#this show was supposed to be a source of joy and kindness and it become something sour | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

ohnoitstbskyen · 4 months ago

Note

Seeing that Luke post get thousands upon thousands notes is giving me hives. How does one become this fandom brained? I know the jokes are "don't mess with fans of X they don't even watch/read/listen to their own film/show/etc." and any fandom is going to cause some amount of ooc behaviour for the sake of jokes and memes and stuff, but surely at some point the character is so bent out of shape you stop to ponder what you're doing.

Who is this Luke Skywalker, collector of wayward orphans? Why would he want to be Reys dad? You get the feeling she might want it at the start of TLJ... And then the rest of the movie happens, going into great detail, at times in overly didactic ways, as to why that's a Bad Idea for her personal growth and the galaxy at large.

Even in older Legends material, where he ends up having actual kids, most of the lauded and beloved portrayals of his character are things like the original Thrawn trilogy, and in that he spends all three books struggling with if there's any place for him in the galaxy after the emperor died. The supposed definitive alternate sequel trilogy is, at least for Luke, largely about if he even should restart the jedi order, since his own training is incomplete and he has a deep fear any students he has are going to eventually succumb to the dark side, and how if they do it'll probably be a direct result of his incompetence. He does naturally, much like in TLJ, overcome these feelings of inadequacy and re-emerge as the definitive hero of the story, but spending a few years wallowing is just a very Luke way to deal with problems in life.

Like yeah I wonder why a bitter, self-isolating old man who views his life as a colossal failure wouldn't be jumping for joy when a younger, more naive version of himself shows up to his house uninvited.

For how desperate to venerate the Nostalgia the sequel trilogy project as a whole is, only TLJ really feels like it actually gives a shit about the story it's supposedly continuing. I didn't think you could look at Lukes death and not feel the overwhelming love and care for him specifically. I always shed a tear when binary sunset kicks in and I'm not even that into the originals. I was a prequel defender in 2010, Luke is the 20th character I think about when people mention SW.

Do people just not engage with the source material at all? Is this a product of the whole fandom tourism boom in the last 5-ish years? I genuinely don't want to be mean. After all, fandom is all of us playing with our toys, and you should always try to avoid a "old man yells at cloud" scenario, but like... It's a movie for 12 year olds that's very deliberately laying out all the cards. A slightly more nuanced and emotionally mature movie for 12 year olds than you might expect but... A child could get it, it's been focus grouped to hell and back so any given child on the planet should get it... How are you as an adult asking why the story had conflict?

I also broke out in hives a little bit when I found out that my addition (?) had made that thing go around. Or maybe it wasn't my addition, I'm actually not sure, but I worry that it was. The OP turned off reblogs, and I can only assume it was because people starting doing absurd bullshit discourse on the post which... hhhh I don't really like being part of inflicting that on anyone over something as unimportant as Star Wars opinions.

Also, the thing I was reacting against really wasn't the fact that people have headcanons about who and what kind of character Luke is - like, that's just normal and generally a good and fun part of fandom. I reacted against the idea of The Last Jedi being thoughtless about his character. It interprets Luke in a very specific way, but that interpretation is, I think objectively, deeply grounded in the history of his character and the thematic throughlines of the Skywalker-focused movies. So it annoyed me a bit to see people treat the depiction like it was some kind of failure to engage with the original material. I think that's not quite fair to what the movie was, and I think it leads to weak criticism of its flaws.

I think that the better angle for critique of the whole sequel trilogy and Rian Johnson's contribution is that obsesses far too much about the original trilogy, and is at its best in those few scant moments when it breaks away from it. If the sequel trilogy hadn't had the corporate mandate to be a kind of Frankenstein remake of the OT, perhaps a kindly old grandfatherly Luke could have been a fun and interesting interpretation of the character's future. Luke is what he is in TLJ because the trilogy absolutely fucking had to recreate the narrative beats of Dagobah, and therefore absolutely had to have Luke learn another lesson from Yoda about learning to let go of his attachments to and fears about the future and be present in the here-and-now.

Johnson is clearly a fucking nerd-ass Star Wars nerd, whose greatest mistake was assuming that other Star Wars nerds would engage with the material with good faith and an eye towards appreciation and discovery, rather than product-brained, screaming entitlement to their supremacy-affirming nostalgia security blanket.

To be clear, here I am talking about the culture war grifter assholes who poison the world, and not fandom people who have a cozy headcanon about Luke as a cheerful old community dad. I don't think it's fandom tourism to have a headcanon about a character, or a favored interpretation of them, even one which feels somewhat divorced from the original source-text. If I had to take a guess, the people on the original post developed that headcanon through fandom - by way of fanfics and fanposting and fanart, by way of fix-it fics and excited speculation. If I had to take a guess, they got their headcanon about Luke the same place everyone gets their headcanons about popular characters: from some combination of appreciation, projection, and a desire to see the thing you love tell a story that you need to hear. That's just human, and I don't think you can spend any significant amount of time in fandom without developing those attachments to certain stories or characters.

#tb answers #vodenkonj #star wars #luke skywalker #the last jedi

143 notes · View notes

redroomreflections · 11 months ago

Text

Gentle Hands Chapter Eight

Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

Summary: Natasha suspects Reader is in an abusive relationship and tries to convince her to leave

8/10

W/c:

Masterlist | General Masterlist

Warning: Domestic violence

Sometimes you don’t know you’re grieving until you’re in the middle of it. Or in the middle of something. One minute you’re pushing your daughter on the baby swing and the next minute you look over and realize there’s no one there but you. It’s an empty feeling. The sensation is hollow, disconcerting, and unpleasant. It induces a desire to retreat into darkness, a pain so intense it feels deserved. Maybe you deserve it. Maybe for separating Kaia from her father, leaving Keith isolated. He depended on you, just as you relied on him. The only thing is he never left. He kept his promises. Even if he broke all of them more than once. He never left you alone. There was never enough time to think. Never enough time to stop and realize it wasn’t what you wanted. But you did right? It’s why you stayed. In an attempt to fend off the loneliness gripping you now, a profound despair coursing through your veins like venom, you stayed.

You endured all he threw at you because, deep down, it seemed preferable to the current state to the life you’re leading now. You sense it coursing through your veins, tightening until it constricts your breath. Abruptly, the knot in your stomach intensifies, and a sharp pain grips you, settling in the lower regions of your stomach.

You pause to take a breath, inhaling and exhaling for a few moments. The pain fades quicker than your thoughts can catch up. This feeling isn't new; you remember it from your early pregnancy days with Kaia. Back then, you'd turn to Google for reassurance, and talking to Keith always brought comfort. He knew what you needed, even when you didn't.

Now, uncertainty clouds your mind. You try to keep track of basic needs – food, shelter, transportation. But it goes deeper. Kaia's well-being becomes crucial; if she goes hungry or falls sick, the fear of losing her to him haunts you. The thought lingers – you might be seen as an unfit mother. The fear sometimes overwhelms you, and you can't shake the idea that your supposed freedom is a facade. Keith might show up any moment, shattering the illusion of safety you've clung to.

Life's twists aren't lost on you. In the past, his presence gave you comfort, and he was your world. Love used to drive you to do anything for him, but now, you question if that kind of love is what you truly want anymore.

You inhale deeply before extending your arms to scoop up Kaia. She's an exceptionally patient toddler, your little angel. Many parents use that term, but for you, it rings true. She's been your saving grace in more ways than one. Your will to live is intricately tied to her existence. You strongly desire to witness her growth, and the idea of experiencing that adorable gummy grin every morning is a source of genuine joy. She's not just a part of your life; she's the heartbeat that propels you forward, a tiny force that adds meaning and purpose to your journey.

Cradling Kaia in your arms, the 15-month-old beams up at you with an enchanting, toothy grin. She babbles away in her sweet, baby language, some of which you can understand, and her innocent laughter fills your heart.

"Mama, food," Kaia demands.

"Food, huh?" You ask, a smile spreading across your face in response to Kaia's adorable request.

Kaia, her eyes sparkling, responds with an enthusiastic, "Yeah, yeah!" Her joyful energy is infectious, and you can't help but share in her excitement for the upcoming meal.

“Alright, let’s get you fed,” You hoist her higher on your hip.

Amid her baby talk, a thought crosses your mind. Inspired by Kaia's playful energy, you consider reaching out to Darcy for a lunch date. With Kaia giggling and gurgling in your arms, the idea of sharing time with your best friend seems more plausible. You should call her.

*************** Surprisingly, you find yourself nervous about meeting Darcy, your best friend, of all people. She's the one you confide in, the person who knows everything about you. Yet, ever since that night at Tony's gala, you've been avoiding her, reluctant to face any potential judgment. It's not that you believe Darcy would criticize you; instead, you anticipate her anger directed at Keith. He's the source of the problem, always has been, and you're finally acknowledging it.

Sitting in a cafe, your leg bounces nervously as you wait. Trying to ease the tension, you observe Kaia happily munching on french fries. Your eyes flutter around the room, distracted by the anticipation of the upcoming conversation with Darcy.

A few moments later, the cafe door jingles, and in walks Darcy, her eyes scanning the cafe until they lock onto you. A wide grin spreads across her face, and she strides over with an enthusiastic, "Hey, you!". You respond with a wave. Her gaze then shifts to Kaia, who's blissfully engaged with her french fries.

Darcy crouches down, her excitement palpable, "And how's this little munchkin?" she asks, reaching out a hand for a high-five. Kaia looks up from her fries, momentarily taken aback, but after a moment, she responds with an adorable smile, slapping Darcy's hand in return.

Darcy chuckles, "Well, hello there, cutie! You must be Kaia. I've missed seeing you." While she may not consider herself a "kids person," the genuine warmth in Darcy's voice suggests she's genuinely pleased to finally meet the little one she's heard so much about.

“You didn’t tell me she was this cute,” Darcy grins as she slides into the booth seat across from you. “I mean look at that face.”

You laugh at Darcy's comment, feeling a wave of relief as the tension eases. "Yeah, she's got that adorable factor going on," you say with a smile, glancing at Kaia, who's now studying Darcy with wide-eyed curiosity. "And she knows it too," you add, your fondness for Kaia evident in your eyes. "How have you been, Darcy?"

“Shouldn’t I be the one to ask you that?” Darcy tilts her head. “I’ve missed you, girlie.”

You appreciate Darcy's concern and a small, grateful smile tugs at your lips. "I've missed you too," you admit, feeling a mix of emotions. "Life's been a bit of a rollercoaster, but having you here makes it better."

“Mushiness,” Darcy comments with narrowed eyes. She analyzes your face and sighs. There’s a subtle shift in her demeanor. “I’m glad you got away from him.”

With a nod, you express your gratitude, "Thanks, Darcy. It was a tough call, but I needed to do it. “

“I have a lot of questions,” Darcy frowns. “I just really want to know if you’re okay. With everything. I know a cafe isn’t the best place to do it but…”

Darcy's frown and the concern in her voice tug at your heartstrings. You appreciate her genuine worry. "I get it, Darcy. And I appreciate your concern. Honestly, a cafe is as good a place as any. Ask away, and I'll fill you in on whatever you want to know," you say, ready to share your thoughts and feelings with the friend you trust the most.

“How long had that been going on?” Darcy asked. “The problems with Keith? We’ve been friends for quite a while now. I never noticed anything. I’m sorry I didn’t notice anything. I just wish there was something I could have done to help. Like, kick his ass or something. I carry a taser you know.”

