#A Journey of Art and Heritage | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

doomedmoth · 13 days

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Better kind of best friend

Pairing : Reader x Alexandra Saint Mleux x Charles Leclerc | Poly & bisexual fem!reader

Warnings : slight emotional cheating, obsessive/possessive/manipulative behavior, suggestive content/smut, fluff then angst then dark fluff, inaccurate racing calendar and school programs, polyamory, use of y/n

Synopsis : When you left the UK for a year long art restoration program in Monaco, you mainly wanted to make some friends. What you didn’t expect was to find your best friend on the first day. And then fall in love with her. And then get tangled in the web of Monaco high society as her boyfriend came back to town, unaware of your little affairs. What the fuck happened to you, you just wanted to make some friends…

Moth’s prophecy💡: Hi frieeeends, sorry for any mistakes, I haven’t written more than blurbs in a while. The poly, Charles, dark parts and smut will happen in the next chapters, I intend on making three of them. The first is mostly gay panic and tooth rotting fluff, so enjoy before it all goes to shit !!

As you stepped outside of Nice’s airport, you felt like you were finally breathing. The weather wasn’t particularly gloomy when you had left London, but nothing compared to the Mediterranean sun and the breeze of the sea. It had always had an inexplicable calming effect on you, now only interrupted by an old French woman throwing what sounded like insults at you as she moved past you towards the parking lot. The sea, you had missed. French people, not so much.

As you embarked on your second journey of buses and trains to your final destination, you took the time of going once more over the details of what would be your schedule those next few months. After getting your degree in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, your parents thought it would only do you good to go practice on the field before even thinking of applying to any museum in the UK. You had gone on vacation on the French south coast a few times with them, and in a surprising but welcome turn of events, the Pavillon Bosio, Monaco’s art school, was organizing an internship welcome to all students of arts degrees in Europe. For your parents, a precious opportunity to add an experience to your CV in a prestigious setting. For you, the occasion to enjoy the beach and make friends in an artist residency after five years of hard work at university. Win-win.

The sun was setting on the hills when you finally settled into your room at the residency. Located close to the school, in the high parts of Monaco, the house was old but gorgeous, with pale pink walls and palm trees everywhere in the garden. Ivy leaves were growing at your window, which gave you a view of the port lighting up in the evening. Three floors high, there were a total of 8 bedrooms, all to be occupied by students of the Bosio program. The two remaining were, according to the brief, residents of Monaco.

You threw yourself on the bed with a sigh, your suitcases not even opened yet. The birds were singing softly and your eyes started to flutter in rhythm with them. If you did not make a move, you would be fast asleep, you thought. Yet it seemed like such an effort…

“Ciaoooo !” You sat straight up from the fluffy bed, meeting a pair of green eyes in the opening of the door “Oh scusa, ti ho svegliato ?”

The girl had gorgeous ginger hair, though likely unnatural, flowing down to her waist, and a mischievous smile. She seemed a bit younger than you, and kept staring back at you until you shook your head and answered.

“Sorry ! Um, English is okay ? For you ? No parlo…” was it even parlo ? You were trying to get your point across, hoping she would forgive your mistakes. “No parlo Italiano ?”

“Aaaah yeah yeah sure !” She chuckled, her accent even richer in English. “I’m sorry, did I wake you up ? I just arrived, it seems like we’re the only ones there…”

“No, no don’t worry, I was just resting my eyes. I did not check the other rooms, are we really ?” She nodded, pouting and crossing her arms. She probably expected a big welcome party. “I’m Y/N.”

“Chiara ! Let’s go have a drink when you’ve unpacked !”

You smiled as the girl waved and trotted downstairs. She was right, unpacking right now would probably be a good idea.

“Cazzo, la mia testa…” Chiara groaned while walking down the stairs from her bedroom to the shared kitchen.

Definitely, you had been right to not follow her in town the day before the start of “classes”. The bottle of wine you downed together in under half an hour had been enough, and when she had left to go explore the nearest bars, you had opted for a swift retreat into your room.

This coincided with the arrival of two other students, with whom you spent the rest of the evening making small talk. Apparently another one had arrived in the night.

The Italian boy you hadn’t met was immediately assaulted by Chiara, who seemed to know him. And it also seemed the feeling wasn’t mutual. You understood almost nothing of their exchange, but it made you and your new roommates laugh quite a lot.

The rest of the morning passed slowly, your shared breakfast only interrupted by Chiara’s flow of anecdotes, and a few exchanges about where each one of you was coming from and what studies you did before. One of the girls you had met the night before was going through the rule book of the residency, staring out loud the facts she found relevant.

It’s only around twelve, as you were all getting ready to head to the school for your first meeting, that the three last students arrived to the house. A few pleasantries were exchanged, a promise of a good meal together tonight to meet properly, and you all left the residency, following happily the little path from the garden up the hills.

The Pavillon Bosio looked more like a huge villa than a school, hidden between the trees. With its cute red roof and stunning view of the sea, you were all in awe as you entered through the gates.

“Bonjour, bonjour tout le monde ! This way please, for the restoration workshop right ? This way, come !” An old bearded man with a thick French accent welcomed you all, guiding you through the corridors of the school.

