#with the warring factions. but hm. interesting

[lets-try-some-writing]

I have a fairly angsty idea, what if starscream discovers skyfire in the ice during his time as a rouge,gets the Autobots help to melt the ice just to see his love again only for skyfire to not recognise him, imagine the heartbreak

Hm. Interesting premise. You have no idea how hard it was to write for this. I don't know why, but writer's block decided to rear its head for this request and this one alone. Sorry it took so long to get to this.

A Less than Stellar Reunion

Coming across Skyfire frozen in the ice of the arctic was a welcome surprise, and a chance at something Starscream had long ago cast away as impossible, that being a chance at having some form of family again. While initially hesitant about the idea of waking Skyfire for many reasons, but mainly because Skyfire had disappeared just before Vos burned and would have no idea what was going on. However after much contemplation and staring at the frozen form of his only living companion, loneliness eventually won out and Starscream haggled some help from the Autobots.

The Autobots dug out the ice block Skyfire was locked in and carefully spent hours in a secure location melting it and checking his vitals. All the while Starscream stood a ways off, waiting eagerly for his old friend and once lover to wake. Even when Skyfire was removed from the ice, Ratchet still had to keep him on an IV drip in a makeshift camp for a few days until his vitals stabilized. At which point the shuttle finally started to stir.

Starscream was ecstatic and flitted about nervously until Skyfire finally unshuttered his optics. At which point the shuttle groaned and started to sit up, looking around in confusion before his gaze settled on Starscream. Unfortunately for the Air Commander, it had been far too long since their last meeting and he had since changed his frame and even his disposition to better fit the Decepticons, he was not the same Starscream Skyfire knew. Even when he tried to explain that he was still Starscream, Skyfire was hesitant to believe him. Still... being confused and unsure of what to do, he followed Starscream and snuck out of the makeshift Autobot camp before they could be stopped.

Ratchet and the Autobots were distraught at the thought of a civilian class mech being stuck with Starscream and likely roped into becoming a Decepticon, but there was little they could do. With the Skyfire on Starscream's side, it was not hard to convince Megatron to let him back into the Decepticon ranks. Meanwhile Skyfire remained confused beyond all measure, not sure of how to act around his very different friend and former lover. But most importantly, Skyfire didn't know which faction he was supposed to side with. Starscream was with the Decepticons, instantly making Skyfire want to follow him if only for the familiarity. But based on what he was seeing, the Autobots were the ones who resuscitated him, they couldn't be all that bad right?

The poor shuttle was not given any time to think on it as he and Starscream were brought to the nemesis and Megatron immediately began preaching his version of the war and the fallout of it. Skyfire wanted to be horrified at Megatron's retellings, he wanted to find it in him to hate the Autobots after hearing of all they had done... but something deep within him told him that he was only getting half the tale and that whatever was happening on the nemesis was deeply wrong. He was an explorer before the war, he had seen a great many civilizations and heard the manipulating words of all kinds of beings. Megatron was too similar to the tyrants he had witnessed to make Skyfire take anything he said without a healthy dose of disbelief.

Still he remained on the nemesis, prolonging his time before taking the brand by claiming he was still disoriented and recovering. He knew the excuse would only last so long, so he turned to the one mech he knew, at least at one point long ago. Privately he began to question Starscream, allowing the seeker to have the affection he had obviously been deprived of in return for the real story. Starscream was hesitant to get on Megatron's bad side so soon after coming back, but he had been so lonely without his trine... he needed the affection. And if gaining it meant he had to give his old friend and lover a grain of truth amidst the lies, then so be it.

He told Skyfire all he desired, leaving whatever might paint him in anything but a heroic light out all while making sure to depict the Autobots as badly as possible. He couldn't risk Skyfire leaving him again, even if it meant lying to him to keep him by his side. He told Skyfire all about the Decepticons and what they had done, and he also went to great lengths to make it seem that the oddities of the nemesis were merely due to the stress of war. He wanted, no, needed Skyfire to stay. He couldn't let his love see anything but the best in him and the worst in the enemy.

But all wrapped up in his joy at having his friend returned and keeping up the ploy of innocence, Starscream did not notice Skyfire slowly drawing away. The shuttle began to look at him differently, more so with every passing day. He had known Starscream for nearly a millennia, he knew how the seeker acted and what ploys he used. While his phrasing may have become more subtle, Skyfire was no fool and could tell that he was being lied to in at least some capacity. Still, he waited, hoping that his former lover would be honest and tell him the truth... that day did not come.

He waited until he could take it no longer and followed Starscream when he was sent into battle, and there he saw his once lover's true colors. He saw the cruel monster Starscream had become and in a rage he landed and struck Starscream down in the middle of a skirmish between the Decepticons and the Autobots. He screamed at Starscream, demanding answers and crying out in anger at being lied to, manipulated even. Every excuse Starscream came up with was shut down instantly in the face of Skyfire's anger, and before any bot could do anything, Skyfire made his choice.

Skyfire: You told me that you were honorable! That you didn't kill unless you had to!

Starscream: Skyfire please-!

Skyfire: You are not the Starscream I remember! You are not the mech and friend I loved!

Starscream: WAIT!

Skyfire: NO! I am leaving and going to the Autobots! They may not be perfect either but at least they are better than you dishonorable monsters!

And so Skyfire turned away, leaving Starscream in tears, and made his appeal to Optimus for sanctuary. His request was granted and he did not look back as he went through the swirling groundbridge with the Autobots.

[litcityblues]

"On Basilisk Station" --A Review

Last year, I plunged headlong into the delights of the Vorkosigan Saga (I'm still going to be working on that one this year) but I wanted to add a series that's been lurking on the bookshelves of my parents for years now that I've never gotten around too- and that's the Honor Harrington series by David Weber.

(My Dad has a ton of Eric Flint books, so I've read a lot of the 1632 books-- though I'm way behind on those as well, as there seem to be more and more every year. But, a long-time collaborator of Flint's in multiple universes? David Weber.)

One thing that I found surprising right off the bat is that a brief dive into David Weber's wiki page reveals that he hasn't (at least from what I can find) ever been in the Navy. That both surprised me and impressed me. Granted, we're talking about space navies with the Honorverse, but the level of detail about ships, command structure and philosophy, and basic procedures seems like it should come from someone who's experienced it firsthand, but I guess not. That Weber lists C.S Forester and Patrick O'Brian, as influences on his writing is unsurprising and honestly, makes me want to put both authors on a future TBR list because what Weber has crafted with On Basilisk Station is the beginning of an immersive and well-crafted universe that I found to be compulsively readable and I know after one volume, I'm going to get through every one of these I can get my hands on.

On Basilisk Station introduces us to Commander Honor Harrington, newly graduated from the Royal Manticoran Navy's advanced tactical course and awarded her first commander, the light cruiser HMS Fearless that's undergoing a major weapons refit. Harrington discovers, much to her displeasure that most of her normal weapons have been stripped out and replaced by an experimental 'grav lance' commissioned by Admiral Sonja Hemphill.

Unhappy, but always ready to do her duty and expecting her new crew to do the same, Harrington and the Fearless use the grav lance to great effect in one round of war games, but taste crushing defeat after crushing defeat in the subsequent rounds as the grav lance, while devastatingly effective at close range is less effective once people know what to look for.

Admiral Hemphill, embarrassed by the failure of her experiment has the HMS Fearless assigned to picket duty on distant Basilisk Station, a posting generally regarded by the fleet as where the screw-ups and embarrassments get sent so they're out of the way. There, Harrington meets an old nemesis- Captain Lord Pavel Young, a spoiled son of a nobleman, whose career has been stuck in neutral due to an attempt to rape Honor at the Academy several years earlier. He is using her arrival as a ploy to ruin Honor's career and takes his heavy cruiser Warlock back to Manticore for some 'emergency refits' leaving Honor and her light cruiser as the only military presence in the system.

Harrington (unsurprisingly) sees this as a challenge and not a setback and to the surprise of local officials on Basilisk Station and the planet Medusa itself actually starts doing her job and finds out all kinds of interesting things. She cracks down on smuggling, and finds a drug manufacturing ring planetside that's selling hallucinogenic drugs to the sentient species of the planet inciting them to furious violence and whoever is behind that is arming them as well.

What the Fearless finds begins to cause a political stir back home on Manticore as well- and forces who want to discredit an isolationist faction who wants to withdraw from Basilisk Station work to delay the higher-ranked Lord Captain Young's return to the system to let Honor and the Fearless continue her work.

Eventually, they find out whose behind it all: the People's Republic of Haven, intent on gaining a strategic foothold in the system to drive Manticore out attempting a coup de main. Honor's complement of marines handles the native uprising planetside, while the Fearless runs down the Sirius, a Havenite Q-ship disguised as a freighter, who is running to signal the rest of their forces to move in. Harrington sends a message to Manticore advising them that the invasion is imminent and moves to engage.

The subsequent battle is costly to the Fearless in terms of damage to their ship and crew, but Honor manages to get the Sirius within range of their grav lance and uses it to destroy the Sirius.

Honor returns home to a hero's welcome, and a promotion, but unfortunately, the HMS Fearless is too damaged to salvage, but a newly constructed heavy-cruiser, christened as the new HMS Fearless is her new command.

Overall: When can one achieve mastery of any given subject? I don't know if a debut novel is enough to declare Weber a master of military science fiction, but for sure, On Basilisk Station confirms that Weber knows what he's doing and is pretty damn good at it to boot. I like that we don't get lost in world-building-- Weber drops us into the political situation from the word go and builds out as necessary from there. We don't get a sprawling history of humanity's diaspora out to the stars or anything like that- we're in the story and off and running.

I also like that Honor is presented as a character who is not morally flexible (at least so far in the series.) When given orders, she follows them to the letter and expects her crew to do otherwise. She recognizes the importance of when to push and when not to get the best out of her people and while her Executive Officer Commander McKeon struggles with her arrival and his own feelings about it, eventually, she wins him over as well. As a character, she leaps off the page.

My Grade: **** out of ****, a strong debut for this series. Send me volume two and sign me up for the next posting, because I'm all in on Honor Harrington.

[travelling-on-the-octopath]

Regarding your "recruitment ruins some character writing" post. I agree with the post itself, but disagree with how you used Sylvain as an example. While he does evidently wish to foster peaceful ties with Sreng, he also mentions in his a-support with Byleth that if he thought he could run away from his responsibilities, he would have. He also suffers greatly from the crest system, and in his paired ending with Dorothea, he encourages nobles around him to place less value on crests. And on top of all that, it's shown multiple times he likes to spite his father, a prominent noble of Faergus who supports Dimitri even after the Dukedom exists.

So overall, I agree the recruitment system could be better! But in short, Sylvain has plenty of reason to defect to the empire and the fact he has no supports with Edelgard is a crime.

Hm. Gonna have to disagree on this one.

While he does evidently wish to foster peaceful ties with Sreng, he also mentions in his a-support with Byleth that if he thought he could run away from his responsibilities, he would have.

The idea of running away from responsibility is something we see in characters from Dimitri to Linhardt. What matters is how they continue on in their lives with that idea. Dimitri mentions it exactly once, and as something of his past. Linhardt mentions his distaste for battle and dreams of lazing about, completing his research, at every opportunity. All that to say: I don't think Sylvain mentioning he thought about running from home has any real bearing on his present circumstances, nor does his saying "I'd leave behind House Gautier and the life of a nobleman...and anybody who knew I had a Crest" right after, because he does not act on it even once in his endings. Not even in Crimson flower. Whether people think that's bad for him is up to interpretation, but it doesn't change the fact that he either seems to outgrow his old desire to run from responsibility or suck up his current desire for it. He says he would have run away, sure, but, as is the current theme with this game, what he does is more important: Instead of using the war to pawn off his responsibilities to Felix, or any other neighbouring lord, he becomes the Margrave of Gautier, and changes Gautier for the better.

