluded.

“Do I really?” you teased.

“Of course,” Albedo settled confidently as he placed a longing kiss on your cheeks. “And I love you too.” Another peck on the cheeks. “So much.”

“I love you too, Albedo,” you purred, meeting your lips with Albedo’s.

.

‘I love you. So much.’

Please magically come back to life. Please come home. Albedo missed you terribly. His chest tightened as he suppressed the tears forming in his eyes everytime he thought of you. The closest he could be with you were through his paintings and still there were so much he could not capture in the canvas. He was afraid he would forget you. Anything. He would do anything just to have you back, be it alchemy or a song. It did not matter as long as he would once again feel your warm touch; to breathe your fragrant scent; to see your beautiful face; to taste your sweet kiss; to hear your beautiful voice.

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“I swear, Albedo. One day, I’ll make you sing for me.”

.

Yes, you did make him sing. But did it have to be like this? He would rather sing you a lullaby to sleep than to chant a hymn of mourning. Or perhaps he would join you as you sang your favourite love song. Sweet words are better than a requiem, after all.

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Inspired by the song Les Gens Qu'on Aime (by Patrick Fiori). I’m listening to Khoi Dao’s version, (Albedo’s Eng. VA) though.

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Happy birthday, Kujou Sara!

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To whoever read this, thank you for your time. Here, have some cake slice and a cup of water (pay no mind to the straw, please). 🍰🥤

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Stay hydrated, people!

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Links : Pinned Post

#genshin impact #genshin angst #genshin albedo #albedo #genshin imagines #albedo kreideprinz #albedo angst #albedo x you #genshin albedo angst

[risingsol]

While Aether is asleep, Venti is going to try to sneak up to draw a moustache on him.

Perhaps today was Venti's lucky day, as days of commissions and some slightly uncomfortable sleeping areas meant that the traveler was falling into a deeper sleep than usual now that he was surrounded by slightly more plush surfaces. Even if the plush surface was the soft grasses that inhabited much of the Mondstadt landscape. Venti's footsteps were already lighter than the average folk, so this merely meant that the other would come quite close to their end goal of scribbling on a moustache onto the unsuspecting blond's face.

Luck was a scale evidently though, seeing as Venti's good luck with Aether's exhaustion was matched with how Paimon couldn't quite keep her snickers in check when she awoke to the bard looking mighty concentrated with the marker in his hand.

"Wha - huh? Venti? Paimon? What're y'doing up...?" Just what time was it...?

"Huh? Hello...? Why aren't either of you saying anything...?"

#;inquiries ✦ answered asks #;traveler log ✦ ic #melodicbreeze #//half a moustache get weoituewt #//yeah i edited an icon for this

[defectivebunny]

Let's celebrate my comeback with some DnD character art! Boy would my 19 something self be surprised i moved on from anime style... :) The cheeky boy is Milo (My happy-go-lucky bard halfling) and Badger the badger, and the two others are commissions!

#dnd character #art #dnd ocs

[theluckybard]

I had the immense pleasure to work on this wholesome commission for my good friend @ronkoza

I'd call this a dream that came true. Working with this amazing human being, fantastic artist and incredible friend wasn't only a pleasure, but being inspired by his own talent and hard work for illustration and storytelling, it was also very enriching artistically.

Thank you buddy for this amazing opportunity ❤️

Follow him here and other social media, also give him some love on his Patreon, and you'll receive back lots of love and very wholesome art ✨

#commissioned art #dnd #ttrpg #comics #Stjerne and Tórarin belong to Ron and Ulvar respectively #the lucky bard draws #renie draws #drawing these cows was a delight I can't even express in words :'') #and Vincent of course #i love this little guy #❤️❤️❤️

[laeorinel]

Day 5 FFXIV Write 2022 - Cutting Corners

More stories with my cranky Au Ra. All these writing prompts are helping me flesh her out a lot more than she already was. No spoilers for this one.

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Samara narrowed her eyes as she scrutinised her new clients, taking mental notes of measurements and other details. It wasn't the first time she had been tasked to outfit a group of fighters with new armour; if anything, that was where most of her commissions came from, but most weren't quite so…green.