You settled in a small classroom, tables filled with paper cups, coffee dispensers and pastries. The old man introduced himself as the head of the program, and encouraged you to have a drink and get to know each other while waiting for the last two students. You couldn’t help but notice that some things never change, it’s always the one who live the closest who are the latest.

But you had barely any time to put down your bags and take a coffee before laughter was heard in the hallway, two voices clearly making their way towards you. And as they entered the room, your head started spinning.

There they were, the two monegasques, the last missing pieces of your eclectic little group of students. The man was quite elegant, dressed all in black in spite of the warm temperature, and body dripping with gold jewelry. But the girl, oh the girl… With long straight chestnut hair, and eyes of an even darker shade of brown, she was holding on to her friend’s arms with a delicacy only found in children who grew up bathed in the finest luxuries. She was wearing a white summer dress that did nothing to hide the shape of her body, and accentuated her sun-kissed skin. Everyone turned to them as they entered the room, but it seemed to you her eyes were only on you. The thought that you would have been the first to catch her attention made you blush, and you went on to hide your embarrassment in your cup of coffee.

“Alexandra, Luca, bienvenue ! Toujours un plaisir de vous revoir !” The old man, whose name you had learnt was Jean-Paul, went on to shake the hands of the two students, who he seemed to know already. “Je vous en prie, installez vous, prenez un café !”

The man, Luca if you understood correctly, stayed by the teacher’s side, engaging in a conversation punctuated by loads of “Oh !” and “Ah”, but the girl made her way to you with a determination that made you want to hide under the table.

She lost no time serving herself a cup of coffee and a pastry, and turned to you with a smile brighter than the summer sun. As she put her hand on your shoulder, leaning in to lay a kiss on each of your cheeks, you felt as if all the air had been sucked from your body.

“Alexandra, nice to meet you !”

And just like that, your whole world had turned upside down.

In the days that followed that meeting, all the little group of students started to get along pretty well, getting to know each other from their studies to the role they would play in your year-long project, while also sharing personal anecdotes at night, under the trees of the residency’s garden.

But the bond you felt with Alexandra, that was something else. It was as if you two had known each other forever, everything flowed smoothly, and your passions were either shared by the girl, or met with genuine curiosity and interest. Not even two weeks had passed and you already had little habits, inside jokes and plans for the rest of the year.

In the first stage of the program, the work was mainly research and preparation of the artworks, which meant that except for the mandatory seminars and meetings here and there, you were free to schedule your work time and partners as you pleased. This led to Alexandra coming to the house every morning, having breakfast with you, and going to the school together, or settling in your bedroom with your computers and working, or at least trying, together. If you gave yourself free time, she would take you to museums, or restaurants she enjoyed, or just lying down in parks as she tried to teach you some French. She was kind and patient, and in a desperate wish to get her to like you, you tried to be the best student, reading diligently every book she recommended you.

You quickly realized that although she was a true social butterfly, the whole group of students enjoying having her around, she was much more comfortable when you were just the two of you. She would often suggest you sneak off from team activities, wanting to share the secrets of the city she grew up in only with you. And there was no way you would complain about that. By the end of September, you deeply felt like you had found the best of best friends.

You didn’t know how it got so bad so quickly. No, actually, you did. Alexandra was the worst kind of best friend for someone as prone as you to catch feelings. You had always been quite close physically with your friends, hugging and holding hands were essentials for you to express your affection, but you also knew how weak you could be to pet names and fluttering eyelashes, and with each day that passed, she was making it harder for you to only see her as a friend.

You knew she was aware of her beauty and of how everyone seemed to gravitate towards her, but how could she not realize that the amount of affection she gave you was on the borderline of what would be considered “normal” for a girl friendship ? How could she so casually play with your hair, nails softly digging into your scalp as she lulled you to sleep, your head on her legs in your bed ? How could she lack all sense of modesty, casually undressing in front of you when preparing for a party, and expecting you to help her choose a dress as if you weren’t face to face with her lacy underwear and model body.

You truly despised yourself for ruining such a pure friendship with those thoughts, and desperately tried to remember to not break her trust by being not better than those “nice guys” you had so often dealt with yourself. But what you thought could be a simple physical attraction, something that would pass with a few drinks and the arms of an unknown frenchie, turned into a feeling that burned your insides and made your heart ache a little bit more everyday.

You had so often longed for a soft love, someone who would accept and care for you with the same warmth as you would for them. Friends, good friends, you always had many. Deep friendship, much less so. But the bond you had with Alexandra, you had never experienced it before. You were starting to think that if you had ever felt love before, it had been nothing more than a crush in comparison to this.

You tried to be a good friend. Controlling your breathing when she touched you. Inviting others to your gatherings when you felt you might confess after one too many drinks. Trying not to read too much into her actions, but damn it, she really seemed to be like this only with you.

In the end, what lost you were the pet names. One in particular, she would always throw carelessly as if the word didn’t roll on her lips, sweet like honey.

“Coucou mon chou !”

Waving at you and jumping in your arms, she would repeat the pet name again and again just to see you blush, and who were you to deny her… At first you did not know the meaning of it, and thinking of it, maybe you should have never asked.