And on top of all that, it's shown multiple times he likes to spite his father,

Sylvain, at the ripe age of 19-20, five years away from a fun fully developed brain, does not enjoy following every whim of his father, no. But it's not always just because he's being contrary--sometimes the choice just makes the most sense; no one goes into a battle by themselves if they can help it. But all that is also before he, frankly, grows up. What we have in canon is Sylvain thinking about his father when the war breaks out. When he defects from the Kingdom to fight for any of the other three factions, he says he imagines his father being angry and willing to talk mad shit about his son. I, personally, do not think that's outlandish--Three Houses makes a point of driving home the cruciality of nobility serving the people, and how when that pattern is broken, it's inherently a bad thing. I know this fandom loves to take a dump on the parent Gautier(s) whenever they're given the chance, and sometimes it's deserved, but think about it this way: You're seen by both the crown and the people of your territory as the only thing between them and an invasion from an antagonistic force. Your son has shown no indication that he is going to shirk responsibility when the time comes; he's a little bit of a rebel, has an allergy to propriety, but he's shown an active interest in the affairs between you and this antagonistic force. And then he just--turns tail. Fights for the Alliance in Verdant Wind, the Church in Silver Snow. Leaves your people and your territory in the dust. And, if he chose Edelgard's leadership, he is willingly aiding the destruction of his kingdom--all because he believes in the professor. That is absolutely insane. I can see why the elder Gautier, as a father and someone with responsibilities to his people, would be more than a little upset that his son has taken his childish contrary tendencies to a lethal degree.

a prominent noble of Faergus who supports Dimitri even after the Dukedom exists.

I don't . . . quite understand what this specifically adds? Is it because his father supports Dimitri that his rebellion somehow, some way, matters more? How is it a good thing that his father shows more loyalty to one of Sylvain's oldest friends, and by proxy their home, than Sylvain himself?

What adds salt to the wound is that Sylvain shows regret. It's not as though he turned tail and suddenly stopped caring for his loved ones. And it's not as though he views his stance as a grand and noble one, when he's calling the Emperor's right hand an idiot. But betraying his friends hurts him! He says as much! Twice! Why wouldn't it, for a guy we're introduced to as someone who "highly values his friends"? Who cares about them so much he continuously puts his life at risk for them? When Byleth suggests that it may be Dimitri himself leading the mysterious army in Verdant Wind, he hesitates. This is my personal interpretation, and feel free to ignore it, but I fully believe what he means to say is that if Dimitri lived, that means he not only turned his back on Faerghus, he turned his back on Dimitri, whom he cares about enough to start forgiving him for his murderous atrocities after Dimitri shows regret and moves to fix the damage he's cause; whom he treasures as one of his oldest friends. There is also this line, which works to my point no matter the mistakes of its meaning (to be explained): "I hope this all gets sorted out quickly and safely. I'm worried about my father." I believe this is the line that got mistranslated, because the Japanese term for "His Majesty" could be translated into "father"? (If someone wants to either back this or correct me, I'd appreciate it.) This line is locked to the BL/Azure Moon route, apparently, which truly tells me they're willing to bend over backwards to make it seem like recruiting these units won't damage them emotionally. All this to say: When you care for people as Sylvain does (which ranges from "I swear to live with you till I die with you" à la Felix, and "offering you advice that I know will help you" à la Ashe), turning your back on them is bad. Unquestionably. Especially when betraying one person, Dimitri, embodies turning your back on both your country and your oldest friend, when the only reason you outwardly state for doing so is faith in your university prof. We see that in how Sylvain views the toppling of the Empire as an offering to his dead prince. He doesn't just betray Faerghus and face no emotional and psychological consequences. What we see is him doing what he's always done: denying denying denying until he has to confront his reality. He flirted his way through life, but ended up accepting his future as Margrave; he told himself over and over he made the right choice, but he's learned that he made the wrong one, when he showcases doubt and regret for turning on his friends/country multiple times.

He also suffers greatly from the crest system, and in his paired ending with Dorothea, he encourages nobles around him to place less value on crests.

It's great that his ending with Dorothea (that can happen on any route) lessens the importance of Crests! But . . . he also does that in his solo, Mercedes, and Ingrid endings, which ALSO can occur on any route--and it's in his Mercedes ending specifically, the one that's route-neutral, that explicitly mentions a Crest-less eldest child inheriting the territory. He doesn't need to betray Faerghus to implement the changes that matter to him. He doesn't need to betray his friends, nor does he have such a distaste for his father that he's willing to pick a whole other allegiance in the war that's knocking on his door.

He doesn't state Crests, and his hatred for them, as a big motivator for joining Edelgard's (or non-Dimitris') side. He doesn't state a whole lot of anything outside of "I trust you Professor, wow my dad would not like me being here, why can't we compromise with the Empire?" And that's not exactly a stance I have faith in.

Sylvain has plenty of reason to defect to the empire and the fact he has no supports with Edelgard is a crime.

I already addressed the first bit, so I have a question. Where could this support chain possibly go? Edelgard chronically reveals very little, if anything, about herself in her supports. Even if this supposed support were the exception, they have different reasons for hating Crests. Sylvain sees his as the reason people value him, want him as a studhorse, and hates both his Crest and the people for it. Edelgard, I believe, sees Crests as another trickle effect of a "false goddess," and . . . takes away all responsibility from the people who bear them, and give them value, and mistreat other people because of them. Sylvain is constantly confronted with, and the victim of, people's misuse of Crests; Edelgard is arguably the same, but she doesn't see it that way. She places more importance in their Nabatean origins, and how these divine blessings have turned humanity on each other. Which then takes me to: How could Sylvain possibly feel good about spending time with a woman who believes his kingdom to be but a "[mere] offshoot" of the Empire that "pales in comparison"? Where could this support chain possibly go beyond a very shallow "Crests suck." Because Edelgard doesn't do away with the nobility. Several people, Sylvain included, inherit their titles. They benefit from the structure of nobility. I'm going to refrain from going any further, because that's not what this ask is about, but I don't think anyone can ever find true common ground with her, because that's just who she is/how she's written.

So, no. I don't think Sylvain lives his best life defecting to the Empire. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, I believe the list of people that benefit from defecting from their countries is as long as my palm; the list of people that benefit from defecting to the Empire, which wants to do away with every single one of the three opposing factions, is even shorter.

[evercelle]

What are your feelings towards 2.1 genshin? You mentioned having a lot of lukewarm ones in some tags :O

hm... short version: i feel mhy had a list of cool moments/story beats they wanted to hit in 2.1 archon quest, and rushed through cramming all of those into a single update at the cost of literally any good writing/character development/pacing.

long version: i'll cut this to avoid too many spoilers for folks/contain my complaining under a cut:

EVER'S LIST OF GRIEVANCES, 2.1 EDITION:

1) the pacing is super whacked out. i get that mhy wants to make each region wrap in 3 chapters (consistent with mondstadt and liyue), but the pacing for Inazuma as a whole was incredibly rushed at the end. the first 2 chapters did a great job of setting up the context for the vision hunt decree, introducing the toll it takes on Inazuma's citizens/visitors to the nation, and the introducing the resistance as well. the world quests available with 2.0 also went to great lengths to develop the theme of how the war & civil unrest created problems caused both by the shogunate and the resistance. then, in the climactic ending... it went almost entirely unaddressed? after the decree is repealed, vision holders are given their visions back and state they completely recovered their memories, but neither the main storyline nor raiden's quest address the rest of the human cost (lost time, lost lives, displaced populations). it feels like everything wrapped up too neatly.

2) there's a serious gap between raiden's ideals and the way her actions are written. raiden suffered great loss (her twin, her friends, even her subjects) throughout her reign, which is a reasonable (if whacked out) logic to base her pursuit of eternity upon. what i wanted to see (and mhy did not deliver) was the depth of her conviction that caused her to enforce something as drastic as the vision hunt decree. the fact that she flatly stated she was fully aware of its human cost even in the plane of euthymia substantiates how deeply she believed in her ideals... only for it to be effectively overturned by (1) conversation with yae/traveler? all the emotion in raiden's character trailer never makes a single appearance in the main line game (other than the animated sequence in which you’re very quickly told, not otherwise shown by raiden’s dialogue or choices, what she suffered), which is absolutely boggling.

3) no accountability for raiden's action = shallow character development: to that end, the lack of depth in her individual character quest is also disappointing... i get that she's the eternal god-ruler of inazuma which would present a very different public reaction than, say, a president doing the same thing, but the fact that the human cost of the decree isn't addressed at ALL is ridiculous. her character quest being... a shopping trip... lacks the development that other archons (venti, zhongli) had in their respective quests. i think raiden truly wants to protect her living subjects through her pursuit of eternity, yet the inner conflict between "a god's devotion to their subjects vs. an immortal struggling to grasp mortal experiences" was only vaguely implied instead of actively explored.

4) key NPCs were severely underutilized: acts 1+2 of the inazuma arc set up the resistance as key figures, only for them to do... absolutely nothing in act 3. kokomi is billed as a genius strategist. the notion that she'll accept unknown donations of supplies from an unidentifiable benefactor, no questions asked, is INSANE. frankly, i would've found the plot much more interesting if the resistance was actively colluding with the fatui to destabilize the shogunate, but no... the resistance's presence in act 3 is solely to introduce the delusions/tie the fatui back into the plot/create the emotional attachment to teppei to galvanize the traveler into confronting raiden again. the part with teppei was fine and in fact one of the highlights in the patch to me (legitimately!! heartbroken!! AT HIS LAST LINE ABOUT THE UNIFORMS!!!), but kokomi and gorou were such a non-presence... sigh. i acknowledge my pipe dream about kokomi doing sus shit with the fatui was wishful thinking, but mhy's decision to essentially lay the blame for everything on the established villains the fatui in order effectively absolve raiden of any emotional culpability/make her redeemable so players will like & roll for her is WEAK.

5) the pacing, again... (head in hands) i feel like all of the problems i complained about could have been addressed if mhy just let their story content breath a little more. i know game developers have schedules they need to stick to, but considering the complexity they introduced into inazuma and different factions present, trying to tie up all the loose strings in a single patch was a fool's errand... though it's possible that some of these things may be addressed in 2.2.

on one hand, genshin is a game designed to be played in short bursts, so it's not surprising to me that the narrative choices they make tends towards "tell, don't show" and lots of background reading (a LOT of character stories/depth/lore is only available in item descriptions), but it's still rather disappointing when you compare it to what it could be...

at the end of it, the cutscenes were beautifully animated and there were a few parts i did enjoy (sara had a nice spotlight, i stan for teppei, SCARAMOUCHE, and kazuha's moment was incredibly moving), but on the whole 2.1 felt very rushed, and the writing for raiden shogun is so all over the place it's really put a damper on my personal enjoyment for inazuma ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[animebw]

Reading One Piece: Chapters 801-802

-Cipher Pol... Zero? Ooooooooh dear.

-”This is the land of love, passion, and fairies... Dressrosa.” What a journey it’s been. So long, old friends. The open sea lies ahead.

-”I was the one holding the reins on all the monsters in the world!” When he puts it that way, it’s no wonder the Navy put up with Doflamingo all this time. Better deal with just one unsavory madman than the countless freaks he has under his thumb.

-”This play-pretend world where this and that might’ve happened doesn’t exist. The only reality is the result of what happened. And you lost.” I like Otsuru.

-Aaaaaah, I almost forgot how much Doflamingo loves chaos. He’s practically orgasming at the thought of so many different factions vying for power in the vacuum he left behind. Especially if it means his old enemies- the Celestial Dragons- will suffer the most in the wake of the war to come.

-Aaaand someone’s already planning to break him free. Lovely.

-”Going Mister Luffy” sdkfhskdfhsdfs

-”Sanji’s poster isn’t a sketch anymore!” Truly, the greatest lost in the history of piracy.

-Hm... why is Sanji only to be taken alive? Something’s very fishy here.

-A surefire way to get crusty gum off surfaces? I’ll take that over surviving boulder-sized hail any day.

-Whitebeard’s son? Okay, assuming this isn’t some kind of scam, that raises a lot of interesting possibilities.

-But also I hate both of these character designs and I hope they die in a fire.

-A. An elephant. A giant sea elephant. With an island on its back. That’s. Yeah. Sure.

-oh my god has it gone blind from living so long aaaaaaagh I hate it

[cruelfeline]

So I reached an area called Volcano Manor, and the characters within are interesting. It's becoming more and more apparent that, while the game presents you with the goal of restoring the Elden Ring and becoming Elden Lord, there are multiple characters who are totally against that order of things.