While an old veteran headed up the newly formed group of adventurers, she could tell just by how they held themselves that they were rookies. Hell, there were children on the Steppe who looked more comfortable with their weapons.

A miqo'te woman among them looked like the only one who could use her weapon well. Unsurprising for a Keeper, though the bow in question seemed almost brand new. The elezen man beside her looked more interested in his new book than what was happening around him. She would bet all her Gil that he was the healer. And lastly, a Hyur lad who barely looked a day over his sixteenth summer. White-ish hair with an earnest yet haunted look in his eyes. He had a sword and shield, both clearly too heavy and unwieldy for him.

She knew that adventuring was seen as a glamorous line of work. Every recruiter she had ever crossed paths with would always pitch things to her by glamorising things a fair bit. "Oh, but think of the stories the bards will sing of you!", "Think of the gold and jewels you could come across!"

It was a line of work dramatised through song and story, and most of those stories were little more than fairy tales. Few ever reflected the harsh reality of it, like how many fledgling adventures died because they froze up when thrown into battle.

Then there was the matter of coin. Most adventurers had sponsors of a sort that would pay for their armour, weapons and bed and board if needed. Not all sponsors were equal, though. She had been lucky enough to catch the eye of Baderon. He understood the risks involved in this line of work and didn't cut corners when helping outfit new adventurers with gear. This new group, however, clearly hadn't been so lucky.

Whoever was sponsoring them had tight purse strings. The veteran leader, an older Elezan man, had made it clear that he wanted to best armour possible, but for a measly amount of Gil. To say it did not sit well with her was an understatement, especially given the fine craftsmanship of his own lance and armour. They looked to be made of mythrite, far from the cheapest metal to use.

To an adventurer, decent armour was often the reason for whether you walked away from a battle unscathed, sporting a new scar, or if you walked away at all.

H'naanza had accepted the commission and put her on it, so she had little choice but to try and figure out something within the parameters.

"I think those cotton gambesons I've seen will do the job for this lot. Maybe some chainmail for Goodwin." The older Elezan gestured toward the young Hyur. "As for the rest of it, whatever is cheapest."

Samara crossed her arms, staring down the older man. "That depends on what you're going to have them doing. The gambesons are good for flexibility, absorbing shocks and like, but they'll do sod all against projectiles or magic. As for the mail, while it will do a good job protecting from most attacks, it all depends on the metal-"

"If I wanted your opinion, I'd have asked for it. Just outfit this lot with armour." With that, he turned to the group of fledgeling adventurers, telling them he would return later.

At that moment, Samara wanted to take her hammer to the side of the older man's head or throw him over the edge of the deck. Either option worked. The only thing that stopped her was H'naanza calling her name. Maybe the guild master had sensed her blood lust…

H'naanza lazily leaned back against one of the crates of ore as she watches her apprentice skulk over with a look of thunder on her face. "Care to tell me what has you so worked up? It's been a while since I've seen you want to bludgeon a client."

Samara wipes a hand down her face, her gloves leaving smudges of soot in their wake. "They are going to die, H'naanza. And all because that old bastard refuses to spend the Gil the keep them alive."

H'naanza looks back to the adventuring group. She had hoped this debate could have been avoided. It is part of the reasons she gave this commission to Samara. Who better to figure out how to equip an adventuring party on the cheap than a tried and true adventurer?

Samara points towards the old Elezan to further add fuel to the fire. "Did you look at his armour? It is well crafted, and the chest piece alone likely costs more than what he is willing to spend on all of them."

H'naanza sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. This was the part of their business she hated. "I don't like this any more than you, but a commission is a commission. If he isn't willing to pay us more Gil, our hands are tied. We can't just outfit an entire adventuring party for free."

"Take mine, then," says Samara without even a hint of hesitation. H'naanza stares at her for the longest time. Surely this had to be a joke?

It wasn't. Samara stared back at H'naanza, gaze unflinching. She was serious. "You heard me. I'll make the armour; you can dock my wages until the balance is settled. The Guild loses no coin, and those adventurers maybe don't get skewered on a Sahagin's spear. Everyone wins."

H'naanza just shakes her head fondly, giving the Au ra woman a scrutinising look. "I never took you as being the generous type."