It was the middle of October, and you were working with her and Chiara in the school, getting started on repairing some of the minor artworks that were entrusted to you. Well, more like you and Chiara were working, and Alexandra was tagging along out of boredom. With her degree in Art History, her role in the workshop wasn’t as much on the artworks than on their exposition. Which mostly meant your ginger friend was peeling little gold leaves while listening to EDM so loud you could still shake your head in rhythm through her headphones, and Alexandra was glued to you, even in the most uncomfortable of positions.

She had started working on little braids in your hair when, once again, the pet name was used.

“Mon chou, d’you have any hair ties ?”

“What does it mean ?” You asked as plainly as possible, while giving her the hair tie on your wrist.

“What does what mean ?”

“Mon chou. I guess that’s a nickname but you haven’t taught me what it means.” Something good, you hoped. Something sweet.

“No way you don’t know what’s a chou ?!” She grabbed you by the shoulders and you had to follow her movement swiftly in order to not ruin your work “Un chou ? Like… un chou à la crème ?” You nodded no, a bit shameful. You should have looked it up yourself. “It’s a pastry, dear. Something delicious, very airy, the best are filled with cream ? My favorite.” She planted a kiss on your cheek, and you thought, honest to god, that you could die happy on the spot. “Just like you.”

If only this had stopped there. But the next day, when she came to the residency, she snuck the breakfast directly into your room. You had barely woken up when she sat on the side of your bed, seemingly quite excited. She made you sit up and pushed some strands of hair behind your ears before placing the small pastry box on your knees.

“What is this Alex…?” You groaned while pushing back the curtains with one hand, rubbing your eyes with the other.

“Des choux !” She was grinning from ear to ear, and did not give you much more time to comprehend before opening the box. In it, a myriad of little golden cream puffs were staring back at you. “Des choux pour mon chou !” She giggled at her joke and you could not help but laugh too, for the gift was both actually funny, and sweet. “You gotta taste !”

You agreed, but she seemed to have something else in mind as she took one between her slender fingers and brought it up to your mouth. Surely she would not…? And surely she did. Taking advantage of your stupid lack of reaction time, she softly pushed the pastry between your lips, not enough to make you gag on it, yet you could still feel her digit rubbing your bottom lip before making an exit, leaving you dumbfounded and mouth full of the soft cream. Oh yes, you were definitely fucked.

October came to an end, the heavy temperatures and lazy afternoons on the beach leaving place to walks in the old town, cuddled together under one huge scarf. But the evening breeze did nothing to appease the fire in your heart, nor did it slow the speed at which your feelings for Alexandra deepened every day. If not too long ago, you wished for your friendship to stay as pure as the summer sky, now you only longed to confess, lay your heart out before her as a sacrifice, telling her to eat it raw, and the whole of you with it. It was a mixture of love, devotion and desire so strong, she could have asked you to worship her and you would have built a cathedral in her honor.

But you were oh so afraid of ruining everything. If she didn’t return your feelings, that was one thing. But what if she hated you for it ? You could not bear the thought of being apart from her, especially knowing you would still have to work with her for the rest of the year. You would rather eat your feelings than let it happen.

You were still pondering what it could mean for you both when you arrived at her apartment, in the very center of Monaco. You had been there quite a few times, even more recently, to work, to crash after evenings out, or just to have sleepovers, like tonight. It was very well located, and filled with expensive and tasteful furniture, but you did not really like it.

She had explained to you that she did her studies in Paris, and her parents still lived in Monaco. She would also often hang out at friends’ places, in and out of Monaco, and even spend weekends outside of the country quite frequently, with friends as well. The apartment was mostly a safety net, an investment, but you could feel nothing of her in it. It was barely decorated, a bit more those last few weeks now that you two were constantly buying stupid trinkets in token of your friendship, but you did not see her in it.

Yet, as she opened the door and took you instantly in her arms, whispering in your ear, home is the only word that came to your mind.

“Bonsoir mon petit chou”

“Bonsoir louloute” you answered sheepishly with your shitty accent, greeting her with the pet name she had taught you, one her friend Luca often used. It did not mean anything, just sounded cute.

She giggled, taking your hand and leading you inside. Very quickly, through music, wine and hair curlers, the mood for the evening was set. The alcohol made you speak more freely, and hopefully, it would help Alexandra too. Even though she said you knew things about her that nobody else did, there were still many subjects where you could feel her hesitation to delve in. It’s okay, with time, she would trust you about those too, you were sure of it.

She was babbling on about some friends’ drama while sitting on the edge of the window, when you took in the sight in front of you. She had taken off her hair curlers, and put on a satin robe that was slowly falling down her shoulder. The show of lights behind her, flickering between the moon and the glow of the city’s street lamps, made her features stand out even more. Her hair looked so shiny, her skin so soft, and the sparkle in her eye… Nothing she said really mattered, yet you could listen to her for hours and hours, as long as she kept blessing you with this sight.

You must have stared too intensely or for too long, because she came down from her seat and knelt on the floor, right in front of you, softly cupping your cheek with her hand.

“Ça va mon chou ?” Her brows furrowed, and she brought her other hand to your forehead. “You okay ?”

Her hot breath, inches away from your face. Her perfume, tickling your nose, you could almost see it dripping from her neck. Her fingers, drawing small figures on your cheeks. And her lips… there she was, so close, almost face to face, you had dreamt of this so often, and only now you realized how pink her lips were.