With a chuckle you respond, “I do know.” You take a moment to collect your thoughts before responding to Darcy's questions. "It's not your fault, Darcy. These things were hidden well. I wanted them to be hidden. The problems with Keith had been lingering for a while, but I guess I got good at putting on a brave face.” You lick your lips. “They started around the end of my last pregnancy. I, um, it was subtle at first. Just backhanded comments or random acts of control. Then he was fine when she was born but after she was a little older I noticed he was more distant. He hit me the first time on our anniversary. Kaia was four months old then," There's a weight lifted off your shoulders, knowing that you have Darcy's support and understanding. This is the first time you’ve ever told anybody this. “He came home late. Later than usual and I was so angry. I was so tired. I had been with Kaia all morning. I had gone out of my way to dress up and have the neighbor down the hall babysit. I just wanted a night with him. I just wanted a night for him to notice me like before. I questioned him on his whereabouts. I wasn’t angry by then. Just tired and annoyed. He didn’t even notice the dress. He just got super defensive. Said he was at work and a meeting ran late. I called bullshit on it. He backhanded me.”

“Wow, holy fuck,” Darcy says before she covers her mouth with a hand. “Sorry, I shouldn’t curse in front of her.”

“It’s fine,” You dismiss. “If she hasn’t picked up anything from all the things she’s heard before then she won’t pick it up now.”

“Seriously, dude,” Darcy shakes her head. “I’m sorry I don’t know what to say I just…that makes me so angry.”

Darcy's genuine frustration resonates in her words, and you nod in understanding. "I know, Darcy. It's infuriating, but it's okay. What matters is that I'm taking steps to move forward. Having you here means a lot, and I know you'll always have my back," you assure her.

“You’re not ever going back to him right?” She asks. “You’re done for good this time? Like I know it’s complicated but… I really want you to be safe. You and the munchkin here.”

Her concern is evident, and you appreciate her straightforwardness. Taking a deep breath, you meet her gaze and respond, "No, Darcy. I'm done for good. It's been a tough decision, but I need to prioritize our safety and well-being. I want to create a better life for both Kaia and myself, and that means moving forward without Keith. That and I think Tony and the guys threatened him a little. Natasha won’t admit it but…”

Darcy's eyes widen, and a mischievous grin plays on her lips. "Really now? The Avengers giving him a friendly talk, huh?" She chuckles, shaking her head. "I guess it's good to have some superhero backup in your corner. But seriously, I'm glad you're taking the steps to move on. You and Kaia deserve all the happiness and safety in the world."

Dipping the teabag into the steaming cup, you appreciate the warmth it brings. Kaia, ever sweet, offers you the muffin you’d been eating, and you break it apart with ease. "Speaking of superheroes in my corner," you begin, "my parents came to the tower. I'm staying in Natasha's place for now, just until I figure things out, and they want me to come home." The words hang in the air, carrying a mix of emotions as you navigate through the support and decisions unfolding in your life.

“Your parents came to the tower?” Darcy seems even more mindblown. “Did they think you would leave with them?”

“Something like that,” You nod. “I can’t at the moment. I don’t want to. I want to be as independent as I can. I just need to figure out things on my own for now. Also, I didn’t tell them about the baby for a reason. It’s just a lot right now.”

“Baby as in Kaia?” Darcy’s eyes widen.

“I’m about nine weeks pregnant,” You reveal. If there’s anyone you can tell this to it’s Darcy.

Darcy's eyes widen in both surprise and excitement. "No way! That's huge news!" she exclaims a mix of joy and surprise on her face. "Congratulations, I think! But I get it, that's a lot to handle, especially with everything else going on. You're a strong woman, though, and I know you'll figure things out. And hey, you've got me for any late-night ice cream runs or baby advice. We'll navigate this together."

“That’s kind of the thing,” You frown. “I don’t know if I should keep it. I mean, with everything going on.”

Darcy leans back, her brow furrowed as she processes the information. "Okay, woah, that's like, major life stuff. “ She looks to you. “I get it. Responsibility on top of responsibility, right? Are you thinking of not keeping it because you think people will judge or because you truly don’t want it?”

You take a deep breath, appreciating Darcy's directness. "It's a bit of both, you know? Back when I was with Keith, the idea of bringing another baby into our toxic mess felt like a trap. But now, things are different. I have Kaia, and I'm navigating this single motherhood journey. Part of it is fear, the unknown of handling two on my own, and the other part is this lingering worry about judgment. It's a lot to take in, and I'm just trying to figure out what's best for all of us."

“I just want there to be a point in my life where I’m sure about things,” You sigh. “I mean, shouldn’t this be something I’m one hundred percent sure about? A baby? I think they should be born if a percent one hundred percent wants it.”

“And do you?” Darcy begins. “Hear me out. Besides you feeling like you can’t do it, and feeling like Keith was wrong, what do you want? What feels best for you? There’s no wrong answer. Well, I guess there can be but what do you want?”

You nod, grateful for Darcy's thoughtful approach. "Honestly, I'm still figuring that out. In a way, it's like I've been conditioned to believe I can't handle it, especially after everything with Keith. But, deep down, there's a part of me that wonders what it would be like to embrace this new chapter. Fear is there, judgment is there, but I want to make a decision that feels right for me. It's just hard to filter through all the noise right now." Your response reflects the internal struggle you go through daily.

You take a deep breath, the uncertainty clouding your thoughts. "Darcy, it's like...I'm standing at this crossroads, and both paths look equally daunting and promising. I can't help but wonder, what if I can do this? What if this little one is meant to be a part of our story, a story that's different from the one I thought I'd live? But then there's this voice, this nagging doubt, questioning if I'm ready for all of it. It's a lot, you know? And I'm just in this fog of questioning, trying to see through it and figure out what feels right. Does that make any sense?" Your words carry the weight of contemplation and the internal struggle as you grapple with the myriad emotions and possibilities.

Darcy leans back, her expression thoughtful. "Totally makes sense," she says, her gaze steady. "You're navigating uncharted waters, and feeling uncertain is okay. This is a big decision, and you've got a lot on your plate already. Whatever you decide, just know I'm here for you. We'll face whatever comes our way, superhero style, right?" She offers a reassuring smile, emphasizing her support and willingness to stand by you through the uncertainties ahead.

“That’s so corny,” You snicker, feeling a bit more lighthearted.

Darcy grins, unapologetic. "Hey, I live for the corny moments. Keeps life interesting, right? But seriously, whatever you decide, I've got your back. Corny or not, we'll face it together." Her playful demeanor adds a touch of levity to the conversation, creating a moment of shared laughter amidst the weighty discussion.“So, you’re staying with Natasha Romanoff? How’s that? How did that even come about?”

"Yeah, staying with Natasha is...unexpectedly good," you respond, a small smile playing on your lips. "She was the one who helped me break free from Keith, offered me a place to stay, and even talked to Tony to get me my old job back. It's been a lifeline. Living with her is like having a silent mentor, and Kaia loves her. Natasha's got this no-nonsense vibe, but she's got a big heart too, you know?" The gratitude in your voice is evident as you reflect on the unexpected support and friendship Natasha has provided during this challenging time.

“Actually, I don’t,” Darcy shakes her head. “Natasha doesn’t usually allow people to get close.”

You nod, acknowledging Darcy's observation. "Yeah, I get that. Natasha is a tough nut to crack. But there's this understanding between us, a shared experience of sorts. She saw what was happening with Keith and didn't hesitate to help. I guess some connections just form in the most unexpected ways." You offer a thoughtful smile, appreciating the uniqueness of the bond you've developed with Natasha during this difficult chapter of your life. “How are things with you and Steve?” You ask to change the topic.

"Oh, me and Cap?" Darcy grins, her eyes dancing with mischief. "Well, let's just say, he's got those old-fashioned gentleman vibes. Always checking in, making sure I'm not causing too much trouble. But hey, we make a good team, whether it's saving the world or just picking out the best takeout for movie nights." She winks, implying a friendship with Steve that goes beyond the conventional.

“So you two are a thing now? I mean I’ve kind of been avoiding everyone so I don’t have any information on well, anything.”

Darcy chuckles, her expression slightly coy. "Well, 'a thing' might be a strong term, but yeah, we've been... testing the waters, I guess. It's all a bit new and unexpected, but Steve's a great guy, and we're enjoying each other's company. Nothing official, just figuring it out as we go." She offers a playful shrug, hinting at the evolving nature of their connection.

“Well, you have me to thank for that.” You slyly grin.

Darcy raises an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Oh, do I now? And here I thought it was my dazzling personality," she quips, a playful smirk crossing her face. “Thank you, y/n. You’re a gem.”

You glance over at Kaia, her tiny head drooping as she dozes off in her high chair. The soft rhythmic rise and fall of her chest indicate that the cafe's atmosphere has finally taken its toll on her, and the need for a nap has become undeniable.

You share a knowing smile with Darcy, gently reaching over to collect the now-empty muffin wrapper and the scattered fries, silently acknowledging that it's time to wrap up this cafe rendezvous.

“I should probably head back to the tower,” You say.

"Yeah, it sounds like a plan," Darcy agrees, understanding the need to tend to Kaia's nap and your responsibilities. "Whenever you're ready to spill the beans on your decision-making process or just need a friend, you know where to find me. Until then, take care of yourself and the little munchkin." Darcy gives you a supportive smile as you gather your things and prepare to head back to the tower. You move around the table to hug her and kiss her cheek.

You’ve missed your best friend.

Cradling Kaia in your arms, you prepare to head home, grateful for the support and conversation that have made this outing both meaningful and comforting.

*********************

As you settle back into Natasha's suite, the temporary nature of the arrangement crosses your mind. It's strange, living in someone else's space, but you're gradually adapting to the idea. Your parents' departure means Natasha gets her suite back, and you're determined to keep the promise you made to stay in touch with them.

Planning for the future, you're already envisioning budgeting your income and making arrangements for Kaia's daycare. The prospect of someone else caring for her feels unsettling, but you recognize it as a necessary step to help you get back on your feet. These plans mark a path toward independence and stability, a future where you and Kaia can thrive on your terms.

You’re finishing up a few dishes when the subtle beep of the security sensor echoes through the quiet suite, announcing Natasha's return. The atmosphere in the kitchen seems to shift as she ambles in, her eyes casually scanning the room as if searching for someone. You, maybe.

“Hey,” You greet her.

“Hey,” She says back. She moves to sit at the island counter. “How was your day?”The question is posed with a calmness that mirrors the quiet atmosphere of the room, inviting you to share without the need for elaborate words.

You offer a small smile, replying, "It was okay, pretty standard. I met up with Darcy for lunch. Yours?"

Natasha meets your gaze with her usual composed demeanor, a hint of something softer beneath the surface. "Productive," she replies, her succinct words carrying a subtle warmth.

As you hang up a drying towel, you can't help but feel a mild curiosity about Natasha's response. "What does that mean?" you inquire, the question lingering in the air, seeking clarity on the nature of Natasha's day.

Natasha offers a brief, enigmatic smile, her eyes meeting yours. "Just tying up loose ends," she replies, her response leaving a touch of mystery in the air. “Where’s Kaia?”

"Kaia's napping," You answer, a soft smile playing on your lips as you continue with the kitchen chores. The brief exchange carries a sense of normalcy, a routine that has developed in this shared space.

You share this thought with Natasha as you continue your tasks in the kitchen. "I've been thinking about going back to school, like I mentioned before. Maybe a couple of months down the line. It's completely online, so there won't be any more time away from Kaia that's needed," you explain, the idea taking shape in your mind as you consider this potential step toward personal and professional growth.

“What will you study?”

Natasha's question prompts you to consider the specifics of your potential return to school.

