#ofmd s1e6

[insteading]

The scene at the beginning of s2e8 of Our Flag Means Death is comic, but the resonance with s1e6 ...

So much of Ed's trajectory as a character is about grappling with his need to respond to his own father's violence. He walked away from piracy in part because safety in that life required controlled, strategic violence, which has had great personal costs to him forever.

"Control your Pop-Pop," as silly as it is, is a request for an intervention and protection he didn't get when he was younger. It's not that he can't protect himself-- we know he very well can-- but I think he wants a do-over of his interactions with his father that doesn't leave him feeling alone.

I think "Control your Pop-Pop" is also self-directed in a couple of ways: to his young self, who is still within him and traumatized, and to his current self, who is trained to respond to threat with a strategic violence that would be overkill here.

A little later, Ed makes his second Bond girl entrance of the series, emerging in the leathers he had just buried at sea. We've been hearing the noise in his head for a bit, since he sees the wreckage of ships in the harbor and immediately fears that Stede is dead. Among the static and the dim sounds of British sailors dying in his hands, there's a distorted version of Voi che sapete playing, which of course is what The Swede was singing the night Ed had a flashback to killing his father, behind Stede's narration:

Stede-- or Ed's fear for Stede, or horror at having promised to kill Stede-- calls up the kraken in s1e6, inadvertently triggering Ed. And it's Ed's fear for Stede in s2e8 that returns him to the scene where he buried his old life, to dig it up for the occasion.

Poor Ed has a lot going on in the season 2 finale, and I hope he's enjoying some restorative warm blankets, good food, and orgasms.

[piratesmyass]

Yes, I think I'm very funny, thanks for asking

[adverbian]

Okay, but the fact that the fade-to-black on the sex scene was Stede seductively closing the Lace Curtain of Cinematic Homoeroticism knocked me out.

S1E6: “He adores you”

(gif by @izzyfag )

S2E6:

(gif by @nicostiel )

[insteading]

Fang pointing out that he was screaming, not laughing, during the Knife Parade game, reminded me: during "The Art of Fuckery," Ed mistakes the screams of the Dutch merchants who've come aboard for laughter.

I've been wondering if Ed generally has trouble telling the emotional content of laughter and screaming, or if that difficulty stemmed from Ed having recently told the story of the kraken killing his dad (and feeling wretched about the prospect of killing Stede).

"now you say, we're having a talent show" "that doesn't sound like me, why would i say that"

ed doesn't remember the talent show. i'd be willing to bet that he doesn't remember very much about that night. he seems to remember some things - he seems to remember pushing lucius off the ship, and taking izzy's toes, and so on, but he doesn't remember what was going on around him. becoming the kraken was so traumatic huge pieces of that night are just. gone.

with fang, he clearly remembers chasing him with a knife. doesn't remember fang correctly - he's got it rewritten in his head as a game, as fang laughing, and when fang corrects him (the absolute bravery of fang in this moment by the way, the confidence that ed is getting better, holy shit) ed's like. woah that's fucked up, i'm sorry. and that sorry i think is huge because it is genuine and immediate and we're meant to understand it as genuine and fang accepts it. and ed clearly doesn't remember being beaten by fang, either, but fang tells him, and

this is in keeping with ed's history though, right! the kraken killed his dad. he knows it wasn't the kraken, but his memory is all tied up in the trauma until being safe with stede gives him room to sort through it and say it out loud: the kraken didn't kill my dad, i did.

i don't know how much more of this we'll see from ed, but i think we can safely assume that part of working through ed's trauma is going to involve a lot of sorting out what's real and what's not. the gravy basket, as buttons said, still has a bit of a hold on him. i think ed had one foot in the gravy basket looooong before the night in the storm.

[ourflagmeansbts]

Source (Season 1 - April 2022)

[pilotlala]

The Art of Fuckery is so damn Shakespeare, all the hiding behind curtains–very Shakespeare, very Hamlet. Ed trying to decide if he’s going to kill Stede or not–very very Hamlet. When Ed is watching the fuckery and has a complete breakdown when he sees the kraken, so so goddamn Hamlet, WTF. Claudius is reminded of his own murderous actions, breaks down and flees. Ed, reminded of his deepest, darkest moment, the moment that makes him feel like a monster, that haunts him for the rest of his life, gasps and collapses and has to crawl into the bathtub. WHY IS THIS TV SHOW SO SHAKESPEARE I DIE.

“Turn your enemy’s worst fear against them. You’ll own them.”

