#saxon is supposed to be the responsable one

[inquisitor-apologist]

Ok Kalluzeb mutuals don’t crucify me but. Does anyone else kind of wish Rebels had stuck with the original plan and kept Kallus as Zeb’s nemesis?

It’s pretty clear in season 1 and early season 2 that Kallus was not being set up for a redemption arc, and that he was supposed to be Zeb’s foil and main antagonist. He’s the antagonist in both Droids in Distress and Legends of the Lasat (the two main pre-Honorable Ones episodes that focus on Zeb), and he unambiguously takes credit for the Lasat genocide early on.

Obviously that was retconned in The Honorable Ones, but let’s be clear, that was a retcon. Kallus literally smiles proudly when Tua says she ‘hadn’t thought there were any Lasat left’ and says “a few, Minister. Only a few.” He then proceeds to do his absolute best to kill Zeb, with the implication being that he wants to kill off the last of the Lasat (see: him yelling ‘Lasat! Face me!’ to challenge Zeb, and smiling when he raises the Bo-rifle to kill Zeb). During the fight, Kallus laughs maniacally as he brags about removing his from a Guardsman’s corpse and brags about being part of the genocide on Lasan.

There’s no remorse or implication that he might be lying at all in either episode. You’d think that a Kallus as wracked by guilt over Lasan as he presents himself in and after The Honorable Ones might show at least a little hesitation over targeting a ship carrying the last three known Lasat in the galaxy, but he doesn’t seem to care at all.

There’s also several other points in the early show where he’s presented as a heartless villain not related to the Lasat, like burning Tarkintown on Vader’s orders in The Siege of Lothal, but the point is that Kallus was set up to be Zeb’s main antagonist for the series (like how the Saxons were Sabine’s antagonists in seasons 3 and 4). His persecution of the Lasat drove Zeb’s character development and arc throughout the early show, and it definitely seemed like that was supposed to continue.

After Legends of the Lasat, Zeb had reclaimed his identity as a leader of his people, and promised to protect other survivors and lead them to Lira San. This feels like it was setting up an arc for Zeb where he comes into his own as a leader of the Lasat again, which would’ve naturally concluded with a confrontation against Kallus, who at this point is presented as largely responsible for the Lasats’ oppression. The end of Droids in Distress feels like it’s the setup for a later Zeb episode, where Zeb, having gone through a full arc, challenges and defeats Kallus, probably with the help of the new Bo-rifle skills he picked up in Legends of the Lasat.

Instead, three episodes later, we get The Honorable Ones (which I do like), where Kallus’s backstory is completely retconned and he’s clearly set up for redemption. Once Kallus is on the path to become Fulcrum, all the setup for Zeb’s arc is basically tossed away: he never gets a chance at an actual rematch with Kallus, he never leads more Lasat to Lira San, and he never uses the ancient Bo-rifle techniques he learned again.

This is pretty obviously because of Kallus’s redemption; with Kallus redeemed, he’s not persecuting more Lasat for Zeb to rescue, there’s no reason for him and Zeb to have their rematch, and since there’s no villains with a Bo-rifle, Zen never gets the chance to use his new skills.

Without Kallus as a villain, Zeb’s arc kinda falls apart and the writers didn’t do anything to salvage it. He has a few more focus episodes, but they don’t really contribute to any overall story and his character doesn’t develop meaningfully after Legends of the Lasat. He’s relegated to the background, which is really sad for a very interesting character who was supposed to be part of the main cast!

I do like Kallus’s redemption; it’s undeniable that the retcon made him a better, more interesting character, and I like the relationship he builds with Zeb after it. However, his character growth came at the cost of Zeb’s, and I would’ve preferred to have seen Zeb’s full arc.

[valkugo]

i actually hate how the average viewer sees lochlan and talks abt him. there's such a lack of compassion and understanding, such a need to completely villainize him for the fucked up situation and feelings he ended up having bc of a dysfunctional environment that it makes me sad.

people will see a kid getting groomed in multiple ways (intentional or not) but not necessarily see him as a victim and then turn around and make him the predator and "the one who is actually the weirdo, not saxon" bc what? he follows the advice he has been groomed into without actually being harmful & he enjoyed kissing saxon? a kiss that he was pushed into as a joke?

the need to find one entity to blame the *evil* on that ends up being the most vulnerable person just pisses me off to no end. the "spit the pill" theory still disgusts me so much, i can't help it, sorry.

[genieswishes]

gotcha workin’ for it ft. Saxon Ratliff

MDNI 18+

pairing: Saxon Ratliff x Reader

cw: p in v (unprotected), pwp, mentions of breeding kink (no follow through), teasing, “baby” as a pet name, established relationship, random pop culture reference

a/n: this was supposed to be a Saxon and locker room talk, but the more I wrote, the more it divulged from its original plot… maybe I’ll revisit that idea when I can write a clear enough story for it.

“You’re always so whiny and pitchy.” SAXON RATLIFF mutters in your ear. He goes on to mimic your moans, exaggerating the way your breaths are stuttered. You punch at him hard to get him to shut up.

“What?” He grins at your response, taking advantage of the wide mirror in front of you two, lifting your chin so that you’re forced to face yourself. “Look, you’re literally heaving!”

He has your back arched enough that you can see how your chest is moving to his rhythm. Your hands are placed on his bed post as he’s got your hair in one hand and your chin in the other. He’s got his hips pummeling into you, his own body arching over yours so that he can rest his chin on your shoulder.

“You’re like…” He’s chuckling a bit. “Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh!”

Your words were about to form a snarky comeback when he hits a particular thrust that makes you choke on your spit a little.

“Hey,” This asshole has the audacity to snicker at you. “Breathe, baby, breathe.”

Thank god you don’t go into a coughing fit. But you also curse whatever reverence is out there as your boyfriend leans back and straightens himself, stopping when you’re so close to your climax.

“You’ll need air if you’re gonna be moving, right?” His voice raising an inflection towards the end of the question.

“Huh?” And your voice does come out quite pitchy.

“Well, I’m not doing all the work,” He slaps your ass. Hard. “So, come on, back and forth.”

“God, you’re seriously a grade A asshole.” Yet you find your hips are already slapping back to him, your back arching to his pelvis.

His hands find themselves steady on your waist, only there to hold on to some stability and guide you to some sort of pace. Soon, your bedroom is filled with nothing but your wet squelching and a speed comparable to that of Ariana Grande when it comes to switching races.

“Uhh, fuck,” Saxon has long abandoned his motive to stay still, rocking into you as he palms your tits and enjoys how your ass bounces back on him. “Fuck, fuck, you feel real good...”

You’re so close, and you know he is to with how he twitches inside of you. You got him whispering into your shoulder, your name repeated like a prayer.

He’s calling you pet names in between his moans. “Let me cum inside…”

In usual Saxon fashion, he’s not asking with a “please” or a “can I…?” but masking his demand to sound like a request.

“Nooo,” You’re telling him unconvincingly. “Pull out…”

“What? You scared I’m gonna baby trap you?” He’s got a lilt in his voice, still teasing you when you’re both so close to finishing.

“Yes, don’t fuck around!”

“Yeah, maybe I will…” Saxon’s got his arm snaked around your waist now, thrumming into you all harsh. “Have a tiny me go running around…”

You’re yelling “Saxon!” but he feels you clench him at that notion.

“Yeah, and you’re probably gonna be calling for me just like that too.” His fingers are working magic on your clit, circling your bud in quick motions. “You know me… I’m a family man.” And boy, is he.

You can’t even respond, too focused on finding your end of the bargain. Your boyfriend is also stuttering in his movements, rutting faster to get to his arrival.

