Key Lore Points: Vestal 1#

Hey, d'you want to hear a horrifying Episode Echoes theory?

y'know we've had a lore book entry stating varying encounters with the Vex on Nessus and how weird they're behaving - like a Guardian saying they swore one was making sandcastles etc. kind of weird and almost childlike. And other reports have talked about how the Vex are spontaneously changing, adapting, learning, in a way that is wholly new for them?

so... remember that fucking weird Swarmers lore from Lightfall?

The CloudArk and Neomuna in the early days was being attacked by the Vex though they didn't know then it was the Vex. They were approached by an Axis Mind named Aesop, which offered to help them in exchange for their loyalty. When they refused... the children's connection to the CloudArk was severed which presumably killed them?

It's a nursery rhyme, so isn't going to be 100% historically accurate - it could well be entirely allegorical.

But I can't help but think about the minds of the children and if they got stuck inside the Vex network rather than outright dying...

And some part of them is now inhabiting the Vex...

Actually thinking about it... the Swarmers nursery rhyme is essentially the story of the Pied Piper, who killed the rats in Hamelin, and when they refused the promised payment, lured the children away with music (often implied to be magical, so the children couldn't resist).

Kind of like the Conductor did with Saint...

How i met your mother

yeah, there’s nothing straight in this account

HAIL CAMILEDA! 

this is my concept for young Camila Noceda 

Espero les guste chicos, ¡los amo mucho!

Picnic Atop The Wall

Commission for NekoYashiki

New Cali ref for post series things idk

They/them pronouns only

After Basilisks are safe on the Isles again they like to have their tail as part of their look.

#tho #giveaway #congratsfor100!

Hi, it’s Isa! I was hanging out with mis muertos for two days and now there’s more than 100 of you!! I can’t believe there’s this many people who like my art ;-; (especially for my first ever au!!)

So as a thank you for all the support, I’m doing a giveaway! Every like and reblog on this post counts as one entry, and the winner will be picked randomly on November 11th. Only requirement is that you follow me.

The winner will receive flat-colored lineart* of anything TOH-related (OCs welcome too ^^, absolutely nothing nsfw), like the samples above! *If we’re mutuals, I’ll consider a full render ;]

<3, moroporo

A Broken Promise

WitteDad Timepool AU

Chapter 1: Carving and Craving

With the steady grip of his knife, Caleb whittled away at one of his newest palisman creations. His muse? An earthly robin. Five years had passed since Caleb and Phillip traveled to the Boiling Isles in the demon world. Around that same time, he fell in love with a witch. 

His gaze softened when he heard his wife sigh contentedly after she sipped her tea. She was a creature of habit just as he was. Since he was young, he was early to rise, to work, and then settle into the day-to-day doings. She liked to sleep in, whining when he disturbed her, only for her to pull him back into bed with tempting kisses and soft touches. 

He had never met someone so kind and beautiful in his life. He was raised to hate witches and for what they represented. Witches were vile, horrifying creatures. They attacked human villages, ate their babies, and cursed the children they did not find nearly as scrumptious. She managed to change his beliefs. Perhaps the people back at home would cry foul of witchcraft. That somehow, Caleb was subjected to her evil sorcery. 

He knew better now. She made him a better person, a better witch, and allowed his heart to be full of love instead of malice. She set him free, and those same bubbling feelings had resulted in his palisman, Flapjack. The red cardinal was currently chasing his daily catch of rattleworms, but if Caleb stilled, he could hear his bird’s sweet trill in the forest.  

Caleb hoped to bring many birds to these woods. Birds from his old home to his new home. They were free to fly and find witches to bond with just as he and Flapjack bonded. That was his mission. With each bird, he breathed a new sense of purpose into them. To make friends, to be brave, to show tenderness. All of these birds shared a trait of his beloved. All of their feathers carved delicately were a testament to his love for her. 

Then, like clockwork, Caleb dropped everything he was working on the moment his wife tried to stand. He stood by her side, hand around the small of her back, the other instinctively over her rounding stomach. Their child—the soon-to-be bundle of joy of their love was a songbird's call for freedom and spirit. Being a father, a husband, a palisman carver—he did not realize these were dreams he could ever entertain with such mirth and warmth. The idea of duty had been so cold before. When he walked in tandem with Phillip's methodological approaches, his excitement at the future dimmed. 

With her, he could dream again. The sun felt warm on his skin. His heart was no longer heavy. 

"Dear… You can let go. I'm fine." His wife wore a bemused smirk. Caleb knew she was capable, far more than he was at matters most of the time, but it did not stop his apparent need to dote. 

"Sorry! Would you like anything? Do you want me to accompany you anywhere?" 

That smirk of hers melted away into a delighted smile. "Why, I think some apple blood would do well." 