"It's not out of the kindness of my heart. To my people, to die fighting is expected. It is honourable. But it should be because you've clashed blades with someone stronger than you, not more well-equipped. I hate the idea of a bunch of kids effectively going to their deaths because of a tight-fisted old bastard who likes cutting corners."

"Stubborn as an aldgoat, I see. Fine. While I have my reservations about this, so long as the Guild does not suffer for it, I agree to these terms." With a nod, Samara heads over to the forge, gathering the materials she would need for a breastplate made of steel.

She glanced back over the group and knew they would likely all die anyway. They were too inexperienced to handle a real fight, but maybe her armour would make the difference. If these were the first steps of a new generation of adventurers, she would do what she could to ensure they were not their last.

Who knows, maybe fate would be kind for once?

#ffxivwrite2022 #ffxiv fanfiction #ffxiv write 2022

[chrysathelia]

Aquria - story

Watch the story MV!

"Bring me back to the shadows of my birth..."

Living in the age of peace, I stopped to listen to a performance most ethereal and divine...

You may have heard of Cordelia, the bard. She travels all across the world, and her songs detail the stories of our past. There are many bards like her, who sing such stories; but there is something quite enchanting about her songs in particular.

I was lucky to be passing by in Lyraea castle city, for a commission. In a local tavern, she was performing. There I sat among the lively bar patrons, a truly joyous atmosphere as her wondrous song filled the air. In the corner of my eye, I saw none other than the princess Kyria herself, sitting by herself, enjoying a drink, likewise admiring the song of Cordelia. It was rather a surprise to see her, though of course – who wouldn't want to enjoy such an amazing performance?

People danced as Cordelia’s clear and beautiful voice sang a song of the past – a story from Phosphoria, about the legend of a lighthearted warrior who took down a great avian beast. She played a heavenly accompaniment on the harp – her fingers moved swiftly; the plucks of each string merged with her sweet voice, and floated through the air like the wind. In that moment, I saw a vision of a girl taking aim at those monstrous wings overhead, to protect her people with her power. Her confident smile; the shot of victory – it was all so vivid with Cordelia’s song.

The final chord struck, and the people applauded and cheered. Cordelia laughed along; it was so nice here, wasn't it?

I took a sip out of my drink; I opted for just a cup of tea. I wasn't intending on any alcohol tonight. The cheers died down as Cordelia prepared for her next song. A focused expression, her hands readied at the strings. Anticipation held over our heads in silence, as she took in her upbeat breath and her hands began to flow across the length of the harp; both the movements of her arms and the ascending passage she played felt like the flow of water.

“Bring me back to the waters that I came from…”

I recognized the tune immediately; it was a common folk tune common in Aurius, where I hail from. But hearing it from Cordelia herself was so… indescribably wondrous and captivating.

This song is called “Aquria,” and it is a song of mourning from the War of Origin. It is important in that it represents the will of our goddess Thaliann, and how, in her sadness, she vowed to protect us no matter what.

And that will of Thaliann; in Cordelia’s song, I felt it more vividly than ever. In an instant, I was at the lakeside back home, looking out upon the water’s waves, feeling that same sadness; that lost feeling. “Tides will rise, and tides will fall;” so was that passion that overtook my heart.

The flowing arpeggios of the harp resonated with the emotive and gentle voice of Cordelia; truly enchanting the audience in silent and reverent wonder.

This sadness; this grief; I had never felt it so poignantly. Somehow, I felt like this is truly Thaliann’s will conveyed through this song; I knew of it, but I had never quite felt it like this before.

In the War of Origin, many many years ago, many lives were lost as the gods and humans fought for this new world. Our world as it is is so peaceful; but our gods and our ancestors fought so much to protect us, and gave us so much in order to ensure us a thriving, bountiful life. Grief is love; love is the desire to protect.

And now I know just how legendary this musician is – Cordelia has unparalleled artistry and emotion in her music; connecting to the hearts of everyone here. Holding my cup of tea, I thought to myself deeply as her song rang out through the air.

You know, I want to do my best, too. I live a life as a mercenary to help people out. But somehow; it's really strange, how just one wonderful performance can change your outlook. Because, thanks to Cordelia's song, I feel more motivated than ever now to help others in any way I can. To remain in these times of peace and prosperity, I want to do all that I can. It's the least I could do to repay thanks to everyone who came before us, who made it possible to live in such a peaceful world.