You reach your release before him, Saxon cumming right after and painting your back in white.

He falls on top of you, warm to the touch. You bask in the comfortable silence, deciding to ignore the mess that’s gonna need to be cleaned. Better to enjoy this quiet before Saxon catches his breath, right?

[saxlochapologist]

post canon Saxon only being willing to go out with girls who really really resemble Lochlan. the soft curls, waify bodies, warm eyes and delicate faces. Sax can barely even stand to get off to any other type these days if he's being honest with himself (he isn't but his dick doesn't lie.)

one night after getting tipsy and posting a particularly obnoxious IG story with his date he gets a notification from Lochlan, almost instantaneously.

'piper says she thinks your gf looks like me'

and umm what the fuck? I mean, theyre barely on speaking terms these days, where does Lochy (or little Saint Piper for gods sake) get off thinking they have a right to comment on any part of Saxon's life? and then to suggest something so absolutely vile and disgusting? his heart feels physically painful beating in his chest as he types his response more quickly than he probably should.

'wow so you're finally admitting you look like a girl? stop chopping your balls off with Piper get to the gym and maybe you wont look like a man's date' he hits send without giving himself a chance to hesitate.

Saxon's brain swims as he watches Lochlan type

'so you don't think she looks like me ?"

And suddenly Saxon has the bizarre, sickening urge to comfort Lochy, to reassure him that yes he does look like a beautiful girl, give him compliments and tell him that any girl would be lucky to have some of his features. To flatter him and hype him up. you know, like older brothers are supposed to do, he tells himself. but instead he violently shoves those feelings down down down as far as they'll go back into hell where they belong. where he and lochy probably belong after everything that's happened between them. the thought pisses him off and momentarily sobers him up.

'not if you'd actually drink your protein shakes loch smh'

but what Saxon really means is "no one else no one else no one else." the words taste awful in his mouth. he spits in the kitchen sink.

[hearts4hughes]

I DON’T LIKE SHARING | SAXON RATLIFF X READER

note: i need more saxon fics in my life!!

the problem was that you were never supposed to be more than a passing thing. that was the unspoken rule. a glance across the hotel bar, a late night on the beach, your hotel room, a secret. nothing real and nothing serious.

but now, as you leaned into some guy’s side, laughing like you didn’t feel saxon’s eyes burning holes into the back of your head, something shifted.

his jaw clenched. his drink stayed untouched in his hand. your head tilted back, your hand resting on the guy’s arm like it belonged there.

and that made him snap.

he didn’t think, just moved. slow, steady, pissed off. people turned to look as he crossed the sand, his expression unreadable. but his chest was tight. his hands were already curling into fists.

you didn’t notice him until he was right behind you, until his hand slid around your waist and pulled you back into his chest like you’d been his all night.

you stiffened and your breath caught.

“we have a time limit on how long you ignore me?” he muttered against your neck.

your spine straightened. “what the hell are you doing?”

“didn’t like the view from across the fire,” he said casually. “figured this one was better.”

then he kissed you. it was light, lazy, possessive. his thumb grazed your lower back like he was reminding you, just so you wouldn’t forget.

the guy beside you took a step back, clearly uncomfortable.

saxon didn’t even look at him. well, not at first.

“you her butler or something?” he asked finally, eyes finally flicking to the stranger.

the guy muttered something under his breath and walked off without waiting for a response.

you pulled away immediately, anger bubbling up fast.

“what the fuck is your problem?”

he just grinned; that same stupid grin like everything was going exactly how he planned it.

“i don’t like sharing.”

you stared at him for a beat too long.

because neither did you.

[iatrophilosophos]

From a US perspective, I think a way more thoughtful and useful lens of critique is that this country did & is responding to covid in the best way that's actually possible for it-- CONTRASTS with the AIDS epidemic, lesser-known public health crises (like deadly weight loss fads!), the historical* management of + even the deeply violent eradication efforts against previously endemic diseases like TB, and the general state of non-contageous chronic illness management will lay this bare.

*within your grandparents lifetime.

This is actually the best this state, this way of LIFE, is capable of. That SHOULD piss you off, it SHOULD seem horrific.

The lens that this is an anomalous tragedy and not a massive R E L A T I V E """success"""" is contradicted by the historical record and leads nowhere. I suppose I have nothing to much to say to people who are extremely stuck on this "i have a right to never get sick ever" kind of idea, bc i think that's simply an unfeasible position to hold as a living body and betrays an unfortunate lack of thoughtfulness and regard for, uh, literally anyone with a genetic/ otherwise non-externally-aquired disability; but short of that like. There's ways of thinking about this shit that lead somewhere. There's ways of thinking about how civ is hostile to disabled beings, and causes certain kinds of disabilities certainly, while also rejecting the notion of a perfect Ur-body as a "natural state". Yever looked at a wild animal? A fucking TREE? those things are fucked up yo. To live is not to be made in the perfect image of an abled anglo-saxon God, but to be born through a chaotic and imperfect and highly variable smashing together of organic material; to get screwed up by time; to exist in an ecosystem of pathogens and physical dangers and bear their marks--NOT PASSIVELY! Not without medicine, an extremely basic activity of living beings shared by other animals, not without learning, strategizing, reducing spread; not without accommodation and aid; but these are all activities through which we *participate* in the ecosystem, not rise above it.

Yes, some diseases have been nearly eradicated, but they have been replaced by *new ones*, MRSA and other antibiotic resistant infections, covid, and so on. Open a niche and something else will grow there.

It is hard to go through, it is hard to learn to live with, but at base level it is not a tragedy to get sick. The horror, the tragedy, the injustice is a world that does not make *space* for the realities of that sickness; that doesn't support effective medicine; that doesn't allow for the neccesary reconfiguration of lives in response to sickness--where even with the prompt research and highly funded attempts at remediation that so many other people have been denied, the basic demands and structures of our ways of life result in mass death.

[lochlogie]

Honestly I think the sexual attraction between Saxon and Lochlan was mutual. Nobody normal stares at their brothers naked ass for a suspiciously long time and only stops when Saxon closes the door. There had to be a deep in the closet taboo crush. Saxon on the other hand is wayy too deep in denial to even realize.

How to explain this. Firstly, yes it could be latent sexual attraction, which everyone automatically assumes it is. But that's almost a little too easy. Like, Saxon just so happened to correctly guess Lochlan is into him? Or he's so full of himself he just assumes that too? I could see that second one actually. But like, the only thing about Lochlan he takes any interest in is his (nonexistent) sex life. We just don't know if Lochlan has been staring at him his whole life or something. So what does Saxon have to go on other than his own narcissistic tendencies?

If you were Lochlan, a truly clueless little dweeb, and your brother, whom you look up to and trust almost unconditionally (again to the point that you ask him to decide what you want in life for you), how do you respond when that brother gives you a rehearsed speech about how being a virgin is lame and gay and so is everything your sister believes in and then immediately after starts probing you for what kind of porn you want to watch and also very suggestively complains that your presence makes it harder for him to masturbate, before he (already nude) salaciously walks to the bathroom and displays himself... what are you to do?

Lochlan could be staring in lust, sure. He could also be staring as a challenge. "I see you bitch, what you thought I'd chicken out? You want to be a hypersexual freak around me with no boundaries let's go then." Honestly Lochlan's too timid to do that, but I would cheer if he called Saxon's bluff and was like "Should I whip it out too bro?" He could just be "studying" Saxon as Sam Nivola suggested (and you may disagree or revile him for trying to de-gay-ify it but he's the person inhabiting the character, so his motivation for any given scene counts for something). Like, Saxon has just given him a speech that was meant to:

Isolate him and his value system from Piper, allowing Saxon to swoop in and "rescue" Lochlan from her "bad influence," by trying to get Lochlan to embrace unfulfilling hypersexuality and redpill philosophy. Confuse him as to what is appropriate speech and behavior between siblings and about siblings. Cajole him into having a sexual experience with Saxon (whether that's mutual masturbation which I think it most likely is, or he was playing the long game and wanted a threesome with Lochlan all along, or something else entirely).