Like, not against you, specifically, but against the... current power structure? Maybe? Like... They're not interested in the Erdtree's dominion, or whatever.

The people at Volcano Manor seem to be this way. "At war with the Erdtree," they say.

And initially, I was like "oh, dang, rebels! Sign me up! Down with the establishment!"

But then I stepped outside the Volcano Manor, and...

That's. A concerning number of hanging corpses.

And... they destroyed a minor erdtree! It's all sad and ruined. Among the corpses.

And then this sad ulcerated tree spirit comes out of it, framed by all these hanging corpses, and I'm just like... hm.

I want to be interested in this more rebellious faction? Like, I know a lot of Souls games have this concept of "the people in power are doing everything they can, oppressing everyone else, to stay in power." And breaking this stagnant power structure is an attractive option for players.

But dang! It's hard to get on board with overthrowing the current power structure when said structure is a pretty tree associated with gorgeous landscapes. And overthrowing it seems to replace said landscapes with piles of rotting bodies.

Like... what is appealing about a diseased tree spirit surrounded by absurd numbers of corpses?

Literally nothing.

[randomingoftherandomness]

No. 3 Trust - WOHDaily’s Summer Event August 2021

Based on this WOHDaily’s Prompt List

Tags: Murder, Royalty!AU

A/N: this one is for all the people who’d supported and read my Emperor & Empress AU 🥰 I hope you are all doing well x

Please follow the #wohdsummer tag to see all the wonderful and brilliant creations for this fandom event!

—

It is barely perceptible but Zhou Zishu has had a lifetime to worship and adore the man beside him. As such, that little furrow to his brow, one that creases his skin briefly and lingers only for the length of time that a butterfly needs to flutter its wings, is one that registers to him as ‘fury’.

Hiding away the frisson of anticipation the sight brings in him, he blinks slowly, regarding the foreign envoy before him with a placid, unperturbed mask.

In the peripherals of his eyes, he spies the way his Court shuffles uneasily in their heavy robes. They already sense the Royal couple’s unhappiness at the envoy’s shameless presumptions that the Emperor would be interested in their princess, and in his words, should he not be, then wouldn’t the Lord Empress himself want to collect a beauty to adorn his harem?

The implication is clear here; if the Emperor won’t be man enough to bed a woman, why not the Lord Empress be given a chance to show he is one himself?

Accepting is out of the question, rejecting would be tacitly agreeing with the insult laid bare here. Anyone who has even heard of his Court and how he has deftly avoided the topic of marriage alliances into his harem would already know that it was easier to ask the sun to rise from the west. After the clear and well-received warning his Empress had sent the factions of the old Court, no one had dared broach the topic within the walls of the city about anyone other than the Lord Empress being by the Emperor’s side. 

The envoy had come with the stated intentions to convey his ruler’s respects and to gift personal gifts to the Emperor and Lord Empress, only to smile halfway through a speech, and begin his spiel, stunning the members of the Court and thus bringing them here. To a furrow on the Empress’ brow.

Zishu allows a small smile to curl his lips, leaning to prop his face on his cheek and turning to his beloved. “Do you want to deal with this or shall I?”

Lao Wen huffs, the pearls of his Phoenix Crown softly catching against each other as he tilts his head to face Zishu. The light of the early morning sun casts a sweet glow on his cheeks and Zishu cannot wait for this to be over so that he can take Lao Wen’s hand and return to bed.

“How far can we go?”

“Hm,” Zishu pretends to consider, returning his gaze back to the envoy who is watching them with undisguised curiosity that begins to creep into nervousness.

“We trust that we have the ability to pluck the heavens for you if you so wish it, my love,” He says eventually, straightening his back and relaxing. The quiet laughter beside him is all he needs to hear as their Court all take a measured retreat to the edges of the hall, leaving the envoy as the sole person on the receiving floor.

Lao Wen rises from his seat next to the Dragon Throne, gracefully descending the short flight of stairs until he was on the same level as the envoy. Unfurling his white fan to hide half his face, Zishu delights in the the way this Lord Empress strikes the verbose envoy dull and dumb with his beauty. 

His bright robes, the same one he had put on with such care, majestically fans out behind him as he goes. Zishu is transfixed by the sight of his man sizing up an enemy, drawing every ounce of cool disdain into the smirk and slow, dangerous turn he takes around this fool.

It has been a long time since he saw his beloved unbridled with such blood lust oozing out of him.

The envoy, seemingly gaining some wisdom, quickly goes to his knees, stuttering quick platitudes in rapid succession. Zishu yawns, frowning at the man. Jerking his head at Lao Wen, he says, “Hurry up and don’t play with your food.”

With that, between a gasping plea for mercy and a harsh inhalation of air, Lao Wen deftly rolls the fan in his grip, slashing a crimson gash over skin. The whole hall holds its breath, watching the horror in the envoy’s eyes grow and grow until he gurgles out a pained threat of how his nation will wage war with them for this humiliation.

“War?” Zishu scoffs, rising off his throne and descending down to his Lao Wen’s side. With a swift kick to the dying man’s ribs, Zishu slides his arm around Lao Wen’s waist, smiling beatifically down. The envoy chokes on his own blood, wheezing desperately. 

“Let them come. We would like to see the mettle of the nation bold enough to come into our hall and offend us as such. An eye for an eye, Lord Envoy. May your journey to the Underworld be smooth and well.”

[etherealvoidechoes]

After the War - A Quiet Moment

Something short and sweet. I did promise I’d write something positive dealing with Bradford awhile back. So here’s a moment of him and Jynn sometime after the War. Semi-settled down, minus still working like crazy as there’s a lot of clean up and peacekeeping to do and things aren’t over yet.

Some mild language.

-----------

White knuckles tightly clenched a pillow as his breathing hastened. The next second, he let out a small, almost stifled gasp as he came to. Bradford’s eyes flew open. Quickly, small pupils darted around, examining the room he was in. It was dim, sun rays barely breaking through the shades of the window. He noticed some clothes strung across a chair and various other knickknacks decorating the modernly sized room.

He let out a sigh, shaking his head.

It was just a nightmare. He was home. The War was over. But XCOM’s work wasn’t done.

Truthfully, he couldn’t wait until he could to semi-retire, shifting most of his duties onto someone else, and move out somewhere less congested. He was somewhat okay with the city, but had a heavy biased against the design of them. Just a constant reminder of the Elders and ADVENT. Part of him wondered if any of the styles of architecture before the Invasion would return in the future. But he couldn’t wait to until they built their new home. He and Jynn already had that in the works. A home being built off in the country. He couldn’t wait until it was done. As soon as it was, he told Jynn they would take a month off. Absolutely refusing any meeting unless it was an emergency. A serious emergency. They needed the off time.

Crap. Jynn. Hope I didn’t wake her.

It mildly annoyed him he still had nightmares off and on, but it was one of the many wounds of war.

Carefully, he rolled over to see if he had awoken her. He only chuckled, shaking his head. She was already awake. Face illuminated by her tablet, she had her eyes transfixed onto. Probably reading a report or catching up on her emails. Hundreds of emails.

He wondered if she could ever turn that darn brain of hers off. Hopefully, she could learn how to relax again. The world was still on her shoulders. It had been about two years since the Earth was liberated. XCOM, the other factions and a few budding world councils, were still busy wrangling any remaining ADVENT soldiers who were still heavily brainwashed by the Elders’ propaganda and refusing to surrender. Same with the aliens stranded on the Earth. A good number of them had surrendered. Even some offered their services to them, thankful to be free of the Elders cruelty. He was iffy about that, but they needed all the help they could get. And a few aliens during the war had proved to him they could be trustworthy. He just had to work on that; try and be more open-minded like his wife.

“She’ll eventually learn.” He mumbled under his breath, but smiled. He pulled himself over to her, gently pressing into her side. One hand went to her stomach. A moment later, he felt movement. A kick. He smiled.

“Especially with a baby on the way.” 

She was about six months pregnant. It was a surprise to the both of them. And they welcomed it. They just never thought, never expected something like this happening. Especially with her health. It was doing much better, miles better, than what it once was when they initial found her. And after some… interesting events… But there were still several issues that needed to be addressed. Especially the alien issues and unwelcome influences. 

Otherwise, the surprise pregnancy hadn’t slowed her down one bit. Actually, it seemed like it gave her more energy.

“Hm?” Jynn’s eyes shifted off her tablet and over to what she felt. And she felt it again. A few thumps in quick succession. “Oh… And they just stopped moving…” She said with a dejected voice.

“Sorry.” Bradford apologized. “They’ve been keeping you awake, hon?”

“Since around 3.” She grumbled. He glanced over to the clock on the wall. 05:00.

“That’s another night they’ve kept you up.” Looked like their child was going to have just as much energy as she did.

“And probably not the last.”

But he hoped their child would give her some rest soon.

“Well…” He raised his other hand, snatching away that tablet of her’s and tossed it to the side.

“Hey!”

“I think you need to turn that brain of yours off, for starters.” He smirked. The next second, he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. “You can’t think the sleep off. You need your rest. Work can wait.”

She grumbled and rolled her eyes a few times. But he had a point. “Fine, cher.”

After she nestled deeper into the blankets, he planted a kiss on her head. He shifted his hand from her stomach and towards her back and rubbed it. She let out a satisfied “mm” as his hand went to work.

“Thanks.” She always forgot how tight her back would get.

“Welcome.” He smiled. “Now, try to get some sleep. I know we have a meeting around noon.” 

She sighed before grunting. How could something so small cause so much discomfort? “I’ll try, as long as they stop moving.”

“Have you tried talking to them?”

She nodded. “Tried it, even with psionics. They’re just having fun moving around.”

“Hm… They’ll stop soon.” He kissed her again.

“Not soon enough.” 

As he continued to rub her back, they chatted. She filled him on some news. So far, just the same old news. More hunts on the remnants of ADVENT. Lots of bug hunts. Damn Chryssalids. News of settlements being built and cities reworked. Positive reports from Jane Kelly about her Reclamation Plan that was underway. Bradford was still weary of that plan. Recruiting both human and alien agents while things were still tense sounded like a recipe for trouble, but then he would have been a hypocrite with what they had to do during the war. And there were trustworthy aliens and many of them were putting in work to help fix the world. He just advised her to make sure she put aliens in the first squad she would deploy once everything was. Needed to get people used to that. Jynn, on the other hand, couldn’t wait to see what it would bring. They needed unification more than ever. Especially for things to come in the future. The War may have been over, but there was a battle yet to come.

And then she told him of more messages she had received from various leaders around the world wanting to have a meeting with her. More or so demanding to have a meeting. She was growing so tired of that. 

“Oh… They finally stopped.” She noticed the movement had finally stopped. She let out a loud and long yawn.

“And that’s your cue to finally go to sleep.” He tussled her hair.

“Yeeeeaaaah… yeeeeaaaah.” She yawn again, before nestling closer to him. Burying her head into his chest. “Just remember to wake me up on time.”

“I will.” He continued to rub her back. “Just get some rest.”

“You too.” 

Finally, she closed her eyes and soon drifted off to sleep. Bradford soon followed.

[kalinara]

Dream Show 2.0

It’s time for the second annual “Dream Show Challenge”!

The rules are a little different this year: we were given someone else’s dreamshow cast from last year and asked to make a new show.

Since it’s very possible to end up with a cast list full of names we don’t recognize, we were allowed one trade.

This is my cast:

Jeff Goldblum, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Tudyk, Mandip Gil, Lee Pace, Elliot Page, and Matt Berry.

Since at the time I started this, I had no idea who Matt Berry was, I decided to trade him out for a different white British comedian: Jack Whitehall.

So now I present to you:

The Gates of Kallipolis

Synopsis:  When Lydia Nowlan receives an invitation from her estranged uncle, she has no idea what to expect.  She had no idea that she had an uncle.  And she certainly had no idea that he had invented a working time machine.  

But Dr. Nowlan called her for a reason.  Time is behaving strangely, and there are people scattered through time who need their help to get home.

Characters:

Lydia Nowlan - Jennifer Connelly (2021 CE): For as long as she remembers, Lydia Nowlan never had much in the way of a life.  She worked, she slept, and she worked again  She had no time for things like friends or family, even pets.  But now her work is completed and she has no idea what to do next.  Fortunately, a mysterious letter from a long lost uncle comes at just the right time.

