He’s two seconds in, thumbing through the novel, before he looks up again, staring into the milky wall with deliberation. His eyebrows raise. “She’s faking it.” His lips purse. “Is that...?”

@theartofmadeline

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occasionally subtle
i don't do bad sauce passes

祝日 / Permanent Vacation
Mike Driver
One Nice Bug Per Day
tumblr dot com

shark vs the universe
Jules of Nature

Kaledo Art

PR's Tumblrdome
Claire Keane
cherry valley forever

oozey mess
KIROKAZE

ellievsbear
2025 on Tumblr: Trends That Defined the Year

JVL
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@cruentatafoedus
He’s two seconds in, thumbing through the novel, before he looks up again, staring into the milky wall with deliberation. His eyebrows raise. “She’s faking it.” His lips purse. “Is that...?”
A villain is someone who kills people. A hero is someone who gets people killed.
(via batsandbandages)
Shiping:
“I feel like we’re in a high school anime”
“Dungeons and Dragons: Love Love Dragon High”
Gauntlet development throughout history
Educational charts; arms and armor - New York Met 1917
[...]
It’s been a long day, but in strolls Vayne, a lovely paper bag with the corded handles and cheery lettering on the side - ’Yankee Candle’.
Soberly, he picks a dark red, glass container from inside next to a couple others, puts it down with almost religious humility next to Locke. His pale eyes gaze into the other’s, strong, calm, committed. Vayne speaks slowly, his accent curling at the edges of his words like fire. “I have found your next boyfriend.”
Locke is behind the counter, updating inventory numbers based on his purchases and sales for the day. The moment the bell rings he knows things are about to get interesting. Compared to the ruddy-cheeked, well heeled college students that often meander into his shop, Vayne looks like a storm cloud.
Once the candle is placed before him, he stares at it for a long moment, brows raised. “Xu insists you’re not weird.” But whatever, he’s got a match at the ready, and he lights the thing. The shop is filled with a mountain aroma that Locke has to admit isn’t bad.
A young lady enters the shop shortly thereafter, and smiles dreamily at the two men. “…hi,” she purrs, twirling a lock of red hair around her finger.
“…I guess I should take this home with me,” Locke says.
The paper bag emptied, Vayne folds it once, then twice, tucking it into his coat pocket. The young woman he offers a pearly smile - his eyes give her an appraising look, the smile only denting further into his cheeks. It’s too easy to play this game, even knotted up in suit and tie (though the tie is partially undone, the delicate patterns gleaming in the light), fresh from a meeting with a client. He speaks, however, to Locke. “I’ll be sure to order another lest this one is worn out by your zealotry.”
A hand sliding into his pants pocket, and Vayne puts his briefcase on the floor. “How are you?”
Sword Facts & Myths
All Medieval swords weighed at least 12 pounds – FALSE
Most Medieval swords weighed around 2.5 lbs - even long hand-and-a-half and two-handed swords weighed less than 4 lbs.
Medieval swords were not sharp - FALSE
Some surviving samples of Medieval swords are still sharp - many are razor-sharp.
All swords should balance within 2" of the guard - FALSE
A sword’s balance should be determined by its function, not an arbitrary standard. Swords intended for cutting often balance 5 or 6 inches from the guard.
Swords were made to cut through armour - FALSE
Period armour was often work- and case-hardened and curved such that it is difficult to hit at a right angle. Late Medieval thrusting swords, even the ones with a reinforced point, were used to thrust into the gaps in armour, not through the plate.
Viking swords were heavier than Medieval swords - FALSE
The Viking sword was a very highly developed sword form. Often the blades were quite thin in cross section, and as a result, were often the same or lighter in overall weight than other similarsized swords.
There is no such thing as the “perfect” sword - TRUE
There are only “perfect” swords for their intended purpose and the tastes of the owner.
A “good” sword should be able to bend past 90 degrees without taking a set - FALSE
Flexibility is only one of the aspects of the steel properties that is important in a sword. Too flexible, and it is inefficient in the thrust and the cut. Too stiff and it is prone to breakage. Most makers are content if a sword will bend to 45 degrees without taking a set.