"I'm thinking of pursuing a degree in business administration," You share, the words carrying a sense of determination. "It feels like a step in the right direction, you know? Something that allows me to build a more stable future for Kaia and me." The quiet kitchen conversation takes on a slightly more purposeful note as you discuss your aspirations for the future. “Then possibly HR or consulting? I only have like two years left so it wouldn’t take too long. Also, I can take breaks if needed. With the new baby coming and everything.”

Natasha's gaze subtly shifts to acknowledge the topic of the baby, a recognition that holds a weight of understanding. "Considering everything, it's a comprehensive plan. Education, career, and the new addition to the family," she remarks, her words encompassing the various facets of your evolving life. "So, you've made a decision?" she asks, her steady gaze prompting a response.

You feel a nervous energy settle in, and you respond with a self-deprecating half-smile, "More like flipped a coin, to be honest." The admission is accompanied by a nervous chuckle. "I mean, it's a lot, right? The idea of going back to school, handling a job, and now with the baby on the way, it's like juggling a dozen balls in the air, hoping they don't come crashing down."

Your explanation flows into a ramble as you share your thoughts, "But then, I figured life's always been a bit of a chaotic dance, and maybe it's time I joined in. The baby changes things, but it's also this unexpected source of motivation. A reason to push through the chaos and make a better life, not just for me but for them. It's scary, but maybe that's the nature of big decisions, right?" The vulnerability in your words lingers as an open admission of the uncertainty and hope that accompany the choices you're making.

“Right,” Natasha nods.

You share a reassuring smile with Natasha, sensing the need to address the potential concerns about staying in her suite. "And you don't have to worry; I'll be out of your hair soon enough," you assure her. "Tony's getting one of the other suites cleaned up, and he says we could stay there until I find an apartment or something. I've already been looking at a few places, so it should go well," you add, your words carrying a sense of gratitude for the support you've received.

Natasha listens to your reassurance, her expression composed as she processes the information. "It's really no problem having you and Kaia stay at my apartment," she assures you, concealing any potential reservations with a calm demeanor. "And Liho seems to like having company around," she adds, a subtle hint of a smile appearing as she mentions her cat's fondness for the both of you.

You express your gratitude to Natasha, a genuine smile crossing your face. "Well, I like Liho too," you say, acknowledging the bond with Natasha's feline companion. "Seriously, thank you, Natasha, for everything. I know this is just the beginning, but I'm looking forward to getting things together for myself. This stage of grief is hard for me. A breakup isn't easy, but I'm genuinely motivated to get it right this time,"

Natasha meets your words with a subtle nod, her eyes reflecting a depth of understanding. "You're welcome," she responds, her tone carrying a quiet reassurance. "Take the time you need, and don't hesitate to lean on the support around you. We're here for you," she adds, a hint of warmth beneath her composed exterior.

---> next part

#natasha romanoff #black reader #natasha x reader #black widow x reader #natasha romanov #black widow x female reader #natasha x you

68 notes · View notes

hollywoodandstagebeauties · 1 month ago

Text

When Don Knotts took on the role of Barney Fife in *The Andy Griffith Show*, he created a character who would become a television legend. With his jittery energy and exaggerated sense of authority, Barney provided the perfect foil to Andy Taylor's calm and steady leadership. Armed with just one bullet and a series of comedic blunders, Barney quickly became one of TV's most unforgettable characters, thanks largely to Knotts’ impeccable comedic timing.

Barney was more than just a bumbling sidekick; he was a richly layered personality. His inflated self-importance and over-the-top dedication to his duties resulted in some of the show’s funniest moments. Whether accidentally firing his gun or issuing ridiculous citations, Barney’s antics were always well-intentioned, though hopelessly misguided. Knotts brought depth to Barney, especially in those vulnerable moments when he sought Andy’s approval, transforming the character from mere comic relief into someone audiences truly loved.

One particularly memorable episode, "The Loaded Goat," showcased Barney's escalating panic when a goat consumes dynamite. In another classic scene, Barney tries to teach a self-defense class, only to become overly enthusiastic, leading to slapstick chaos. These moments not only provided laughs but also demonstrated Knotts’ exceptional talent for blending physical comedy with emotional nuance.

In interviews, Don Knotts often spoke fondly of his partnership with Andy Griffith, describing their on-screen chemistry as effortless. "Andy and I were like a well-oiled machine," Knotts recalled. "Our natural chemistry made everything work seamlessly on screen." He shared a behind-the-scenes story of one scene where Barney was supposed to be in a state of panic; his over-the-top performance had the crew in stitches, leading to multiple retakes. "I couldn’t help it," Knotts laughed, "Barney’s nervous energy took over!"

As the series progressed, Barney evolved from a mere comic figure to a character with genuine emotional depth. Knotts explained that Barney, at his core, yearned for respect. "He knew he wasn’t the best cop, but he genuinely cared about doing a good job. That’s what made him relatable," Knotts said. This complexity made Barney a character audiences could both laugh at and root for.

After leaving *The Andy Griffith Show* in 1965, Knotts continued to delight audiences in various roles, but Barney Fife remained the crown jewel of his career. Knotts’ portrayal earned him five Emmy Awards, and he returned for guest appearances, much to the delight of fans. Though he enjoyed success in other roles, Knotts would always be most closely associated with the lovable, bumbling deputy of Mayberry.

In his final years, Don Knotts faced health challenges but never lost his sense of humor. He passed away on February 24, 2006, at the age of 81, from complications related to lung cancer. Even in his last days, he kept those around him laughing. His daughter, Karen, shared that he was still cracking jokes from his hospital bed, ever the entertainer aiming to bring joy to those around him.

Knotts’ passing marked the end of an era. His longtime friend and co-star Andy Griffith paid tribute, saying, "He was one of a kind. I loved him dearly and will always miss him." The legacy of Don Knotts lives on in the character of Barney Fife—a man of exaggerated self-assurance, endearing clumsiness, and an unending quest for approval. Knotts gave television one of its most beloved characters, a deputy whose heart was always in the right place, even if his actions weren't.

As long as audiences continue to enjoy *The Andy Griffith Show*, Barney Fife will be there, with his single bullet and big dreams, ready to make them laugh all over again.

Source:

Facebook

#don knotts #television #cinematography #actor #the andy griffith show #barney fife #old hollywood #vintage #comedy

3 notes · View notes

theunpaidtherapistsclub · 4 months ago

Text

Sad Boi Hours: Parvana

Summary: Parvana’s perfectionism, once a source of pride, strains her relationship with her younger sister, Saima, when her well-intended critiques become suffocating. A heated argument leads Saima to storm off, only for her to go missing, leaving Parvana drowning in guilt.

Word count: 864

Genre: Angst

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parvana had always trusted her perfectionism, but now every meticulous detail felt like a dagger to her heart—a constant reminder of the joy she had lost. She always took pride in her perfectionism, but that has caused some friction in some of her friendships, especially when working on projects. Her younger sister, Saima, recently took up a volunteer project at the local library in which she had to submit an art piece for a poster. This was supposed to be fun for her. She had the chance to showcase her special interest for all the library goers to see. Saima would often go to Parvana for advice on how to improve her piece and make it stand out. At first, the tips were gentle suggestions: which colors sang best together, or where the drawing needed a little more light. But slowly, Parvana’s well-intentioned guidance twisted into relentless nitpicking, each comment a small cut that stained what had once been a shared joy. It was only natural for an older sister to want to help her younger sister, but even she knew she took it too far. But when she went to apologize, Saima wasn’t having any of it.

“I’ve had it with you!” she exclaimed as tears blurred her eyes. “This was supposed to be fun! How do you make wanting to show off fairytales so… so… MISERABLE?!”

Parvana kept her calm and replied, “I know, I didn’t mean for it to go that far.” But her words fell on deaf ears.

“You’re the veteran with this kind of stuff! You’re supposed to help me shine, not tear me down! Everything you said made me feel like nothing I did was enough. It’s not just about my art; it’s about you never letting me be who I truly am.”

This seemed to have struck a nerve in Parvana. “I’m trying to make you better! I just don’t understand why you can’t see that,” she said, reining back the indignation in her voice.

“Better? BETTER?! You SERIOUSLY expect me to feel BETTER? After I was putting in HOURS in this drawing and all you had to give were nitpicks! Stop acting so holier-than-thou when literally you are ANYTHING BUT!”

Saima looked like she had more to say. Things far more scathing than they need to be for this argument. She turned on her heel and simply said with a sigh, “I’m gonna get some air.”

“You do that,” her sister replied as she exited the room.

…

Minutes stretched on, each second heavier than the last, and still Saima hadn’t returned. If Parvana knew anything about her sister, it’s that she was a stoic. It usually didn’t take long for her to clear her head and come back to the present. The silence was suffocating. Parvana couldn’t take any more of this. She sped to the still open front door. She hoped that she would find her sister on the front step still fuming, but the knot in her stomach did not allow her to believe it. And it turned out, her gut feeling was right. Under the cloak of the night sky, the only things visible were the street lamps illuminating the houses on the block as well as a couple of neighbours bringing in groceries. In her growing desperation, she asked them if they saw where her sister went. Their puzzled, blank looks deepened her anxiety, each uncertain shake of a head tightening the knot in her stomach further. The weight of the unknown was unbearable, and when the neighbors finally called the police, the words “missing person” echoed in her mind like a dark, foreboding drumbeat.

Everything after that was a blur. Parvana’s mind replayed the harsh words she’d flung at her sister—a moment she wished she could erase. Now, as unshed tears burned behind her eyes and a numbing chill crept into her fingertips, she couldn’t help but curse herself. Why was she so stupid? None of that needed to happen.

Of course, her distress didn’t go unnoticed.

“Parvana? What’s wrong?” Lucifer asked. Lucifer’s voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. She glanced up, meeting the concerned gaze of the demon before her. That’s right. She was supposed to help Lucifer regain his memories. For a split second, she wished she could confide every regret, every hurtful word that had left a scar. “There’s something I need to get off my chest,” she finally admitted, her voice trembling with unspoken remorse. “So much has happened that I’ve been too scared to speak up until now.”

Lucifer looked at her quietly, trying to find the right words. Finally, he said, “Alright. You can talk about whatever you need once we get home.” At his reassurance, Parvana felt her chest become a bit lighter. If anyone should know about sibling arguments going too far, it would be Lucifer and his brothers. Even if Lucifer’s memories were shrouded in darkness now, she knew he’d hear her out. And his brothers would step in as well.

Parvana forced a small smile and nodded as she walked beside Lucifer. As chaotic as the past few weeks have been, Parvana felt her burdens became a bit lighter.

#obey me shall we date #obey me oc #oc: saima #ithseem writes #obey me lucifer #obey me mc #obey me parvana #obey me saima #twisted wonderland saima #hurt/comfort sorta #angst

3 notes · View notes

platonic-qpr-selfshipping · 2 years ago

Note

OKAY i was thinking hard what sort of series i was into that you did not watch XDDD

although i don't f/o anyone from the series (but maybe i should) i think you could easily befriend Eve Louise from Visual Prison!