“The play’s the thing wherein I’ll catch the conscience of the king.”

[unhingedpirates]

This is so sweet but also I think it's very funny that Stede's just catching up to the meaning of the romantic gestures they shared in the past, since they all went over his head at the time.

Can't wait for him to find out what the stabbing thing meant for Ed.

No because when Stede said "You wear fine things well" to Ed the first time, he just said it like all the other nice things he has said to Ed, and I don't think he fully knew how much it meant to Ed UNTIL Ed said it back to him when they were in the same place and he realized how much that one line stuck with Ed all this time and I'm not losing my mind you are

[blue-b-bro]

I'm still not over this

[le-panda-chocovore]

No one told me that Ed was so fuckin adorable ?????? He's a pathetic little meow meow I love him so much, give him a hug !!

[insteading]

“Voi Che Sapete” playing in a slightly distorted form when Ed was fishing his leathers out of the bay damn near ended me.

That’s the music of his trauma response in s1e6. And it’s not just that Stede is in danger, but one more father figure has just told Ed he has to do what he’s good at, he can’t be like Stede and do something badly long enough to get a little better at it.

I am relieved that at the end he recognizes that’s not true: he doesn’t have to do work that he’s amazing at, but that has unacceptable costs to his psyche.

And I appreciate that the work of Ed and Stede repairing themselves and the relationship between them is signified by how much work the inn is going to need. (Though it’s also clear they’ve had enough off-screen conversation for Stede to know how essential it is for Ed to retire, and to know that Stede is sufficiently willing to quit something he still likes doing.)

[batsarebetterthanpeople]

So I was going back over OFMD in my mind because of the whole scene with Fang and I was like "I'm pretty sure Ed sits with himself canonically actually." But then, maybe Fang is right because in s1e3 hes higher than a fucking kite, in s1e4 hes either with Stede staring at tits or hes analyzing the weather. In s1e5 he's having a flashback so I guess he is alone with his thoughts but his thoughts are emo and have mommy issues so idk if that really counts, in s1e6 he sits alone in the tub after he had a full ptsd style flashback, s1e7 and s1e8 hes not alone or quiet at all really, e10 he's having a cry both times so once again idk if that counts on the same principle as 5. Does brooding count you tell me? In s2e1-3 he's either high or suicidal and he doesn't really in s2e4 so..... But then, he's folding socks in e9 and that's the one moment where you can't be like "this guy doesn't ever sit with himself."

So I guess for Fang, Ed doesn't sit still unless he's high off his ass or he's brooding, which doesn't tell us who Ed innately is, it tells us who Ed is in an environment where he's expected to be Blackbeard. But he can sit still and quiet with his own thoughts after he's signed the act of grace and he thinks he's gonna get a break from all that for a while. Which means that he's like that because Blackbeard, being Blackbeard, being on a pirate ship, puts him on edge, it makes him nervous, it makes him feel like he's about to be stabbed in the back, he talks and makes sure that other people know he's alert. Even if it's just to Fang.

[oscarisaacasimov]

OFMD S1E6 - the Stizzy lace curtains scene

because it's my job to make sure Edward is content. and he adores you.

why, I'll never know but he does.

so plumb the depths man.

perform like it's your last day on earth.

[dyketennant]

OFMD TUMBLR I NEED YOUR VOICE AND YOUR HELP FOR THIS (NON-SCHOOL BUT IMPORTANT) ESSAY I HAVE TO TURN IN BY MONDAY. okay. please reblog for reach thank you for your time <3

[sarucane]

OFMD Spiral Parallels 17: Stages of Intimacy

Intro: What I love most about how season 2 builds on season 1 of OFMD is the spiral narrative structure. Ground is repeatedly and explicitly re-trod from season 1 to season 2, but in season 2 everything goes deeper than season 1. Meanings are shuffled, emotions are stronger and truer, and transformation is showcased above everything. The first season plucks certain notes, then the second season plucks the same ones--but louder, and then it weaves them together to create a symphony.

---

This is a pirate show, so it makes sense that murder and attempted murder would bring pirates closer together. In both S1E6 and S2E6, the crew of the Revenge stages an unusual show. Things go wrong, emotions get heightened, and Ed and Stede both retreat, closing a door behind them. But each goes after the other, and what happens next changes their relationship, deepening it forever.

Ed's reaction to seeing the fake kraken in the Fuckery is to completely break down. He has flashbacks to his terrible father, is forced to face just what terrible things he's capable of. When Stede kills Ned Lowe, he also has flashbacks to his father, to violence in his past. And he also faces the terrible things he's capable of.