Dr. Mark Nowlan - Jeff Goldblum (2021 CE):  Lydia’s estranged uncle.  An experienced time traveler with a temperament that makes Lydia look like a people person, Dr. Nowlan is in over his head.  But fortunately, he’s not in this alone anymore.

Bibi Khunza - Mandip Gil (c. 1550 CE):  Widow of a king, mother to another, Bibi Khunza knows how to fight and how to rule.  But as to how this sixteenth century Indian warrior princess ended up at the center of a witchhunt in seventeenth century rural England is a really interesting question.  Especially since she’s not the only one lost.

Augustus Cole - Elliot Page (1875 CE):  The life of a chimney sweep in Victorian London is a hard one, but Augustus Cole knows exactly how to translate those skills to something a bit more lucrative: cat burglary.  And never let it be said that the man will miss an opportunity: a futuristic sailing ship is the perfect place for a bit of breaking and entering.  But what’s that about an iceberg?

Xavion Knox - Lee Pace (2320 CE):  Grown in a lab, built for war, Xavion Knox has known very little except violence.  He hasn’t cared much about anything since the death of his partner, but perhaps that will change now that the man’s stuck in the distant past, reliant on a couple of barely competent time travelers to get home.  Wherever that is.

Zeta-5 - Jack Whitehall (2440 CE): An Alien.  Zeta knows his science.  He knows his technology.  He knows the intellectual capability of humanity, and he damn well knows that time travel is impossible.  But try telling that to Mark and Lydia Nowlan.  (He has.  Many times.)

Grok - Alan Tudyk (c. 190,000 BCE):  The manservant of Dr. Nowlan, and human being who predates any recognizable culture or society.  He may even predate the development of spoken language, or at least any language that the translator can recognize.  Because of his communication difficulties, he has yet to provide Dr. Nowlan with sufficient information to get him home.  He seems happy enough where he is, and well, good help is hard to find.

--

Important Concepts for the Show:

The Reese-Hartnell Effect:  It is impossible for a living being to be in two places at once.  Because of this, it is very important that a time traveler never “cross their time stream”, meaning they should never visit a time when they themselves are alive.  If at any point, a time traveler ends up in the same time period as their past or future self, they will merge together.  

In the best case scenario, the knowledge and memories of the future self will remain with the past self, allowing the time traveler to make any desired changes to his own future.

In the worst case scenario, the time traveler’s mind is completely obliterated.

The Ultimate Translator: Lydia Nowlan’s life work.  The great translator is somehow able to take spoken language from any point in time and enable it to be understood by any time traveler in the vicinity.  Because of his origins, Grok is unable to use the translator.  Instead, he communicates through gestures, pictures, expressions, and occasional broken English.

Origin Time: In order to return a lost time traveler, the machine must be calibrated with the exact time and place that the traveler disappeared from, down to the nanosecond.  Too soon, and the time traveler risks the Reese-Hartnell effect destroying their mind.  Too late, and the resulting gap of “non-existence” could create catastrophic effects down the timestream.  

The Time Machine: Dr. Nowlan’s invention.  The Time Machine is not a ship, but rather a stationary set of silver gates that open into a pre-set location.  The gates can be concealed but not closed while the machine is in use.

--

Episodes:

Episode 1 -  Witchhunt (1645 CE)

Lydia Nowlan, linguist and engineer, has just finished her life’s work.  She unwinds by answering an invitation from her estranged uncle.  When she arrives, she finds a surprisingly high tech laboratory, a strange device and her uncle nowhere to be found.  She is startled by the sudden appearance of Grok, her uncle’s assistant, and accidently activates the device, which turns out to be a time machine.

Lydia finds herself in medieval England, where her strange appearance and even stranger knowledge quickly makes her the target of a witchhunt.  But she isn’t the only time traveler at risk.  She meets fellow prisoner, Bibi Khunza, and the unlikely allies work together to escape.  Lydia’s uncle, Dr. Nowlan, comes to find her, bringing with him a time-lost space marine and a lot of questions.

The foursome, assisted by Lydia’s invention, agree to work together and find out what’s causing all these time disturbances and try to find a way to return everyone home.

Episode 2 - the Titanic (1911 CE)

Lydia’s invention continues to facilitate communication between our heroes, with the exception of the caveman, Grok.  They investigate another anomaly, this time aboard the HMS Titanic, where they meet the Victorian, Augustus Cole.  Khunza encounters some racism, which does not end well for the racists, while Lydia repeatedly attempts to warn about impending doom, and learns the regrettable lesson that some things can’t be changed.  She is introduced to the concept of the “Reese-Hartnell Effect” which prevents any time traveler from being able to make multiple attempts to influence the timestream.

As the now fivesome return back to Dr. Nowlan’s lab, they meet Zeta-5, an alien from the far future, who is very armed, and very insistent that he be returned home.

Episode 3 - Ancient Greece (399 BCE)

A comedy of errors involving Zeta-5’s weapon (actually a zoological inseminator) and the time machine sends most of the crew to ancient Greece.  Dr. Nowlan has an interesting conversation with Socrates, while Xavion gets to punch Plato in the face.  Khunza and Augustus find unlikely common ground as they solve a Philosophical Conspiracy.

Meanwhile, back home, Lydia, Zeta-5 and Grok have to find a way to repair the time machine and get the others back.

Episode 4 - Utopian Dreams (3505 CE)

The concept of utopia comes up again, when Dr. Nowlan takes the crew to the futuristic city of Kallipolis.  The peaceful surroundings inspire introspection: Khunza revealing her desperation to reunite with her young child, while Augustus and Xavion admit that they don’t have much of a home to return to.  Lydia has a cryptic encounter.

Nowlan’s plans to access the Kallipolitan Hall of Records is thwarted when a sudden insurrection scatters the crew to the four winds.

Episode 5 - Dystopian Nightmares (3505 CE)

Loyalist factions capture Lydia and Xavion.  Augustus gets to plan the heist of any number of centuries to get them out, while Zeta-5 discovers his inner revolutionary.

Lydia’s interrogation has some particular after effects that lead to some shocking revelations: namely, both she and her “uncle” were members of the Kallipolitan Time Agency, but her mind had been destroyed by the Reese-Hartnell Effect.  Dr. Nowlan had set everything up in an attempt to restore her to herself.

Episode 6 - Finale (???)

Dr. Nowlan has fled into the timestream having accomplished his goal but at the cost of his career and reputation, and possibly his life, should the Time Agents track him down.  Lydia and the others race to find him first, engaging in a merry game of chase and sabotage against their rival pursuers.

Dr. Nowlan does ultimately surrender himself into Lydia’s custody, but reveals that his notes have been destroyed in the chaos, meaning that now he genuinely can’t return anyone home.  Lydia must reconstruct his work, which she does, with some unexpected assistance: the caveman Grok.  He had observed most of Dr. Nowlan’s work and actually comprehends a lot more than anyone realizes.  The crew are finally sent home...for the most part.

Bibi Khunza returns to her kingdom and her son, and is able to resume her Regency without much incident.

Augustus Cole does not return home to Victorian England.  Instead, seeking a new challenge, he appears in Khunza’s court and is welcomed as a new “foreign advisor.”

There was a “miscalculation” and Xavion Knox is not returned to his own time, but rather six months earlier, to the incident of his partner’s death.  Due to the Reese-Hartnell Effect, Xavion has an opportunity to save the man that he loves and he doesn’t intend to waste it.  And this time, he won’t be alone.

Zeta-5, citing his race’s long lifespan, decides to go to Xavion’s time instead of his own.  He realizes that there is a very good chance that the Reese-Hartnell Effect will come into effect in about fifty years, but it might be interesting to live his life again from infancy onward.

Dr. Nowlan is serving out his sentence at the Kallipolitan Time Agency.  He’s treated well and receives many visitors.  He is, by all accounts, quite content.

Lydia Nowlan has received tacit approval to continue her linguistic studies across the timestream.  She is accompanied in this effort by her new partner, Grok.

--

Bonus:

As this is a Rip Chat challenge, of course I have slipped Arthur Darvill in here somewhere.  He has been cast as Dr. Pierce Draxton, head of the Kallipolitan Time Agency.  Because the man’s played a rebel.  Now I’d like to see him actually in charge.

[holonetnews]

#HNN ‘Dateline Coruscant’ presents:

An interview with Darth Vader

Tonight, I’m joined by Lord Vader on this very special edition of Dateline Coruscant. Over the course of this program we’ll be discussing a wide variety of topics, ranging from the operations currently being conducted in the Outer Rim, to the Corellian Identity Crisis, and the emergent hostilities between Imperial forces and Rebel factions.

Deena Tharen:  So, without further ado, Lord Vader.

Darth Vader: Ms Tharen.

Deena Tharen: It’s a pleasure to have you here this evening. Let’s start with an item of recent news, that item being your recent appointment to the position of Supreme Commander of the Imperial Forces. Ever since your first public appearance as an Imperial official there has been a lot of speculation about your role in the Empire. Given that you now have this new title, how would you personally define your position in the Empire? Do you consider yourself purely a military commander, for example? 

Darth Vader: I serve, as do we all, at the behest of the Emperor. Whilst I would not define my position as strictly one of a military preoccupation, it is a definition that perhaps is the most apt in respect to my primary objectives at this time.

Deena Tharen: Obviously much of the work with which you are involved is secret. However, is there perhaps a broad or vague descriptor you could share with us that might give an idea as to what those objectives might be?

Darth Vader: That is not a matter that I am prepared to discuss further. Rest assured, I am working in the best interests of all Imperial subjects, to preserve their safety and security.

Deena Tharen: Fair enough. Moving onto topics we can talk about, COMPNOR has approved a discussion on your recent operations in the Outer Rim, in the pursuit of Jedi war criminals. Many viewers across the galaxy still find it hard to reconcile the Jedi rebellion with their understanding of the Jedi. What would you say to those people?

Darth Vader: Much of the success of the foiled plot to overthrow The Emperor was contingent upon the positive public image the Jedi Order strove to cultivate. It is therefore not a surprise that there are those out there that feel that the Empire has attempted to deceive them. Do not be deceived. I have witnessed Jedi survivors take hostages, destroy homes, and kill indiscriminately in their efforts to evade justice. Nevertheless, they will be brought to justice, that much is certain. I strongly reiterate it would not be wise to associate oneself with these criminals in any way. 

Deena Tharen: That brings us neatly onto my next topic, the Corellian identity crisis. Corellia has played host to a number of anti-Imperial protests in the wake of alleged renegation of a bilateral governance treaty. What are your thoughts?

Darth Vader: Unrest is not an endearing quality. It is a pity the Corellians have resorted to these unsavoury means of communicating their dissatisfaction with amendments to the treaty.

Deena Tharen: With the rise of dissenting insurgent groups, such as Saw Gerrera’s Onderanian movement, are you concerned that Corellia may become the first Core World to reject the rule of law?

Darth Vader: You refer to the supporters of Senator Garm Bel Iblis?  Iblis is not so foolish as to seriously consider opposing the Empire. These protests are merely a smokescreen intended to draw attention away from the corruption which has been allowed to thrive in the Sector. Instigation of an Imperial Governor, whilst indeed a regrettable move, will ensure that the proper etiquette is observed in respect to their industry’s taxation obligations.

Deena Tharen: If the situation degrades further, would you consider taking military action?

Darth Vader: It remains a possibility. I would urge any involved in the Corellian dissent to think carefully about how they respond to  the inauguration of Governor Vorru. The future of Corellia lies in their hands.

Deena Tharen: Hm. That looks like all we’re going to have time for. Thank you again for your time, my Lord.

Darth Vader: A pleasure.

[kendrixtermina]

The Abyss NPC are such a trove of gold for additional worldbuilding tbh 

Everything about the Pagan Lady who I assume is Dagdan breaks my heart

That poor NPC whose family was somehow massacred by nobles “People with crests do whatever they like no one stops them least of all the church”

Mr. Backup died during the timeskip :( But Abysskeeper ends up marrying his older sister in VW and SS

Rodrigue paid for reestablishing the monastery town, even giving money to the ppl in abyss & generally seems to. I guess you see where Dimitri gets that charitable mindset from. Yuri also notes that he’s remarkably uncorruptible. 