Maybe it was the amount of wine, maybe the temperature in her living room, but everything started spinning, and before you knew it, you had closed the gap and crashed your lips against hers. One hand on her small waist, the other in her hair, the kiss was messy, sticky like honey, you wanted to bite and barely restrained yourself. You felt like your heart was about to explode when she moaned into your mouth, and you were pretty sure you felt it drop when she pulled away.

For what felt like an eternity, you stayed silent, panting, eyes locked, air heavy with the realization of what had just happened. She blushed, and you started smiling, before she spoke in a shaky breath, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Y/N… I’m sorry I…. I have a boyfriend…”

Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3

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astroa3h · 3 months

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where you'll meet your soulmate

I know this is fairly vague when it comes to astrology and how intricate of an art it can be, especially when it comes to the placement of Juno. But I find this to be pretty spot on when it comes to the dreamy meet cute you have with your destined one.

Juno in the 1st House: Picture this - you're shining bright, maybe you're on stage, or it's your birthday bash. There’s laughter, music, and bam! Your eyes lock with theirs across the room. It's electric, like a scene from a movie. Love at first sight? Heck yeah. This isn't a slow burn; it's fireworks from the get-go. Imagine meeting the one person who sees you, the real you, in a crowd of faces. That’s your moment.

Juno in the 2nd House: Imagine casually browsing through a bookstore or maybe hustling at a side gig, and there they are. Maybe they're helping you pick out the perfect gift, or you’re laughing over a bizarre find at a flea market. This connection is built on the simple things in life, like sharing a passion or working on something that matters to both of you. It’s the shared smiles and the teamwork that makes the dream work.

Juno in the 3rd House: Ever met someone and felt like you’ve known them forever? That’s Juno in the 3rd for you. It could be a friend of a friend, someone from the neighborhood, or that person you keep bumping into online because you laugh at the same memes. This could also be a childhood friend. It's the comfort of familiarity, the ease of a conversation that never ends. It’s like finding a missing piece you weren’t even aware you were looking for.

Juno in the 4th House: This is all about home, heart, and heritage. Imagine finding your soulmate at a family gathering or through a connection so deeply rooted in your past, it feels fated. It could be a cozy dinner, a traditional celebration, or through the meddling of your mom playing cupid. This soulmate brings a sense of belonging, a feeling of coming home, no matter where you are.

Juno in the 5th House: Think laughter, creativity, and a dash of spontaneity. Meeting your soulmate while you’re living your best life, maybe at a concert, an art exhibit, or while coaching little league. It’s those moments of pure joy and abandon, where you meet someone who makes your heart race faster than a rollercoaster ride. It’s about finding love in the midst of living passionately.

Juno in the 6th House: Here, love finds you in the midst of your daily grind. It could be that new colleague, someone you meet at a fitness class, or even a fellow volunteer. This is about finding someone who fits into your life like the perfect puzzle piece, making every day brighter and every routine special. It’s the beauty in the ordinary, the love that grows in shared routines and little acts of care.

Juno in the 7th House: Picture meeting your soulmate at a wedding, It's where you least expect it, in the midst of celebrating love, you find your own. It could be a plus-one that was meant to be your plus-one forever. This is about partnerships, the undeniable pull towards someone who complements you perfectly, in ways you hadn’t even dared to dream of. I sometimes find you may even find your soulmate through an ex partner with this placement.

Juno in the 8th House: This is deep, the kind of connection that happens in the quiet, unexpected moments. Maybe it’s someone you meet in a place where you both show your vulnerabilities, or perhaps during a time of transformation. You could be intoxicated or under the influence when you meet. It’s a soul-stirring, intense connection that feels predestined, a love that’s as profound as the ocean and just as mysterious.

Juno in the 9th House: Imagine crossing paths with your soulmate in a setting that screams adventure and growth. It could be a study abroad program, a spiritual journey, or just a random seminar that you both decided to attend on a whim. This is about finding someone who shares your thirst for knowledge, adventure, and the quest for meaning in life. It’s about expanding your horizons, together.

Juno in the 10th House: Here’s where your ambitions and your heart align. Meeting your soulmate in a context that’s all about achieving your life’s purpose, maybe at a conference, through a mentor, or while making your mark on the world. It’s about finding someone who not only shares your dreams but is ready to build an empire with you. This love story is about legacy, ambition, and a shared vision for the future.

Juno in the 11th House: This is the meet-cute you didn’t see coming. A friend’s party, a community event, or that random encounter at a party. It’s about connection, friendship, and shared ideals. Finding your soul mate here means finding someone who gets you on a level that's almost telepathic. It’s about shared laughs, mutual friends becoming mutual admirers, and feeling like you’ve found your tribe with this person by your side.

Juno in the 12th House: This is where souls connect on a celestial level. Imagine a tranquil setting, a spiritual retreat, or a place where you're seeking peace, and there they are. This connection is ethereal, almost like recognizing a soul from a past life. It’s a love that transcends time and space, wrapping you in a sense of calm and belonging that’s hard to put into words.

xox astro ash ✨ Get your own Juno Soulmate Reading @ astroash.net TikTok - astroa3h

#astrology #astrology readings #astrology aspects #natal chart #astrologer #astro observations #astro notes #astro community #astrology blog #daily astrology #astrology houses #horoscopes #zodiac #astro placements #birth chart #juno #soulmate

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wittyworm · 1 month

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Wittyworm Patreon and Website Launch!