Since Lochlan is a people pleaser, to an unhealthy degree, I find it pretty believable he'd stare at Saxon, nervously, intently, trying to guess as to what Saxon's goal is here. When your big brother says "Watch and learn from the best," and then he starts to watch porn in front of you and by the way he's been naked the whole time, and you are as anxious and neurodivergent as Lochlan is... is it farfetched to say "Otay," and observe your brother's behavior? Like, when Saxon explicitly says he wants to teach and mentor Lochlan, gives a very obvious groomer speech, and then starts jerking off... is that or is that not intended to be one of his "lessons"?

Lochlan is very perceptive, but he doesn't have a lot of common sense. That's a dangerous combination, especially as he tries to preemptively placate everyone's histrionic and grandiose personalities. This is so obviously all a trauma response that calling Lochlan "not normal" feels offensive? Whatever. If Lochlan perceives that Saxon wants a sexual experience with him he's going to do it. It's clear that Saxon knows how to take advantage of this. And, insidiously, Saxon is automatically granted the space to retroactively claim he never wanted it, that wasn't his intent. How is Lochlan supposed to clear his name without sounding crazy?

Their argument in the last episode demonstrates that really well. Lochlan tries to make his case that he's not acting out of a one-sided puppy dog crush/attraction to Saxon, that he perceived that Saxon on some level wanted all of this (and more), but Saxon gets to look at him like he's crazy and viewers indeed thought Lochlan was crazy. It's almost gaslighting in a way?

Now, as for the next morning: Clearly I think that shot of Saxon's ass is meant to be obtrusive, and a reminder of how in Lochlan's face Saxon is with his sexuality. It's something Lochlan feels insecure about (partly thanks to Saxon himself wanting Lochlan to feel insecure and shameful about his virginity and apparent lack of interest in girls). Is there an element of comparison? If there is, it could be telegraphed better, maybe have Lochlan start inspecting his muscles in the mirror or something, I don't know.

Lochlan wakes up, sees Saxon's pussy hanging out, does seem to focus on it a little too long, then rubs his eyes and gets up. He's not physically aroused, but would they have fluffed Sam just so he had a boner in that scene? Probably not. Then he goes to the bathroom and splashes water on his face (admittedly very "I'm turned on and need to calm down" coded), and sighs.

So is he trying to process the weird ass experience he had the night before? Is he thinking (like someone on Tumblr put it) "Saxon's going to molest me, isn't he? Why am I weirdly okay with that?" which could either be because it excites him or because he's already self aware about being a people pleaser. That might not even be what he's thinking.

[samsayswhatever]

Everyone says that Sam confirmed in an interview that Lochlan swallowed the drugs and did not spit them out. Do you know what interview it was?

There are a lot of interviews out there. I'm not sure which ones people are constantly referring too, but below are two I've seen mentioned.

There was one person who was using this interview that was posted on March 23rd to say Loch DID spit the drugs. Sam talks about that full moon party night saying, "It's a little bit of a drunken night and, like, a really bad decision on Lochlan's part." Here he didn't mention that he was on drugs, only that he was drunk, and implies that it was a "decision" not just something that happened to him.

However, in this other interview also posted the same day, Sam and Sarah are asked, "How did Lochlan and Saxon get to the point of incest?" Sam Nivola says a few things in response, but one of them is, "He's incredibly fucked up on drugs." Which I've seen people use as proof that his character did take the drugs, and that they had a very strong effect.

I personally don't think that Mike White wanted there to be controversy around Lochlan's sobriety. I think his choice to have Lochlan take the drugs first, as well as drink literal buckets of alcohol, was supposed to convey that he was clearly under the influence to the point where he wasn't making decisions based on logic or long term consequences, but rather on his deepest hidden desires, strongest emotional needs, and just the whims of the night.

Also, I know people who think he spit the pill have said things along the lines of, "It only feels like he didn't spit the pill because there was a scene between when he took it, and when he spit it." But below I cut the two scenes together, and there is exactly one minute of real time between Lochlan swallowing the pill and when people claim he spit it out.

But anyway, the actor's statements about the show are not the rule of law about what is or isn't cannon. And again, it's fiction, so we can all head canon what we want!

[queer-ragnelle]

Oh, no, what happened in The Altar of the Legion? 😭

It was a very good book, 5/5 stars from me! But it's Arthurian, it's a tragedy. It was very satisfying though and I highly recommend it. Full spoiler break down and review of The Altar of the Legion by Farnham Bishop and Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur below. It's gonna be long.

It all takes place post-Camlann. King Arthur has been defeated and Owain mab Urien is now an old king of North Wales/Rheged. The story follows Owain's two children, Princess Gwenlian, a brave and courageous girl whom the court believes would make a great sovereign, and Prince Meriaduc, a jolly kid who fears the sight of blood and would rather be a minstrel than soldier and heir to the throne. The people of Wales require help from the last remaining Roman city in Britain as Owain's Ravens, his black-leather wearing fighters, have been reduced in numbers and can no longer combat the Saxons alone. However when Gwenlian falls ill, Meriaduc dons her gown to take her place as ambassador for Wales. During this time Meriaduc, as a princess, seems to develop complicated feelings about gender and the role a prince is supposed to play.

Every one loved the merry prince. But Meriaduc was fifteen, and at that age in King Owain's land a man must be a man. But this man, a king's son, chose to be a woman, and in that guise was even now about to enter Legionis Asa. All in the service of his hard-pressed country, it was true; and there was no doubt that a beautiful, high-spirited princess would have more influence than a prince who could not fight.

On top of that, Meriaduc doesn't merely enjoy the time spent passing as a woman, but fully embodies it, and seems to fall in love with Roman-Briton Drusus, a prefect of the last Roman city in Britain, although there are some half-hearted attempts to deny/prevent it.

Meriaduc, in the midst of his mischief, was feeling that sense of security and fraternal content the presence of Drusus inspired in him. The young prince did not want a love affair on his hands, messing up his more serious business.

This romantic nature of attraction is observed from multiple outside perspectives, including Niall, the Irish captain of the Ravens and the princess's escort, the only one aware of Meriaduc as Gwenlian.

Niall of the Sword, picking his teeth with a dagger, watched the two with open satisfaction. He saw and understood the prefect's ready sympathy, his interest in the pretended Gwenlian's beauty, touched to radiance as it was by the fire of patriotism. He saw the quick response of eye to eye, of smile to smile, of serious mood to serious mood; the spontaneous friendship of two young, wholesome souls.

This mutual romantic interest is so pronounced that Tullia, Drusus's cousin, becomes openly jealous, and teases him about the whole situation. His aunt Sophonsiba also doesn't like Gwenlian!Meriaduc flirting with her nephew. All of this Meriaduc noticed, found hilarious, and continued to exploit throughout the story.

The elf of mischief, never far from the surface of Meriaduc's soul, chuckled ever so softly. Was Tullia jealous of him?

And Drusus, for his part, defends Gwenlian!Meriaduc, even when she isn't there. He's a good guy! Calling out his aunt's racism!