They are really kind and sweet but they have a lot of regrets towards their past, I'm sure they would love your equally caring nature!!

this turned kind of long because of the photos so XD dont be scared bro come here read this find new f/os trust me /hj

hehe im fully supporting the possible new f/os your way bro, and thank you sm for sending this!! I really like their design :0 I would ask them if they would let me braid their hair, gives me the vibe that it could take us a bit of time to get closer but we would still be there for each other along the way :0 I know almost nothing about this series though so this is merely based on vibes XD

as for you hMMMM there's two characters from Fire Emblem Three Houses that come to my mind:

first, I think Seteth would easily notice what it is that you are the most passionate about and would find joy in listening to you talk about it and try support you however he can. not so sure about what kind of f/o you could consider him to be, but he's there and I think he would like you XD as for Caspar, this lil guy with blue hair and pronouns, he's. he's so dedicated to getting stronger and doing what it is right for him and positive. he gives me a bit of Kuko vibes so maybe he could also become a little bro whose shoulders serve you to rest your arms on because you're much taller lmao, and maybe he'll use that as an excuse to drag you into some training of some sort because he wants to make sure his height does not suppose any kind of trouble in battle

extra Seteth pic just because

as from another source, I was thinking about Noragami and came to these conclusions:

first, Kiun, who would listen to you quietly and attentively, is wise but also kind of an airhead sometimes. would love your interest in any aspect of mythology you'd like to know about and would maybe help you know more about some stuff, I bet the way he starts to feel closer to you overtime would come as a surprise for him

Daikoku. this scary looking man at first would straight up adopt you the second you show any inconvenience is happening to you wherever you are. he's got powers and stuff, if you let him he'll just bring you to his house and make dinner for ya, he likes to cook, get things under control and let kids be kids. he cares a lot about others and he would care a lot about you

extra random Kiun little comic I found without context

#i love talking about characters fr #ask #asks #f/o community #self ship community #self shipping #self ship #selfship #safeship #safeshipping

9 notes · View notes

ladyjuquia · 1 year ago

Text

「Einziger, Heiliger, wie wonnevoll, vollkommen, so angegriffen von Entzücken … ertrinken … versinken … unbewusst … höchste Lust … göttliches Werk … ewig treu, bis über den Tod hinaus!」

𝐈𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡

Commissioned by; Lady Juquia (Me)

Art by; @ellphael on Twitter/X

Deep Dive into my Intentions with the Painting and most importantly; What is the Tristan Month?

The Tristan Month is based on the World Premiere of Richard Wagner’s Opera „Tristan und Isolde“ which premiered on June 10th 1865.

This is the closest to a specific „Birth Date“ we have for Tristan. June in general is a Month I think that fits Tristan very well as it’s a dance from Spring to Summer and in Gottfried von Straßburgs Tristan the May Fest had an important role, also being more of a dance from spring to Summer. I am not fond nor supportive of Wagner as a Person. Also this is why this isn’t a sheer celebration of the Opera but of Tristan in general. Still it is undeniable what kind of a big Influence the Opera had, especially for the role Tristan and Isolde would play in modern pop media. For example, it gave us the Tristan Chord which would be one of the most discussed chords in Music History. You can read more to it in this post of mine:

This cleared, I shall now explain my Intentions. Since we talked about the Opera, let’s start with the Bowl „die Schale“ which is the only object in the Painting that is a direct reference to the Opera (the Quote for the Painting is also from the Opera), the others are about the Tristan Legend in general. The Bowl is the Symbol of Tristan, this was mentioned in a Letter Exchange between Cosima Wagner and King Ludwig II. Usually Tristan and Isolde both drink the Love Potion out of a Goblet because they mistook it for Wine. In the Opera the Love Potion was meant to be a Death Potion. Tristan was supposed to die for killing Isoldes Uncle and Isolde did want to die as well to escape her Fate. They both shared the potion and drank out of a bowl. So the Bowl being the Symbol for Tristan makes sense as it was the Starting Point for the Opera to get the Story rolling and the turning point in Tristans Life.

Source: https://www.projekt-gutenberg.org/ludwig2/cosima/cosima.html

The Bowl here contains something red. It might be the Potion you could confuse, like in the other legends, with wine or is it Blood? Not only in the Opera but in the Legends in general is the Love Potion one of the, if not the, most important thing about Tristans Tale.

If we continue we see that the red fuel is connected with Tristans Tears. He is crying blood. His blood seems to connect with the red water in the bowl. Is he crying and filling the bowl with his blood or is the potion and Tristan’s blood connecting with each other? Symbolising that Tristan is connected to the Potion. A Potion that will run deep into your veins and becomes part of you.

This leads us to the Threads. Simply seen as „the Threads of Fate“ these Threads also show that at one Point Tristan became a marionette. A puppet of the Love Potion. Tristan lost control over his own thoughts, his own actions, his own (free) will, his own feelings - The Love Potion is an aphrodisiac that consumes you whole (tho it’s notable that not in all Tristan Legends the Love Potion has the same strong effect and also the different tales have different durations on how long the effects of the love potions last). Tristan is doesn’t have a free will. Because of the Potion but also because of his Fate that was decided from the beginning.

This leads us to his Tears in general. Tristan is crying blood only from one eye. This is important as it’s leaning on the Myth that when we experience grief we cry from the left eye but if we experience joy we cry from the right. Tristan is crying from the left side, expressing his sadness, grief and melancholy. Something that accompanied him his whole life until the bitter end. But wait… This is only from our perspective, right? Right! If we switch the Point of View Tristan is crying from the right side. Meaning he is crying out of joy. Why would he cry out of joy? Well the Background explains it more!

The Background is Black. It seems simple but it represents the black sail Tristan believed to be there, according to Fate/Grand Order. In the general Myth it’s just Isolde Weißhand, his actual Wife, who tells him this Lie. Fate/Grand Order Tristan finds more peace in the fantasy that it were black sails.

Reason one is because he wouldn’t want to put any blame on Isolde Weißhand, especially after she suffered enough with him as his Wife which leads to Reason Number 2; Tristan saw this as perfect end and punishment for someone like him who was sad from the beginning and brought only sadness upon others as well. So him crying out of „Joy“ is not because he is truly happy but because he found Relief. Not only did his own pain and suffering end, his miserable Life that was doomed from the beginning, but he freed others from himself as well.

Beautiful and yet so sad - This is Tristan. Truly, not everyone can shine so beautifully and bright while clad in so much tragedy. Tristan is my Muse. Seeing him alone inspires me. Thinking about all the ways you can read and interpret his Story, finding whole different meanings in it. I love Tristan and his Tales so much, I hope I was able to convert it with this commission. Ellphael did such a wonderful and breathtaking job bringing all my Ideas to Life and drawing Tristan so ethereal.

#fate grand order #fgo #fate go #tristan #fate go tristan #fate grand order tristan #fgo tristan #tristan fate go #tristan fate grand order #tristan fgo #richard wagner tristan und isolde #tristan and iseult #tristan und isolde #tristan and isolde #sir tristan #analysing Tristan with Juquia

3 notes · View notes

mrs-monaghan · 2 years ago

Note

hey shaz!

this jm anti is back again

implying jm is at fault for people starting dating rumors

https://www.tumblr.com/mimikoolover/727621769138159616/and-i-knew-for-a-fact-when-jimin-showed-his-flat?source=share

being weird about jm and his bond with jk, also implying jm went live on jk's birthday for malicious reasons

https://www.tumblr.com/mimikoolover/727617351037648896/i-understand-your-frustration-personally-ive?source=share

implying jm isn't close to jk bc he posted on ig

https://www.tumblr.com/mimikoolover/727614029903921152/also-makes-no-sense-for-jimin-to-post-that-picture?source=share

not understanding jkk are in a potential queer relationship in a homophobic country and in the idol industry

https://www.tumblr.com/mimikoolover/727613310609063936/and-tbh-this-kind-of-annoys-me-about-jikook-and?source=share

putting blame on jm for "not seeing jk"

https://www.tumblr.com/mimikoolover/727612452523622400/i-will-say-tho-its-funny-that-peoples-first?source=share

Stop supporting Jikook and call it a day then. They annoy you so much then fucking stop investing in them. It's not a must you be a Jikooker. Literally pick any Tannie ship and go with it. You can always become a Taekooker and make up things that will make sense for your ship and then you'll be happy. Or become a Jinkooker. They seem to be getting real confident recently, maybe they have something worthwhile for you to invest in???

Idk. Usually I wouldn't care but all these posts everything is Jimin's fault??? Even though you're the one jumping into conclusions? Idc what she/he wants to do on their blog but this is so annoying.

Supporting a duo is supposed to be fun. To bring you joy. If all u have is sadness and frustration then idk.... stop?

Thanks for not tagging Jikook ig.....

#ask shaz #bts ask #the fuckery #jimin antis

14 notes · View notes

n0t-1nt3r3st1ng · 2 years ago

Text

Vulture!Wednesday AU Part - 12

Wednesday had to be fair. Credit where it was due, Enid could draw a crowd when she put her mind to it.

What had started as three people sitting in a corner booth with a laptop, a camera, and a microphone had turned into what seemed to be a mandatory rendezvous for most, if not all, the teenagers in Jericho. It certainly hadn't started that way, nor had any of the three girls imagined it would become what it did. It was the Saturday before she finally hit the train, and Wednesday was impatient. Still, she had given her word.

She didn't even have to bring much; Yoko and Enid had already left Nevermore early in the morning with their equipment. Or at least that was what they told her they were going to do. Wednesday found herself walking into the empty coffee shop to find Yoko speaking with an elderly couple wearing matching aprons.

The trio turned to her as soon as she opened the door, as if anyone entering the building was a surprise.

"Oh, you're here!" Yoko smiled at her, beckoning Wednesday to meet the pair. It didn't escape her that the vampire was making an effort not to show her fangs in front of the couple. "This is the one I was talking about. Wednesday, this is Frank and Dora. They've owned this place for, what, twenty years now?"

Frank and Dora, the owners whom she finally got to meet, were the stereotypical pair of elderly Normies to a tee.

Frank was a tall, lean man with silver hair and kind, twinkling blue eyes that had seen a lifetime of joy and challenges. Despite his age, he exuded a youthful spirit. Margaret, on the other hand, was a petite woman with a graceful demeanor. Her soft, curly gray hair framed a face adorned with laugh lines and a pair of bright hazel eyes that had witnessed both sorrow and joy.

"Pleased to meet you." Frank shook her hand. Wednesday noted they were weathered from years of hard work.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that, dear." Dora said.

"If anything, I should be the one apologizing." Wednesday replied. "I never asked if there was something I needed to replace."

"Nah, don't worry about that. I made the furniture myself a long while ago. Trust me, those chairs will outlive both of us." The couple smiled warmly at her, and Wednesday did her best to return it in kind.

"I should start setting up the stream, if that's okay." Wednesday said, and the couple led her to the booth in the corner she'd occupy for most of the afternoon.

Wednesday took out her laptop, connected the power source, and began to set up the equipment when she noticed the distinct lack of color.

"Where's Enid? I thought you'd both be here." She asked Yoko.

"Oh, she's running late, had something to take care of. She'll be here soon." Yoko replied nonchalantly. "So, how are you liking the club so far?"

"It hasn't been boring." Wednesday replied as she worked. "Have you heard anything about Rowan?"

"No, he ghosted the entire school." Yoko replied. "I heard your interview with Bianca. Good stuff."

"Weren't you supposed to have algebra at the time?" Wednesday raised an eyebrow while she worked.

"Meh, math is math." The vampire replied. She sat in front of Wednesday and watched her work. "So, are you pro-Spider?"

"I'm not pro-anything." Wednesday replied. "I simply refuse to make a decision based on incomplete or unverified data."

"I heard Eugene and Bianca talking. People liked you, they are gonna ask you if you want to have a segment with her." Yoko said, resting her head on one hand.

Wednesday shuddered in response, and the vampire's smile widened to the point she almost showed a fang.

"I thought I'd bring you a little something." Dora carried a pair of steaming coffee mugs to the table. Yoko thanked them for both of them.

"Is Tyler coming?" Yoko asked.

"I don't think so." Dora replied. "He got his ribs hurt pretty bad when those punks tossed him. He hasn't come since."