Aquria… For centuries the song has been passed down, but hearing it like this? I never really would've expected a song I've known my entire life to suddenly make me think about all this.

I think there isn't much to worry about in life, I just have to do my best in doing what I can.

#chrysathelia chronos #story #thaliann #cordelia #kyria elysien #unknown narrator

[krowjet]

My current party in Genshin and how I think they’d interact!

Now, I’m at AR 56, and I have quite a few characters (all the four stars minus Kuki Shinobu since Itto’s banner hasn’t dropped yet for the NA server as of me starting this, and a good amount of five stars for the time I’ve been playing). Because of that, you can imagine I have a decent amount of (semi) built characters and I’m getting to a point where most in game content is not a struggle, and I’m starting to do domains at the highest difficulty on my own (though there are some I avoid like the plague like the inazuma ones).

But, that also means I typically don’t have much to do if I use my most broken comps, which I do depending on what I’m facing- really it’s only reserved for bosses these days. However, since all I’m really doing these days are daily commissions, artifact runs, teapot tweaking, spiral abyss, and maybe a boss fight or two, I don’t really have much need to switch to a more quick-damage dealing comp.

My comp consists of Xiao, Venti, Xiangling, and Gorou! It’s more a friendship grinding comp, hence why the comp choice is so odd, but it still functions pretty well for what I’m doing, so I’m not uncomfortable with it at all, even without a dedicated healer or shielder and mostly being dps oriented.

Now- Xiao is kinda the odd one out in which he’s a lot more reserved, quiet, and antisocial in comparison to the other three- Xiangling is a very happy-go-lucky and extroverted chef, Venti is a popular bard who’s quite socially active, and Gorou is a general and quite good with most people. However, I still feel like he’d be pretty comfortable around them all.

Canonically, Xiao has had interactions with Xiangling before- Moonlight Merriment even has it where Xiangling asks Xiao for his opinion on her cooking, and he’s not upset and finds her pretty easy to get along with. This is also not the first time he’s interacted with a very peppy pyro lady- Hu Tao is another example, and he finds her quite funny. He probably doesn’t mind her, and she’s very respectful about boundaries in terms of socializing- she doesn’t bother people who aren’t comfortable talking and doesn’t press for conversation. They also both know Zhongli and have very high opinions of him- Xiangling sees him as a really smart guy with cool stories and excellent knowledge on cooking, Xiao sees him as a guiding figure and his savior. These two wouldn’t clash much, and Xiangling would probably make him the best almond tofu and grilled tiger fish he’s ever had. Not to mention… Guoba. Combat wise, she can get in a lot of chip damage while also applying pyro quite easily. She’s not a pushover in combat and is generally very fast and won’t spend too long getting in and out.

Xiao and Venti are a great duo- not just in combat but in lore as well. Venti saved Xiao’s life with his music, and Venti is on good terms with Zhongli- though he might annoy Xiao and drive him up the wall, he’s still very aware of Xiao’s past and also has his fair share of loss as well, so they can rely on each for that. If Xiao’s karma gets too bad, Venti is able to act as an anchor for him and pull him out, while Xiao is able to provide a good audience and a listening ear to Venti even if he might not be able to respond. I see them getting along fine- though he’d probably be very uncomfortable with a drunk Venti because Venti seems to be the kinda of happy drunk who also likes to like huh people and try to get them to drink as well… which Xiao would be uncomfortable with. However, Xiao is a lot more comfortable around him because they’re both several thousands of years old and he won’t get harmed by his karma even if it acts up. Combat-wise, Venti’s range gives him plenty of area coverage and can stay out of the way of Xiao’s attacks while picking off stragglers and confine them to an area with his black holes. Venti probably is a bit more go with the flow and definitely powerful, but he tries to avoid all out fights and doesn’t want to be caught in the middle of it- perfectly fine with Xiao who’ll charge right in no problem.