Abysskeeper is originally from Derdriu. It#s fun how a lot of his CF and AM dialogue is exactly the same but in different context XD - apart from of course the rodrigue line, and the time Hubert sends a soldier to do some mission there

When you go save Fhirdiad Constance is pretty glad to save the ppl from the school of sorcery and is glad to find them mostly unharmed

Yuri goes into some detail of events right preceding Byleth’s return in AM where the villages near the fronts weren’t sure wether to think of the guy massacring random imperial soldiers as a serial killer or a folk hero

Balthus apparently had a friendly brawl with Dimitri at some point (I guess continuing the tedency of the recruitees in aM to mention having personally interacted with him, at the very least Leonie and Caspar also get lines like that)

Apparently Yuri’s mom got sick sometime during the timeskip (at least in the AM timeline) so he couldn’t evacuate her from Faerghus. 

Constance like Ferdinand, Lorenz & Lysithea is one of those ppl who remember Edelgard in a semi-positive light after her defeat. Kudos to you!

Balthus suspects where Claude ran off to. Well, he was kinda sent there to snoop on him to begin with XD

He never had any hope for the Parlay

Apparently Yuri does have a habit of praying, he’s not like a strooong believer and can’t recite the scriptures much but it’s a habit he picked up from his mom, I guess he would be one of those ‘culturally religious’ people

I just love how Yuri had additional observations on nearly everything like... nothing gets past him. 

Meanwhile in the CF timeline, Balthus apparently thinks Edelgard is hot (which earns him a death glare from Byleth) and thinks the whole Black Eagle strike force should go have a beer to celebrate Byleth’s return since they’re all old enough now and Byleth’s no longer supposed to babysit them

I love how Hubert just flat out takes over Abyss and integrates poor overworked Yuri into his spy networkXD . Hence why Hapi feels he deserves a definite article.  Well, Hubert appreciates how good he is. The mission was to try & convince the Alliance lords to fold so like El & co were actively attempting diplomacy until the end

On CF you see a very omnious NPC who suddenly dissapears if talked to (probably Agarthan) who complains about “that prince being no good” - Did they offer Dimitri their support when they noticed they were definitely losing control of Edelgard? If so he seems to have rebuffed em. It’s a very cryptic line and I can’t rly make heads or tails of it, but, if he wouldn’t sell Rhea out to Edelgard he probably wouldn’t do it for someone even worse no matter what they promised him. 

Apparently in the VW timeline Hapi is a big fan of Judith

Balthus is proud that little Hilda has become an A list schemer

Hearing Claude’s plan makes constance a bit self-conscious about her own being more past-focussed, she’s been out-bolded

Hapi doesn’t know much about Almyra but reflects on how there are many marginalized minority groups in Fodlan including ppl from Isolated communities like her own

Yuri finds the plan a bit lofty & idealistic for his tastes, and also reckless,  but he realizes that he’s got no leg to stand on when it comes to being more noble than he lets on, and that maybe a lil bit of recklessness are what these times need

Oh, once the secret’s out Hapi concludes that there probably would have been war one way or another with the slitherers having everything infiltrated, edelgard or no edelgard

Balthus mentions that Holst wasn’t at Shambhalla because he was “working out things with the Almyrans” and suggest that they warn him about the slitherers lest they sabotage the diplomacy

Apparently Hapi meditates! This comes up cause she trying not to freak out about Nemesis

“People sait it was the church who kept order but actually Yuri’s the one keeping us from complete chaos”

Apparently it was Hapi who kept the surface bandit population from flattening Abyss

Apparently in VW it’s Judith who gave supplies to Abyss (In Rodrigue’s place)

Seems like despite Hapi’s worries they kinda fare best on CF though (”Things have been pretty ok” vs “We lost some ppl”)

Abyss Resident: “I used to be an important person in the church but Im exiled for embezzling. It wasn’t out of greed tho my hometown was pillaged and the church wasn’t putting in enough to rebuild” Tell me again that Rhea cares about the little guy

One of the random rogues from Abyss is from the kingdom, claims to be a distant descendant of Fraldarius the Elite and finds “poetic justice” in taking down the empire under Claude. 

Another reaaaaly juicy tidbit is that rogue with another message from Hubert, telling Byleth to bring Rhea with them when they go to Shambhalla. Ensuing that Rhea and Thales would destroy each other.  And reaaaly adds to my conviction that Edelgard and Hubert basically did everyone a huge solid and no one noticed. Well, actually in Verdant wind they Do notice eventually; Its the left hand fighting the right cause everyone has triust issues galore

I didn’t think my love of Hubert could increase further

I always wondered, hm, were they expecting Rhea to self-destruct? Did Claude deliberately plan for it? But I never had enough evidence. especially for team Empire. But I mean Edelgard started this whole war cause Rhea is a danger so, while I get keeping her alive cause the slitherers want her for experiments, why not slit her throat as soon as the imperial palace is surrounded? Why have Hubert return her alive, to win the other faction’s trust? Not their style.

Though the random rogue also says that “Rhea was kept alive as insurance” against the slitherers. 

So it WAS part of the plan. I always did have that feeling, but, I never knew how to articulate it logically and not just intuitively. 

Of course if Byleth went and told Claude about this, Claude’s decision is also clear because he’s not dumb enough to think the empire would care for Rhea’s wellbeing out of the goodness of their heart

Though ultimately she insists on coming along for her own reasons anyways wether Claude is there or not, for plain ol’ revenge. 

Also while reading through the scrpits I realize that I never clicked the “Do you hope [Rhea] is dead?” option when Claude explains his plan. That actually nets you support points and he’s like... “Daangerous question friend”. Really Claude is not “the chill/nice one” he’s so much more interesting than that and I love him

Also I love how the NPCs get different outfits depending on the route! I wish there had been more route-specific aesthetic touches

[bladekindeyewear]

HS^2 bloggin’ mainline 2020-09-29

More Homestuck time!  Continuing on the outside-canon plot.  Livebloggin’ starts now...

> CHAPTER 14. The Best Laid Plans

Wait, who’s house is this?  Was this Roxy’s?  (When I saw a glimpse browsing my twitter feed during the debate, I saw Yiffy on the ground accosted.)

> (==>)

THEY’RE JUST HOME?!?!?????

HOW???  HOW could the heat be off so badly?

Jane’s arrogant, but one of the CHARACTERISTICS of her arrogance is that she underestimates the character and capability of her political opponents.  How would she NOT consider the possibility that these kids would return home again even while the heat was on??  How would she assume that JOHN would be too smart to come back to--

...oh right, she may not know John is involved or willing to do anything.  That’s fair.  But the kids??

I’m sure there’s going to be SOME sort of explanation of why the heat is off.  Also, I wonder who made that anti-Jane battle plan chart?  John himself, or Karkat or something?  Karkat’s usually the chart-er.

JOHN: wow, i feel like i'm barely keeping myself sitting. JOHN: if it weren't for keeping you kids safe i'd be out there right now!

Hm.  Are they counting on the fact that Crockercorp would KNOW that John and Vriska are both there to intimidate them from moving in against them?  From a sheer difference-in-firepower standpoint after Vriska’s big display?

HARRY: and some of us aren't gods and shit. JOHN: i'm detecting a hint of judgement in your voice, there, harry anderson JOHN: don't you enjoy being a part of all this? finally getting to be in the thick of it all? HARRY: i mean i was having a fine time at school, if i'm being honest. HARRY: all this tear-assing back and forth between my home and various points of interest over the past few days has me pretty beat.

Yeah, most kids don’t appreciate being involved in war.  Even Vrissy immediately showed some regrets no matter how much she liked to think of herself as wanting to get out there.

HARRY: also i wouldn't call this "the thick of it all" JOHN: oof, getting air quotes'd by my own son. JOHN: we had to hide in a forsythia bush on the way back here when that drone flew by! JOHN: that's the thick of father-son hijinks if i ever saw it! JOHN: well, modern day war hijinks, but i'll take what i can get, you know??

(Be more considerate, John!!)  Hm, so they DID sneak their way back in here?  I mean, John’s powers may have helped them get through unnoticed, but this is still a big stretch.

HARRY: i'm not knocking the old adrenaline thrill, or helping out Vrissy's moms or anything. HARRY: i'm just saying i was literally just here and you told me to leave, so i hope this is where we're gonna park it for a minute. HARRY: a boy's gotta breathe. JOHN: yeah, well, this wasn't my plan, either. JOHN: but rose sent out some false intel about us heading toward my house, so technically this is the safest place we can be right now, since they cleared the area and everything. JOHN: i guess.

Ahhhh.  Okay.  Yeah, a Seer of Light can float an attention lure and know it’ll be an effective enough distraction.

HARRY: hmm. JOHN: what? HARRY: now YOU look like you're hiding some extra commentary. JOHN: oh, i don't need to burden you with all the bureaucratic stuff, it's boring. HARRY: well now hold up, dad. HARRY: a minute ago you were all "we're in the fight together," and now you're backing out of sharing the details? JOHN: it's not really- HARRY: am i a part of this or not? JOHN: well i'd sure say you were! JOHN: but i guess maybe my thoughts on what is or isn't right for the operation aren't up to snuff. JOHN: because here i am, sitting in the dugout, same as you. HARRY: in the dugout?

Mhmm, John’s sore about Rose not counting on John as a heavy hitter.  He got back INTO this in part because he missed all the action and relevance, and now they’re telling him to stop and stand still?  That’s never been a command John’s easily agreed with.  For now, protecting the kids (Blood!) is enough to keep him sitting, but if they (and Vriska) start encouraging him...

HARRY: plus i wouldn’t have been able to get your measurements for some clothes that actually fit you if we hadn’t come back here where all my sewing stuff is.

Thank god, we might get a non-embarrassing god-pajamas John back

HARRY: you were getting pretty into everything back there with rose and them? getting to be with the old crew and everything, like the stories you told me about the game? JOHN: yeah. HARRY: that sucks. JOHN: i had a good plan, too! JOHN: it just wasn't good enough for karkat, i guess. JOHN: i'm just not "experienced enough in combat strategy"

Oh huh, so that’s John’s discarded plan he’s holding.  Karkat's faction hasn’t quite succeeded the bloody (heh) way so far, perhaps he needs John’s Breath to add some inspiration to it for the most success but they’re not giving him enough credit?  It’s hard to blame them for doubting him, though.

JOHN: that is a plus of being here, at least. JOHN: it's been really nice to get to spend so much time with you. HARRY: um. yeah, it's not so bad. HARRY: anyway, before you ruffle my hair or anything, it looks like things are getting a bit heated between the vriskas over there. HARRY: maybe we should offer them a snack to bring the mood back down? JOHN: me, mess up your hair when you’ve worked so hard on that look? i do know you at least that well, harry anderson HARRY: thank god.

Cute!

VRISKA: So you actually want to know what I’m thinking now? You want my opinion? VRISSY: Um...Yes? VRISSY: I'm not Really Sure what’s going on right Now. VRISKA: What? VRISSY: I just was wondering why you’re so pissed off at me. VRISKA: What the fuck are you talking about? VRISKA: I’m not pissed at you, you haven’t done shit 8asically at all since i’ve been here. VRISKA: I just can’t 8elieve I’m 8ack stuck in this tacky rumpusblock after all of that!

Both Vriskas are constantly assuming the other Vriska is thinking about them because they’re both Vriska, when they’re really both self-cente-- no, that’s not quite true.  Vrissy constantly assumes Vriska is thinking about her when she isn’t, and Vriska is somewhat grated because Vrissy belongs in this universe and she isn’t? Or--

Gosh they both have so many issues going on and firewalls up that I can’t actually make heads or tails of it.  Usually what’s on Vriska’s mind is painfully obvious from her dodges, but Vrissy is so oblique with her OWN weird thought processes that-- god I dunno

VRISSY: We could do Something if You Wanted. VRISKA: Huh? VRISSY: If you’re 8ored. VRISSY: This isn’t my House, but Harry has video games and Movies and shit. VRISSY: Actually, we’re pro8a8ly 8etter off not watching his movies. VRISSY: His taste is Worse than His Dad’s. VRISKA: AGGGHHH!!!!!!!!