"I'm sure he'll return once his wound heals." Wednesday replied, taking a sip. "I've got to say, I found your coffee to be better every time I taste it."

"Oh, thank you, dear." Dora replied. She soon left for the back of the building, no doubt getting ready to bake.

The door opened, and Enid dashed in. Her cheeks red, her hair all over the place, and her breath shallow.

"I'm so sorry!" She said, running to their booth.

Wednesday was about to reply when she noticed a fine layer of dust covered her coat and hair. She felt a cold grip in her guts. Not the fun kind.

"What happened to you?" She asked.

"Huh? Oh." Enid replied. She then noticed the dust and shook it off as quickly as she could. She smiled nervously. "I was, ehm, I cut through a construction site. Didn't want to keep you guys waiting."

"You might wanna be careful, construction sites are notoriously dangerous. You never know what might happen." Like having your heart ripped, Wednesday thought.

"It's fine, I do it all the time!" Enid replied. "I already know all of them."

"Any favourites?" Wednesday asked. She abhorred the very concept of hope but if Enid had a favourite route then it might help to prevent her untimely end.

"Mm, nope, like them all the same." She replied, giving her a lopsided grin.

Behind her polite facade, Wednesday's soul let out a groan that could have sent shockwaves through the entire neighborhood, had anyone been privy to the sound. Sighting, she finished setting up the stream and left Enid and Yoko to do their thing.

The scene should have faded there – a calm and contented afternoon, the primary focus being the enjoyable coffee and the exchange between the duo, who were striving to support an elderly couple overwhelmed by the city's demands. But it didn't. At least not for the first hour. What had started with a casual conversation, with Weathervane's name dropped now and then, started to attract attention. One by one, like drops of rain before a storm, people began to approach the shop. Enid didn't waste the opportunity and invited a few of the newcomers to speak. At first there was some resistance but once the first gave in, interest grew so much they had to take two at the time.

Wednesday had to take mental notes at one point in case she ever wanted to extract information without torture. Enid's enthusiasm was as contagious as the Black Plague and it seemed to feed from the number of new people she met. By midday people had started to arrive in groups and even Bianca had decided to grace them with her presence. It didn't escape Wednesday notice how the siren had taken pictures and videos for her social media. She also noticed employees from other coffee chains had tried to poach some of the guests with discount offers but they had been refused so far.

Inevitably, some of the guests noticed her. Requests for pictures came and she entertained a few but she drew the line at signatures. Mostly on principle but also for a fraud check case without a main suspect still open in New Jersey. One could never be too sure.

Frank and Dora were beside themselves with the number of clients. At one point during a quick break, the girls had to step in to help with the orders. When the guests requested food, Yoko stepped in and contacted a local restaurant who was happy to supply them while splitting the profits.

Eventually Wednesday had to step outside for a breath of fresh air and stood by the corner of the street. The noise of such a large congregation was starting to ring in her ears. It had to be the only reason she hadn't sensed her approaching.

"Hey,uhm,hi!" Wednesday turned to face a red headed girl wearing a blue Jean vest over a yellow shirt and blue jeans and pink sneakers.

"Hello." Wednesday replied. She had the certainty she had seen this girl before but couldn't remember where.

"I'm not sure you remember me." The girl smiled nervously. "I was here the other day with my friends."

"The twins." Wednesday nodded, frowning. "You called the cops, didn't you?"

"I,I, I thought you were in danger, I swear!" The girl raised her hands in a pacifying gesture.

Wednesday hummed but she chose to let it go.

"I just wanted to tell you you were amazing. I had to deal with those morons since I came here and watching you was... inspiring." The girl sighted.

"I see." Wednesday replied. To state that her ego felt a slight sense of satisfaction would be accurate.She offered her hand to the girl. "Wednesday Addams."

"I'm Parker." The girl smiled as she shook her hand. "I'm so glad you're helping this place. The construction tore the town down and it all just looks..."

"The same soulless street." Wednesday finished.

"Right! Isn't it tragic?" Parker shook her head.

"I'm afraid you'll have to direct your gratitude to Enid. It was her's and Yoko's idea." Wednesday replied.

"Who's Yoko?" Parker asked.

"She snuck to the back with a siren after putting on some music." Wednesday replied.

Parker nodded, surprised.

"Wednesday, there you are!" Enid's voice startled the pair. Enid rushed to meet her but stopped when she spotted Parker. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you."

"Enid, this is Parker. Parker, Enid is the one I was talking about." Wednesday introduced them.

"Oh, I was just thanking Wednesday for this." Parker hurried to shake Enid's hand who smiled embarrassed. "Thank you so much."

"It's nothing." Enid replied, blushing.

"Enid, you said you needed me?" Wednesday said.

"Yes, Yoko is AWOL and I'm the only one taking orders." Enid replied, she sounded exhausted. "Bianca is taking over the stream but I could use the help."

"Of course." Wednesday replied.

"I can help you!" Parker offered.

"Really?" Enid smiled. "Thank you so much!"

The trio went back and attended to the customers. In the end the affair lasted until twilight. Parker had to leave so Wednesday and Enid finished cleaning up the place with Frank and Dora. Yoko had vanished. Once done, she surveyed the tasks left to accomplish.

Floors cleaned, check.

Furniture in its place, check.

Glasses and mugs clean, check.

Computer and equipment stored, check.

Depressed looking Enid staring at the city lights-what?

Her train of thought derailed, Wednesday studied the young werewolf. Enid, who a few moments ago was bubbling with energy, was now standing in the middle of the shop with her shoulders drooping, and her gaze fixed on the horizon. Wednesday looked as her eyes turned glassy, the beginning of a tear forming on the corner of her eye. She needed to say something, anything.

"Enid?" Wednesday called her, her tone soft so as to not to scare her.

"Yeah?" Enid turned and wiped the tear with her sleeve. "Sorry, allergies."

"It has occured to me that I have yet to apologize to you." Wednesday said.

"What?" Enid blinked, surprised.

"When you first told me about your shifting, I said you'd no doubt be magnificent." Wednesday recalled.

"I, yeah?" Enid shook her head, confused.

"By saying those words I might have implied that you weren't so already. What you have accomplished here tonight was beyond simple success. I was wrong for downplaying your virtues. I'm sorry." Wednesday said.

"What, this?" Enid began to bubble but Wednesday continued.

"Yes, this has turned beyond anyone's expectations and it was all thanks to you. You have every right to feel proud of your accomplishment."

"I.. thank you." Enid's voice quivered as she spoke, giving away the effort she was making to hold back her emotions. "It's just...sometimes I feel like...I like being with people but then they leave and it's just me and I can't even go to my pack without them laughing at the runt..."

"In my experience, those who make others feel inferior do so because they cannot stand others' superiority." Wednesday replied. "Don't let their words darken your world, they have to bring you to their level so they aren't faced with their own inadequacies. There are many people who consider themselves fortunate to know you. I know I'm one of them."

"Thanks, that's sweet." Enid sniffled. Had anyone else called Wednesday Addams taht, they'd have lost their tongue faster than their bodies could process the shock but this time she let it slide.

"Please, let me take you to Nevermore. I'm sure Yoko has her hands full at the moment." Wednesday asked.

"You have no idea." Enid chuckled. "But Davina is nice once you get to know her."

"I'm sure she is."

"Hey, wanna hang out tomorrow?" Enid asked, hopeful.

"I'm afraid there's one task left for me. I've neglected it for too long and now it has become impossible for me to delay it any longer." Wednesday replied.

"Oh, sure, you have your own things to do." Enid replied, looking downwards.

"However, after tomorrow I'll be available for the entire week." Wednesday said and Enid's hopeful eyes landed back on her. "I'll be delighted to accompany you."

"Great!" Enid almost jumped.

"Shall we, my lady?" Wednesday opened the door for Enid.

Enid giggled and gave her a small bow.

This was it, Wednesday thought after the day was over. Enough pleasantries. Enough civility. There was nothing stopping her from doing what she had come to do in Jericho.

Finally.

#wenclair #spider!enid #vulture!wednesday #wednesday #wednesday au

4 notes · View notes

359-wrsth · 5 months ago

Text

Problem Souls [ WISH ]

No Reader in this chapter | 600 words

This chapter is a little short because I think drawing the scene should be better.

Another day of sleepless nights. His mind won’t let him sleep, so he went for a walk. Just like any other day, he wandered around town in the dark with only moonlight and some lampposts as sources of light.

Steps after steps.

Lights fading.

How did he get here.

In front of the mountain. Mountain Ebott.

Deep frown on his face. Frustration. Iriration. How ridiculous was it for him to show up here in all of any other places he could be at, so many bars so many pubs he could attain instead of this place.

What kind of game do they think they were playing to make him encounter this much suffering.

How much hatred did the world have for him

He hated the world too, as much as they hated him.

Quickly grabbed his cigarette out, lit it up with a lighter, his best friend. Deep inhale. Greyish smokes flowed up in the air, swirling then faded away.

He thought he could even hear whispering coming from the inside of the mountain, which should be impossible considering how far it was.

“alright, how about a little journey for tonight” There was no joy in his chuckles, only sarcasm.

And here he was. In the wishing room. With a bit of this and that, and some advertising, this place became open for humans to come in and make a wish. For humans to know that monsters do wish too, it made them see monsters as people like them. Though it only convinced some of them.

Glowing gems filled up in the cave walls and ceilings. Glistening like the stars above. Beautiful. But he could only feel irritation boiling up inside.

“hey” he spoke to an echo flower in front of him.

“hey” the flower answered back. Just like how it always was. Just like when there was the Glitch in Underground. And him.

The more he stared at it the more scowl on his face intensified.

“i made a lots of wishes” Cigarette in hand pointed at the flower “some wishes had been fulfilled but most don’t”

“heh, i don’t even remember what i had wished for. There were just too many”

His wishes, it was all gone after he had fixed the Glitch but he was still here. After the second loud explosion from the CORE, the first thing he had seen was his hands still looked the same. Hollowed.

And him, the tall skeleton rushing to the scenes. The usual cheerful skeleton was shocked to see his face, the horror of seeing someone else and not his brother. Though G believed he forgot about ever having a brother anyway. That’s what the Glitch left. Stole ‘him’ and left a glitch to stay. And what’s a glitch supposed to do in this world?

“but there’s a wish i remembered clearly” He emphasized on next words “till this day”

“one wish, the one i need it to become real the most”

“but it never came true”

“but it never came true” The flower echoed back.

His other hand reached out, almost grabbing the flower but stopped an inch away. The hand retreated back to his pants’ pocket; the other hand went up to his mouth then another long drag of smoke.

“pathetic” G muttered to himself.

“I’m here”

G instantly looked around, no other flowers were close by, only this one. Confusion on his face as he looked back at the flower.

“Follow the path.” It said again.

Echo flowers were supposed to repeat the last sound it heard, not talking like this. His soul beating fast, something was calling.

The path was right beside him to follow.

#problem souls #PS fanfic #present time

0 notes

olive-branch-witch-library · 11 months ago

Text

Lightbringer Book 1: The Black Prism by Brent Weeks

Alrighty, this series is a doozy (5 books, each >650 pages) so I'm going to be breaking up these posts and making them as I read. These posts will contain spoilers for their respective books, so please don't read if you don't want to see that.