Real swordfights were just like they are in the movies - FALSE
Swordfights in movies are choreographed for entertainment not authenticity. Edge to edge parries and fancy techniques are designed to heighten drama in a scene. An actual swordfight would be short, brutal and much quieter.
Japanese swords are the sharpest and best swords ever made - FALSE
Japanese swords have many admirable qualities and were well-suited to their intended use, but they are not necessarily sharper or better than a properly designed and sharpened Medieval sword.
Medieval swordmakers were uneducated barbarians - FALSE
It is apparent from even a cursory study of surviving Medieval swords that blademakers and cutlers were highly skilled artisans with a profound understanding of mathematics and proportion.
Not all swords should be as sharp as a razor - TRUE
The sword’s intended purpose is always the guide to use – thrusting swords are not intended for cutting, so some may not even have an edge at all, just a well-defined and reinforced point.
Swords were tempered in urine or blood - FALSE
The steels smelted in Medieval Europe required either clean water or oil for quenching. Urine or blood would not allow a blade to temper properly.
The “blood groove” is on a sword to release pressure in the wound and allow the sword to come back out - FALSE
“Blood groove” as a term is a recent invention – “fuller” is the proper name for the groove or grooves on a sword blade. The purpose of the fuller has nothing to do with “blood” – fullers reduce weight, assist in the proper distribution of mass in a blade, and help make the blade more stiff.
A good sword can cut through a concrete pillar - FALSE
Swords were intended to cut through flesh, clothing, and (in earlier swords) leather or mail armour. They are not intended to cut wood, concrete or metal pillars, even though that is often seen in films.
A sword will fall apart if you don’t clean the tang of the sword - FALSE
The tang of a sword, if properly made and the rest of the sword properly maintained, will not require any maintenance for generations of use.
Japanese folded steel is superior to European sword steel - FALSE
Folding steel was a technique used by Japanese smiths to try to get the best steel they could from very poor ore sources. Folded steel blades are more likely than modern monosteels to have large, unseen inclusions of impurities that may in fact critically weaken a blade. By folding the steel billet many, many times, they achieved a more even distribution of carbon and worked most of the impurities out of the steel. The result is stunningly beautiful, but we have to believe that if a 16th C Japanese smith had access to modern monosteels, he would have switched in a heartbeat.
Pattern-welded steel is superior to mono-steel - FALSE
Like folding steel, pattern-welding was a technique used to try to get the best steel from very poor ore sources. Pattern-welding is the art of hammering together, and then twisting and re-hammering layers of iron (often of varying carbon content). The Celts as far back as the 5th century BC may have made swords by pattern-welding, and this technique was used extensively until at least the end of the 10th century. After this, better, more consistent iron ore was obtainable, and furnace technology improved, making this laborious technique unnecessary. Also like folded steel blades, pattern welded blades are more likely than modern monosteels to have large, unseen inclusions of impurities that may in fact critically weaken a blade.
Swords are just big knives - FALSE
The design of a sword is far more complex than a knife. Flexibility balance and vibration are far more critical in a sword-length blade than in a knife-length blade.
Info source: © 2005 Albion Armorers, Inc.
Photo source: © Royal Armouries
Squints, studies a online video, and attempts to recreate the elaborate braids in Vayne's unruly hair. "I thought this would be easier."
Makes low rumbling noises and attempts to avoid turning into a puddle with his head in her lap. Each scrape of her fingertips makes his skin quiver and his body ache. Damn this physical sensitivity, but also damn this physical sensitivity.
He’s a puddle in her lap, and Xu combs out the failed braid- Esme will have to live without this particular design woven into her hair- and bends to kiss his forehead.