Sup, my name is Rosario, I'm a 26 yr old artist and bike technician born and raised in Florida. As a person with mixed African and Boricua heritage, my culture is integral to everything I intend to do, and how I intend to live. Free and full of passion, art, music and spirituality. I wish to create and to inspire others to do the same. This is only the beginning of a new journey into the world of freelance and trade, so if you'd like to support me so I can keep creating and helping those in my community, I'd very much appreciate it! I'm excited to be launching my website/ patreon so I can share what I love to do with you all, and hopefully in the future I'll be able to do even more.

Thank you 💚🍀🦎

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Some art of mine you might recognize, and more to come later!

heres some more of my older pieces that will be available as prints on my website 🙏

and because someone asked, if youd like to just do a one time donation to support me instead of through patreon, i do have a kofi!

Thank you guys all so much

#my art #patreon #support artists #yugioh #legend of zelda

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writing-with-sophia · 7 months

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30 writing prompts about dark magic

Write a story about a young apprentice who becomes entangled in a forbidden form of dark magic.

Explore the consequences of a character who uses dark magic to resurrect a loved one.

Create a world where dark magic is the only means of survival, and the protagonist must choose between embracing it or resisting its allure.

Write about a cursed artifact that grants immense dark magical power to anyone who possesses it.

Imagine a society where practitioners of dark magic are feared and hunted, and a protagonist must hide their abilities to survive.

Tell the story of a character who unintentionally unleashes a powerful and malevolent dark force upon the world.

Write a tale of a group of individuals who use dark magic for noble purposes, challenging the conventional notions of good and evil.

Explore the psychological toll on a character who delves too deep into dark magic and loses their sense of self.

Create a magical academy where students are taught both light and dark magic, and follow a student's journey as they grapple with the temptation of the dark arts.

Describe a character who discovers an ancient book of dark magic and becomes consumed by its power.

Write about a protagonist who must make a pact with a dark entity to save their loved ones, at the cost of their own soul.

Imagine a world where dark magic is the dominant force, and a small group of rebels fight to restore balance using light magic.

Explore the origins of dark magic in a mythological world and the tragic events that led to its corruption.

Write a story about a character who is wrongly accused of practicing dark magic and must prove their innocence.

Imagine a character who uses dark magic to exact revenge on those who have wronged them, only to discover the consequences are far greater than anticipated.

Create a protagonist who possesses the ability to absorb and manipulate dark magic, struggling to control their powers and resist its corrupting influence.

Write about a character who discovers a hidden society of dark magic users and must decide whether to join them or fight against their destructive ways.

Explore the moral dilemma of a character who uses dark magic to save lives but must sacrifice their own humanity in the process.

Describe a cursed forest filled with dark magic where a group of adventurers must navigate its dangers to retrieve a powerful artifact.

Write a story about a character who seeks out forbidden knowledge of dark magic to gain immortality but finds that eternal life comes at a cost.

Imagine a world where dark magic is outlawed, and a character becomes an underground practitioner, fighting against oppressive forces.

Create a protagonist who is born with an uncontrollable dark magic that threatens to consume them unless they find a way to harness and control it.

Write about a character who becomes possessed by a malevolent spirit and must find a way to break free from its control.

Describe a character who uses dark magic to manipulate time and alter the course of history, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Imagine a protagonist who discovers a hidden society of benevolent dark magic practitioners, challenging the notion that all dark magic is inherently evil.

Write a story about a character who accidentally curses themselves with a dark spell and must find a way to reverse it before it's too late.

Create a world where dark magic is a natural force that must be balanced with light magic to prevent catastrophic events.

Describe a character who must navigate a labyrinth filled with dark magic traps and illusions to reach a coveted artifact.

Write about a character who is born into a prestigious family of dark magic practitioners but rejects their heritage, choosing a different path.

Imagine a character who discovers a hidden library of ancient dark magic spells and becomes obsessed with mastering their power, regardless of the consequences.

If you want to read more posts about writing, please click here and give me a follow!

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art · 2 years

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OC Intros: @lemongrace

Hi everyone, Lemongrace here! I’m an EU-based hobby artist from Poland with a great love for drawing and designing characters from a variety of games. I started out with World of Warcraft, only to branch out to the universes of FFXIV and D&D, and it’s been quite the fun journey!! Besides art and gaming, I’m also interested in history (partly due to my heritage) and learning new languages.

Who/what was the inspiration behind your original character?

Icatia was born out of the idea of a magical girl trope meeting Dungeons and Dragons. I’ve wanted an unapologetically cute character that would remain a beacon of hope in a world full of adversity, finding strength in her own softness. She’s a homage to the childhood heroines such as Usagi from Sailor Moon or Ichigo from Tokyo Mew Mew.

What made you want to create your own original character?

My friend was running a D&D game, and the previous character I made for the game didn’t click with me—so I turned to something I knew from previous RP ventures! Someone less abrasive and a little more wide-eyed in the big world.

