iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

⇀ ooc. Guidelines (cont.): - Shipping open but it’s gonna be toxic af so beware - Muse is a queer cis man - Flirting / suggestive welcome - No canon ship cuz he’s genuinely awful lmao - NSFW through DMs/discord only - Again, IC is not OOC – pls don’t take him personally ✌️ ( 🧵 #salvadorrules )

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

⇀ ooc. Basic guidelines: - MV / MS ✔️ - 21+ preferred – mun is 30+, muse is 38 - Antivan Crow NPC - Casual to semi-serious, laidback posting & replies - Memes & shitposting will occur - Villain character who WILL be awful ! - DMs open to following & moots, pls be cool ✌️ ( 🧵 #salvadorrules )

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

(( A note for any & all newcomers, Salvador is very much a villainous character & antagonist, so please be aware that he’s going to be anywhere from generally awful to downright actually evil if you interact with him. As always, IC ≠ OOC ✌️🫶 ))

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

“That’s gratifying to hear. Or rather, to read,” he amends with a light chuckle. “I am well. Busy, of course; a Talon’s work is never done. I imagine your own Talon must know the feeling. How is dear Andarateia? I have not seen her in some time, either.” There’s something sharp about his smile now.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

“Ah, the elusive Matador.” Salvador beams widely, benevolently even. His signature smile, behind which hides a deep-seated mistrust and suspicion. “How have you been, amicu? It’s been a long time since I last saw you, but I’ve heard tales of your exploits.”

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

Prides only have one male at a time for a reason.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 10/02/2025

Another expected outcome. Perhaps I shouldn’t bother with these games, if they’re only going to tell me what I already know.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

Of course it isn’t. Dragons are beautiful, deadly creatures. It is an honor to be counted as one. *he cocks his head left, letting his good eye focus on her completely* And what were you given, colombina? Something special, I’d wager.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

Oh, I wouldn’t pretend to know enough about dragons to choose. But something with lightning or fire in its veins… I think that should suit me quite well.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

And what result were you graced with, morticiattolo? Half-fish, wasn’t it? Better suited to lazing about in Rialto Bay than concerning himself with the affairs of those above him. That seems apt.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

*he chuckles* I simply see the truth. That others cannot see it is their own failing, including yours. It’s a shame you resist seeing it, though; House Valisiti’s fires might have continued to burn. It will pain me to destroy the hard work of your forebears… but if you insist.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

Belief does not make you less trapped than if you could see the lamp around you. Your new masters have simply convinced you that seeing the outside world through the glass means you’re free. But do please send more shattered blades. I have a project they’ll be perfect for.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

Perché? It’s just a little harmless fun, or so it was explained to me. Nothing to be nervous about, colombina.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

Says the djinn, trapped in a lamp and forced to grant the wishes of others, but never themself.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

*he says nothing, simply nods and smiles at an expected outcome*

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Viago de Riva @viagofifthtalon.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

@onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social (ooc: Alt text for clearer reading.) Viago gave the box to the messenger with a grave expression. "Do not open it, and do not dare deliver it yourself. Pass it along to a local courier once you arrive and head back to Treviso at once. Is that clear?"+

Salvador Arainai.
Arainai Headquarters, Antiva City.
10th of Wintermarch, 9:53

Salvador Arainai, Guild Master of House Arainai,

What a letter. It was quite a read, I must admit. I would have laughed if it had been half as funny as you think yourself to be. Although, Salvador Arainai believing himself greater than he'll ever be is not an uncommon occurrence, so I cannot be surprised.

Now, if you're done acting like a petulant child, the adults have deemed it worth informing you that The Seventh Talon, the woman you have decided to insult for reasons unknown to me, considering she constitutes eighty percent of my remaining patience for your lewd taunts, has been taking very good care of some of the progeny you keep dropping all over the country. Should you ever care to visit your children, make sure to keep sending me test subjects, I do so relish having something living to try my latest inventions, their screams are a delicate melody to our ears. You wouldn’t believe the passion Zevran displayed upon discovering the surnames that had cursed them their entire lives, I could barely get a word in, Salvador, and his ideas eclipsed every clownish threat you have ever conjured.

I can’t help but wonder who should be considered Arainai’s table scraps, if their most famous assassin, or a worthless pretender who hasn’t achieved a single merit by his own blade.

No matter. Do make sure to return their faces to their families for me, will you? And tell them just how pathetically they begged, it was delightful.