Caleb shudders. "Apple blood?" 

She stretches and lets out a yawn. "Mmhmm. Do you think you could bring me some?" 

Caleb knew how tedious it was to produce freshly squeezed apple blood. That and how despite his fascination with the demon realm, he much preferred the earthly equivalent of apple juice. His wife said they were not the same. Truth be told, they tasted different, so she was right without even knowing how. 

The very idea of fruit bleeding always disturbed Caleb. The added spices to the concoction were also troublesome to create. 

"Of course. I'll get you anything you ask for." 

Her grin widened even further. "Even fire bee honey?" 

Caleb bit his lip. "D-Do you want fire bee honey?" 

"It is very nutritious. Good for a growing witchlet." 

He steeled himself, taking a deep breath. "Then I will go and bring—" 

"I’m kidding." She laughed so hard a small, adorable snort made its way to his ears. He blushed furiously. She had a way of being that made him fall in love with her in new ways. Others would say she was imperfect. She was loud, and noisy at times, rebellious to the bone and so bold. The people back home would see her as uncivilized if they could ever look past the pointedness of her ears. Caleb wanted to change that. She was gentle, caring, kind, protective, and thoughtful in ways no one back on Earth ever could imagine. 

"I know you are a human, and I'd much prefer my husband to be alive and a father to our baby. But if you could make some apple blood, that would be wonderful." 

He kissed the back of her hand. "You will have that apple blood." 

"Is that a promise?"

He offered a mischievous wink. "A promise indeed. Don't worry, sweet wife of mine. I’ll be back before nightfall.” 

She giggled. 

Caleb stole one more look at his wife before bringing his fingers in to whistle. “Flapjack, old pal, let's head out!" 

From the forest, Flapjack emerged, quickly swallowing his meal. Fluttering his wings over to Caleb, he transformed into a staff. From there, the duo soared high above, catching a glimpse of the titan’s skull, hazy in a golden purple mist from afar. 

For his wife, Caleb would give her everything. His soon-to-be child was no different. He had a family again, one where he felt he could be his truest self. One where he could love openly and unapologetically. 

He promised her that apple blood. If there was one thing truly important, it was that a promise must be kept.

Sketch number two cause I have an obsession 💜

Looks like someone want’s to die on holidays XD

Happy holidays YEET

ψ(｀∇´)ψ

"A Mother's Grief."

the second ceroba gets out of sight from clover, she broke down and hugged the container cradling their soul just like she used to hug kanako.

in that moment, ceroba grieved.

in that moment, clover finally knew a mother's embrace.

:)

Time is a Broken Mirror

Chapter 1 now up!

What would a Warmind wish for if he had the chance?

Resurrected as a Guardian, Rasputin ends up in the clutches of an Ahamkara before his first day is up.

His wish brings him back in time to face himself in a chance to fix his biggest regret but before he's ready to do that he first has to convince the Iron Lords to train him while racing the clock to get good enough before they leave to try to take SIVA from Site 6.

“I am not certain that I enjoy being an Exo more than being an AI locked in a bunker. The feeling of cold is very unpleasant. Can’t I have the option to turn it off?” A tall matte white exo complained as he hiked up the side of a mountain, heavy winter coat pulled tightly around him.

The ghost that was tucked into the hood of the coat grunted “I can’t turn you off when you annoy me. Deal with it. Part of being a person now Red,” and snuggled further into the coat. The Exo rolled his eyes but allowed the comment that might have at one point earned someone a great deal of pain.

“I do not think this is what Ana envisioned when she started playing music for me all those years ago. It certainly wasn’t something I ever calculated in any possible future,” He kept talking, mostly to distract himself from the blizzard they were fighting to get to the top. This would have been easier if he had stolen a ship.

“Never met her but from what I heard through the ghost rumor mill, which is very extensive, she would have flipped her lid if she had seen you. It’s probably for the best that dragon got to us first,” the ghost said basking in the heat being vented by the Exo with every breath.

“Perhaps. I doubt things will go better once we arrive if they realize who I am,” the new guardian sighed but he couldn’t fix things if they didn’t know he was attempting to do the fixing. He would have to reveal himself eventually and lying before that wouldn’t look good. He wasn’t sure what the best choice was and he didn’t have the same room in this mind for advanced calculations to try to compare both the way he could have before.

“Look, I’m just saying, we shouldn’t go in guns blazing on this one. You can be Red for a little while. Prove yourself. Make friends. Then let it come out after some time, once they like you more. Felwinter is a ghost killer. You have hunted him for years. I’d like to live a little longer, thank you very much,” The ghost grumbled and Red sighed.