He forced a patient smile. It was little use, he knew, to argue with Aunt Sophonisba. "The Princess Gwenlian is scarcely a skin-clad savage," he answered kindly. "But her eyes!" exclaimed his aunt. "And her manners! The girl is a little barbarian, affectedly trying to live up to her new surroundings. And I do not like the way she looks at you, Drusus. She is playing with you, twisting you about her finger, for the sake of your influence with the Senate. And you why, this very morning, the little Welsh flirt kept you so engrossed that Tullia spoke to you thrice without receiving an answer. You will break the child's heart." So that was it? Square chin raised, Drusus met his aunt's eyes almost angrily. "This is folly !" he exclaimed.

At last the honest and honorable Drusus decides to aid the Welsh even if the political powers and his family won't. Tullia argues against him, accusing Gwenlian!Meriaduc of bewitching him. Drusus won't hear it.

But Drusus, carried away by his own eagerness, was not to be checked. "The Quæstor dares not arrest me," he answered. "If he did so now, the troops would march on the city. I am no traitor, Tullia. I am a Roman Briton, one who loves his country and would see her follow the honorable course. If the Senate refuses to let me call for volunteers, I will proclaim myself dictator, seize the city, and form an alliance with King Owain." The curtains parted, revealing the supposed enchantress, flushed with excitement, in the doorway.

It's at this point Meriaduc completely loses the plot and the lines between the role of princess and truly embodying a woman in love begin to blur.

"I am sorry," said Drusus simply. He shrank from trying to understand his emotional cousin's conduct. "Tell her I will bring back a Saxon standard for her," he added. "That is a proper gift! " exclaimed Meriaduc, all Gwenlian again. "I wish you had made me such a promise." "I shall bring you a sword, red with Saxon blood," Drusus responded gallantly. It came so suddenly, Meriaduc staggered a step backward, caught Niall's glance with its message of "You see!" On that he straightened proudly, and smiled gratefully at Drusus — every inch a princess.

Anon they are simply in love I don't know what else to say. Just look. At this point the story finally gives us an Owain pov chapter. He misses his kids. :^( And tragically, he never gets to see them again, as he falls in battle with his men, unaware of Gwenlian's illness or that Meriaduc has succeeded in the mission too late to save their father.

However this is where things get really interesting because Gwenlian, recovered well enough from her illness, is now dressed as Meriaduc in an attempt to make it to the city and complete the mission she has no idea her brother has already followed through on. The group does catch word of this though, telling Meriaduc!Gwenlian that his sister, Gwenlian!Meriaduc, has made it safely to the city and rallied troops.

Deep was Gwenlian's wonder. Meriaduc? How could that be? Yet anything could be if Meriaduc were concerned. She decided to keep her own disguise till she met the pseudo-Gwenlian.

While Tullia continues to complain about Drusus and Gwenlian!Meriaduc's budding romance...

It irked her almost beyond endurance to live in the same house with the British girl, whose manners were so un-Roman, who seemed to take perverse pleasure in speaking of Drusus with familiar affection.

There’s toxic yuri potential here. By the way. Anyway Meriaduc!Gwenlian finally makes it there and the siblings reunite!

With cries of joy, the brother and sister were clasped in each other's arms. Tullia considerately withdrew. "Gwenlian!" breathed the one in woman's gown. "Meriaduc!" sobbed the one in mail. The disguised lad laid a finger on his lips. "Not so loud," he warned her." Here I am Gwenlian. And you, it appears, are Meriaduc! Let me look on myself." He held her at arm's length. "Not bad, Gwenlian; but I do you greater credit, I think." And he walked a few paces away from her, trailing Tullia's gown of blue and white across the green carpet of grass, with simple and entirely feminine grace. He turned, expectant of his sister's admiration. She tried to smile, but was too wrought up by the situation. "What shall we do? " she implored. Meriaduc returned swiftly to her, and took her protectingly in his arms. Gwenlian submitted, though the experience was new to her. But laughter had come again into her brother's eyes. "Saints, what a jest!" he whispered, against Gwenlian's hair. "Owain's son comes as Owain's daughter, and plays his part so well that Tullia Marciana is jealous! Owain's daughter comes as Owain's son —“ "But I cannot play the man, as you have played the woman, neither do I like it. I but did it for greater safety on the road. Why are you here at all, Meriaduc, and not with our father?"

I could write an essay about this page alone. The contrast of the evidentially cisgender Gwenlian, sobered by the gravity of impending war and unhappy living as a man, with the potentially transgender Meriaduc so euphoric from passing as a woman that it's somewhat overshadowed the original intent. Now you'd think here they could switch back. But Meriaduc insists it's safer for Gwenlian if they remain swapped. There's a creepy senator Ventidius who's been trying to hit on Gwenlian!Meriaduc that Meriaduc wants to protect her from. But considering the events that unfold later, I don't know that it really mattered, but the prince got to stay a princess just a bit longer than was strictly necessary.

"Gwenlian!" he said, and for a moment could say no more. "Gwenlian, for once you must be guided by me. I must still be Gwenlian; you must remain Meriaduc." "I will not I cannot," she replied. "We can explain to our friends here." "Blessed Saints!" replied Meriaduc, overcome. "We cannot, Gwenlian. We must go on as we are. I understand the situation. There are considerations. Oh—" desperately — "Ventidius is in love with you — with me — that is —" He collected himself. "You must be protected from him. That can be best done if I am Gwenlian."

So from here some political/battle stuff happens that is all interesting but less so to me than Gwenlian’s and Meriaduc’s storyline so in summary the politicians had been plotting with the Saxons and selling people into slavery (shocker) which Drusus and Niall uncover. One of the other British kings, a redhead like Drusus, is struck down so it gets back to the city that Drusus died although he didn’t. Fast forward to Drusus attempting to reenter the city, and the evil older politician Ventidius has is forcing Gwenlian!Meriaduc to marry him in exchange for men to supply Owain’s army. All of this culminates in Drusus riding his horse into the chapel and crashing the wedding.

Down toward them bounded a huge horse, backed by a tall rider in faded cloak and rusted mail. Beneath the raised visor of his helmet his eyes glared with unearthly fury. Awed and frightened, the crowd drew back to yield him room. They breathed the rider's name in running whispers, instinct with the horror of living men for the ghosts of the dead.

"Drusus!" "Drusus!" "Drusus!"

Then immediately after this…

"In the name of the Holy Trinity," [the bishop] called boldly, "I conjure you, if you be ghost of hell, go back to the fiend who sent you! But if ye be living man, then speak, Marcianus Drusus, and cease to perturb the holy sacrament of marriage!"

No sooner had the prefect's name rung out upon the startled ears of the group before the altar than they turned with one accord, to meet the blazing eyes of Drusus himself. Sophonisba shrieked. Tullia's proud, beautiful face turned white. But the graceful figure in the white linen of a bride, ran to meet him with a joyful cry, deep-throated and rich, and looked up at him with eyes which spoke unbounded relief and trust.

Drusus took the bride's hand and looked over her head at the bishop.

"I live," he answered, "by the grace of God and my good men! I live, to restore the honor of my people, and to prevent this unholy marriage!"

Chat Drusus came back from the dead to rescue Gwenlian!Meriaduc. I LOVE ARTHURIAN GHOST CHARACTERS/UNKILLABLE MFS!!!!!

But after this a battle ensues as Ventidius has the city police try to arrest Drusus for this. He and Niall start retaliating with swords but there are too many of them. Drusus is about to be killed when…

Niall had met his man with the edge; but before Drusus could disengage, the third was on him. Caught between the point and the pillar behind him, Drusus could only await the blow. As the short sword stabbed upward, the prefect thrust out one foot, dashed the blade aside with his greaved ankle, and drove his heel into his enemy's stomach.

A tense, slim figure in loose-hanging policeman's mail, clutching a policeman's short sword, hovered about Drusus, never striking with his weapon, but seeming ever ready. It was Meriaduc.