Xiao and Gorou also seem like an interesting but good pairing. If these two interacted, Xiao would probably be the type to let Gorou lead since he’s a general and quite good with people. Gorou is capable of being very tactful and come up with good strategies quickly, and is an excellent fighter who doesn’t need help- Xiao wouldn’t have to focus on him as much during a fight because Gorou is completely capable and can work around him- his style of bobbing and weaving to target bigger opponents quickly and having range are actually beneficial to Xiao since it gives Xiao more room and less targets to have to deal with that can hit him hard with his karma draining his health. While Xiao is a general and quite good at creating a good offensive strategy, he’s also a lone wolf and very self destructive which would come into his plans- he also doesn’t possess the same communication skills as the others, so he’d prefer Gorou to be more of the leader in that regard. Off the battle field, they’d still get along well because they’re both incredible smart and kind people- Gorou is a very good listener and great at giving advice, and would try to help Xiao out socially as much as possible- he’s very comforting to have in that regard. They’re both used to hardship and want to protect others, and it’s something they’re quite vocal in fighting for. I see Gorou helping Xiao be more comfortable and come out of his shell while they both can relate to the other’s hardships and struggles with trying to see themselves live a normal life out of combat focused careers.

Gorou and Venti is a weird duo but I don’t see them being at each other’s throats. Gorou might not be the biggest fan since he’s friends with Yae Miko and can be kinda crafty himself, but I don’t see it really being a deal breaker- I see Gorou’s push to be more physically active and always on edge due to being in a war zone for soon long night strain their relationship, but I think Venti’s more mellow side and relaxed nature helps balance it out (as well as his own understanding of war), because Venti knows more of being able to live peacefully. They’d both have good stories to share and all, but I think Venti might annoy Gorou if he reminds him of Shikonoin Heizou because… Heizou unfortunately is a chaotic Anemo guy who really doesn’t seem to work much and is always doing something weird instead… might remind him of venti, especially if he deals with venti being drunk too often. Combat wise, they both tend to have a similar vibe- quick, long ranged weapons, with Xiao would most likely take out the bigger groups of people who Xiao can’t pick off. Gorou is a lot more head first and can get a bit lost in a fight, but Venti will probably pull him back a little so he’s not too lost in everything to pay attention. Not to mention, Venti’s crowd control kinda makes it hard to body slam people like Gorou can do. Overall, weird dynamic, but I see it working.

Same with Xiangling and Gorou. They wouldn’t have much discord, I think the opposite actually. Xiangling is an incredibly creative chef, able to take the most odd ingredients and adapt them into the best foods, taking into account preferences and allergies, so she’d be able to whip him up the best food he’s ever had. Gorou would probably help her forage for ingredients and keep her out of trouble, and introduce her to more Inazuman recipes and ingredients for her to try. She’d be rather talkative and they’d both get along great, exchanging stories, while Xiangling keeps him from dealing with people in Liyue who may trip him up a bit since they can be pretty crafty and she’s more familiar with business and money. Funnily enough, she’s the only one who’s actually good with money, so they all trust her to do the job of getting supplies and taking care of that stuff, while Xiao and Gorou focus on strategy, Venti and Xiangling focus on making it. Combat wise, they’d probably wouldn’t interact as much since Xiangling would be proccing pyro swirl, but she’d also get crystallize. They’d both be capable on their own, but they’d mostly just keeping Xiao from getting g overwhelmed and having to deal with too much all at once all the time.

Xiangling is probably in charge of money, food, and dealing with Liyue’s people and terrain. Venti is in charge of making money, knowing Mondstadt’s terrain, and travel. Gorou is the best communicator and advisor overall, and has to mother the group a lot, but he also is in charge of strategy and knowing Inazuma. Xiao is again, in charge of strategy, scouting, working around Liyue, and being the only introvert. I think they’d overall be a capable group and wouldn’t have much problems they couldn’t solve. But they’d pretty much be perfectly fine. It’s not like anyone would cause any unneeded explosions… (cough cough Klee cough cough) or need to be arrested (coughing Itto and some coughing).

Combat wise- I’d rate them as being a good 8/10 lore wise. They’re all self sufficient and capable of quite a lot on their own, not needing too much help from each other and being able to keep each other from having to deal with too much all at once. From a game standpoint, I’d say more 6/10 because while it can still work and Gorou buffs everyone and can make shields with Xiangling, Venti puts the enemies a bit high for Xiao sometimes and Gorou works best in a geo-centric comp and Xiao needs some healing.