Viago de Riva, Fifth Talon of the Antivan Crows.
Viago de Riva.
Cantori Diamond, Treviso.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

“To House Arainai, and the bright future that awaits us!” “To House Arainai!” The cry echoed through every brick and beam of the villa, and everyone drank. If any suspected how bloody their new future would be, they remained silent. And Salvador drinks deeply, smiling as he foresees his triumph.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

The following silence is heavy. But Salvador is merely counting out just the right number of heartbeats before he breaks it with a raised glass and an appropriately somber expression. “A toast, my Crows. To the fallen.” “To the fallen,” they echo. “To the faithful.” “To the faithful!” —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Applause, clinking glasses, the expected reaction. Salvador waits a moment before continuing. “But as we celebrate the impending rebirth of our house, let us remember for a moment those Crows who gave their lives to bring us to this moment. Those who fell, so that we might continue to soar.” —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

… And soon, the rest of her grounds will be restored to their former glory. Her training grounds will give future generations of fledglings a place to learn our arts, and her battlements will show the many clients who seek us out exactly why they should trust House Arainai with their contracts.” —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

… drawing all eyes to him without effort. The musicians fall silent, the laughter mellows to murmurs, and then everything is quiet. “Tonight, we celebrate the first of many rebirths. Our ancestral home, Villa Sole Nascente, is once more fit to host our flock in peace and comfort. … —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Odalis bows and follows them gratefully, unaware that the room they are headed to will be the last they set foot in alive. Meanwhile, Salvador turns back to the assembled Crows in the dining hall and raises his hands benevolently. “My Crows!” His deep voice rumbles though the crowd,… —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

But an Arainai Crow should never show such weakness, especially in front of their Talon. “You’ve done well, Odalis. Go, your brethren will take you somewhere to rest from your journey.” Salvador plants a firm kiss on each of Odalis’s cheeks before motioning for the other Crows to show them away. —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

At long last, everything he needed to set his plans in motion lay in his hands. Everything and *more*. Salvador claps a hand on the Crow’s shoulder, inwardly sneering at the way they lurched a little at the touch. Exhausted from going day and night to get this information to him, no doubt. —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Peals of laughter and softly-winding music carry through the dining hall and into the gardens. Though none laugh quite as loudly as Salvador Arainai himself. He grins ear-to-ear as he reads the parchment that was just handed to him by an exhausted Crow. And how could he not be pleased?

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

Villa Sole Nascente glows like a beacon from its place on the cliffs overlooking the Rialto bay. The dining hall, foyer, and front gardens have been fully restored, and though much work yet remains, the Talon of House Arainai has opened the villa’s doors to all under his wing to celebrate. —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

… stomach as they sit upright and feel the tube strapped to their belt. Hopefully, it was news the Talon would like. Watching what had happened to their compatriot… the *thing* that had… Between facing *that*, or a displeased Salvador Arainai, they truly, genuinely didn’t know which was worse.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

… for this job, but a contract was a contract. And when Salvador Arainai gave an order, he expected it fulfilled, no matter how many Crows died in the process. Tonight, it was only one death, and Salvador would get the information he’d requested. The Crow feels a sinking in the pit of their… —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

… manned by another Crow, who pulls the first over the side to safety before immediately letting out the sail and setting a course southward. The first Crow lays on the floor of the vessel for a minute, staring up at the stars. This wasn’t what they’d expected when they agreed to run backup… —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

… into the water without hesitation. The gondolier stares for a moment, then shrugs, pockets the gold, and begins the process of backing the boat out of the tiny canal. A few minutes later, the Crow surfaces just off the coast, gasping for air as they swim towards another boat. This one is… —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

… their surroundings in every direction. One hand remains clutched at their belt, gripping a sealed leather tube there. The gondola squeezes into a narrow canal on Treviso’s farthest edge, at the end of which is a single grated drain. The Crow tosses the gondolier a coin purse and jumps… —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

“Go!” they rasp at the gondolier, who scrambles from his drowsy lean against the risso and starts pushing the oar. Within moments, the propulsion and the current sweep them away, towards the edge of the city. The Crow remains tense all the while, standing at the bow and scanning… —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

… on the other side of Treviso, overlooking a quiet, mostly deserted canal. Mostly, save for a single boat with a single bleary-eyed gondolier at the oar. The Crow drops from the roof in a controlled fall, landing in the center of the gondola, which only rocks a little at the impact. —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

The breezy night is cut through by a shrill but brief wail. A shadowy figure sprints across the rooftops, away from the source of the screams, as fast as their feet can carry them. They do not look back. They do not falter. They do not stop even for a shaking breath until they reach a building… —

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

A letter from House Arainai arrives on the desk of the Fourth Talon. The Crow from House Garcya who delivered it into Carmen’s hands is notably absent for several days afterward. Eyes from other houses report its contents back to their superiors, sharing suspicions of a cipher. As expected.

