I honestly just wanted to commission a bespoke fountain pen. When I communicated my request to the artisans of Zeruertza for the first time, my phrasing must have been too vague—because when pickup day arrived, I was handed a devastatingly massive heavy crossbow instead. Inducing the peace-loving Durins to forge instruments of warfare is truly sinful, and it coerced this pen-wielding writer into a forced class transfer as a heavy-artillery sniper. Still, since the mix-up was my own doing, I quietly shouldered the armament.
Preparing this Pozëmka cosplay ensemble for the September 5th Arknights Only convention took a considerable amount of time. The greatest challenge lay in the garment's visual layering: the structured black leather tube top was rigid and form-fitting, hugging the body cleanly while imposing noticeable physical restriction during motion. Cinched at the waist was a vivid scarlet skirt finished with subtle feather accents and lace trims; paired with a crisp white scarf collar and necktie, this high-contrast collision of red, black, and white delivered a visual punch I adore.
The arm sleeves were equally distinct: black fingerless gloves and sleeves extended to the elbows, detailed with orange graphic lines and rigid black elbow guards. Lower-body nuances were just as dense—the black leather thigh straps featured metallic buckles and a dangling fine cable that swayed dynamically with every step. Down below, I wore buckled black peep-toe high-heeled sandals, styled with white bandage wraps along the calves to provide visual balance. Slipping in and out of these complex accessories tested everyone's patience, requiring our handler to help adjust alignments between takes.
The wig was a voluminous, pastel-pink long wavy unit. To achieve an organic, airy drape, extensive finger-styling and setting spray were applied; the plush animal ears perched atop the crown were repositioned multiple times to ensure lively, tactile fluffiness. For cosmetics, the focus centered on sculpting pink-toned eyeshadow gradients and crisp ocular structures, paired with pale circle lenses to channel the character's signature blend of chilly detachment and aristocratic poise.
The heavy crossbow prop was vastly larger than anticipated. Painted in striking black and hazard-yellow with central silver fan blades and skeletonized mechanical gears, its industrial presence proved impossible to miss. While fabricated from lightweight materials, sustaining extended one-handed lifts and braced poses during photo shoots took a massive physical toll, leaving my arms throbbing after several consecutive sets.
Daylight inside the convention hall was phenomenal—broad floor-to-ceiling windows diffused soft daylight that wrapped contours smoothly. Being surrounded by fellow Doctor enthusiasts at an Arknights Only gathering meant being greeted warmly whenever attendees recognized Pozëmka, fostering a wonderful sense of camaraderie. The shooting process was seamless, effortlessly slipping into character whether leaning against the heavy siege weapon or holding tighter mid-length portraits.
Bringing Pozëmka to life—from wardrobe tailoring to mechanical prop integration—reminded me of the sheer joy and creative trials inherent in cosplay. The ensemble radiates powerful visual tension, from its tactile textures to the harness straps. Next time I commission an artisan in Zeruertza, I will state my need for an ordinary writing pen with crystal clarity so we avoid such a delightful misunderstanding.