…….Meriaduc overcomes the fear of blood and changes back into the clothes of a man to rescue Drusus in return. And what does Gwenlian think of this?

Oh, why was the gay, the brilliant Meriaduc born under the necessity of being a soldier? She whose courage made her the darling of her people now trembled, and all but wept, in the grip of imagined terrors, and in despair of the helplessness of women.

Wow. It’s literally a tragedy that Meriaduc has to be a solider. It’s not something the prince takes any joy or pride in, and the princess knows this too. And only Niall knows they switched places, so after this, when Gwenlian dresses as herself, and Meriaduc resumes the princely role, it means that Drusus has effectively become a stranger. The little romance abruptly cuts off. Devastating. Worse still, after all that, Ventidius kidnaps Gwenlian and tries to flee by ship to Brittany only for Saxon pirates board the ship, kidnap the kidnapper and hold Gwenlian as hostage, but they burned the ship too. So by the time Drusus, Niall, and Meriaduc arrive, they have nothing but a handful of half-drowned men to fish out of the water. Winter is coming and they have no choice but to turn back.

"What will you do?"

"Put back to Bellerium. It is all we can do. But when the spring comes — then woe to Wessex!" The despairing eyes of the two Welshmen, tender youth and hardened soldier, strained across the dark waves to the burning Cygnus. Meriaduc wept.

"See, Niall," he said, "what comes of my trying to be a soldier! Would that I had not changed back into myself!"

Drusus overheard and thought the boy daft with grief.

All this and Meriaduc can turn to no one for comfort. I’m unwell. Drusus doesn’t know. He doesn’t know!!!

So Gwenlian and Ventidius are prisoners of war over the whole winter. They even have Owain’s sword kept on the wall as a trophy. It’s so messed up. Ultimately Drusus, Niall, and Meriaduc are able to make it to the Saxon kingdom, sinking a bunch of ships along the way, and Gwenlian is brought to the top of the castle and an exchange is arranged of her life for the Saxon prince’s. That part was crazy because Gwenlian was shouting down that the security of Wales was more important than her life, kill the enemy! But they didn’t rescue her and return to Britain.

After that, Gwenlian essentially assumes the role of Wales’ sovereign. Meriaduc is there here, but not as good at it as Gwenlian.

"Their homeland lies east," insisted Meriaduc.

Gwenlian was on her feet, asking to be heard.

"I remember," she said, "the words of Ceawlin to Ventidius, just before I was taken to Sorbiodunum. The traitor urged the king to move against Bellerium by sea, but Ceawlin refused, thinking he could crush you in the field. Now that they have taken ship together and sail west, there can be no doubt but that Ventidius has prevailed. Beaten in open battle, the Saxons have but one hope: to overwhelm Legionis Asa in your absence."

"You should have been a man and a soldier!" Drusus complimented her. None observed Meriaduc sigh at the dictator's words.

Meriaduc my darling that sigh speaks a thousand words. This lovesickness continues as they all return “home.”

The two bronze lamps still glowed at the portal of Drusus' house; and, with a gulp, Meriaduc regarded the façade with the affection of one who returns to his own loved home.

Goddamn Meriaduc. So from here, plans are made to combat the Saxons who are riding on the Roman town. Things turn extremely bad very fast because an earthquake happens and ruins all the plans of everyone. Gwenlian and Tullia are at home and buried under the rubble of the house. Gwenlian finds herself alive but trapped, and can feel blood seeping into her little alcove. Straight horror novel scenario.

Gwenlian awoke with a sense of strangling, to find herself in the dark. She was lying with aching shoulders on a mass of broken cement. Stretching out her hands, she felt about her and her heart sank. She was imprisoned, closed about with heaped-up timbers.

Her fingers groped about her prison. The house had fallen in upon her in such a way as to pen her in without crushing her. She was in a sort of tent of piled-up woodwork.

Tullia! Where were Tullia and Sophonisba? Had they too survived, or were they crushed under the ruins? She called again and again, but no answer came to her. Her fingers, fearfully exploring the peaks and hollows beneath her, touched something warm and wet. She screamed in horror.

As if she hasn’t suffered enough!! Meanwhile Drusus is trying to hold the bridge with the help of Niall and Meriaduc. Drusus is losing and pulled from his horse. He passes out right before the Saxon strikes and… this happens…

Drusus saw a dim vision of the Saxon's dagger hanging above him, and then saw and heard no more.

When his senses began to clear — he was being held and lifted in mid-air. His outstretched right leg touched something smooth and familiar — a saddle! They were lifting him on to his horse. Instinctively his knees gripped and his body straightened. The two who had helped him turned and sprang on their own mounts, as Drusus opened his eyes.

He looked to the left and saw that the wagon barrier had been burst apart and bent inward. Through the ever-widening gap poured the triumphant Saxons - and facing them, single-handed, stood the stripling Meriaduc! Niall of the Sword lay wounded unto death a few paces away. Meriaduc's shield was split, his crest shorn away, all his armor red with the blood that revolted him so. Yet he had held back an army long enough to save his friend, who in turn would save Wales — Britain.

Such was the thought in Meriaduc's heart as he stood there, fighting tensely, blindly, wildly — killing — hating it even in his frenzy, but doing it for Drusus and Britain. One instant Drusus saw him standing there, saw Niall struggle half to his feet and then sprawl, helpless, arms outstretched toward his prince, across a heap of dead and wounded Saxons. Then the barricade was swept utterly away by the onrushing heathen host, and the Captain of Ravens and Meriaduc of North Wales were no more. Drusus' heart heaved so that he could hardly breathe.

I knew it was coming. Of course it was. But… it still hurts. Sick and twisted authors!!!!!! I was really hoping Meriaduc might come back, but it didn’t happen. Ultimately Drusus ends up fighting Ventidius AGAIN because Venti pulled Gwenlian out of the wreckages of the house and is trying to kidnap her AGAIN but finally he dies for good.

Gwenlian and Drusus end up fleeing the city as the tsunami/flooding that comes as a result of the earthquake wipes out all the Saxons and the last of the town. They’re stuck on the peak of a hill with only a handful of people for days until a random boat comes along and rescues them. It ends on a slightly hopeful note as Drusus vows to retreat to Wales with Gwenlian and pick up Owain’s cause once more.

Anon I’m devastated. It was a very enjoyable read but I’m fantasizing about an alternate version in which Meriaduc and Drusus at least kiss. I might even write it who knows. ;^) So yeah life changing, I’m so glad I read it. I hope more people do and tell me there thoughts, especially since I cut down the plot quite a lot, entire characters omitted. But all of them were interesting so any thoughts subsequent readers have, I’d love to know! Okay that’s it. Have a good day anon.

[warsofasoiaf]

If Aegon I really did prophecise the return of the Others (as HOTD claims), shouldn't he have tried to reform Westeros' military structure to prepare? A standing army might be too difficult to keep fed in a world with variable winters. However, in some medieval themed stories I've read there have been kingdoms with a "central band" that is always active, and is augmented by levies when a war actually occurs. Also, in your response to my last question you mentioned the possibility of making those eligible for military service train for a certain number of days every year.

I did mention that, but I also mentions that such a provision, even for a kingdom not as ridiculously huge as Westeros, would be laughably unenforceable. Even countries with greater bureaucratic organization, like Rome or Byzantium, struggled with mobilization and readiness - time spent doing drill is time not spent having a living. In later eras, governments tried all sorts of carrots and sticks to make sure there was at least some levels of training: everything from fines for people who did keep their kit in good order such as in the Asize of Arms to the Anglo-Saxon fyrdsmen being trained by the regions to act as a first line against raiding Vikings to militiamen getting free food and beer to show up for drill day in the Thirteen Colonies. Enforcement for these provisions was typically done at the local level simply because having a national-level system for doing so was simply not feasible. You could have a smaller organization have regular training, such as town watches which might be able to organize with the help of city-wide entities like burghers and guilds. So while that would be very smart, it is likely beyond Aegon's capacity.