“Want me to try something else?”
He doesn’t bother opening his eyes, a dull hum caught in his throat. A couple of his fingers curl blindly towards where her voice comes from, hunting with care for her features. “Does it look well on me?”
“You’re the prettiest princess,” she replies, even as his fingers graze her nose.
“I can put some of those little plastic barrettes in, too, if you want.”
Vayne laughs, warm. “Much care must be taken in this delicate manner lest the world be left to mourn its lack of truly beautiful princesses.” His eyes open, lazy, calm. It’s a wonder to think how over the years he has come to breathe - he trusts her. Raised fingertips, now guided by his sight, smooth the outermost edges of Xu’s lips, voice almost an afterthought. “They’ve to match the cloth that drapes o’er, scandalous quarter cannot be given.”
Squints, studies a online video, and attempts to recreate the elaborate braids in Vayne's unruly hair. "I thought this would be easier."
Makes low rumbling noises and attempts to avoid turning into a puddle with his head in her lap. Each scrape of her fingertips makes his skin quiver and his body ache. Damn this physical sensitivity, but also damn this physical sensitivity.
He’s a puddle in her lap, and Xu combs out the failed braid- Esme will have to live without this particular design woven into her hair- and bends to kiss his forehead.
“Want me to try something else?”
He doesn’t bother opening his eyes, a dull hum caught in his throat. A couple of his fingers curl blindly towards where her voice comes from, hunting with care for her features. “Does it look well on me?”
That's naughty
That’s Naughty: Name something you would want to try in bed, but won’t.
“Magicks akin to the Occurian philanthropy.”
Okay, I’m throwing this under a read more because Iiii don’t want to start things and I know this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea so - dude, seriously, don’t click if you don’t want to know -
“Quit? Quit what? My my, pray, is there some charming interlude I find myself woefully unaware of persisting beyond our flattering interplay?”
Squints, studies a online video, and attempts to recreate the elaborate braids in Vayne's unruly hair. "I thought this would be easier."
Makes low rumbling noises and attempts to avoid turning into a puddle with his head in her lap. Each scrape of her fingertips makes his skin quiver and his body ache. Damn this physical sensitivity, but also damn this physical sensitivity.
French Maid: Do you roleplay in bed? To go further: WHAT do you roleplay?
“Oh? Are you making an vivacious offer one cannot see fit to find quarrel with?”
Of course he does! In his default to other AUs he can at the whims of his partners, and of his own volition tends to enjoy taking on a reverse scenario - one in which he’s not the one in charge (but inevitably ends up so because that’s how it works - if your “sub” says no, the entire scenario falls apart or it’s nonconsensual and yet he’s been on that end, too, both as instigator and not).
Surprisingly, though, he doesn’t usually go in (slash commit to following through even when starting out as teasing or pretending to start a scenario) for it if he’s aware enough (and mostly that means he has to trust/actually be in the probably working through denial of being in love stage or actually openly in love with someone or quietly in love with them BUT SOMETIMES THAT’S WORSE?? see his controlling issues), and not in the “let’s fuck with your head” mode or being flat out suspicious and toying with people to figure out their motivations and how to most effectively use them mode.
Vayne’s played mind games most of his life (many of them deadly and cruel, some forced into by relatives or whatever the situation “called for”, a lot like the movie I cannot recommend enough, Dangerous Liaisons) and, in a committed relationship, rather enjoys the physical simplicity of enjoying whomever he’s with (wherein he gets to make them feel as good as he feels they should with little interest in his own pleasure now and then because his pleasure is their pleasure). Thiiiiis actually can mean he’s notably vanilla at times regardless of whether or not he consciously intends it, but he’s got an entire background in Archades born and bred debauchery tied up in a fair bit of self disgust and self loathing, and when he really wants to protect someone…he really does, even if it’s from himself and keeping their lives at times as controlled (aka “safe”) as possible. He’s probably wrong in thinking he’s seen just about everything, but I wouldn’t put it past him (I’m sure the Marquis de Sade would have found some of those parties a bit like home).