“You’re right. I just… I need to learn all I can. This time’s me is less than pleased I accessed that bunker but I managed to disable his tracking on me and Siddar- Felwinter. Unless we access the panels or directly mark ourselves, Rasputin shouldn’t be able to find us.” He said feeling a little odd talking about himself when he was right there.

“And even if he does, you were able to gain control over some of the combat frames that tried to attack us. But I doubt a mental tug-o-war would go over well for long, you have the smaller brain now,” the ghost added oh so helpfully.

“I need to gain access to the seraph bunkers. If I can change the passcodes and take control it will limit his power so if- when- it comes to it, I can take control of the SIVA and prevent the carnage I once caused. But as I am now… I am, what did the Guardian call it? A new light? I do not know how best to control my body or abilities. So first we petition the Iron Lords and gain knowledge and skill, then we take control of the bunkers and weaken this time’s Rasputin, and finally I take control of the SIVA nanites and use them to help protect humanity like was originally intended by destroying the warsats and the other me completely. Remove myself from Xivu Arath’s sights before she even arrives,” He listed out the plan he had come up with once he realized where and when he was.

“Sounds so simple when you put it that way. Turn up here, you can’t see it in the storm but we’re approaching a watchtower. We should as for help to the Temple. I’ll say hidden.” The ghost said then vanished. Red vented out a huff of steam but dutifully went in the direction his ghost told him trusting the bot. He had seen though Felwinter’s memories how much Felspring had come to mean to him and he saw how Osiris had used to be with Sagira and how much he missed the ghost so he while they might not always agree, he was making an effort to trust and listen to the little drone.

“Who are you and what do you want?” A familiar voice startled Red and he was surprised to see Osiris float down in front of him, snow melting around the warlock’s slippered feet making Red sigh in jealousy of how warm he must be.

“My name is Red, I’m looking to petition the Iron Lords but currently I just want to get out of this blizzard.” He admitted honestly.

Osiris narrowed hs eyes but hummed, “Very well. I will escort you inside. This way,” He said and started down a path that was hard to make out as the wind shifted and picked up in intensity. Cold was starting to be his least favorite feeling so far.

Thankfully it only took a few more minutes before a pair of grand doors were swinging open to allow them both entry and Red sighed in relief at the warmth as he looked around curiously. He had seen the place through the scattered memories that he gained of Felwinter’s but it was different to see with his own eyes and he had to admit he was impressed.

Students milled about chatting with their peers, ghosts occasionally zipping past or hovering near their partners chatting with other ghosts. It felt like the place of learning it was meant to be and had a warm friendly feeling to it. Looking through some arches they passed he jumped a little at a huge wave of solar energy that was blasted through the courtyard followed sharp stinging arc energy along the ground and a orb of void humming through the air. Osiris thankfully slowed to let him watch the show.

“That’s just new lights, testing their limits. If you think that’s impressive wait until you see someone with experience take the field,” Osiris scoffed and Red did his best to hide the way his face twitched wanting to shift toward a smile. Some things were eternal it seemed, like Osiris’ ego.

“I’m guessing you are not a new light?” He asked and Osiris grinned at him, eyes taking on a gold sheen.

“I am not, although I am not an Iron Lord either. I am training under Lord Felwinter. We will see if any of the Iron Lords accept you as a student. I have to admit, Exos are not common around here. There’s only a handful I’ve seen besides Lord Felwinter himself. Where were you raised?” He asked tilting his head before starting to walk again and Rasputin considered the question. The less he lied the better.

“I will tell you if you spar with me and win. If I win, then you will not complain if I petition Lord Felwinter to train me too.” He bargained while his ghost screamed at him internally. He was protected here by the Iron Decree unless he did something to break it himself.

Osiris grinned at him with teeth. “Counter offer, I get to ask you any questions I want for five minutes if I win and you must answer truthfully.” He said and Red nodded holding out his hand.

“Deal.” He agreed and Osiris shook it before marching out onto the field.

“CLEAR OUT! I NEED SPACE!” He shouted and the new lights fled like a flock of birds away from a rabid dog. Red dutifully followed him out and stood on the opposite side of the field. His main advantage was experience watching a much older, wiser Osiris fight as well as his Exo body being more durable than Osiris’ softer human body.

“You are an idiot! He’s going to wipe you off the face of the earth while cackling manically!” his ghost hissed at him mentally.

“Be quiet, I need to focus.” He said and drew on Felwinter’s memories that he had retained as Osiris finally finished clearing the field and took his place. The Warlock immediately set himself ablaze and launched himself up into the air to rain fire down over Red who didn’t bother trying to dodge knowing it would be useless. Instead he drew the void around him like a protective cloak and let the fire fizz off of it causing the field to fill with steam and smoke.