Before I get into my feelings on this book, I want to get the very lengthy Series Warnings out of the way: SA, non-explicit smut, violence, slavery, sex slavery, classism (the main villain wants to put magic-users above non magic users), assassination attempts, body mutilation (someone loses fingers, the antagonists modify their bodies with magic), drug abuse, large age gaps (19 year old with ~60 ish year old, used as a political scheme), PTSD, identity theft, fratricide, ceremonial killings to prevent insanity, Politics, lots of creepy men, betrayal, cheating, torture, insanity

Book Warnings: SA, non-explicit smut, violence, slavery, sex slavery, classism (the main villain wants to put magic-users above non magic users), assassination attempts, body mutilation (the antagonists modify their bodies with magic), drug abuse, PTSD, identity theft, fratricide, ceremonial killings to prevent insanity, Politics, betrayal, cheating, insanity

I am still in the middle of reading this series, so the Series Warnings isn't comprehensive yet. I will edit this post after the remaining books to make sure all my bases are covered.

This series follows several characters and goes through several different POVs. The main ones for this book are Kip Guile, Gavin Guile, Aliviana 'Liv' Danavis, Dazen Guile, and Karris White Oak.

In this world, there's a kind of magic called Chromaturgy, which allows drafters to turn light into a physical substance called luxin. Each color of luxin has its' own unique properties and influences the drafters personalities in different ways. Right now all we need to know about are the Seven Colors: sub-red, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, superviolet. Sub-red and superviolet are invisible to the naked eye, and I believe are supposed to represent infrared and ultraviolet respectively.

The Prism is able to draft all seven of the main colors without any consequences. When a normal drafter uses magic it eats away at their life source, slowly turning their eyes whatever color they draft. Those who can draft more than one color have different patterns that overtake their irises. Once the drafter 'breaks the halo' (uses up as much magic as they can) they become a wight and typically go insane.

This is a really strong starting point for me. I've never heard of any kind of magic system that focuses on colors before, which is a wild thing to think about. But aside from that, Weeks does an incredible job of actually writing characters that I hate with a burning passion, and making plot twists that seriously come out of left field for me.

For example, the reveal that Dazen stole Gavin's (For simplicity's sake I'm just going to call them Young Gavin and Old Gavin from here on out) identity and imprisoned him in a box of blue luxin? I had no idea that was coming. Same with Liv's betrayal of Kip and her father Corvan.

That being said, I do have some problems with this book. I don't think it was necessary to have Old Gavin be a rapist. Like, at all. In later books he even seems to take some kind of joy in breaking the will of strong women. I don't really see how it adds anything to the plot, and kind of just feels shoehorned in there to make readers hate him more (which definitely worked with me).

The author also does the typical male fantasy author thing where he focuses on how attractive a lot of the women are. In some instances, like Kip for example, it makes sense. Kip's a 15 year old boy who's never had anyone show interest or even really be nice to him, so I get having him be distracted. To me it felt a little heavy handed having almost every single male character point out how attractive different women are, but I like The Dresden Files, so it isn't really a huge issue for me lol.

The cliffhanger was spectacular though. The most powerful magic user in the entire world is losing his ability to do magic? I'm hooked. As of writing this I'm in the middle of the third book and I'm super excited to see how the rest of the series plays out!

#lightbringer #olive reads #tw sa #tw age gap #tw slavery #tw drugs #tw body mutilation #tw body modification #tw cheating

1 note · View note

greatestlost · 2 years ago

Text

(—) ★ spotted!! ELODIE LANCASTER on the cover of this week’s most recent tabloid! many say that the 29 year old looks like ZOEY DEUTCH, but i don’t really see it. while the ACTRESS/SINGER is known for being INTELLIGENT my inside sources say that they have a tendency to be NAIVE i swear, every time i think of them, i hear the song YOU’D NEVER KNOW BY EVAN HORNER {she&her / cisfemale}

elodie grew up under the lancaster name which meant any audition she went to, she was guaranteed a role. momma lancaster was a director of greta gerwig like fame and no one was going to say when elodie wanted a role in fear of never working with her mother again

if there was a child needed for a part in quite literally anything, you could bet at least ten dollars that the role went to elodie

she was on a very popular disney channel show for most of her young adolescence that was deemed more mature than disney’s typical programming (think girl meets world or andi mack) and that’s when she became a bigger name than her mother in hollywood

by the time the show ended, elodie was sixteen and had decided she was actually really interested in going to college which shocked Everyone

everyone figured she’d go to ucla and study acting or get some sort of fine arts degree. it’s what she’s done her whole life after all!

but nope, she wanted the ivy league life so she opted to go to yale where she may or may not have gotten in solely based on her fame level but she wouldn’t complain, at least not until the work got too hard

elodie knew she was always going to work in the industry (after all, she had signed a contract with a record labor that she would be releasing a first album after she graduated college)

between going to college super young and the school of her choice, people questioned her intelligence which pissed her off to no extent !!!! she was so tired of hearing “oh elodie, you’re far too pretty to be smart” so once she finished school she became a big advocate for women in the education space

elodie’s life had always been slightly planned out for her, and she struggled with that when she turned twenty and came back to hollywood

her mom was always scouting out the next best role, her grandfather had gone to yale, and she knew she had to appease both of the most important people in her life

so elodie was kind of hyper focused on being the best actor, being the best student, being the best singer that she really never prioritized anything else in life

relationships, romantic or friendly, were just something that took away her precious time so she’s kind of…. socially stunted in a way???? she’s simultaneously so mature and says things that make you thing she’s a grandmother who lived through a war but she’s also such a teenager deep down where doing things like a simple makeout session still make her feel like she’s doing something entirely too rebellious

elodie is incredibly book smart, and absolutely fucking stupid when it comes to street smarts <33

she’s incredibly kind to everyone but is so easily flustered, partly a result of being the disney channel girl at school

she never really knows how to handle social situations but she tries her best and she wants to start being the best person in all aspects

she’s mastered being the best student, she’s becoming the best singer, and she’s won best actress at least twice so her current goal is the best friend

she is such a vision board girlie !!!! she has a giant ass bulletin board that she genuinely will cut out magazine things and print things off and its a big vision board and its kind of her like secret pride and joy

also a massive day planner girlie, she knows where she’s supposed to be and what she should be doing at every single point of the day because of her planner

very much a type A, perfectionist person but she does truly have a heart of gold

#hillzintro #elodie tbt

1 note · View note

skaruresonic · 1 year ago

Text

The Winter King suffers from the same problem as A Song of Ice and Fire in that, despite being a genuinely good novel on its own merits, because its grittiness and verisimilitude were shocking and subversive for the genre at the time, those elements often become selling points when recommending the novel to people. Because it spawned a slew of imitators in its wake, in hindsight, it suffers from the "Seinfeld is Unfunny" problem.

Its main draw, what usually compels people to recommend it, is that it's Arthurian legend but Gritty(tm), showing the Dark Ages in all its treacherous, gloomy, muddy, depressing glory.

Some of the details used to ground scenes are, frankly, flat-out disgusting. Like women pissing on rushes to facilitate easier birth and men picking louses out of their beards. Maybe this stuff would seem tame in a post-GoT world, but I often found myself going

though that wasn't always necessarily a bad thing, mind. I feel like you'd have to be in a certain headspace to vibe with it, because if you're expecting flowers and chivalry, this book will promptly cock back its hand and bitchslap it out of you, lol.

Many scenes are shocking, visceral, uncomfortable, as they're supposed to be. But the book is also mature and restrained enough to not wallow in the dirt and gloom for gratuity's sake; it remembers to show us moments of genuine beauty, friendship, and joy alongside the ugliness. The main character's friendships with Arthur and Galahad are particularly inspiring.

As expected of novels of the era, sometimes it leans slightly in the direction of Church Bad. But again, it's evenhanded enough to refrain from satirizing the entirety of the clergy. People are presented as people, a variety of personalities, no more, no less.

Told through the POV of an original character, Derfel (pronounced "der-vel"), who... kind of takes on Bedwyr's role? Sort of? He functions as a Watson to Arthur's Sherlock. The story is framed as an elderly Derfel recalling his memories to Princess Isolde through the writing of a manuscript.

The book offers vastly different portrayals of familiar characters. For instance, Lancelot is a spoiled and vain coward, and Arthur is not a king, but rather a kingmaker, being the regent and protector of his brother-in-law's infant son, Mordred.

The quibbles I have with the book mostly center around the fact that it rehashes beats and characters from the French Vulgate while also touting itself as a grounded historical novel. Sure, you're always going to have to walk a tightrope between historical accuracy and having some familiar literary element to hook your audience, but if you're going to portray your account as a purely historical narrative, then I don't really see the point of including Lancelot, Galahad, Merlin, etc. At the same time, other characters you'd expect to see from pre-Galfridian sources tend to be bit players who take a backseat to de Troyes characters or OCs. I'm happy to see characters like Gwydre or Culhwch, but also a little disappointed that they don't have bigger roles. There are some odd choices sprinkled here and there, such as Guinevere starting a cult for the goddess Isis out of frustration and boredom with the slow pace of Arthur's political ascent, and the relationship between Derfel and Ceinwyn not really being developed beyond insta-love. Aside from those issues, however, it's really a good novel. I'm glad it's got a TV adaptation.

wtf they already made a TV adaptation of The Winter King last year? why have I not heard a single thing about it?

3 notes · View notes

consoledacup · 2 years ago

Note

Is Jordan supposed to be the most emotionally mature or something? How did he see his father die, and yet he has expressed the least emotion about it? I've seen more struggle on Laura and Liv's end, and they're building up Spencer's spiral gradually. But Jordan literally has nothing to show for his father's death, no emotional moment in the last few eps that makes me know the source of his grief, which makes me question what his grief ep is going to be about?

Hi, Anon!

The thing about is grief is... there's no right way to grieve. But while I do think he's become emotionally mature, I wouldn't say I see no emotion from him.

In 5x11, he's in shock. Plain and simple. There are tears welling up in his eyes, but he's got to deliver this news to his family and be the man of the house.

In 5x12, he looks like he's going to jump out of his skin. Every time he's not supporting his mom or Liv, every time he's not receiving support from Layla, he's constantly moving. You see him adjusting his clothes. You see him buzzing with anxious energy. He can't bring himself to do the normal things, like check a closet with his father's clothes, without Layla's help. He also sees his sister and mother outwardly grieving a whole lot more and stifles his to be there for them. But when Layla offers to cover for him at the repast, he practically runs out of there. And then when he hears about Jabari, he thinks, "Here's something I can focus on. Dad would want me to do this." And then he doesn't have to dwell on his grief.

After his talk with Jabari, he again decides on another project to honor his father. Because time is of the present, and the memorial in Crenshaw needed to happen. And all throughout the episode, Layla is by his side, giving him exactly what he needs to keep going and processing. He has completely opened up his heart to her and is receptive to her support. It makes a world of difference to him. And he's choosing to latch onto joy when he can. And he knows that she knows firsthand how to find her way out of grief.

I still think he's wrestling with some kind of shock/hasn't really processed the loss in 5x12.

And that carries over in 5x13. We have this beautiful side storyline with a box, which... what? But it works. First it's the closet, now it's box. The little things that he expects his dad to take care of... it's up to him now. And what a thing that is.

He was completely focused on his sister at first. Just scared out of his mind she was going relapse again. He's again trying to step in as the man of the house and support these two broken women and feeling like he's coming up short.

Once Liv brazenly and boldly tells her village she needs help and then proves her remarkable strength, he's left to focus on the box again. I wouldn't say he had no emotion with the box. He was immobile and overwhelmed. And his reasoning for not opening the box is, "What if that's the last of Dad?" He's trying to process his grief, but that doesn't always have to look like wailing or picking fights or laying in bed. It can look like going about your day and making sure your loved ones are safe and then freezing in place for hours because of a box.