They both flashback to their terrible, formative relationships with their fathers. And they both retreat.

And it's worth pointing out that the initial reaction each has to the other isn't pure love or acceptance, by any means. Stede is baffled and a bit freaked out by Ed's reaction, and Ed fears Stede just made one of the biggest mistakes of his life, just swallowed poison that Ed himself knows too well. The first reaction is based on confusion and ignorance, and the second on painful knowledge.

But Ed and Stede both go to check in on the other. They go to an intimate space, stepping up to and over a barrier to support the other.

Tension's been building for a while at this point. Ed's been holding back secrets from Stede, planning to kill him. Stede--well, Ed thought the relationship was gone after season 1, but Stede's been carrying a heavy torch ever since.

A line is crossed. Ed tells Stede the truth about who he is, the ugliness he's capable of--the same kind of knowledge about Stede that Ed learns later, and that doesn't stop him for a moment from going after Stede.

In these moments, each of these men needs the other. Needs to love, be safe to love, and, fully seen, be loved in return.

Stede doesn't hesitate to tell Ed he's still his friend, no matter what.

And when Stede trusts that the relationship is more than that, and needs to feel safe himself, he doesn't hold back.

One of Stede's great strengths is that, when he knows what he wants, he goes for it. This can get him into serious trouble, and leave him lost when he doesn't actually know what he wants--but in moments like these, it can create something special. A space for Ed, who is so often confused and uncertain about what he wants, to want something too.

[loki-is-my-kink-awakening]

2023 Writing Round-up

I wrote 33 fics this year.

JANUARY

Dancing Around His Feelings (Witcher, M, 1.5k)

Jaskier visits the Countess da Stael to help him get over his heartbreak. Implied Geraskier. Witcher Flash Fic Challenge.

One Special Night (Witcher, E, 1.5k)

Jaskier gives Elihal earrings for a night on the town. It leads to a special night of sex. Witcher Flash Fic Challenge.

FEBRUARY

A New Life (Midnight Mass, T, 1.5k)

Priley. John plans to ask Riley to run away with him, but it turns out he was too late to ask.

A Kiss Like No Other (Loki, T, 666)

Lokius. Alt S1E6 ending. Loki and Mobius meet again and share a passionate kiss.

The Real Treasure (Witcher, M, 3.7k)

Geraskier. Modern AU. Family fluff mainly. Jaskier sends Geralt on a treasure hunt, but it’s really a ruse to spend time with his family. Witcher Flash Fic Challenge.

MARCH

A Nice Afternoon (Witcher, E, 1.9k)

Geraskier. Modern AU. Smut. Jaskier and Geralt enjoy an afternoon performing a certain sex act. 69th Witcher Flash Fic Challenge.

APRIL

Sure, Big Boy (Stranger Things, T, 100)

Steddie. Steve is caught staring at Eddie.

Impatience (Stranger Things, M, 100)

Steddie. Eddie has Steve all tied up and waiting.

One On The Way (Loki, T, 3.8k)

Lokius. Canon divergence. Loki discovers he’s pregnant and doesn’t know how to tell Mobius. Gift fic.

Jaskier Sandwich (Witcher, E, 2.5k)

Geraskier/Lambden. Smut. Jaskier enjoys an afternoon sandwiched between Lambert and Aidan while Geralt watches. Witcher Flash Fic Challenge.

The Temptation of Christ (Midnight Mass, E, 3.3k)

Priley. Smut. John celebrates Easter by stringing Riley up on a cross. For the Church of Priley Discord server's Easter event.

While The World Falls Apart (Loki, T, 1.3k)

Lokius. Pre S2. As Kang’s forces surround them with no hope of escape, Loki decides to kiss Mobius for the first time. Kiss prompt.

Lessons In Self Discovery (Witcher, M, 1.6k)

Geraskier/Lambden. Spanking. Geralt watches Aiden spank Jaskier and Lambert, and learns something about his own desires in the process. Witcher Flash Fic Challenge.

The Tears Of A Trickster (Loki, M, 855)

Lokius. Pre S2. Mobius tries to hide his arousal at Loki crying in front of him, but the trickster knows all too well how to use it to his advantage. Flash Fic Friday Challenge.

His Summer (Witcher, G, 888)

Geraskier. Fluff. Geralt realises he doesn’t want the summer to end because it means time alone from Jaskier. Flash Fic Friday challenge.