When Osiris touched back down with a smirk that suggested he thought he already won, Red jumped and slammed down on him with all the force of a falling warsat crushing him like a little bug. Stepping back as Sagira appeared Red looked at his hands and the blood coating it with a sick feeling in his stomach. That was something he was definitely going to have to get over if he planned on fighting. He couldn’t get queasy over blood, especially blood that didn’t matter since Osiris was already brought back and grumbling at the cheering crowds around the field they were in.

“Best of three?” Red offered and Osiris snorted.

“Another time. I should have known better than to get cocky but I won’t make that mistake again. However, I am a man of my word. Come, I will take you to Lord Felwinter and let him decide whether or not to take you on,” He said and Red huffed realizing Osiris planned to take him covered in blood looking like some sort of barbarian. The Warlock was clever but so was Red.

With a shimmer of light his ghost changed out his gear and cleaned him up. He would be colder in the more simple clothing if he had to go outside but while in the temple it would at least keep him from looking a mess. Osiris tilted his head slightly clearly not expecting him to have had a change of clothes already.

“You’re oddly prepared for a new light.” Osiris said and Red shrugged.

“It took a while to get here and I wasn’t going to stay in filthy clothes the whole time. Plus as soon as I woke up some asshole started attacking me. You get good at protecting yourself when you have no other choice,” He said mostly because it made his ghost snicker internally at both hearing him cuss and insulting himself.

“And you won’t tell me where you were brought back or who attacked you?” He asked and Red shrugged.

“I never said that, but I’m not telling the story twice in the same day and I figure the Iron Lords would like to hear it.” He said and Osiris looked back at him with a considering glint in his eyes.

“Very well, wait here. I will go in and see if the Iron Lords can see you.” He said and slipped into a door. Red wanted to peek inside and try to hear what was said but he resisted the urge and folded his arms over his chest.

After a few minutes Osiris stepped out and held the door open waving him inside. Red let his eyes trace over the group gathered there picking out the Iron Lords he recognized. Saladin, Radegast, Perun, Skorri, Jolder and Felwinter were all there at moment with others he didn’t immediately recognize. He heard Jolder gasp when his eyes met hers and forced himself not to grimace and instead bow slightly.

“Hello, I am Red. I have come here to petition the Iron Lords for the chance to train here. I first woke up in a bunker of some sort and was attacked immediately upon waking by what I have come to know to be called combat frames. I managed to get to an adjoining room and lock them out using a console where my ghost managed to download some data before we escaped. We’ve been on the run since. I want to learn to defend myself and I would like to learn more about the bunkers. I heard rumors that there would be someone here that might be able to help me.” He said carefully letting his gaze flicker between the different Iron Lords before falling on Felwinter to try to judge his son’s reaction.

“Felwinter, look! You have a little brother! He’s got the same menacing glare you do!” Came a voice from the side that made Red jump and jerk his head to the side as Timur sauntered over to him grinning. His first instinct was to back up but that caused him to bump into Osiris who grabbed his arm in what could have been a friendly manner but Red knew was Osiris trapping him so he couldn’t escape Lord Timur who immediately started poking and prodding at his face. Red shoved down the urge to bite the eccentric warlock.

“Lord Timur, leave him alone. He’s debating biting you.” Felwinter said and Red looked at him startled worried maybe they had some sort of mental connection and Felwinter could read his thoughts.

“I can’t read your thoughts but I can read your face and I know what I would be debating doing in your place.” Felwiner said and Red half shuttered his eyes in a suspicious squint that had Timur laughing and even Osiris had an amused quirk to his lips.

“I will train you. Osiris can you find him a room near my observatory?” He asked and Osiris tilted his head in a slight bow.

“Of course.” He agreed and dragged Red out with him right as the arguing started. He let himself get dragged for a while before digging in his heels and jerking Osiris to a stop.

“Are you upset that he actually agreed to train me? I do not wish to cause strife.” He asked seriously and Osiris opened his mouth then shut it seeming to think about the answer.

“It will mean less time for me to spend with him which is something I enjoy but no. I am not upset he is going to train you. I am actually relieved. As much as I’d like to think I share much in common with him, there are definitely things that so far he has been alone in. I hope you can offer him a companion in ways that those of us not made of metal and synthskin can’t.” He told him after a moment and Red was surprised by the show of sincerity.

“I will endeavor to be both a good student and help how I can. I would like to have friends.” He said and Osiris nodded.

“Well be careful who you choose for that. As much as we might wish otherwise, the Iron Temple is filled with politics and you haven’t signed onto the popular side of things. Come on, we need to get you some toiletries and bedding from the quartermaster then I’ll show you the options for rooms.” He said and Red relaxed a little glad he hadn’t pissed the Phoenix of the Dark Ages off already. He was sure there would be time for that later.