He also left things on a great note with his dad. His dad wanted him to be his QB1. And didn't ask him out of obligation but because he needed his talent and leadership. His dad caught onto him and Layla and was thrilled and gave him his blessing. Jordan didn't begrudge Billy's decision to stay at Crenshaw. They didn't leave things unsaid. There also can be a quiet beauty to grief, and I'm wondering if we'll get more of that perspective, specifically with his connection to Layla.

That's my take on it. I'm with you though. I'm very eager to see where his episode goes. I can't exactly predict what we'll see with him, but I do think it's been monumentally difficult for him, regardless of what we've seen from him so far.

I think each storyline we've had with him has had a theme of "Dad's not here, so I need to do it..."

"Dad's not here to pick out his blue suit, so I need to do it."

"Dad's not here to talk to Jabari, so I need to do it. I need to tell him it's not his fault. It's my job now."

"Dad's not here to provide space for his Crenshaw community to grieve, so I need to organize it."

"Dad's not here to open this box he ordered, so I need to decide what to do with it."

"Dad's not here to make Grandma Mary's jambalaya, so I'm gonna do it and bring our family together."

Sooner or later, that "picking up the baton" method isn't going to work. And we might see what happens in the fallout.

#all american #Jordan baker #jordayla

15 notes · View notes

atlas-of-a-human-soul · 4 years ago

Text

Draw your swords, pt.9

Summary: Darkling’s secrets are soon to be unveiled, just in time for a trip to the Fold.

Warnings: angst, swearing, mentions of alcohol, implied sexual content

Part one // Part two // Part three // Part four // Part five // Part six // Part seven // Part eight

=================================

The Darkling walked with a spring in his step. Residents of Little Palace have gotten used to his skulking in black keftas he wore like second skin. Never before had they seen him smile as much as he did on this particular day – as if he found the secret to happiness.

In truth, the Darkling refused to let himself hope for much. He simply hoped she’d allow him to kiss her now without receiving a death threat for it. It felt incredibly dangerous how foolishly addicted he is to his fickle wife. He never wanted anyone as much as he wanted her.

“General”, Fedyor joined him on his right, while Ivan silently took his left side. They both kept a reasonable distance from Kirigan, two steps behind at all times.

“What reason did you have to knock on my door this morning?” Kirigan’s voice is leveled, but his words are a death trap. There’s nothing more the general hates than his Grisha interrupting his private time – regardless if Y/N is with him or not. Unless there’s a burning issue at hand, he disliked being bothered unnecessarily.

“We’ve intercepted a few interesting stories you might like”, Ivan responds calmly, unafraid of his temperamental general. After all the years they’ve known each other, Ivan could read Kirigan’s mood easily. Despite his discontent, Kirigan is chipper for the first time in a long time. In fact, Ivan can’t even remember the last time his general was this happy...or happy at all.

“What kind?” Darkling asked, but his attention was undeniably divided as he caught sight of Y/N.

She walked across the hallway with a purpose – determined to raise hell and he found it incredibly sexy. She paused for a moment, her gaze meeting his briefly. When she pursed her lips, his twitched at the corners – a smile starting to form.

“Sun Summoner kind”, Fedyor spoke in a hushed voice.

Kirigan’s smile falters, his eyes leaving Y/N’s. “Follow me”, he barked on order before walking in the opposite direction.

All his life, the Darkling had been searching for the Sun Summoner. Every whisper of their existence turned out to be nothing but a fabrication, but something felt different now.

Once inside the map room, he leaned with his palms on the table. Kirigan didn’t say anything for a moment or ask for more information, but then his mouth moved on their own accord.

“Is it true?”

Glancing at each other, Ivan and Fedyor silently argued who should deliver the news.

“I asked you a question”, the general growled out, looking at them over his shoulder and the intensity of his glare had erased his earlier happiness.

“Nothing is confirmed yet, but we have quite a lot of accounts from the people surrounding the forest.” Ivan replied.

The Darkling made a sort of a grunting noise that Ivan didn’t know what to make of. The shadows covered the windows swiftly, engulfing the room in darkness as his left eye narrowed ever so slightly.

“The forest?”

Fedyor clears his throat, “Near the border.”

“Near the fold”, Ivan adds.

“I want”, he paused. Running his fingers through his hair, his shadows killed every source of outside light. “We need to prepare for a trip to the armies stationed at the fold.”

Nodding, Ivan looked to Fedyor and his deep-set frown.

“Are we to cross?” Fedyor asks.

The Darkling’s face is stone, his eyes unblinking. “Would it be a problem for you?”

Breath caught in his throat, Fedyor’s heart started to race. “No.”

“Good”, Kirigan remarked. “Prepare everything for departure in no more than a week.”

Sending them off, the Darkling sat in his chair. He wants so many things. His fingers graze his chin as he sighs – there would be no leaving without Y/N following. It’s not in her nature to do nothing and if she learns of the reasons behind his departure, he might lose her. The path of less resistance is to convince her the trip is to prove he’s honored his promise to her. He had sent the instructions yesterday and while she did force his hand on it, he didn’t hate her for it. If he’s bound for hell, at least it’s not a false one. She hates him, but she’s honest with him. He appreciated that.

Finding the Sun Summoner will change everything – for once, he will have a partner who can understand the weight of his past choices. He regrets too many things he’s done, but he was rarely given a choice. They broke the wrong parts of him, in the end, he showed them what happens when they laid a hand on those he cares for. That included Y/N now. If anything, she was a priority. Y/N is the only one he has left in this world.

While the Darkling pondered on the possibility of a Sun Summoner being true, Y/N sat in the library with a pile of books at each side.

The lingering effect of Aleksander’s gaze upon her and his devilish smirk had warmed her up in a way she least expected. For a moment, she couldn’t tell if time stopped or her heart did.

Shaking her head, she flipped the page in frustration. Her skin still burned bright from where he touched her. No amount of bathing can erase the fact she belonged to him now.

Swallowing thickly, she groaned. In all the books she had found, barely few had any information on the shadow summoner. Aside from Morozova creatures that serve as amplifiers, Y/N found mere mentions of a black heretic and the creation of the fold.

Her neck hurt, her eyes felt like they’re being pierced with needles and there was no saving her mind from all the theories she concocted. Leaning back in her chair, she huffed. Rubbing her eyes, she slammed the book closed before standing in frustration.

She didn’t want to love Aleksander, to risk her heart and life. She didn’t want to lay in bed, always afraid of what he might do if one day she’s not careful enough and he learns the truth. Naively, she hoped he’d either stand with her or just walk away but that’s not the Kirigan she knows. He wouldn’t forgive, it’s not in his nature.

Placing the books where she can find them in the morning, she headed to her room. Genya was kind enough to send a servant with lunch, but Y/N missed dinner entirely. Engrossed in books all day, she hardly felt any hunger.

At least not the kind of hunger food could satisfy.

Walking into the room, she hadn’t expected to find Aleksander sat at the bottom of their bed….shirtless.

Standing, he narrowed his eyes at her. “You weren’t at dinner.”

She raised a brow, “Wasn’t hungry.”

Kirigan crossed his arms over his bare chest, the movement making the muscles in his stomach flicker.

“Get dressed”, she quipped.

He smiled, “Do I make you uncomfortable?”

“I’m surprised you don’t have a mirror in every corner of this Palace, since you love yourself so much.”

He laughed wholeheartedly as she just turned away, clamping a hand over her mouth. She couldn’t let herself laugh with him. Every moment like this feels like the world is spinning, making her resolution fragile. She’s aching to let him in, but it would be a mistake. She feels it in his bones, he’s not honest with her.

Caring for a man like him is dangerous, like standing in the eye of a hurricane.

“We’ll leave Little Palace in a week”, Aleksander speaks, “Just as you asked of me.”

She stares at him, disbelief and joy colliding. And it’s the look in his eyes, the hopeful, terrified look in those dark skies that disarms her.

“Why do I feel like there’s a catch?”

Running the tip of his tongue along his lower lip, Aleksander takes a step closer. “You’ll ride with me.”

Pursing her lips, she nods without ever breaking eye contact. “And?”

A breathless chuckle passes his lips, “You’ll have to wear a special kefta. One that won’t let you get hurt easily.”

Taking a deep breath, she tilts her head up, “And?”

Suppressing a smile, he raises an eyebrow. “You’ll be equipped with a weapon of choice. I believe you’re more than familiar with guns as a soldier of the First army.”

Raising both eyebrows in response, she takes a step closer to him. “Swords”, she notes.

Humming, his eyes widen ever so slightly as he waits for her to continue.

“I prefer swords”, she touched his face gently with the back of her hand.

“Of course”, he breathes out. A soft smile spreads across his lips, “Draw your swords if you see an enemy in sight.”

“Even if it’s my husband?” Her lips remain parted, her eyes flickering to his chest where she raised her hand to.

“I don’t care, as long as you keep yourself safe.”

She held her breath as his words resonated with her mind. How can he be so callous one day and then offer up his life for her to take. No game had ever made her question every single word that left someone’s lips before. Sometimes she’d look at him and see through the mask he shows the world and other times she couldn’t see anything other than her own reflection in his eyes as if his soul didn’t exist at all.

“Since when do you care?” She frowns, gnawing on the inside of her cheek.

Letting out a heavy sigh, his eyes flicker to the hand she splayed against his bare chest. Just the simple touch of her hand made him want more. It was becoming too hard to pretend he hates her. What he truly hates is how human she is – what is he supposed to do when her hair turns grey and he’s still young? How will he survive when someone takes her to exact vengeance against him? Will he be too late to save her then?

When your world comes to a stop and the value of life is amplified by those dead before their time in gruesome ways, it feels like an earthquake shakes the very foundations life is built on. But when the walls start falling, past and future no longer exist, only the moment you’re in and the first person that comes to mind when those walls are gone is what your life is all about. For Aleksander, that person is Y/N.

Looking into her eyes, his hands cup her face, “Since I had to spend five days believing you’re dead.”

He wanted to wrap Y/N in his arms and tell her he would never let her walk away, not after he had a taste of what it means to be with her. He wanted to tell her his love is unconditional and that his soul is hers, even if she didn’t want to give him hers. He would wait, as patiently and as stubbornly as he did by now and that she will never lose him because even if he wished, he can’t scrub his heart clean of her. And he never wanted to.

“I thought you’d protect me?” She raised an eyebrow, teasing him.

She had become his heart, his reason to live. She lit a fire within, something he had lost over time and while she’s completely unaware of it, if the world tried to take her from him, the Darkling would wage war to make sure she remains by his side.

Blinking slow, a faint smile upon his lips, the Darkling tilts his head slightly to the left. “Would you allow it?”

There is nothing in the world he wanted more than to kiss her again, but this time around Aleksander decided to let her make the move. She is tender, but fierce. To understand a woman like her, one must realize that the former is who she is and the latter is what life demanded of her.

“Not likely”, she remarks and he throws his head back, chuckling.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she wets her lips in thought and he can’t help but think this is a well-designed trap for him to say the wrong thing and for her to use it as excuse to put distance between them rather than face her own desires and he was almost certain those desires included him.

“You want me”, he whispers in her ear as his fingertips slide up her spine and to the back of her neck, “And it’s killing you.”

“Physical attraction means nothing”, her voice is low, but unwavering.

Aleksander bites the inside of his lower lip in anticipation of her pushing him away and storming off, but even as he waits, he feels her hips press closer to him as if she’s telling him he won’t be left alone. Not again.

“Yet you’re here”, he grins. Tucking her hair behind her left ear, he admired how firm she stands in her opposition.

“So are you”, she quipped,.

A cocky smile appears on his lips, tiny wrinkles forming around his dark eyes as he holds her gaze bravely, unwavering even when her gaze becomes a glare.

