#hahahaha!

[halotrope]

Can’t stop thinking about this guy 😄

Closeup because I spent way too long on his shrimp halo so need someone to look at it:

[savage-rhi]

What would happen if Ardyn met Gortash? 😁😈🍿😂

@mauri2530 Good question, let's explore further 😂 I got inspired by this infamous banter between Vincent Price and Christopher Lee

The air in the palace was thick with a rich, decadent scent—one that reeked of overcompensation. Such was the nature of these events: leaders posturing their power, intimidating allies and rivals alike, securing their place at the top. Enver Gortash seemed to have mastered it, as far as Ardyn was concerned, and he didn't like it. Not one bit.

Still, there was something almost charming about it. To find someone who relied on the same tactics, subtle manipulations, and careful performances to win favor and keep enemies in check was a rarity.

Ardyn had been observing him all evening, a fellow predator in shared hunting grounds, noting every jest, every threat tucked neatly beneath civility. It hadn’t taken long to realize Gortash had been doing the same.

A glance here. A pause there. Eyes catching in passing, each of them gauging and sizing up the other. There was a familiar glint in Gortash's eyes, a look that said I see you.

Ardyn returned it tenfold.

After yet another tedious exchange with an ambassador about “united fronts,” Ardyn found himself at Gortash’s side. Wine in hand, both men watched the crowd in silence, the air between them thick with quiet calculation.

Gortash smiled first.

“Enjoying the splendors of my city, Chancellor?”

“Splendors,” Ardyn echoed, amused. “I wouldn’t be so bold. Still…I find myself rather enchanted by the spectacle. Baldur’s Gate has its charms—especially when compared to Niflheim.”

“Aldercapt mentioned you were difficult to impress,” Gortash said, a soft huff of laughter escaping him. “Given your past, I can understand why.” His gaze dashed briefly across the room. “I’ve noticed you prefer the company of the common folk invited out of courtesy. Tell me—what does a man of your stature gain from conversation beneath him?”

“Oh, plenty,” Ardyn replied lightly, his chuckle low enough that only Gortash would catch the edge of it. “Commoners tend to be far more valuable than those who spend their lives kissing boots. They listen. They talk. They notice things.” He pauses for effect. “I’ve learned quite a bit about how you run your city. I must say—I’m impressed.”

Gortash’s smile falters for the briefest moment—then widens as he turns to face him.

“Be blunt, Chancellor.”

“I don’t like you,” Ardyn says, his smile never wavering. “For much the same reasons, I imagine, that you don’t like me.”

A quiet chuckle left Gortash. “How refreshing. Honest men, then—no need for poetry.” He tilts his head slightly. “Though I admit, I’d hoped there might be some small sense of camaraderie.”

“Oh, there is,” Ardyn hums. “We’re mirrors, you and I. Moving through the same circles, playing the same game.” His gaze honed. “I can respect that. What I can't respect is your naivety."

“Naivety,” Gortash repeats, thoughtfully. “Strange thing to accuse a mirror of.” His smile thins. “Tell me—does it sting? Watching someone younger harvest the kind of influence you spent a lifetime cultivating? In a city where your strings don’t reach?”

Ardyn’s grip tightened just slightly around his glass, though his expression never faltered.

“Flattery about my age will get you nowhere,” he says smoothly. “Though I could ask how the son of a cobbler clawed his way into power so quickly.” He smirks. “But perhaps I’ve said too much.”

There it was—a trace of heat behind Gortash’s eyes, gone just as quickly.

“You do have a talent for getting peasants to spin convenient truths,” Gortash says coolly.

“I have my methods,” Ardyn replies, lifting his glass in a subtle gesture. “Perhaps you’d like to learn them.”

“Perhaps,” Gortash lets out a soft laugh, “if the gods saw fit to strike this bridge down where we stand.”

“The gods…” Ardyn echoed, faint amusement curling at the edges of his voice.

“Oh? Not a religious man?”

“I’m religious for the right price,” Ardyn replied dryly. Then, after a second, “But we seem to be drifting.”

“Agreed.”

Gortash studies him for a long moment before a slow smirk returned.

“I’ve enjoyed this, Chancellor. Perhaps we should continue this conversation somewhere more…private. I suspect we might be of use to one another.”

“Perhaps,” Ardyn allowed. “Or perhaps not.” His smile sharpens, just slightly. “Still—it would be a shame to crush the ambitions of a rising star.” A quiet chuckle. “Enjoy your festivities, Lord Gortash.”

As soon as Ardyn was out of earshot, Gortash’s grin lingered. His grip tightened on the stem of his wine glass—just shy of cracking.

“May the gods smile upon you, Chancellor Izunia…”

[phoenixeclipse-lmkau]

Drops this into ya’lls feed, and runs away as fast as possible. I HAVE DONE NOTHING! HAHAHAHA!!!

And damn I wonder what happened to make the duo so upset.

Taglist~

@sleepingdramaqueen @miifu666 @mehiwilldoitlater @the-ninja-girl-in-blue @vampirnico @cloud-kitties

[lovepeaceandcheese]

Only because I like the colours. Lol.

[jammernews]

President Trump Blasts Bruce Springsteen, Urges a Boycott Amid Escalating Feud: ‘Very Boring Singer’

President Donald Trump called for a boycott of Bruce Springsteen’s concerts after the musician criticized his administration, underscoring a

[cycling-kitties]

INTERNET!!!! What is it called if my mood feels perfect and elevated!!!!!!

But also like there is an evil presence in my head that wants to do something probably self destructive.

[darkxsoulzyx]

Haha have a WIP for something

[jinxisgaming]

AO3 IS DOWN!!?? ITS BEEN SIX HOURS AND I FIND OUT NOW!!