They’re from two different worlds, yeah.

VRISKA: No, I don’t want to watch a fucking movie! How the fuck can you think a8out movies????????? VRISKA: How are you okay with any of this? VRISSY: Any of What? VRISKA: 8eing left at home like a couple of dri88ling of wigglers!

Vriska invests all of her self-worth in what she can bring to the table relevance-ways.  Her self-esteem couldn’t survive the sidelines.

VRISKA: How are you so calm right now? Your lusii were training you, right? And you’re a troll, you’re definitely five times stronger than a human! And if you’re my clone, you are way more 8adass than little miss Fussy Fangs. VRISKA: I can’t 8elieve you just stayed 8ehind?!?? VRISSY: Well...they told me to. And they’re my Moms.

COMPLETELY different lives.  Vriska has never really accepted, never really KNEW what “peaceful life” is actually supposed to be, nor how alluring and satisfying it is.

VRISKA: Clearly not a good plan, 8ecause then I would 8e part of it! VRISKA: What’s the point of me even coming to this shitty fake reality if I’m not supposed to fix it?

hahahahahahahaha

VRISSY: Yeah, they told me about That stuff, but a Lot of the Shit that Happened in the Session if just not in the History Books. VRISSY: You weren’t Really mentioned that Much. VRISKA: Excuse me? VRISSY: People know who you Are, 'cause we had to Memorize the names of Every one of the Players, Even the ones who didn’t last very Long. VRISKA: You’re trying to tell me that there’s a whole recorded history of SGRUB, and I’m not in it?  VRISSY: You’re not not in it.  VRISSY: I guess they Mostly Focused on the Creators who Ascended, you know?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

--hm, what if some of the pre-retcon timeline where Vriska WASN’T as involved DID fold its way into this one?  Explaining Jane remembering Gamzee showing up early in her session to sell her troll blood when that was (if we’re remembering right, correct me if I’m wrong) erased by the retcon in favor of Vriska time-traveling in in his place?

VRISKA: Whoever was schoolfeeding you was a complete 8ulgesucker, because I “ascended” 8efore any of the humans did!! VRISKA: Literally 8illions of years 8efore, since our session was the one that created theirs!!!!!!!! VRISKA: I was the 8ne who 8uided John’s 8uffoonish 8lue ass all the way through his first 8ew days in the Medium! VRISKA: I m8de all the plans to take down the J8cks! VRISKA: I SINGLE H8ND8DLY! VRISKA: CURED YOUR MOTHER’S FUCKING ALCH8LISM!!!!!!!! JOHN: uh, vriska, everything okay over there? VRISKA: EVERYTHING’S FINE, J8HN! JOHN: okay. JOHN: do you girls want a snack? VRISKA: AAAAGGH!

HA!

HARRY: vriska, eat whatever. HARRY: just not the zebra cakes, those are mine.

(Zebra cakes are kinda Barbasol-bomb-like, right? Doom thing, because black-and-white stripes like most of the black-and-white-striped explosives in Homestuck? --Nah that’s a stretch.)

> (==>)

--That’s not Jane’s head, that’s JOHN’S head giving a thumbs up.  Wow.

...Your plan prominently features Yiffy even though you didn’t know she existed until a couple hours ago?

JOHN: so anyway, as you can see, this would have worked just fine! HARRY: no i think karkat’s right. this looks like shit, dad. JOHN: you know, me letting your earlier use of the word "fuck" slide wasn't a blanket approval for all cursing in front of me. HARRY: sorry. HARRY: try not to make such a shit plan, and i won't call it that. JOHN: haha wow.

Harry really is his son, wow

HARRY: i mean, i still can't believe i told vrissy and them to bring a dead celebrity to school. HARRY: what was i THINKING. JOHN: you were thinking it sounded hilarious! JOHN: but yeah, in hindsight, maybe not the best call. JOHN: maybe it’s genetic? HARRY: yeah.

Harry really is his son, wow

HARRY: i kinda can’t believe we’re all still alive, actually. HARRY: and how did YOU make it this far, being so bad at this? JOHN: i had my friends with me, i guess.

Pretty much!

Plus, they haven’t really had time to talk about what happened with Dave, yet, and he doesn’t want to tank the mood by bringing him up.

Glad John’s taken some time to deal with that offscreen, so he can keep being cheery here.

He’d spent so long seeing mostly the best parts of Roxy in Harry Anderson. He forgot, he guesses, to look for himself in there, too. And if what they have in common right now is a lack of strategic foresight, hey, he’ll take it.

Hah, fair enough!

JOHN: speaking of friends, i will say the snacks were a good call, at least! JOHN: i don’t hear any more screaming, anyway. JOHN: see, that's one good plan between the two of us!

--they left, didn’t they.

> (==>)

HARRY: oh, that was definitely them leaving, wasn’t it. JOHN: ah.

--So was Vrissy peer-pressured along, or practically abducted?

> (==>)

--Oh, this was the picture I glimpsed and scrolled past on Twitter!  She’s not on the ground, she’s running-- good.

> (==>)

--ALREADY!  Fuck yes!  :D

(and those cute paws on jade’s gloves wow)

> (==>)

--Oh I thought that was an air-lift! No, they were just diving to the ground with her.

Man, the pacing of this panel-to-panel composition throws me SO much.  Stuff happens without being properly established, and we’re shown the wrong keyframes to internalize it easily.  (I hope I don’t have to keep mentioning how much I miss Andrew’s talent at it, even though the art WITHIN panels is better here.)

So Jane is confronting them with soldiers.

ROSE: Oh, is this one of those rare and marvelous beasts, the "villain speech"? ROSE: I've written one or two in my time. ROSE: I'm on the edge of my seat. I hope it's better than your political material; I've always found that rather trite. JANE: I haven't given a political speech in years, Ms. Lalonde. I don't know what you're referring to. I'm just a simple business woman. JADE: right with her own talk show JADE: and multi billion dollar merchant company and lobbying groups! JANE: That's what a business woman is, Jade, dear.

--ah, in this perspective maybe Jane DOESN’T have the resources to be “everywhere” yet.  Makes more sense that they could’ve left the home unguarded.

JANE: But enough of that. I'll skip straight to the point. JANE: You are on my territory, in the presence of my secret police, laying your hand on my investment.

QUIT DEHUMANIZING THE GIRL

JANE: You think I come anywhere unprepared? I haven't left the house without an armed guard in years. ROSE: Is it the libidinous power rush that comes from snapping your fingers at men with guns, or are you worried that you might accidentally do something heroic?

Rose usually has decent snapbacks I guess

I don’t think Rose’s plan was to admit themselves into custody like Jane is asking, but I’m not ruling it out.

> (==>)

(this image is so cute)

JADE: wow could you be any more full of yourself?? JADE: shut the fuck up for a minute and look up!

> (==>)

Ahwhoops.  Jane misunderstood who’s in control of the situation.

> (==>)

Ooh!  That’s threatening.  :)

(Tavros is playing along, but he doesn’t HAVE to fake that sweat.)

KANAYA: If You Make One Single Move I Will Bite Him Directly On The Exterior Shout Tunnel KANAYA:  I Will Turn Your Son Into A Rainbow Drinker KANAYA: Then You Will Have A Rainbow Drinker Son JANE: That's not how troll vampirism works, don't treat me like an imbecile! JANE: You think I don't know everything there is to know about your disgusting biology? KANAYA: KANAYA: Okay Then I Will Just Break His Fucking Neck

HAH

Yeah, mutual child-threat standoff.  Jane isn’t going to make that sacrifice, AND can’t be SEEN making that sacrifice.

> (==>)

Jane Crocker hesitates.

This is something that she used to do regularly. Hesitate. Stop and think and weigh her options. Talk out every possible scenario and the impact they might have, morally and optically and socially. What would the political apparatus think? What would her social media followers think, her friends? As the years went by and she honed her instincts, she found herself doing this less and less.

Yeah, the difference between deserving a Just death or not is whether you’re willing to check yourself and allow another’s will to override your own.  To allow someone who ISN’T you to have a say in how reality unfolds, to consider that what you want may not be right.

The impact that her words made became lessened when spread out across such a wide and thirsty audience, as public sentiment began to swing her way. She stopped thinking about how she would be received, and more about how she could play to the people she knew would receive her favorably. 

Yeesh.  Topical.

Looking up she sees Tavvy with tears in his eyes. Rage and guilt surge inside her. This situation is not her fault.

Anger is based in fear.  Jane is not just afraid for Tavros, but afraid that she’s at fault.  And the more she fears and has to deny that, the angrier she’ll get.

Is it angry enough to make a rash decision here?

> (==>)

JANE: This situation is not my fault! 

Jesus, she even said it out loud?

JANE: I'm the only one who has taken any interest in her upbringing or education! JANE: Or have you forgotten who has been paying for her schooling and taking charge of her introduction into society? JADE: i never asked you to do that! JADE: you offered! JADE: so stop calling me ungrateful for not sucking your dick over things i never asked for!

Taking something that was a clear, ostensibly-selfless gift and using it as a transactional club.  I hate that.  Nothing shows how transparently little you actually believed in the “selfless thing to do” than that.

> (==>)

She can't just stand here and let herself be humiliated, allowing two architects of the insurgency mess her around like this.

If they were to kill Tavros, the entire world would see them commit this war crime. And weighed in the balance, Lalonde and Harley would be off the playing board. Saving your daughter certainly counted as a heroic death, and with the damage they'd done to humanity, it would also probably be just.

Tavros has not called out for her once. Perhaps he knows what her choice was always going to be.

Whoa you made that choice pretty easily, psycho-Jane.  Are you actually gonna try it???

> (==>)

JAKE: Tavvy! 

Oh shit, the plan!  :D

--if Jake isn’t just.  Um.  Taking the threat to Tavvy seriously, not having realized this was a bluff.  Um.  Jake?

> (==>)

That looks like he’s taking it seriously.  Shit.

At least Jane will look like even MORE of a monster if she gives the order this way.

> (==>)

JANE: Stand down!

I don’t think Jake’s gonna listen to you when it comes to Tav’s safety anymore.

> (==>)

JANE: Get out of my sight.

Oh.

Is she letting Jade, Rose and Yiffy go?  --probably, but it’s unclear.

Damn this panel-to-panel framing not conveying what’s going on properly.

Guess that’s it for now!  Patreon Commentary....... I’ve been putting off the commentary backlog for a long time, but I think the Homestuck Commentary coverage deficit still has to wait a while longer because the World Is A Fuck and I have to devote more time to stress relief than usual.  Take care y’all

EDIT: extra bit on gamzee corpse here

[thewebcomicsreview]

It’s Homestuck’s birthday, which means another Homestuck 2 update.

Man, trying to have something exciting for Homestuck fans happen on 4/13 has been really slick marketing, because it gets everyone excited and you see an increase in fanart. I couldn’t tell you what, say, Penny Arcade or Gunnerkrigg Court’s anniversaries were, but every Homestuck fan knows the importance of 413 because it’s built into the story itself.

Anyway, here’s Janey, and here’s Jake wearing a shirt that you can either buy now or will be able to buy soon. Marketing.

JANE: Assassinations, open warfare, so-called "revolution," and where has everyone gone? JANE: They've ABANDONED me. They've taken our precious son. And now...

That’s not really true, Jane. Your friends haven’t abandoned you while people try to kill you! Your friends are also actively trying to kill you! 

It’s a decent joke, but how the hell are Steven King novels even a thing on this planet? Maybe Rose had some.

DIRK: I'm slurping this shit up like it's a piping hot bowl of udon. DIRK: Itadakimasu.

Homestuck 2′s Dirk is dramatically more of a filthy fucking weeb than Dirk was in the original Homestuck, and that’s a high fucking bar.

JANE: Two can play at the hostage game. That loathsome daughter of theirs should fit the bill nicely. JANE: Then those naughty rebels will cease this unruly tantrum, and do what they are told.

This is another instance of Homestuck 2 sanding down the whole “civil war” thing that I didn’t even think about until they called attention to it. Vrissy is not only a member of the rebellion, her adoptive parents are commanders who the God-Empress of Mankind personally hates, and she just kind of casually went to human high school with her only concern being the dead clown and apparently she is only now in any danger.