Socially together- they’d be able to get along and can each fill the other’s gaps, so a 9.5/10. Xiao just might get exhausted too much and Venti might drink too much.

Socially outside the party- they’d be pretty good. The only one who I think would really have any issues is Xiao- mostly because he’s afraid of socializing and extremely awkward, but he’s getting way better. He’s still awkward and needs help, but I think he’d at least be able to enter a city for a short while. Venti thrives in social environments, Xiangling is an extrovert and quite socially adept, Gorou is known to make people feel at ease and a go-to for advice. Though he does have some prejudice against anyone from the Shogunate- especially the Tenryou commission, which is not unjustified. I think overall, 8/10.

Money wise, I think they’d need help- 6.5/10. It’s not that they can’t make money, or find ways to make it. Their issue is money management. Xiao doesn’t really make money because… Yaksha… so he’d probably be forced to take up the adventurers guild of something and then he’d be awkward with spending it because he’s never really had much need to spend money. Xiangling can cook and sell stuff, but since she’s on the move, she’s not making as much anymore, however she runs one of the most popular restaurants in Tevyat with her father. Venti spends most of his money on drinks, and lore wise, he gets paid for busking (playing music legally in public for money) in alcohol. Gorou is an advice columnist and general but he’s canonically bad with money- especially with crafty people. He’d get scammed a lot. Xiangling is their savior.

Mobility- 10/10. All are physically active and they do have abilities that help move around. Gorou climbs mountains for fun and is again, a very in the field general. Xiao is a Yaksha- not to mention… him decreasing climbing stamina consumption, not taking plunge damage, being able to use his skill in the air, with Venti he can increase speed and decrease stamina consumption. Venti can create wind domains and decrease gliding stamina consumption. Xiangling goes around the world for ingredients and shit, and did I mention lore wise Xiao teleports? He’s done it a lot. This is the least of their concerns.

Resource management- 9/10. They’d be pretty great at managing stuff like that. Xiangling can cook meals from anything that can still satisfy their needs- just avoid overly slimy stuff and onions, which is doable. Xiao doesn’t even need to eat but if he does, he’s good with tiger fish and almond tofu. Gorou can make due with the bare minimum, and Xiao hardly needs anything other than what he can get himself. They’d face their biggest issues in Venti liking alcohol but he can supply himself in different ways (mostly busking), which is workable considering he doesn’t have a dependence on it, and then in medical supplies considering Xiao is self destructive, Gorou gets lost in a fight, and they aren’t really the best healers. However, most cities will have at least one person who’s good at it, and with Xiao’s teleporting and the genera mobility of the party, it’s not as big a concern.

Survival skills- this is just how they handle difficult and unfamiliar environments, like Natlan or Dragonspine. I say… probably about a 7/10. This is for mostly two reasons- Venti is much more used to city life. Even if he’s a windspirit and has plenty of experience in war and nature, he’s gotten pretty familiar with Mondstadt and old Mondstadt, so I think going back to potentially sleeping on rocks is gonna be a hard change to go back to. He’s also been asleep for a very very long time so geography has probably changed since then that he wouldn’t know about. Xiangling will be more willing to experiment with weird food options that could be potentially dangerous. Not to mention her clothes really not being great with snow and she could get sunburned pretty badly. Gorou tends to be a bit more… weak to fire, rain, and snow because of his fur. However, he’s used to unpleasant things like sleeping on rocks and won’t have much issue with it. Xiao will be hesitant due to it being unfamiliar after residing in Liyue for millennia. They’d still be okay, and make it work, but I think it would a bit difficult for people.

Overall, I think the party would work fairly well together. Values of 8, 6, 9.5, 8, 6.5, 10, 9, and 7 averages out to 8/10. Not bad.