There is an entity that can act like this, and in fact, is supposed to act like this: The Night's Watch. Regular tithes and donations to the Watch to help support cashflow problems that early armies would struggle with (hence why mercenary companies frequently turned brigand when there were no wars to sign up for), but it's simply not sufficient without regular payment. If Aegon wanted to support this in a way that was much more politically feasible - he'd mandate a percentage of taxes taken in be sent to the Night's Watch, or possible tax forgiveness up to a certain amount for donations to the Watch. This is a little bit easier to manage, as tax assessments could be made a little more regularly than unit inspections of far-flung regions and the Night's Watch can easily record donations received to help simplify the accounting process.

The fact that this isn't done, and that Aegon is smart enough to know this, is yet another indication that this "plot twist" is not integrated very well in the story. As I've said in the past, it feels like poorly-executed, tacked-on nonsense and significantly hurts Aegon's characterization, introducing a bunch of plot holes while addressing only one rather insignificant question regarding Aegon (why conquer Westeros?) that wasn't even all that important to begin with.

Thanks for the question, Ryu.

SomethingLikeALawyer, Hand of the King

[icharchivist]

also now that i slept on it i'm thinking about how, the fate of the Valiant is probably a reference to the Two Dragons Tales.

in a kingdom there were two dragons who were constantly fighting, destroying everything around them, causing cataclysm in their roars - a red and a white one, until the hero of the time (predating the Arthurians legends) gathered all two dragons in a pit in the center of the city, and covered the pit up.

Centuries passes, and the new King tries to build a castle where the pit used to be, and he doesn't understand why the castle walls keep collapsing. His advisors tell him it'd be best for him to sacrifice the new kid in town to appease whatever is going on, but the kid, Merlin, gets the foresight to warn the king about the dragons, and once the dragons are released, they go on to continue their battles until one dragon kills the other (iirc the White dragon is the one who dies to the Red Dragon, but it's unclear)

Now, "freeing dragons" have been a reccuring theme in the Dragon Knights stories so far. Fafnir going on rampage as a Red Dragon locked inside a cave, or the Skeleton dragon Merlin awoke deep into the Feendrache's mountains in order to take down Feendrache.

I think the Valiant are supposed to continue on this imagery, with the fact they were literally locked underground after they rebelled to reclaim their rights. They were in the middle of the fight when the hero of the time locked them underground. There's multiple mentions in this event about how the dragons appeared from holes just underneath the city, at the center of it.

As long as this secret is hidden, it shakes the foundations of this country and you cannot build any future on its grave. That's the theme you can get both from the Arthurian story, and from the current event.

One interpretation i read is as follow: the White Dragon tries to overcome the Red Dragon. In its screams of pain, the Red Dragon brings calamities, such as the plague. In another: The White Dragon is said to represent the Saxons, while the Red Dragons represent the people of Vortigern (Celtic Britons). (in current days the Red Dragon is associated to Wales.) As the Red Dragon ultimately wins against the Saxons, it shows prosperity for the kingdom to come.

I think it's ultimately relevent as well -- although it also extends to Fafnir. The White Dragon should be here representing the state of Feendrache, after all, it's the name of the Knight order. The Red Dragon meanwhile therefore will be the one representing the various dragons endangered by Feendrache. Like torturing Fafnir, the literal Red Dragon, to create the Alma also created the Karma that caused a plague on the people. Like the Valiant lashing out and causing catastrophe is fully the responsibility of how Feendrache hurt them in the past. If this myth is to take to the dot, it means that in this battle between White Dragon (Feendrache) and the Red Dragons (Fafnir/Valiant), Feendrache will have to lose in order to make sure that a proper future can be built later with the survival of the Red Dragon.

... or something like that.

Anyway i just think it's interesting.

[harold-saxon-pm]

[𝙲𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚗𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚓𝚘𝚒𝚌𝚎. 𝚈𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚘𝚗 𝚑𝚒𝚐𝚑. 𝙿𝚕𝚊𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚎.] Greetings, puny Earthlings and other inconsequential nemeses. It is I: Harold Saxon, The Master; your Lord and Saviour. Please, please. Hold your applause. Oh, alright. I suppose you can applaud a little. It'd be hard not to-- I just have that effect on people. Is it the smile? Is it the aftershave? Is it the capacity to laugh at myself? I don't know; it's crazy! (OOC intro ☟)

OOC intro about this blog (mostly copied from my other rp blog lol): hey :-) this account is run by @asterriisms i'll try to keep it as IC as possible, but i'll take some creative liberty so it isn't boring, plus it'll probably be funnier at times feel free to interact as much as you want, spam me, idc layout/bio/intros might be prone to change, i'm indecisive i'm online way too often so even if i'm not updating chances are i'm online i also run @not-veronica-sawyer so if you're a heathers fan check that out :D

note: he's weird, flirty and misogynistic as a character, so to keep this blog ic i'll do some of that. if that make you uncomfortable tell me and i'll stop :) idm if you send asks that are a little flirty because as he himself says, 'people just get obsessed' . but PLEASE no nsfw stuff and don't send me any weird stuff if you're an adult or like. a 13yo

important: i am a senior at HS!! so if you interact please be aware of this, especially if you are younger (13/14) or an adult. if this makes me part of your DNI and i accidentally interact, lmk and i can block you. if you're part of the previous age range i would prefer it if you didn't make any risqué jokes if interacting with me, even ic

tagging: mostly self explanatory, but one-off posts or the end posts on threads are tagged #dr who rp so if you wanna read some IC posts without having to scroll endlessly whilst attempting to get your head around different threads, go there

ooc posts (which will be few and far between) are #ooc talks any responses to asks are #answers

[mynorse-verse]

I mean, Loki is counted among the Aesir, and has a good connection to the very chief of the group; whereas although Sigyn is listed as an ásynja, so are Gerdr, Ríndr and Rán, so maybe she's counted as one because she married Loki.

Notice that Ríndr is counted too despite not only not being born of aesir parents, meaning she's counted because she had Váli... And because she was counted as a consort of sorts to Odin (Frigg->"Rival of Jördr, Gerdr/Grídr and Ríndr") despite the only surviving story regarding Váli's conception being described as a rape so brutal, the gods kicked Odin out. This is not something unique to Gesta Dannorum: In Harbardsljod Odin constantly boasts about raping and seducing jötun women, included Ríndr; Thor's response is that although he might fight any jötun women who puts a fight, had he been there he would have defended them from Odin. So yeah the aesir are very much against what Odin did to Ríndr... Yet she's still counted as his consort OR the aesir invited her to join them in the same level of importance as Frigg (after kicking Odin out, I suppose) as a compensation.

What I mean is that it's not above the narrative to count both as an ásynja and a consort of an ás the victim of mistreatment of said ás if they produce a "useful" offspring or if she joins their ranks, likely by marrying the abuser even if he's still punished later, as compensation.