He’s played up the power dynamics in royal/commoner thing, master/servant, student/teacher, noble/noble, coercive situations, public flirting to flat out public sex - the list…kind of goes on.
Overly Sexual Ask Prompts
Anything you could ever want to ask your favorite muses...IN BED! All of the things you were dying to ask, but weren't sure how to ask! All of the things you didn't want to know, but want to ask anyway!
Tie me, Bite me: Name a kink.
That's Naughty: Name something you would want to try in bed, but won't.
That's Nice: Name something you want to try in bed and will.
Self Torture: What do you like to masturbate to?
Wine and Dine: Is it important to have a nice prelude before having relations?
Sweet Kisses: Are you a good kisser?
Tasty: Chocolate? Whipped cream? Do you use food with sex?
Two's a crowd and three's a party!: Have you participated in a threesome? Any more than three? Would you be interested in inviting more people?
Swinger: Ever traded partners before?
BJ: Swallow or spit? What do you prefer?
Porn Collection: Do you watch porn? Do you make your own porn?
Vibrator: Use any toys? Have a favorite?
Tempo: Sweet and slow or hard and fast?
Secret Lover: Describe someone you lust after. No names!
Washing Machine: Ever do it in a weird place before?
Sheets: Are silk sheets sexy?
Thong Song: Do you like sexy lingerie?
Flavor: What's your orientation?
Turn On: Name a turn on.
Turn Off: Name a turn off.
Frequency: How many times do you have relations in a week?
Heart and Soul: Is love important when you have sex?
Good Morning: Do you partake in morning sex?
French Maid: Do you roleplay in bed?
Mood: How do you create the mood? Favorite atmosphere?
Takeout: Do you and your partner "eat out" often?
Trouser Snake: Does size matter? Is it big?
Meow: Shaved or natural?
Gossip: Do you sleep and tell?
First Time: Who was your first time with?
Keep it Down!: Are you loud when you make love?
I do not look exactly like my father, but open me up and you will notice without a second look that his blood runs inside of me.
I act just like my father and I hate it (via badlandswrites)
tagged by @momentaria
( REPOST ; DO NOT REBLOG. )
BASICS. name || Korik or Rebekah age || 27 pronouns || She/Her or they/them sexuality || idfksexual and idfkromantic zodiac sign || Capricorn/Dragon taken or single || single three facts || I own a panther chameleon named Elpis, came down with shingles when I was 20/21, and I am the biggest homebody.
EXPERIENCE. platforms you’ve used || for RP? such broad scope for responses AIM, Skype, Dreamwidth/LiveJournal, MSN, DeviantArt(ish), table-top...? best experience || Getting out of my parents’ house/range of influence.
MUSE PREFERENCES. female or male || Slight male preference but I’m getting more of a range thanks to things changing favourite face || Faces least favourite face || My own multi or single || is this about shipping? Most of my muses are multi-ship. I tend to keep one muse to one blog, however, and each blog has multiple versions of the same muse.
WRITING PREFERENCES. fluff, angst or smut || Pretty much everything as muses are pretty diverse and I like exploring the broad spectrum of emotion and experiences, though lately I’m a lot more iffy about smut thanks to coming to terms with being emotionally and physically manipulated for it for personal reasons... plots or memes || Do all the things but I’ll admit I’m kind of shit on plots due to, again, personal shit you can ask me about if you’re curious.... Sometimes I can just work with it better and other days I don’t do so well. long or short replies || Whichever you’re feeling, life happens, feelings happen. are you like your muse(s) || Inevitably anyone will project or be influenced by in some fashion the things they like or take part in, I am not above this, it’s why I play who I do and then in the way that I choose to do it. Do I act out on all of these things? Not at all, but it will happen (speech patterns, word choices, ideas presented, etc) - short answer: after a fashion. Long answer: complicated.
( TAGGED. )
@xuofhearts ;; @dynastincarnate ;; @the-lonely-soul ;; @thepricewasright ;; @containyourmainposure ;; @bourbonandmint ;; @crimson-legend ;; idk ALL PEEPsss