#genshin impact #genshin

[hcavenlybodies]

⟨ ellise chappell. cis woman. she/her. twenty-six. ⟩ we welcome sesa stark to winterfell , the princess of winterfell. keep an eye out for their naive nature, they tend to cover it up by acting creative. rumor has it they are neutral towards the peace treaty, and their loyalties lie with house stark / targaryen. you’ll know it’s them when you get flashes of a plainly cladded woman standing amongst deers in wolfswood who all get alerted of a new presence, paintings and songs of a world long lost, red-shaded cheeks of embarrassment far too easily attained.

many say the two stark wives had always been in competition, always wanting to be the first at something. yet, it seemed when it came to daughters, they both were equally matched. with the birth of sesa came the idea and expectations that she could one day raise herself to greater heights than her stark cousins. yet, she was sorely mistaken. though, was it truly that bad? as it seemed she would birth a child who’s entire energy was ethereal in itself, angelic. she barely even cried as a child, a true dream for any mother.

she sat through every lesson, listened to everything her mother had told her to do. yet, many could almost hear the way the words seemed to float in the air for her. she had no true care for the concept of being royalty, or nobility for that matter. she was simply a lady who would find herself far too enchanted by her surroundings. everything in her visions seemed to be tinted rose as she would walk around the forests barefoot and trace every tree’s crevices as if they told a story. she would find herself among congregations of animals on a regular basis, as if they were summoned by her mere presence. her smile and soft melodic voice could be heard singing of tales and promises of old, poetry that only made sense when one listened from the beginning. 

many would alike her to a creature of the forest. not so much a goddess, but a nymph. if you were ever so lucky to gaze upon the innocence that would be among the ashtrees of wolfswood, one would surely feel as though they have entered an entirely new realm. it was this reputation that remained and persisted through her years. it was this embodiment of many visitors’ first impressions of the north that made her a jewel to be possessed. yet none were able to grasp her. she was simply far too gone in her own world for one to attempt to capture said attention. 

her visitations to white harbor were frequent as she loved and adored reila. often times she would remind her just how beautifully unnecessary they were to the ploys of politics and she adored it. the sea had become a friend just as the forests had, and soon she was saddened by the idea of reila leaving for the south. it was in this that she begged and proposed an idea to her uncle stark and to reila to allow her to travel with her. if only to be a reminder of home, to be a protector against the south, to ensure a constant reminder that their northern gem was never alone. after much persistence, her request was granted and she became a travelling companion to reila. 

her presence is something quite uncommon in the south, and many tend to stray away from her as they believe her to be slightly too ethereal for their liking. while she was never taught to fight as she hated the idea of wielding a sword, she is not one to sit back if provoked. one could say that her best weapon is her surroundings, as she can get rather creative in desperate times. 

other than that, many can find her among any sort of nature, among the bards and musicians, her nose in a blank book that possesses her sketching and writings of her mind. in another life, she would have been an artist, commissioned by many for the way she can someone capture the spirit of the environment around her. she might still be it, if only she weren’t too entranced by the world to care for money in such a way. 

#rfms.intro

[alternatefandom]

Illusory Palinopsia

Fandom: Genshin Impact

Pairing: Gen, Kamisato-Clan centric, could be read as thomato

Warnings: Some made-up lore

Summary: "This is what is going to happen. I will hold on to this talisman. You will find your Chief Retainer and deal with the traitor yourself. You will not let the Shogun do it for you. Do so, and I will destroy this evidence in front of your eyes. Fail to do so, and I doubt the clan you hold dear will be able to survive the resulting storm. Do not involve anyone who does not carry a vision, for they will not survive the fight. Do you understand?"

"I understand," Ayato said. "I will deal with this matter myself. Thank you for your kindness, Lady Guuji."

Instead of satisfaction, the expression on Yae Miko's face was one of stricken pity. "Oh, Ayato," she said. "If you truly understood what I am asking of you, you would not call be calling this a kindness."

Part of the our homespun sanctuary series.

"So, sir Kamisato didn't take a boat to Seirai Island?"

"No one has dared sail anywhere near those seas since the war started, young man," said the fisherman. "It's pirates that the Tenryou Commission are battling with. The waters around that island are a battlefield. No sailor would risk getting in the middle of all that, and no city folk would have any hope of surviving. Except for that boy from a couple weeks ago, I guess. That one is lucky to be alive."

"Someone else went to Seirai?" Venti said curiously. "Did he make it?"

"Of course not," The fisherman said. Ayaka and Venti exchanged glances. "That one wrecked two boats trying to get to Seirai. Was about to wreck a third one until I convinced him the man he's looking for is not at Seirai anymore."