Yet, the little surviving references of the relationship of Loki and Sigyn are that... Well they're married and have offspring. That's it. The contrast between the relationship between Frigg and Odin, and Thor and Sif—figures with whom Loki is associated—is quite stark. Both Frigg and Sif have "rivals" in their marriages in the form of other consorts of their husbands (although the "Járnsáxa was Sif's rival could also be translated as "Sif said she was Járnsáxa" but that's another can of worms); both Odin and Thor are called the delight in their wives arms. In Sif's case we even have kennings suggesting she and Jördr were somewhat close or at least saw each other as family. And in Frigg's, Odin's death in Ragnarök is devastating to her to some degree (either she's Hlín or Hlín is terribly sorry she couldn't defend her mistress' husband). Yet, the only thing regarding Loki and Sigyn marriage is about that, that they're married. There's no kenning calling Sigyn "rival of Angrböda", nor has Loki a kenning calling him "delight in Sigyn's arms" (but he does have one in which he's in Angrböda's embrace, albeit in a kenning with both positive and negative connotations). Sigyn is described as unhappy by Loki's side, yes, but inside the cave, and not necessarily as only sad, but rather as angry or even planning cruel things, with the further implication that she's upset at her husband, not against those that punished him nor is she sad he's suffering. There's no sign she feels great sorrow as he dies in Ragnarök, nor is there any reference of her and Laufey being close in some capacity despite Loki very clearly appreciating his mother.

And while it's true in theory a woman could obtain a divorce in Scandinavia it wasn't easy. She would need witnesses, and those were hard to find especially for a woman. If she was of a different group or an inferior social category to her husband the chances of finding witnesses in her favor were almost non-existent. In Anglo-Saxon England things weren't easier, since she would have been required not only to bring witnesses, but also she would have had scream and have the scream be heard by someone. And that's when divorce was an option: Tacitus complains Romans are constantly divorcing while Germanic people (at least the ones he visited) did not allow for it and thus wives are "true" to their husbands (along with other measures like publicly shaming her if she was caught cheating). And yes, Skadi is able to divorce Njördr over very silly reasons... But Njördr wanted to divorce her over just as silly reasons as well. And neither of them are married to Odin's favorite boy.

All of this could paint a rather dim picture for Sigyn, but there might be other reasons at play for the lack of descriptions of her marriage. Maybe she's not called Angrböda's rival because Loki was with them at different times (although Fenrir, Jörmungändr and Hel are born after Nárfi) or he didn't take Angrböda as a consort, despite apparently preferring her and having children with a very important role in the narrative. It might also be because Loki didn't take Angrböda to their home, although given he doesn't have an abode ascribed to him like Odin, Thor or Heimdall (even Tyr has several, although they go unnamed). Loki is far from being the sharpest tool in the shed, but he sure would know that it's not a good idea to bring the woman you love to the house of the one you're married with.

The most likely scenarios imo are that Loki and Sigyn got married for convenience or gainances either for themselves or their groups, they had children because that was what was expected and so whatever reasons were at play for their union would be perpetuated... And then barely interacted with one another; or that Sigyn is or was Tyr's wife from Lokasenna, and she was married to Loki right before the cave punishment (the fact her children would be outed as Loki's certainly wouldn't be of help here). But these are just my theories, and might be incorrect.

Now, if one is to consider them to be a happy couple that reached an agreement hey it's worth of respect. Just as much as it's imagining an abusive relationship on either ends. There's nothing about their relationship, again, so fill the gaps as you desire.

Loki being an abusive husband to Sigyn only really works if you never think about the logistics of how a jötunn as thoroughly despised as he was could get away with abusing his ásynja wife in a culture where women could legitimately divorce you for being broke or infertile.

[agreyraincloudd]

hiiii! for the TLK prompts list: 19 with Osferth, please 🙏?

Osferth x Reader

19. "It's me. It’s me. Calm down"

Thank you to the anon and @thetoastreader that requested this too

I had no idea I'd get so many responses (thank you so much) but I'll try to get them done ASAP - we are starving rats ik

S3 Ep2 spoiler

Words 1k

You were with Lord Uhtred when the man finally broke and turned his knife on Alfred. The King had asked too much of him and as a result Uhtred had attacked him as he attempted to make a getaway. You were the child of a Saxon and Dane and had stood beside Uhtred for years now as an advisor to the more delicate means of negotiating with Saxon royals and as you stood in the corner of the King’s hall now, with your Lord facing the blades of several swords you held your breath. This is why he should talk to you about these plans before he ends up in such predicaments.

Alfred’s men surrounded your Lord and as they neared, you slid further into the dark shadows of the back of the hall. When they realized you were one of Uhtred’s friends, they’d come for you next. The cold wall behind you turned into the grain of wood as you pushed back against the door, slipping into the corridor. As soon as you had disappeared, you heard the eruption of shouts and yells from back inside. Assuming Uhtred had made an escape, you picked up your pace and stumbled into a run. 

You pulled back several times into the shadows and around corners as guards ran past after Uhtred and his men - you included. The darkness of the night offered a welcome cover as you sped through the streets of Winchester. You had just cut through an ally when a hand came over your mouth from behind. You let out a muffled shriek as their other arm wrapped around your waist and pulled you back into the alley just when a group of guards ran in front of you, oblivious to the two of you. 

You struggled against your captor but they held tight. It was only when you elbowed them in what you hoped was their stomach, did they finally let you go and allow you to unsheath the small blade Finan had gifted you. 

“It’s me. It’s me. Calm down” Osferth became clear as you strained your eyes in the dark. He had his hands up before you, eyes wide as you stood shaking, you knife bared. 

“Jesus Christ Osferth you scared the hell out of me”

A slight smirk lifted on his lips as he relaxed when you did. 

“I was in the hall when-” You tried to explain

“We know. Sihtric has gone to gather the others. I was sent to come find you” 

“Uhtred?”

“I saw him on the roofs with Finan”

You both heard the commands of more of Alfred’s men throughout the city. 

“We are leaving, yes?” You asked in a hushed voice, the two of you growing closer together as you whispered to one another.

“Yes. We will meet the other’s over the wall”

“Over the wall? And how in God’s name are we supposed to just walk past half of Alfred’s army?”

You were interrupted by the sound of footfall. Two guard’s rounded the corner in an attempt to use the same cut through you did. It was a small passage between the buildings and with you and Osferth being in the middle, they’d walk right past you. Both of you turned to face them then looked at each other in a panic. The men grew closer. You could see the cogs turning in Osferth's brain as he tried to find a way out. They’d attempt to question you and in doing so recognise the both of you immediately. The other option-

“We run?” Osferth fingers reached for yours. 

“They’d suspect something”

“You there!” One of the guards pointed toward you. In a moment of stupidity, you grabbed the side of Osferth's leather chest plate and pulled him towards you. Your lips met in a clash. Osferth hesitated for a moment, a slight whimper of shock vibrating just as you kissed him. The two of you fell against the wall but Osferth’s hand held you up. You heard the men walk closer. Ignoring every ounce of you that claimed you’d regret this, you pulled Osferth closer and moaned into his mouth. The guard behind you coughed upon realizing the situation you were in and over the sound of your heartbeat in your throat, you heard the men continuing past you in favour of avoiding the two drunks down here.

You convinced yourself you were both waiting for the men to fully leave as you continued the kiss. His other hand cupped your cheek and with a final tug of strength, you managed to pull away. 

“I’m sorry I-” You stumbled over your words.

He still had his eyes closed while you looked back and forth down the alleyway. You had to move now. 

“Let’s go”

Oferth held you back. 

“Wait wait”

“Forgive me”

“Y/N” 

“We must-”

His lips met yours. The kiss was softer, delicate, testing. He held your face in his hands as he pulled you close. You moved back slowly, both your eyes closed as you did. 

“I’ve wanted to do that for many moons now Y/N” Osferth smiled, his forehead resting on yours. 

You put your hands over his where they lay on your face. 

“I’m annoyed you have waited this long”

He pulled back with a smile. 

“And why did you not act upon such feelings?”