[[A letter from Salvador to the Fourth Talon, Carmen Garcya. Several letters throughout are bolded.]]

Mia cara Carmen,

I’m afraid a reunion will have to wait for the time being. I know I promised a get-together in my last letter, but circumstances have sadly changed. We are on the cusp of something new and exciting. Despite the grumblings of our fellow Talons, Antiva has never been more vulnerable, and ignoring the evidence before our eyes can only hold us back.

I’m quite sure you’ve heard all about our new First Talon’s theatrics. Bonding with a demon has truly made Lucanis Dellamorte believe he is untouchable—a fearsome devil we mere mortals ought to cower before. You know better than anyone, Carmen, my thoughts on the juvenile actions of his cousin. And yet I find myself almost wishing Illario had succeeded.

Almost, of course, and only ever briefly. Handing the Crows over to the likes of the Venatori—querulous, sanctimonious cultists fumbling around like three-legged brontos to barely accomplish anything—would have been the end of the Crows.

Regardless, I cannot sit by and let his affront to my House stand. Crows do not cower, as he ought to know. And besides the matter of honor, you and I see the bigger picture. Antiva is only as strong as the Crows guarding her, and we cannot keep her safe with that abomination leading us.

I do hope the coming storm does not touch your shores, Carmelita. But if it must, know you will always be able to count on me.

Yours,

Salvador Arainai

Eighth Talon of the Crows

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Reposted by salvador arainai

Noa Valisti, The Better Royal Bastard @thirdtalonnoa.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

[A single rather plain envelope, carrying a rather plain parchment found its way to @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social baring the penmanship of the Third Talon but no other markers of where it came from.]

Dear Salvador Arainai
My, how desperate you are Salvador. Over seven hundred letters where you begged for a response. Now that my business of the past year has concluded, I will give you this brief recognition and address all of your concerns at once. Since some of us have responsibilities to uphold.
Contained in your first correspondence you offered to teach the unwanted heir of House Valisti, how to become a proper Talon, and while I am certain you think this a generous offer, I must refuse on the principal of a Crow does not ask the feral dog how to be a Crow. In another early letter you proposed the idea of marriage as at one time, I should have been a crow of House Arainai. Truly these notions were humorous. It appears you missed a calling as an imperial court jester.
I would have thought, the death of an inept Crow sent to halt my flight, would have been a clear message. Yet by all accounts you are only capable of stroking your ego to completion and not much else. The allegiance between House Valisti and House Arainani died when Claudio Valisti did. It was only maintained out of a sense of pity by the previous two talons. I am not as kind or forgiving as my siblings. Treviso is scarred from invasion, and your house’s fall from grace has been decades in the making. As the Third talon, I agree with---

--the judgement of the First, Fifth and Seventh. Perhaps if you had not been so consumed by whimpering at the tips of my wing you could have saved yourself. Though I think there a fledglings more capable than you.
In regards to the complaints I some how managed to read in your unhinged threats you have sent. I personally have no qualms about garnering the assistance of the Exile, provided he is willing. From the rumors I have heard since my return, he is not only a better assassin than anything House Arainai has produced in the last thirty years, but he is also better company. Working with him should prove a pleasure and very dissimilar from the pathetic excuse of a man clinging to relevance by sheer hope of being an annoyance. You are not worth the waste of finer paper and ink, or the cost of Wax. Go quietly Salvador, though I know you will not. You are to pathetic to do anything but be a child throwing a tantrum.
Sincerely
Noa Valisti, Third Talon

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

… After all, he is the sword in the shadows. The bitterness of the last cup. And he will soar proudly over the bodies of those who fall before him. He is Salvador Arainai. And he *will* rule the Antivan Crows.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

… a good chuckle, but he has other things that need tending to. Sole Nascente must be fortified in time for whatever pitiful tantrum de Riva and Dellamorte will throw. And his own flock must be ready to strike the moment he commands it. …

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

… then he laughs and sends the box and its contents flying after. They tumble through the air, flopping sadly as they plummet to the rocks and waves far below. Salvador saunters back into the study, carelessly licking the blood off his glove as he goes. Dellamorte’s little theatrics make for …

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

… Had this tongue truly betrayed him? Or had it only spilled what it believed to be true? What it has been told was the truth? That would remain to be seen. With a casual flick of his wrist, he tosses the severed tongue out over the edge of the cliffs and into the bay. A moment’s consideration…

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

… their rightful position within the Crows. He casts his singular gaze down onto the object in his hand. Limp. Dead. A bloodied, useless thing that had betrayed its purpose. Just like its owner. Just as everyone now saw House Arainai. A smile twists his lips, growing into a grin. …