Oh, this is cool! A wide panel with two separate dialogs underneath! I had to admit I was kind of hoping for an anniversary [S], but I’m happy with a twist on the standard format. It looks nicer than the x2 updates from Homestuck 1, too.

VRISKA: 8ecause there's no way I'm saying Harry Anderson every time. That's like... 8 whole letters too long. VRISKA: From now on your name is just Harry. HARRY: o... k?

Hm. First Vriska Classic renames the new Vriska to Vrissy, and now Harry Anderson has been demoted to Harry. I sense a pattern, and suspect “Tavros Crocker” will not be called such much longer. 

Also, stealing people’s names like that seems very Thief of Light-y, but let’s not get into that just now, even if the last update hinted at a connection between Harry and Heart, which is all about identity. I’m doing this liveblog during my lunch break no time for classpect shit.

VRISKA: If I had to 8et, I'd say you're the thing that pup8ed after a 8ar8aric act of human sexual intercourse 8etween John and some Lalonde or other. HARRY: ok. HARRY: ew.

Hm. Vriska knows Harry’s last name is Egbert, but it’s interesting that she assumes his mom is a Lalonde and not one of the literal planet full of human women, but no one in Homestuck seems to care about the NPC humans so it’s a safe bet. Also I don’t like how hard we’re pushing the line that Harry came out of a person’s vagina and not some slime. I’m suspish.

VRISKA: There WERE no humans on Alternia, okay? There were no humans, and no human "musicals", in my entire UNIVERSE. HARRY: it sounds like a horrible place. ): VRISKA: Yeah, it 8lew so un8elieva8ly hard.

Heh.

But now he's not so sure. Ever since hearing that one of his dad's old friends had turned up, that border between past and present has felt fainter by the minute. And as they talk, he begins to think that Vriska seems so much... fresher. More real. An actual, authentic, bona fide god from another universe. Harry can’t imagine his dad even talking to someone like her, let alone punching her in the face.

One of those file-it-away-for-later moments, but Harry is able to sense that the canon Vriska is “more real” than his dad. 

HARRY: right now i'm in my mom's house with my girlfriend, her boyfriend, and another god damn version of my girlfriend, and all of us are probably now on the run from the fucking GOVERNMENT!!!!

Though he also seems to think Vriska Serket and Vrissy Maryam-Lalonde are alternate versions of each other, which is actually not true, both literally and personalityways.

Harry is not even able to mention the thing he was about to mention, because at this exact moment his phone starts ringing.

BECAUSE JELLICLES CAN AND JEEEEEEELLICLES DO JELLICLES DO AND JELLICLES CAN JELLICLES CAN AND JEEEEEELLICLES

HARRY: oh fuck.

I think Harry Egbert has the worst taste of anyone in his family and that’s a high fucking bar

VRISSY: It's Something about the W8y she Looks at him. VRISSY: The Rest of us too. VRISSY: Like we're not even Real. TAVROS: Yes,, this is good, VRISSY: Ever since she showed up, it's 8een o8vious that Nothing Here M8tters to her.

Another, much more obvious reference to the realness attribute of Candyland. 

VRISSY: I'm not worried a8out Harry Fucking 8nderson right now! VRISSY: Hell, I'm so Unconcerned that I think I'm going to start just calling him Harry from now on! It'll Save Everyone a lot of Valua8le Time! VRISSY: Listen Tavros, Vriska will get 8ored of Harry in a Heart8eat! VRISSY: That's the whole point!!!!!!!! VRISSY: She shouldn't 8e w8sting her Time on someone like Him! VRISSY: SHE SHOULD BE T8LKING T8 ME!!!!!!!!

That both Vriskas decide separately to demote Harry Anderson to Harry is a funny gag. Also, between this and the start of the conversation where Vrissy was obsessed with how she appeared on social media, someone needs to be the most important person in the room at all times, which is a trait both Vriska’s have in common with each other, and also in a way with Aranea, so there’s perhaps a classpect aspect to this but we don’t have time for that! 

JOHN: HELLO SON! JOHN: I AM JOHN: SO JOHN: VERY JOHN: PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!!!

There it is

JOHN: heh. two vriskas is NOTHING. JOHN: when i was your age i lost count of all the vriskas i had to keep track of. JOHN: it was probably some preposterous number.

I’m pretty sure John never encountered any alternative-timeline Vriskas in Homestuck.

Hey, it’s Rose and Kanaya!

Individually, they each represent immeasurable gains for the rebel faction. The rebellion's stratagems have never had a fiercer bite; their uniforms have never looked so fucking sharp.  But it is together, united, that their true strength is made apparent. Their bond, a union of love between troll and human, is not only a foundation for the rebel cause, but an integral symbol of its purpose.    

D’aw

ROSE: I don't understand what's going on any more than you do, and I'm sorry. ROSE: I'm sorry!

Rose panicking like this feels....weird?

I like the detail of Jade’s pawprint gloves. Also, she seems to have gained a headband as Rose lost hers. Only one hair accessory allowed in this comic, this ain’t no fucking Touhou.

JADE: THEYVE TAKEN YIFFY!!!!!!! D:

Oh thank Christ, no one knows what the fuck Jade is talking about. For a minute there I thought we were about to learn Jade and Dave had a daughter named Yiffy and I was about to walk into the sea. 

[afni-fics]

Elder Scrolls DC - A Reluctant Dragonborn: Chapter 30: Campfire Conversations - Dragonborn and Thalmor

Elder Scrolls DC - A Reluctant Dragonborn: Chapter 30: Campfire Conversations - Dragonborn and Thalmor (38503 words) by C_R_Scott Chapters: 30/? Fandom: Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Red Robin (Comics), DCU (Comics), Batman (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Characters: Tim Drake, Lucien Flavius Additional Tags: Crossover, Crossovers & Fandom Fusions, Skyrim/DCU crossover, Reluctant Dovahkiin | Dragonborn, Not Beta Read, Alternate Universe - Skyrim Fusion, Modded Skyrim, Skyrim Spoilers, Tim Drake is Dragonborn | Dovahkiin, Tim Drake-centric, Trope: It sucks to be the chosen one, Trope: Trapped in another world, Trope: Kidnapped by the Call

Previous Chapter | Masterlist | Next Chapter

Summary:

Lucien and Tim set up camp for the night after their first day away from Whiterun. Their campfire conversation leans into discussion about the Dragonborn and the Thalmor.

After taking care of the bandits at the two towers, the rest of the ride to the crossroads went fairly smoothly. Lucien taught Tim a couple more useful novice spells, including a lesser ward for protection against enemy magic spells and a wild healing spell that would heal both himself another nearby person. Unfortunately he didn't have enough Magicka to learn how to use the healing hands spell yet, but with enough practice and time Tim knew he would.

By the time the afternoon had grown quite late, their carriage had reached the crossroads and it was time to disembark. 

"Thanks again for the help with the bandits and getting my money back from them," Bjorlam said from the carriage as Tim and Lucien disembarked. "I really wish I could take you directly to Ivarstead. Next time we cross paths, if you need a lift, I'll take you wherever you want free of charge." Then, with a wave, the horse and carriage were heading up the northbound path.

"So," Lucien started as he glanced at the signpost in front of them and zeroed in on the one pointing the direction of Ivarstead. "Shall we put in an hour or two of walking before setting up camp for the night?"

Tim studied the sky. Now that they had replaced wide open fields for more heavily wooded mountainous terrain it was harder to gauge the time and to see how close the sun was to the horizon. "I don't think so," he mused aloud. "I think it's actually pretty late in the afternoon, and we should use what's left of the daylight to find a safe spot to set up camp before it gets dark."

The pair of them ultimately set up camp just a little ways off the main road closer to the river's edge. By the time the sun had set, their tent was set up, a stew made of dried meats and vegetables was simmering in a pot by the fire, and both Tim and Lucien were reading and discussing a book that the Court Wizard Farengar had gifted to Tim before they left Whiterun.

The black leather-bound tome was called "The Book of the Dragonborn" and had been written sometime in the Third Era. It had a fair bit of information about the term "Dragonborn" and it's history both with the Emperors of Cyrodiil as well as with the Nords of Skyrim.

"So once upon a time all the Emperors of your homeland used to be Dragonborn?" Tim asked curiously as he gave the pot one final stir.

"That was always thought to be one of the hard requirements to be a true legitimate emperor of Cyrodiil," Lucien replied as he watched Tim place some of stew into a bowl. "St. Alessia's descendants were the first Dragonborn Dynasty. Once her line died off, then a new Dragonborn named Reman Cyrodiil rose up, became Emperor, and started his own Reman Dynasty. After that, during the Third Era, it was Tiber Septim, known as Talos Stormcrown by the Nords, who was identified as Dragonborn and started the Septim Dynasty, before that line too died off during the Oblivion Crisis. There hasn't been a Dragonborn identified since then... well... not until possibly you." He took the bowl Tim offered with a grin. "Who knows, I could be here dining under the stars with the next future Emperor of Cyrodiil?"

Tim had just grasped his own bowl, but froze the moment those words left Lucien's mouth. He stared at the scholar wide-eyed before shaking his head slightly. "Don't even joke about something like that," he said uneasily. "I can't be... No... Just no." After taking a seat next to Lucien, Tim glanced at open book that had been resting on a flat stone between them and flipped a few pages over until he was past the portions about Cyrodilic Emperors. The very thought of something like that happening made Tim's skin crawl.

Thankfully, Lucien didn't press the subject and instead started eating. As he ate, he read over the page Tim had flipped to and raised his eyebrows curiously. "Hm. That's interesting."

"What is?"

"There appears to be mention of some sort of prophecy regarding someone referred to as the 'Last Dragonborn'." Lucien pointed with his spoon at the passage that caught his eyes. 

Tim placed his own bowl down and picked up the book to angle it better to read in the firelight. He read the passage out loud.

"When misrule takes its place at the eight corners of the world

"When the Brass Tower walks and Time is reshaped

"When the thrice-blessed fail and the Red Tower trembles

"When the Dragonborn ruler loses his throne, and the White Tower falls

"When the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding

"The World-Eater wakes, and the Wheel turns upon the Last Dragonborn."

Tim looked up to Lucien. "Does any of that make any sense to you?"

"Maybe?" Lucien said hesitantly. "If we were at the museum I could probably figure out most of those references. However, the fourth line about the Dragonborn ruler losing their throne has to be about the end of the Septim line in the third era. And the bit about the White Tower falling... That's obvious enough to me because it's talking about the end of the Great War that happened in Cyrodiil about twenty-five years ago. The Imperial City was sacked by armies from the Aldmeri Dominion, which is led by an Elven Supremacist faction called the Thalmor. The White Tower must be referring to the White-Gold Tower, which served as the royal palace and was damaged during the war." At the mention of the Thalmor, Lucien grimaced. 

"What are the Thalmor?"

"They're a faction of elves, primarily Altmer from the Summerset Isles, who believe that the races of Mer have supremacy over the races of Men. The faction had been expanding their influence through invasion of other lands for years. The Great War is when they attempted to do the same with Cyrodiil and the Empire." 

Then Lucien sighed. "The Great War only ended with what is called the White-Gold Concordat. It was a 'peace treaty' that allowed the Empire to continue overall rule and ended the war, but essentially ceded a great deal of money, land, and influence over the government to the Thalmor and the Aldmeri Dominion."

Tim absorbed all this with a grim expression. "We had something like this happen in my own world's history," he admitted. "Two world wars that took place in the last century, instigated by racial supremacists." He shook his head. 

"Were they victorious or were they defeated?" Lucien asked curiously.

"Oh they were defeated, but the costs of the wars, especially the second one, were very, very high."

The pair were quiet for a long moment. Then Lucien broke the silence. "Timothy... I know you are a good young man and hate to see any injustice. But please promise me that you won't throw yourself into any conflicts with the Thalmor."

When Tim looked like he wanted to argue, Lucien raised his hand. "The Thalmor's forces are not like bandits. They're not like the soldiers of the Legion or the Stormcloaks either. Even their lowest ranked foot soldiers are made of elves who wield powerful spells as well as blades, and you have no defense against magic. If you fight them, in your current state, they will kill you or worse."