“I didn’t want you to freak out and never talk to me again if you didn’t feel the same”

He raised his hand to brush back a strand of your hair. 

“I do, I would have, I like you”

You smiled brightly before remembering where you were. 

“Shit we really need to go”

Osferth’s face fell.

“We do” He nodded. 

With a final look at his face through the moonlight, you smiled despite the chaos you were about to face as his hand slipped into yours. The two of you melted away into the night as you braced yourself for what was about to become. 

[rebelsandtherest]

Arthur strikes me as the type of shithead who just makes shit up to mess with gullible people. Especially Alfred.

Alfred makes a joke about King Arthur and how Arthur Kirkland was named after him, and not missing a beat completely deadpan, Arthur is like

“You’ve got it the wrong way round, actually. I was always a bit bothered by that to tell you the truth. He was an ugly bugger and didn’t like me one bit.”

“What? Hold up- wait wait wait - he was real?”

“What kind of- of course he was real. I was good friends with his mum, that’s why she named him after me, but he himself was a fucking nuisance.”

“You what - wasn’t his mom supposed to be some kind of evil-“

“Oh posh, that’s what all those propagandist want you to believe. Anti-Anglo nonsense.”

“Anti…”

“I’m Anglo Saxon, lad, Pendragon was a Breton. Wanted to kill me.”

“ w h a t “

“Crooked teeth too, always whistled when he spoke. Really annoying.” Looks up, his brother has entered the room. “Rhys got the worst of it, though, he’s the one who protected the bugger for so long.”

Rhys, glances at Arthur’s deadpan expression, Alfred’s pure confusion, not missing a beat: “oh yeah for sure he was an ass.” And then mouths at Arthur (who??) (King Arthur) (ah) “he was a Breton alright, one of mine, but my god he was an annoying one when he wasn’t being all charismatic to his men. I much preferred Merlin.”

Arthur rolls his eyes where Alfred can’t see and glares at Rhys, who was, in fact, “Merlin”.

Alfred is still reeling. “Sorry, wait, the wizard was real too??? You’re making shit up now, you’re absolutely making shit up.”

“Oh no, it was all real, the stories just got most of it wrong,” Rhys assures him, “the table wasn’t round, anyway, it was an awkwardly long rectangle. Also Arthur was brunette, most people get that wrong.”

“And the magic? Wizard??? dragons???”

“Depends on who you ask,” Arthur deadpans.

Rhys winks at him. Alfred’s eyes look like they might actually leap out of his skull. After some accusations of “fucking with him”, Alfred eventually leaves the room to revisit every mythology book he’s ever read.

“You always make things sound so much more dull than they were,” Rhys complains. Arthur snorts.

“What, and tell him the truth? He wouldn’t believe me. Besides, this is much more fun. The boy doesn’t have a mind for magic, you know that.”

“Mm.”

“Whatever happened to that sword, anyway?”

“I’ve told you, I really did lose it.”

“Jesus, Rhys, only you would lose a goddamn king’s sword,”

“He wasn’t even your king, you appropriating ass—“

“I was practically his godfather.”

“You were a child!”

“God-cousin, then. At any rate, that sword was special-“

“It wasn’t, it was just a plain old hand-me-down-“

“It had perfect balance, and he promised me I could have it if he ever-“

“Oh here we go,”

“Lady of the lake — just because you got your girlfriend to cover your ass because you dropped it in a fucking Llyn—“

“It was stolen,”

“Responsible wizard, my ass—“

“The fae what did it were Saxon, you asshole,”

“I’m glad the humans always make you a decrepit old man, it suits you better.”

“I will turn you into a toad.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

[leohtttbriar]

1, 8, 10, if you want to!! :)<3

<333 yeah i've been called "opinionated" too many times in my life to not want to lol

all of these got soooo long, but i answered them on my lunch break and didn't have the energy for any proper editing so like. just remember you asked. this is on YOU. and i can only hope for a similar level of expostulation in your answers!

the character everyone gets wrong

so i don't think everyone gets her wrong but a lot of people do.

eowyn is in fact precisely concerned about the role of women. she says so. i've seen this popular reading that eowyn is not feminist-girl badass--she's really there to learn a wwi-eque moral lesson about how reknown is not going to cure your depression and so on. and i think that's fairly reductive.

eowyn is aware of her vulnerability. she is losing her protectors one by one. and "reknown" is not, like, the narcissism the other reading is implying. it's an achievement allowed only for those within the male-sphere. it's an implication of power and a sense of responsibility, to answer the vulnerability. like tolkien isn't going to write a character who wants to be sung about and disparage either being sung about the desire to be sung about. the rohan characters he wrote are very inspired by anglo-saxon culture and poetry and eowyn being like "i'm going to hang up my shield now" can mean A LOT of things, including Tolkien just being sexist. what i don't think it means is a condemnation of eowyn's previous desires to begin with. she wants to hang up her shield only after she's secured her place in history. like, as someone who wants to be a keeper of a hall and protect her people, that's an ideal heroic ending for her. idk, that last bit is probably super generous to tolkien but i still think that eowyn is absolutely a character meant to express feminist values.

8. common fandom opinion that everyone is wrong about

okay i think it's a relatively common opinion that the reason f/f ships and even just female or female-coded characters are less popular than m/m ships and male or male-coded characters is due to big Misogyny. digressed.

but i also think that fandom is bad at understanding male characters, mostly because they are very busy applying an overly-good faith to all of them to the point of fantasy. my unpopular opinion is that this attitude is like when moms love their son or sons the best. my unpopular opinion is that the word "babygirl" applied to any male character is not in fact the transgressive epithet that everyone thinks it is. i opine that actually terms like "babygirl" and "malewife" are ways to emasculate male characters in a specific way that separates us from the very real realness of the kind of masculinity that suffocates shes and theys outside of fandom; while still celebrating how very Male they are. calling a man "babygirl" is not real condescension. it's pure affection. which isn't necessarily wrong. only that affection for men frequently joins hands with empathy, understanding, and impassioned defense. i just can't really get behind the sweetening of male characters--whether that's making them perfect angels in fics and stuff or calling them "my poor little meow meow" as if the media in which they're being portrayed isn't trying it's hardest to get you to feel like that to begin with.

i probably wouldn't care about these definitely funny turns of phrases for dudes of fandom, but there isn't an equivalent term for female characters. and that really annoys me :/

there are also like a few people who use the term "babygirl" in a genuinely transgressive way: like in media where gay-coded villains do something evil and we're not supposed to root for them in any way, for example. i've just seen too many gifs with the words "babygirl" or "malewife" edited over male characters faces who do not deserve that fondness, imo.

10. worst part of fanon

other than the blatant misogyny expressed throughout all fanons in just a variety of ways that only an academic could enumerate...

generally speaking, hate when fanon makes characters like books/music or political opinions that are obviously just an effort to project likeability. like when i said johnny lawrence in cobra kai probably voted republican at least once in his fictional life and quite a few someones were like "that man has never voted." like i get what you're trying to do there. but it's also very very boring to only read about characters who have the exact right opinion about culture and politics.

i think it comes down to the fact that fandom is very fun place to hang out but it also be very absorbing and so people sort of forget about distance. and the distance between "queer-reading" and simply saying this-is-obviously-gay is probably the distance that gets trampled over most. like, it turns into people using things like "toxic masculinity" to prove how interesting their babygirl character is, bc look how repressed, look how sad, look how he needs queer liberation. the power of a queer-reading is its interpretive possibilities, not its potential canonization. along those lines, i think people should call "toxic masculinity" just plan old misogyny. if your masculinity is toxic, ya probably hate womenfolk.

likeability is like the core value of all fanon i have seen and it is boring