Afterwards (Loki, T, 978)

Lokius. Angst. Loki spirals after getting together with Mobius. They run, but Mobius follows them and provides much-needed comfort. Flash Fic Friday Challenge.

Fighting To Get To You (Witcher, T, 2.6k)

Geraskefer. Geralt and Yennefer fight tooth and nail to rescue a kidnapped Jaskier. Witcher Flash Fic Challenge.

MAY

All In A Day’s Work (Loki, M, 904)

Lokius. Smutty humour. HR manager Mobius is fed up with Loki being sent to see him every day for inappropriate comments, so he comes up with a creative solution. Flash Fic Friday Challenge.

The Start Of Something New (TLOU, M, 2.2k)

Bill x Frank. Smut. A deeper look at Bill and Frank’s first time together. Gift fic.

Watch It Burn (Loki, T, 3.4k)

Lokius. Hurt/comfort. Mobius doesn’t expect Loki to return after leaving him and Sylvie in the Void, but he does. Gift fic.

Keeping Hope Alive (Loki, T, 3.5k)

Mobius and Ravonna. Mobius is stuck on a mission going wrong when he bumps into Ravonna. They face the ruins of their friendship as well as the enemy. Gift fic.

Much Ado About Lokius (Loki, G, 1.9k)

Lokius. Humour. Loki and Mobius go on a mission involving a Shakespeare play, Loki in a dress and facing their inherent feelings for one another. Originally written for the Mischievous Scamp zine.

JUNE

Silky Heat (OFMD, E, 3.1k)

Stizzy. Omegaverse. Stede discovers Izzy’s secret and helps him through his heat (consensually). For Knot In My Name event.

A Barking Dog Seldom Bites (OFMD, E, 19.5k)

Stizzy/Steddyhands. Smut. Izzy finally loses the rag about Stede always touching him and it results in explosive sex. For the OFMD Reverse Big Bang.

SEPTEMBER

Drown Out All The Sound (Witcher, E, 2.7k)

Radskier. Smut/angst. Radovid has a special night planned for him and his lover, but heartache ensues in the end.

In Any Shape Or Form (Loki, E, 3k)

Lokius. Smut. Loki shifts form and now has a vagina. Mobius learns what to do with it. Gift fic.

What My Heart Just Yearns To Say (Witcher, G, 2k)

Geraskier. Geralt cares for Jaskier but can’t tell him how he feels until Jaskier forces the conversation. Kiss prompt.

OCTOBER

The Words I Could Not Say (Loki, T, 3.3k)

Lokius. MCD. Alt S2E1 ending. Loki fails to make it back to Mobius. (First chapter is sad, follow-up chapter in the works).

NOVEMBER

Let Time Pass (Loki, T, 1.6k)

Lokius. Post S2. Mobius tries to settle down after Loki frees the timeline from the loom. Years pass until one day, Loki appears.

Dream of Me (Loki, E, 2.8k)

Lokius. Post S2. Smut. Mobius thinks he’s dreaming of sleeping with Loki. Turns out he really is and he leaves behind a little something.

The Things You Do For Love (Loki, E, 2.8k)

Lokius. Smut. Set S1E4. Loki turns to desperate measures when they think Mobius no longer needs them.

DECEMBER

Need Your Discipline (Stranger Things, M, 15k)

Steddie. Spanking AU. Steve looks for discipline and finds it in the form of Eddie, but he also finds care and belonging. Prompt fill for Fandom Trumps Hate 2023.

Christmas Angel (Loki, G)

Lokius. Christmas family fluff, post S2. Loki is expecting his sixth child while also keeping the timelines alive and safe. Gift fic for All About Lokius discord server friend.

In My Arms (Stranger Things, T)

Steddie. College AU, enemies to lovers. Steve has nightmares and Eddie cuddles him to soothe them away. Prompt fill for Fandom Trumps Hate 2023.

Now I know why I wrote the most words in April because I was writing other fics at the same time as two big bang fics. Yikes.

Thanks for the tag @cha-melodius 💕

Tagging @underthebluerain @dancingwiththefae @rins-love-wins @mimisempai @pherryt @gleamingsilence @artaxlivs @definitely-not-iorveth @ialwayscomewhenyoucall @rauchendesgnu @flawney @buckybeardreams if you wanna do it.

[ourflagmeansbts]

Source l Source l Source (Season 1 - April 25th 2022)

aaronepstein: Ha-ha! Shall we call this a tie? / COME AT ME, DOG! / Oh boy. I think I did it!