Are there any similarities between you and your OC?

While I’d call us opposites for the most part, both me and Icatia are very much into indulging ourselves when an opportunity arises haha (only difference here being that she’s a rich fantasy noble, and I’m a freelance-hobby artist OTL).

Thanks for sharing your OC with us, Lemongrace! Check out more of their work here.

#oc intros #artists on tumblr #art #oc #lemongrace

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genshin-impact-updates · 5 months

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"A Journey of Art and Heritage" - Mortal Tales: Egg Carving | Genshin Impact

Light and shadow mingle where illusion meets reality. The scenes on the eggshells come to life, as if they were before our very eyes.

youtube

#genshin impact #genshin impact updates #genshin impact news #official #a journey of art and heritage #god that's so fucking cool. i love this series #Youtube

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genshinresource · 9 months

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youtube

Genshin Impact "A Journey of Art and Heritage" - Adeptal Tales: Longquan Celadon

#genshin impact #videos #documentary #A Journey of Art and Heritage #Youtube

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ancientorigins · 20 days

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Egyptian blue, an #ancient pigment, is believed to date thousands of years, showcasing early human #creativity of the ancient #Egyptians. Used in Egyptian #art, its durability and vibrant color endured for millennia.

Beyond Egypt, traces of Egyptian blue appeared in #Greek and Roman art, hinting at its widespread influence. While its production method faded with the Roman Empire's decline, 19th-century #rediscovery sparked modern scientific interest.

In the modern age, researchers have #uncovered its unique properties, including infrared light emission and nanosheet formation, opening avenues for contemporary applications like biomedical imaging and communication #technology. Egyptian blue's journey from ancient masterpiece to modern marvel underscores its enduring #legacy in human innovation and cultural heritage.

#color #blue #pigment #dye #ancient Egypt #faience #technology

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apokrify · 5 months

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“Hajichi, a Ryukyuan indigenous tattoo tradition, has historical documentation dating back to the 16th century, though its origins are thought to extend even further into the past. Exclusively inked on women's hands by women, it has been associated with significant life events such as coming of age and marriage, as well as serving as a means of protection against abduction from the island.

Although once appreciated as a beautiful piece of art and a symbol of womanhood and their heritage, there was a shift in perception of hajichi after Okinawa's annexation by Japan. Tattoos became stigmatized, and women with hajichi faced discrimination within society.

However, there are efforts today to preserve this ancient culture by bringing awareness of hajichi and its history. For those with Okinawan roots, the act of embracing this once forbidden custom becomes an intimate journey—a way to reclaim their Okinawan identity and forge a deep, heartfelt connection with the rich tapestry of their culture.”

#tattoos

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mask-of-prime · 3 months

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TLK: Bianka

Since I headcanon the Strange Lion's father is the Selfish Lion, I figured he had to have a mother, too.

Say hello to Bianka, the mother of the Strange Lion (Nyoka), and wife of the Selfish Lion (Choyo). She is a scorned rogue lioness from Mohatu's time as King, kickstarting a chain of infamous events throughout the history of the Pridelands and the Outlands.

She is a distant descendant of Mwanzo, leader of the Evil Lions of the Past. Like her forefathers, Bianka possesses Tsavo lion genes. Nyoka gets his Evil Lion heritage from his mother (yep, that means the Selfish Lion is actually married into this family rather than the heir, I came up with the idea of Bianka being the one with Evil Lion blood based on the vibes I got from the features I gave her).

Her restless desire to overthrow King Mohatu was brought on by the mystery of her ancestry, and the full story of her forefathers' legacy went unfinished, and even began to fade generations down the line. She recruited Almasi (a rogue from a far-away pride searching for her destiny), and Choyo (Mohatu's former business partner who was meant to help grow the pride after a massive loss to a devastating outbreak of rabies and drought-induced disease) to help eliminate the royal family that occupied Pride Rock by means of integration and deception. She would also groom her son into her plan to take over by integrating him into the pride to marry Princess Uru. This never carried through as Uru fell in love with the riff-raff pauper, Ahadi, and Nyoka had ultimately been banished for threatening the pride in a crazed state from receiving his Mark of Evil.

Her husband, Choyo, was not truly interested in her, and was even less interested in having a child. He only wanted the benefits that came with ruling a prosperous kingdom, such as all the food and water he could possibly mooch off of, and he can only achieve such things in an alliance with the conniving Tsavo lioness.

Bianka's disregard for animals other than her own kind had eventually been the cause of her downfall. Not long after her cohort Almasi had perished from dehydration and other complications from the drought (tragically just before Mohatu had found a luscious water source at the Oasis), Bianka had been trampled during the herds' race to said water source. She died while Nyoka was still very young, making him not so different from Princess Uru in that way, which he would often bring up in an attempt to court her. But his nightmare never ended there: His only living parent, Choyo, had been exiled for violating the delicate balance of the Pridelands' ecosystem for hogging limited supplies for himself, and for threatening other animals with violence. Mohatu, believing a child to not deserve to live with such a parent, combined with knowing about Choyo's reluctance to care for his only cub, had taken Nyoka in and raised him in his slowly growing, recovering pride.