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

… The Villa Sole Nascente has seen better days. Most of its previous masters have been too preoccupied with other matters to care much for maintaining the formal headquarters of House Arainai. Their fall from grace twenty years ago did not help, nor did the in-fighting and scrabbling to reclaim …

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

… ever-present wine and leather scent like a favorite lover’s kiss. On the stone balustrade before him sits an open wooden box. One gloved hand plays idly with something red and wet pulled from its depths, while his one good eye takes in the picturesque clouds hanging over the sea. …

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

The sounds of hammers, saws, and the grunting of workers fill the villa, floating through the open study door and up through the balcony overlooking Rialto Bay. A cacophony of impending change, ringing in a new era of the Crows’ history. He inhales the salt-sea air, afternotes of Antiva City’s …

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Reposted by salvador arainai

Lucanis Dellamorte @deathismycalling.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

A messenger crow departs Villa Dellamorte in the early morning, bearing an anklet scroll and a light wooden box. It arrives intact to one Salvador Arainai, carried the rest of the way by a grim-faced servant who should not have looked in that box. It was, after all, full of severed tongues.

A letter, penned on black paper with silver ink, stamped by a dark purple wax 'D' upon the bottom. It reads:

Salvador Arainai

It is customary to inform you of this, as it is only civil. Your assassins have been very
forthcoming since my acquisition of them. I
trust you are familiar with the techniques we
employ in House Dellamorte. I know your intentions, and of your attempts to incite my colleagues. I had been content to allow you your tantrum, if only because the Antaam remain a more important threat.

However, you have forced my hand. I take no pleasure in what I must do to see the continued prosperity of Antiva. There was once a time I would have considered you among the best of us. Now, I can see that you are merely a hindrance.

I had hoped to settle this amicably, and perhaps even discuss ways you could still serve the Crows despite the dismantling of your house. Know that what happens next is entirely the consequence of your own actions.

Best Wishes,
Lucanis Dellamorte
First Talon of the Antivan Crows

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Reposted by salvador arainai

Viago de Riva @viagofifthtalon.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

[Alt text for clearer reading] The parchment crinkled under the tight grasp of his gloved hands, a deep frown decorating his features. Oh, Salvador…If you just knew. +

Viago,

What a forward way to make your formal acquaintance as a colleague. Imagine my surprise when I read your astoundingly rude letter. How disappointing. Coming from the Fifth Talon, I would’ve expected so much better.

Then again, that might’ve been wishful thinking, what can you expect from a traitor who’s letting the Black Shadow turn him into a cuck?

Oh, you think I wouldn’t notice their little gondola dates? You truly believed that your people had dispatched my spies? Not like I would need many of those, considering how they flaunt their sweet little romance.

I am so curious, Viago, how does it feel to drink another’s man seed from her core? You must be quite an expert by now, considering her line of work, but this feels personal. Does she ask you to watch? I’d bet my best knives that she does, and her loyal purse dog is always eager to please.

I hope she enjoys my House’s table scraps, I do hear he’s quite talented in bed. It shouldn’t surprise me considering where he was born, a pup always grows up to be like its bitch mother.

No matter, tell Caterina’s guard dog to sit tight and enjoy the ride for as long as he can, House Arainai has many plans for the future of the Crows, and I don’t plan to let any of you see them come to fruition. No hard feelings.

Salvador Arainai, Eight Talon of the Antivan Crows.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

⇀ ooc. Guidelines (cont.): - Shipping open – chemistry, poly, canon, OC, etc - Muse is pan but genuinely toxic person - Flirting / suggestive / romantic welcome - NSFW through DMs/discord only - IC is not OOC – I can’t stress this enough, pls don’t take him personally ✌️ ( 🧵 2/2 #salvadorrules )

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

⇀ ooc. Basic guidelines: - MV / MS ✔️ - 21+ preferred – mun is 30+, muse is late 30s - Villainous character!! - Casual to semi-serious, laidback posting & replies - Memes & shitposting will occur - Saved Treviso or Minrathous - DMs open to following & moots, pls be cool ✌️ ( 🧵 1/2 #salvadorrules )

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 09/01/2025

Try holding your breath, Alistair. Usually works for me. Or makes them worse? I can’t remember… Give it a try anyway.

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salvador arainai @onceandfuturetalon.bsky.social · 26/12/2024

That it did. But yeah, this is better. You know how they say every Warden’s conscription ale tastes unique? I don’t think mine has a taste anymore. All the different boozes just burned the flavors away. *laughs* Alistair, a “treat” is an extra pastry at lunch. Since when did you turn masochist?

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