Biting her lower lip, contemplating the right move, Y/N could hardly fight her desire for him. Her head knew he it would be unwise, but her heart screamed at her to kiss him and those butterflies in her stomach felt more like killer bees as the need to feel him inside her had taken over every rational thought she generated.

One hand caressing his lean cheek, she gave into her primal instincts as she slammed her lips against his and Aleksander’s own heart leapt inside his chest.

Their need for each other was urgent. Y/N grabbed a handful of flesh and muscle on Aleksander’s back. He gasped and laughed throatily at her haste. When her hands clawed at him again, he grasped both hands in one of his and held them over her head. She struggled to free herself, but he was too strong. When he entered her, she gasped, then moved her hips up to meet his.

He released her hands and she pulled him closer and closer to her. They made love quickly, almost harshly, before they found the sweet release they longed for. Aleksander collapsed on top of her, their bodies still joined as one when their minds gave in, slowly drifting to sleep.

Just like the previous morning, he remained in the bed, his arms wrapped around her tightly.

She barely saw him during the day as the week progressed, but their nights were spent together – entangled mess of limbs, desperate moans and needy pleas neither held back. She’d close her eyes in his embrace and begin her day the same way.

“You don’t have much time”, Genya warned as Y/N dressed in haste. She decided to dress for the trip, it was the only way she could fit in a few hours in the library.

“I won’t be long”, she smiled at her friend.

Licking her lips, Genya took her by the hand. “What is it that you’re looking for?”

Y/N clenched her teeth, wondering if she should tell Genya. Something inside her warned against it – she didn’t tell anyone his name is Aleksander, feeling privileged to know such information. If she’s wrong and she can trust him, she didn’t want to poison anyone else with her doubt beforehand. A single book remained unread on her pile of very thick books she went through.

“Just trying to learn”, Y/N shrugged.

Nodding, Genya smiles, “In case we don’t see each other before you leave, I have to implore you to reconsider David as an ally.”

“I will”, Y/N promised and she would. Someone in Aleksander’s inner circle could be of use to her.

Going through the pages, she felt exhausted. Spending all her time in ancient books didn’t seem to be of use, but for once the text made sense. It spoke of the black heretic and the many names he’s been called in history.

“He walks the earth with a power only the saints could possess. They call him The Black Heretic, The Shadow King, The Starless Saint, Staski, Eryk, Leonid – numerous names that he exchanged for each lifetime he was given and by now it must be at least a few hundred lifetimes of darkness. His name – true name was lost throughout the centuries, occasionally heard as a whisper carried in the wind.”

Wide eyed, she read through the text of a scholar who described the Black Heretic and his powers, his entire lineage being his mother who remained unnamed and…him.

“He has no descendants?” Y/N’s lips quiver. If he has no descendants and his line begins and ends with him, how would Aleksander even exist?

Unless…

No.

It would be impossible, would it not?

“Numerous names that he exchanged for each lifetime he was given”, she reads aloud only to cover her own mouth in face of a startling epiphany. It was as she noticed the dark connection between the great mystery, the horrific realization set in.

“Pardon me, miss, but General Kirigan has sent for you”, a servant frightened her.

Taking the book in haste, Y/N stood on her shaky legs. Mouth dry, she pressed her lips in a thin line.

“Thank you”, she walked out so quickly, barely containing her quick and shallow breaths. Sweating profusely, she felt as if the black kefta she wore weighed down on her like battle armor.

Was it not her armor? Was this not a constant war she’s struggled with?

Aleksander…Kirigan…The Darkling…who is he?

“Are you ready?” Aleksander is waiting by the door with a small smile on his lips. His hand is opened for her to take, but she ignores it. If she took his hand, he’d feel the shakiness she’s trying so hard to steady.

Mounting his black stallion, she tucked the book safely inside her inner pocket.

“I’ll take the reins”, she informed him as he took his place behind her.

She heard him scoff, “I’m the general.”

Is Aleksander even his real name?

Are the stories about him true?

“On this side of the fold, so am I”, she gripped the reins and the stallion obeyed.

Riding a horse always helped her clear her mind, but this time it seemed impossible.

When she married Kirigan, she believed she would marry an old, unattractive man…As it turns out, she got the old part right.

=============================

A/N - I’m not quite happy with this chapter, but I wanted to post today to keep my streak going. Also, i suck at writing a summary, like WHY IS THAT?! xD It’s Eid, so I’m tired and sleepy, forgive my grammar and prepare for things to heat up in the next chapters. Thank you all for sticking with the story and all the feedback, it honestly gives me life and will to keep writing. I also finally found the books in my native tongue, at least the Grisha trilogy and Six of crows duology and I’m really excited to dive into it and further my understanding of Darkling as a brilliantly written villain that is a multi-dimensional being with, let’s be honest, actually good points. I may not be happy about his willingness to commit mass murder, but I kinda see where he’s coming from and I really can’t wait to know more about the situation as it is in the books.

Tags: @bruxa0007 @rangotangomango @kaitlyn2907 @thestoryofmylife9 @shelivesindaydreamswme @hxrgreeves @safetyhtom @kaqua @savannah-elliott @all-art-is-quite-useless @azure23x @girlmadeofavocados @ashdab2611 @acciorudolphx @ladyblablabla @wckedheart @xceafh @sanna2020 @tarkanelima-blog @takethee @mellifluous-cosmos @marvel-ousnesss @tea-effect @starlightofsolaria @p3nny4urth0ught5 @blackbirddaredevil23 @sarcastic-and-cool @slytherinsbiggestproblem @within-thehollowcrown @notthatchhavi @musicconversedance @freakytillthemoon @lgkoval @honeyofthegods @queenmalhinewahine @misselsbells06 @whatthefluffrichard @aami98 @britriestbr @itsfangirlmendes @padme-parker @readingsssssssss @runawayolives @thehighladyofasgard @emlynblack @keithseabrook27 @dailydoseofchoices @deceivedeer @olympiacosplay @pansysgirlfriend @extrakyloren @daybleedsintonightfa11 @thoughts-and-funnies @weirdowithnobeardo @folkloresworld

PART 10

#the darkling x reader #the darkling fanfiction #aleksander morozova x reader #aleksander morozova #general kirigan #general kirigan x reader #shadown and bone

672 notes · View notes

hamliet · 3 years ago

Text

The Witcher 2.0

Or a huge fan of the books who also kinda likes the show finally finished the second season and will thus share her somewhat disjointed and utterly unrequested thoughts.

I think the second season overall is stronger than the first, because it came across as more cohesive (especially starting from about episode 3-4). The character arcs came across quite tightly-constructed, and the relationships felt more natural. (Yennefer and Jaskier’s friendship was a highlight, as was Fringilla and Cahir’s siblingesque rivalry).

The first two episodes I think struggled to recapture the magic of the books--they felt very heavy and lacking in the joy aspect (I mean, it’s a very dark adult fantasy series, but the books still have an undercurrent of magic and humor to them that I felt like was... lacking in the first two episodes; fortunately the rest captured it again).

They clearly took liberties with the source material, but for the most part I think the changes worked better for the medium of a show.

Changes that worked:

Yennefer meeting Cahir

In the books, Yen never meets Cahir, which is a shame since Yennefer-Hansa interactions are things I crave in my soul. Having Yen meet Cahir here worked well because it emphasized a narrative parallel between Vesemir-Geralt-Ciri and Tissaia-Yennefer-Cahir as generations. Vesemir and Tissaia are flawed parental figures who really want to do the best for their “children” (Geralt and Yennefer) but don’t quite gather how that translates into how Geralt should treat his daughter, Ciri, and how Yennefer should treat her could-have-been-son Cahir. They emphasize that Geralt and Yen should prioritize themselves and their wellbeing, ignoring that who Geralt and Yen want to be is good parents who prioritize their children because that’s what parents do. It sets up interesting foiling between Tissaia and Yen, Vesemer and Geralt.

What works less well, however, is Cahir’s age. In the books, Cahir is ~4 years older than Ciri, and they have parallel arcs and a potential brief romantic connection later on. Eamon Farron is in many ways the perfect Cahir (and super talented and hot), and he does a great job playing Cahir as immature/more his book age of teenager who dreams of being a knight in shining armor but has no idea how to actually be a hero (for example, in the show, when Cahir returns to Niflgaard, he throws a fit insisting that he won’t wait in line, argues with Fringilla in a rather bratty way, etc). However, the beard was just--listen i KNOW he’s been in prison but it made it impossible not to see the age difference between the actors, when in the books the age difference is basically nothing at all. It confused the framing because he and Yennefer seemed more like equals rather than Yennefer as a mother.

Emhyr-Duny's reveal

In the books, Emhyr’s true identity as Duny isn’t revealed until the very last book, and significantly through the book, too. The reveal is well set up (there are enough clues to where I had worked out that Emhyr was somehow connected to Duny--I thought he was Duny’s father, so Ciri’s grandfather).

The way the show set it up, though, I quite liked that they chose to reveal it here. I think it fit with the emphasis on Ciri moving on from her past (well, kind of) and added another parallel to the idea of what parents want for their children contrasting with the reality that children are people, not things. We see the tragedy of what that objectifying line of thinking leads to in Francesca’s baby being murdered, and we know that if all these people--Voleth Meir, Nilfgaard, the justified elves wanting a savior, even the well-intentioned Vesemir wanting Ciri to become a witcher--try to force Ciri to be what they want, it will kill her, too.

What potentially works less well, though, is what Emhyr revealing publicly that Ciri is his daughter will do. In the books, Emhyr doesn’t even want Ciri to know, because he wants to marry her (yes it’s supposed to be gross). He does marry an imposter eventually after letting his daughter go. I am curious how they will adjust Emhyr’s motivation in the show--does he not want to marry her here? Because that’s kind of important to the story. Or will people just like, not care that it’s super gross? We’ll see.

Vereena, Voleth Meir, and Ciri

Overall the season did a fantastic job with parallels (Istredd and Triss as first love interests for Yennefer and Geralt respectively, who are lovely people but who aren’t quite in places where they can be Ciri’s parents or Yen or Geralt’s matches). One more I noticed is the framing of the first and last episode.

In the first episode, Geralt kills Vereena when he perhaps did not need to. Vereena, like Voleth Meir and like Ciri, uses screams as a weapon, and Vereena is killed by a combination of the man who loved her and Geralt. The last episode has Geralt facing a similar choice, but this time he has to choose whether or not to kill the girl he loves as his daughter in Ciri (and his lover, Yennefer, as well). Yennefer chooses to make the choice to sacrifice herself rather than anyone else, and Ciri then saves them.

It’s a motif through the season (and through the books): love hurts, but love also sets free. Vereena’s love for Nivellan sets him free from his curse, even though she does not survive it. True love, romantic, familial, or platonic, cannot control another person. Jaskier cannot control Geralt. Geralt cannot control Yennefer. Yennefer cannot control Ciri. Seeking to control is not love.

Things I Have No Idea About

Dara’s character is a bit odd to me, because obviously he’s a Netflix invention, but in the second season especially he feels far less naturally grafted in. What his endgame will be, I have no clue. It felt a little... poorly done this season.

Cool Beats

Seeing all the cool kids cameo in the ending (Meve, Philippa) had me like yassssss. I’m dying to meet the other members of the Hansa, even if those probably won’t even be in season 3. I want to meet Milva already dammit.

#the witcher #the witcher season 2 #netflix the witcher #yennefer of vengerberg #geralt of rivia #cirilla fiona elen riannon #ciri #cahir mawr dyffryn aep ceallach #hamliet reviews

23 notes · View notes