Her untimely death at the hooves and paws of the Pridelanders followed by her husband's exile are what ultimately fired Nyoka's very own restless journey to finish what his ancestors started, and he would eventually go to carry out his plan to reclaim the kingdom as his own by continuing the cycle of taking over the royal pride through convoluted schemes of trust and persuasion (which ironically came to fruition posthumously after his protégée Scar killed him). Nyoka, unlike Bianka, made an effort to piece together his legacy through direct contact of his ancestors by performing a seance with the help of his cobra friend, Kuuma (will elaborate in future art).

(I know she and Almasi look like they could be sisters, but if they were, that would've made Scar and Zira, like, first-cousins-once-removed or something. I don't like using relations like that as a plot element sooo... I had them be a coalition of unrelated lionesses who just happen to have similar design elements lol. I based their friendship off of the fact that they've got similar designs, I thought juxtaposing their designs in the top sketch would help distinguish them.)

#The Lion King #The Lion Guard #TLK #TLG #Strange Lion #Selfish Lion #My Art

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yoonavii · 6 months

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𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐈𝐀

Gladiator Prince! Eustass x Warrior princess! Reader

Story description: Y/n, a skilled ice warrior from the frigid kingdom of Nosta, and Prince Eustass, a ruthless gladiator prince hailing from the enemy nation, the Modora Empire. Their two nations have a long history of conflict and animosity. However, when a dire situation calls for a political marriage to secure peace, Y/n and Eustass find themselves bound together in a union neither desires. As they navigate the treacherous path of diplomacy, they must confront their own prejudices and the weight of their peoples’ expectations. Through adversity and danger, the icy walls between them slowly begin to melt, and they discover unexpected connections and feelings, transforming their initial enmity into a deep and passionate love of the ages.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄

The morning sun broke through the frosty windows, casting a gentle glow across your chamber. As you stirred from slumber, the maids moved with an air of urgency, bustling about to prepare you for your journey to the Modora Empire. With gentle and swift movements, they greeted you and began the process of transforming you for the day ahead. The first ritual was the snow bath, a tradition deeply rooted in the culture of the Nosta Kingdom. Stepping into the snow was a stark contrast to the warmth of your chamber, and the icy sensation against your bare skin was more biting than usual. But you bore it stoically, understanding its significance as a symbol of purification and readiness.

Emerging from the snow bath, your skin felt invigorated, and you were led to your attire. The dress they chose for you was a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to showcase your heritage and your figure. It bore intricate patterns that told the story of your people, and its design emphasized your strength and grace. With precise strokes, they applied kohl around your eyes, enhancing their allure. The face paint, reminiscent of warrior markings, was an embodiment of your resilience and the strength of your kingdom.

More maids arrived, their nimble fingers weaving through your hair. The elaborate braid they crafted was a work of art, adorned with intricate accessories that held both aesthetic and cultural significance. It was a reflection of your status and the history you carried with you. As the morning's preparations continued, you couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. Each detail, from the attire to the makeup and the hair adornments, held profound meaning. They were not just ornaments; they were symbols of your identity, your heritage, and the legacy you embodied as the ice princess of Nosta.

Now as you were then brought by the head maid to a dimly lit chamber, two crowns rested upon velvet cushions, each a testament to the authority and power they represented. Your eyes, filled with determination, immediately landed on your late father’s crown. It was a formidable piece, crafted from solid steel and shaped like tall, imposing spikes. Choosing this crown was not just a matter of aesthetics; it was a deliberate declaration. You wanted the Modora Empire to understand that the blood of the former king of the Nosta Kingdom flowed through your veins, and you were not a mere pawn in a political game. You were a ruler with the strength and resolve to defend your people.

The head maid’s lips curved into a knowing smile as she lifted your father’s crown and carefully placed it upon your head. It settled with a weight that served as a constant reminder of the responsibilities that now rested upon your shoulders. You wore it proudly, for it was more than just a piece of metal; it was a symbol of your heritage and your commitment to your kingdom. Outside the castle, the royal council members, their fur cloaks providing a stark contrast to the white landscape, formed two rows to create a path for your departure. Each council member, in their own way, extended a hand to touch you as you passed, their silent farewells a testament to the unity and strength of the Nosta Kingdom. Their touch carried the weight of history, a promise of support as you embarked on this extraordinary journey, ready to face the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

As you turned back for one last look at the castle, a pang of bittersweet emotion welled up within you. It was your home, the place where you had grown up, and now you were leaving it behind for a distant land. The sight of your little brother running toward you, his nanny trailing behind, tugged at your heartstrings. He threw his small arms around you, tears streaming down his cheeks as he clung to you. "Big sister," he sobbed, "I'll miss you so much. I don't want you to go." You knelt down, hugging him tightly, and whispered comforting words in his ear. "Shh, don't cry," you said softly, brushing away his tears. "I promise I'll visit as soon as things settle in the empire. And until then, you have to be strong, okay? Train your body and mind, and one day, you'll become a great and formidable king, just like our father." He nodded earnestly, wiping away his tears, and replied, "I'll try, big sister. I'll make you proud."