Ayaka and Venti glanced at each other. "How do you know that?"

The fisherman harrumphed. "I was the one who took him there. That man was looking for some sort of glowing herb to cure his ill wife. He was anxious to find it and go back home as soon as possible. Even if he found what he was looking for at Seirai, he wouldn't have stayed there. Thankfully, that boy listened to sense. He left the next day."

So, neither Ayato nor Thoma had walked into a war zone, after all.

Distinctly, Ayaka heard Venti continue his conversation with the fisherman, but she was too dizzy with relief to pay further attention. Being stuck at Seirai was already the worst possibility she could think of for them; not only would their life be in danger from the constant war, but their affiliation with the Yashiro Commission would only give the pirates further reason to harm them.

And yet.

And yet, Ayato has still been missing for two weeks. Two weeks should be plenty of time to search for a man, especially for someone who has the Shuumatsuban at their disposal. If Ayato hadn't spent that time trying to make his way out of Seirai Island, what could be keeping him away?

"You look worried."

Ayaka startled. Sometime during her musings, the fisherman had left, leaving her alone with Venti. Above them, the golden-red rays of sunset had vanished, allowing the night to finally take the rein. Seeing her surprise, Venti gave her a comforting smile. In the darkness, his eyes and braids seemed to almost glow.

Not for the first time, Ayaka was glad she hadn't listened to her own hubris. She had been so confident that she could make the trip alone, yet her anxiety had turned out to be so pervasive that she couldn't help but be preoccupied with her own troubles. Venti had been wonderfully helpful; he'd picked up the slack without a single comment, charming everybody into telling them what they wanted to know. The bard had a way with words, and his cheerful and sunny disposition meant that he was trusted despite his foreign appearances.

Much like someone else she knew...

"The fisherman left," Venti said. "It's getting late, and he intends to sail tonight. He said didn't know where Lord Kamisato went, but he did see Thoma leave in this direction."

Together, they made their way to the beaches beneath Narukami City. There was no moon in the sky, and the area was dark and quiet. Too close to human settlements for wildlife, yet too isolated from the bustle of the city for humans to frequent. It used to be a safe haven for her mother, she remembered. A place where she stored the parts of herself that weren't suited for the Lady of the Kamisato Clan.

In front of her, Venti hummed thoughtfully. "I know foreigners aren't exactly welcome in this nation," he said, "This Thoma must be something special, to have the attention of both the Yashiro Commissioner and Lady Kamisato herself."

Perhaps it was the gentle wind in her hair. Perhaps it was the thought of Tsubaki, who would have delighted in someone, anyone, seeing her for what she truly was. Perhaps it was because this cheerful, friendly Mondstadtian reminded her of Thoma so much it made her heart ache. But for some reason, Ayaka felt compelled to tell Venti nothing less than her unadorned truth.

"My brother adores Thoma, and as do I," Ayaka said. "But at the end of the day, he is my retainer."

She sighed, looking over the horizon. "There are people oniisama trusted with his own secrets, but Thoma was the only one he trusted with me. Ever since I became the Lady of the Clan, he's barely left my side. He was there for each of my mistakes, and his hand was in each of my successes. We helped each other become the person we are today."

He was the only one who has ever seen her break down at the end of a long day, slumped against the wall in her fancy clothes and doubting every single choice she has ever made. In the middle of the night, as she struggled through her work, he was the one who pulled her away for a quick break, luring her into the kitchen with promises of warm chazuke. At her behest, he weaved his way amongst the common folk, collecting information that her fellow nobles could not hope to know.

She had guided him through the landmine of Ritou's political network, and he'd trusted her every single step of the way.

"I consider him a second brother," Ayaka said. "No matter what happens, he will always be one of the people I trust the most."

Venti's eyes went wide. There was a sharp tug on her left arm, and Ayaka lost her balance.

Just a breath away from her neck, the tip of a blade sailed past. Ayaka turned as she fell, and her eyes met another pair of familiar green.

Read the rest on Ao3

#genshin impact #genshin impact fics #genfic #genshin #genshin fics #Kamisato Clan #Kamisato Ayato #Kamisato Ayaka #Ayato #Ayaka #Thoma #mine #my fics #rip i forgot to post this after posting the fic on ao3 lol