With a warm smile, you kissed his forehead and watched as he returned to his nanny's side. It was a difficult farewell, but you knew it was a necessary step on your journey. As you turned to leave, you spotted Trafalgar Law with his sword and a bag of the weapons you had hoped to bring. His presence and his support were a source of comfort, and you couldn't help but smile at him before stepping into the carriage. With a heavy heart but a resolute spirit, you embarked on this journey, leaving behind your home and family, and venturing into the unknown world of the Modora Empire.

——

Prince Eustass stood stoically in his expansive room within the Modora Empire, surrounded by a team of maids tasked with removing his armor. The air was filled with an air of formality as the maidens carefully worked to disentangle the intricate pieces from his body. In the midst of this meticulous process, an unintended mishap occurred. The sharp edges of the armor proved unforgiving, resulting in one maid inadvertently cutting her finger. A hushed silence fell over the room as the others quickly suppressed any expression of pain from their wounded companion.

Eustass, seemingly indifferent to the incident, moved away once the armor removal was complete. His room, grand and imposing, rivaled even the size of the emperor’s quarters, befitting his status as the crown prince. The Roman-themed decor, a testament to the Empire’s opulence, had been meticulously designed by the finest architects and decorators at the Empire’s disposal. From his vantage point, Eustass could survey the lands beyond the palace, territories conquered by his father, offering a commanding view of the empire’s dominion.

Suddenly, a torrent of haunting memories flooded Prince Eustass’s mind, a sudden rush of images and screams that transported him to a different time. The vivid recollections of a young boy and his mother in terror overwhelmed his senses, causing him to stumble and eliciting a pained wince. Desperately, he clutched his ears, trying to block out the haunting echoes of the past.

In the room, the maids and servants, bewildered by this unexpected episode, froze in place. Eustass, his voice laced with a mixture of anguish and frustration, barked at them, “GET OUT!” They wasted no time, swiftly evacuating the room, leaving the prince to grapple with the haunting memories that plagued him.

Ever since his time at war, these relentless flashbacks had become a recurring torment, and Eustass found himself grappling with the unsettling question of why these memories continued to haunt him. Alone in his grand chamber, he faced a battle within himself, wrestling with the ghosts of the past that seemed determined to resurface at the most unexpected moments. Frustration boiling over, Prince Eustass seized a nearby amphora vase and hurled it with unrestrained force, the vessel shattering against the wall in a burst of shards. Unbeknownst to him, his father, the emperor, had silently entered the room, observing the display of unbridled emotion.

Furious, thinking a servant had disobeyed his order to stay away, Eustass turned abruptly, ready to reprimand. However, upon realizing it was his father, he swiftly dropped his expression of anger, immediately assuming a posture of deep respect, lowering himself to one knee. Despite the familiarity of their relationship, the emperor demanded the deference owed to his position. Eustass quickly apologized, explaining the misunderstanding and expressing regret for his unintended display of frustration. His father, dismissing the incident with a wave of his hand, chose to sit on Eustass's finely adorned bed, dressed in the richest shades of red fabric. The opulence of the room and the subtle tension between father and son lingered in the air, as the emperor considered his son's tumultuous state.

The Emperor settled on the finely adorned bed, his eyes meeting those of his son with a gravity that bespoke the weight of the forthcoming conversation. Cutting through the air with a directness characteristic of a ruler, he initiated the discussion about the arranged marriage, wasting no time in revealing the underlying reasons. "I won't be around much longer, Eustass," the emperor declared, a stark admission that hung in the room. "The Goddess of Dragons has cast her judgment upon me, a punishment for the relentless attacks and unnecessary bloodshed that marked our past. Our people are suffering, and it's time to make amends."

He continued, the lines etched on his face reflecting the toll of years of rule. "The people of the Nosta Kingdom possess skills that we lack. Their archers are formidable, but it's their expertise in herbalism that holds the key. Their medicines surpass ours in both efficacy and advancement. I've ended the century-long war between us, forging an alliance and establishing trade. Medicine in exchange for peace." The emperor's gaze bore into his son's, a silent plea for understanding and cooperation. "To strengthen this alliance, a marriage between our royal heirs has been arranged. It is a necessary step, Eustass, for the well-being of our people and the future of the empire."

Eustass listened with a mix of shock and composure as his father revealed the true reason behind the arranged marriage. Despite the gravity of the situation, he kept his emotions in check, maintaining a composed front in the presence of the emperor. The emperor, aware of the challenges this union might pose, expressed his concerns about the differences in cultures and traditions between the two kingdoms. However, he affirmed that, for the sake of the alliance and the greater good, the wedding must proceed.

Attempting to lighten the mood, the emperor jestingly warned Eustass to keep his guard up in front of the Nosta princess, playfully suggesting that she might charm him to literal death. Eustass chuckled at the playful admonition, countering with the belief that the princess was probably unappealing. The emperor swiftly corrected him, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Rumors say otherwise, my son. She’s rumored to possess near-extreme beauty, alongside her strength and warrior skills.”

Eustass, caught off guard by this revelation, flustered at the thought, eliciting hearty laughter from his father. The emperor playfully patted him on the shoulder, acknowledging the humorous twist of fate that awaited the crown prince.

“I guess…we’ll see”

©𝐘𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐈— Any sign/evidence of plagiarism made from outside this name will be dealt with by whatever means necessary. Legal action may occur if non fanfiction works are plagiarized.

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