Tim opened his mouth as if to say something, but closed it without uttering a word for a moment. Then he sighed with a resigned expression. "So what should i look out for? What do they look like so I know who to avoid?"

"Their rank and file soldiers wear a light armor made of a gold colored metal. Their more powerful higher ranked wizards wear black hooded robes with silver or gold trim."

Tim nodded. Then he looked at Lucien. "Y'know, while we're on the topic, who are the other races of men and 'mer' I should know about?"

Lucien smiled a little, obviously happier to leave the topic of the Thalmor behind them. "Well, let's start off with one I know you haven't met yet called the Khajiit. They are quite a fascinating people..."

NOTE: You can read the entire text from "The Book of the Dragonborn" here: https://elderscrolls.fandom.com/wiki/The_Book_of_the_Dragonborn

It is an actual in-game book that can be found at the start of the playthrough in Helgen.

Also, the tent and campfire were all provided by the lovely "Campfire - Complete Camping System" mod found here: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/667

#elder scrolls dc#fanfiction#tim drake#skyrim fanfiction#red robin#batfam#crossover#lucien flavius#wip#afewnovelideas

[cteranodon]

I'm gonna go with 34 for our dear doctor and not-a-spy-but-a-simple-tailor ;D Have fun!

(34: a kiss to pretend)

“How many times have I said, NOBODY MOVE!”

Nobody had been moving, so Bashir quite frankly didn’t know what the man’s problem was. The Orion who seemed to be leading the operation, however, was back to aggressively pointing his phaser rifle at the host of hostages before him.

Deep Space Nine had been infiltrated by a band of Orion, apparently a faction of war-hawking rebels, who had taken over Ops and were now planning to hijack a starship. Bashir’d had the bad fortune of being in Sisko’s office at the time, so he was stuck at phaserpoint with the rest of the senior staff.

“Colonel,” one of the other Orion said, “we’re getting a signal from the station’s hostage negotiator.”

This time, Bashir saw movement in the form of Sisko’s eyebrow arching. Bashir thanked his stars that Sisko had saved him the embarrassment of wondering for too long if the station had a hostage negotiator he didn’t know about.

“What do they want?” the Colonel demanded.

“He says he wants to negotiate the release of one of the hostages… in exchange for supplies.”

“What supplies?”

“He didn’t say yet.”

The Colonel spun on his heel to face the senior staff, absolute fury in his eyes. “And which of you is he planning to have us let go?”

“You know,” Jadzia said with a keen smile, “not letting the hostage negotiator do any negotiating… kind of defeats the purpose of us having him around.”

The Colonel opened and shut his mouth several times, before apparently conceding the point to Jadzia and making his way to another console to have his negotiations.

Sisko sidestepped closer to Jadzia to have a hushed conversation of his own with her. “I don’t suppose you know what’s going on here.”

“Not exactly,” Jadzia replied. “But I have a guess as to who our ‘negotiator’ really is.”

“And when will we know if your guess is correct?”

A much softer smile played on her face. “When we find out who they want released.”

After a minute, the Colonel, looking several orders of magnitude less grumpy than before, trudged back over to the senior staff. His eyes scanned over them, then he pointed his phaser rifle firmly at Bashir.

“You! Come with me.”

Jadzia responded with a click of her tongue and a “Thought so.”

That was enough for Bashir to catch on. He dutifully followed the Colonel over to the lift.

“Keep the rest of them right where they are,” the Colonel barked to one of his lackeys.

The whirring of the lift started before they called it. The Colonel didn’t seem to think anything was wrong with that at first; perhaps he didn’t realize it wasn’t quite so automatic. When the lift came into view, it had the two Orion who had been stationed just outside, flanking a certain Cardassian.

“Julian!” Garak stepped down and flung his arms around Bashir.

“Is this the appointed go-between?” the Colonel asked the guards.

“Yes, the package is below,” one of the guards said. “He insisted on coming up here—”

“Just to make sure my Julian is safe.” Garak accentuated the point with a kiss directly on Bashir’s lips, lasting several seconds, with a mechanical precision, before he broke and looked Bashir up and down. “I trust you aren’t hurt?”

“Hhhhhuh,” Bashir answered.

“You poor thing, you must be in shock.” Garak clasped Bashir by the shoulder and glanced back at the Colonel. “Thank you, my friend, for being willing to let him go.”

“I’m nothing if not reasonable,” the Colonel half-growled, not all that interested in remaining reasonable for very long. “Let’s go back down and do the exchange. The rest of you, make sure the other hostages don’t move one micron.”

Garak guided Bashir by the lower back to the lift, where they stood beside the Colonel as they were taken back down. Bashir was still a bit dazed from the kiss he wasn’t remotely expecting, but he noticed the crate left in the middle of the floor.

“Is that the package?” the Colonel asked.

“Y-yes, that’s the one,” Garak answered.

“Open it.”

Garak went to it with an affected nervousness, pressed a button, and removed the lid, standing back for the Colonel to see what was inside. “Latinum, a photon torpedo, and a weapon that I am told will put your current one to shame.”

Glee made itself known on the Colonel’s face as he tossed his phaser rifle aside (in the opposite direction from Garak and Bashir) and picked up a similar, but more contemporary-looking weapon from within the crate. “Now this is a rifle.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Garak smiled affably at the Colonel, an immediate signal to Bashir that the Colonel was already dead. “A gift from the Orion Syndicate.”

The room was filled with heavy silence for a five second count.

“…Excuse me?” the Colonel finally asked.

“Yes, delivered personally by Thadial Bokar, as a matter of fact.”

Another silence. Bashir wondered what it was Garak had just said, and how much this Colonel knew of what was about to happen. He could never really be sure with a trap set by the “plain” and “simple” “tailor.”

“How dare you speak that name to me.” Considering how temperamental the Colonel had been up to now, he was speaking remarkably evenly.

“Ah, is there some unpleasantness in your history?” Garak blinked innocently. “Perhaps there’s a message you’d like me to deliver him when I see him next?”

“I’d rather deliver it to him myself,” the Colonel said. “But… I might as well give it to you, first.”

He pointed the new rifle at Garak and pulled the trigger. Instantly, instead of any energy fired from the weapon, it was the Colonel himself who was surrounded by it, as he vanished with the distinctive sound of the transporter.

Garak eased his posture. “Well. I don’t believe he thought that idea through at all.”

Bashir had finally found his ability to speak. “Where did you… send him?”

“Nowhere at all. Or, at least, far enough away from the station that his body isn’t likely to collide with it. I doubt Chief O’Brien would appreciate the carcass of a reactionary terrorist arriving in one of the docking pylons.” Garak pulled the supposed photon torpedo out of the crate and began fiddling with it.

“No, I don’t suppose he would.” Bashir watched Garak carefully. “And what, dare I ask, are you doing with a torpedo?”

“Ah, but it’s not a torpedo, it’s a computer disguised with the casing of a torpedo. I can use it to interface remotely with the station’s transporters. I would hate for our Colonel to feel lonely out there, and he was so helpful in making sure the other officers of this station didn’t move, so I would know exactly who not to lock onto.”

“But if you have a torpedo casing, that means you have the internals of a photon torpedo elsewhere,” Bashir finished.

“Nonsense. Someone accidentally left an empty torpedo casing in my shop while I was measuring them for a wedding gown.”

“And how exactly is it that you can interface with the station’s transporters?”

“Oh, that knowledge I came by during my time with the Obsidian Order.”

Perhaps it was partially the lingering surprise from the kiss, but Bashir was once again shocked beyond words.

Garak offered Bashir a sweet smile. “That is what you wanted me to say, is it not?”

“Well, I wouldn’t have assumed you were… that is, I—”

“Not to worry. It’s untrue. I’m shocked you could believe me capable of something so disreputable as membership in the Obsidian Order.” Garak smirked as he went back to the torpedo casing. “It’s just some knowledge I was given as payment for a bit of weeding.”

“Weeding.”

“Yes, Doctor.”

“Now why do I find that so hard to believe?”

“I couldn’t say. You hardly have what I could describe as healthy skepticism. Ah!” Garak appeared to have finally pinpointed all of the persons in Ops. “Now, I’ll have to transport one more of them into space just to prove I mean business, otherwise they won’t surrender before killing your fellow Federation officers, plus Major Kira, and I simply couldn’t bear a world without her.”

“You’re not planning to just beam them all into space?” It had managed to take Bashir by surprise, and despite the fact that these particular Orion were all despicable, he found himself relieved.

“I know. You must be having an undue influence on me.”

“Are you sure? I mean, to a veteran spy, there must be value in the taking of prisoners.”

Garak rolled his eyes. “Certainly, to a veteran spy, but to me it just serves as a source of danger.”

“You think these Orion could be dangerous prisoners? What, you think they could take over the station again?”

Garak gasped, affixing Bashir with a scandalized gaze. “My dear Doctor! What possible reason could you have to jump to that conclusion?”

“It seemed like a natural—”

“Oh, I don’t believe that.” Garak stood, placing the torpedo/computer to one side, and stepped closer to Bashir. “There are any number of reasons political prisoners could be dangerous. You picked one of the least likely among those reasons. Escape! Now, perhaps my understanding of the human psyche is not what it should be, but I wonder if some part of you… hopes for a second takeover of the station? Perhaps…” He stepped closer still. “Perhaps you are hoping that I will perform the same harried spouse routine for them a second time?”

Bashir was feeling very warm all of a sudden, but he managed to say “The thought hadn’t even occurred to me, my dear Mister Garak.”

“Ah. Well, I’m disappointed to hear it.” Garak didn’t back down. “Rest assured, I will take a different angle in future rescues.”

“I didn’t ask you to do that.”

“Hm.” Garak had the smug aura that signaled that Bashir had played right into his hands. “Then perhaps you want to rehearse? Only to ensure that you play the part better in the future, of course.”

“Naturally.” Bashir didn’t let his eyes back down from Garak’s, despite the intensity of the situation and how badly he wanted to break. “Perhaps some preparation work will do me good.”

There was a twinkle in Garak’s eye as he smiled back. “Then prepare a list of fake terms of endearment that are believable but uncomfortable to hear. Putting the listener in a position of discomfort is the key to the entire operation. I expect at least twenty, and I plan to critique each one at length.”

For the umpteenth time today, Bashir was left speechless.

“Now then. I must return to the problem at hand.” Garak swiftly placed a kiss on Bashir’s cheek, then spun to face his contraption. “Well done out there for your first run, my dear Doctor.”

(Sorry this took forever! Hope you enjoyed! ao3 link in comments.)

[harry-sussex]

A Note... and A Big Thank You

Gather ‘round, my friends.  This is going to be a long post, so please bear with me as I write all of this out.  I’d appreciate it if you would read until the end, if you’re interested.

It’s been a few weeks now, and I’ve had time to settle my thoughts and almost come to terms with what’s happened with the British Royal Family over the past month or so.  It was difficult for me in a very, very real way.  I don’t know The Duke and Duchess of Sussex or their son, and they will never know me, but I care for them in a way I can’t really describe.  I can only hope that you all know what the feeling is like, as lovers of royalty yourselves.  It’s hard enough to explain to people in the real world.  I’m glad I won’t have to explain to you that the feelings - of affection, of pride, and of disappointment - are very real, very tangible... even with respect to complete strangers who live thousands of miles away, working for a country in which you do not live, with privilege and a lifestyle you could only imagine... the feelings are very real.  

On January 8th, I was at work.  Typing away, doing my thing, more or less minding my own business.  I saw the Instagram notification - SussexRoyal made a post - and when I saw the little thumbnail image next to the notification of their engagement photocall, I literally thought oh my God, Meghan is pregnant.  I clicked that notification faster than I’ve clicked anything in my life.

As you all know, that’s not even close to what they were saying.  Ultimate high to ultimate low in a second flat.  I remember my stomach dropping.  And I remember the panic.  Or at least my sheer, unadulterated panic because let me tell you - I was panicking.  In a very real, heart pounding, head spinning, caps lock, oh my God no this isn’t happening way.  My Harry was leaving and taking with him some of the best parts of who he is - a wife and child we’ve only just gotten to know, with whom we’d already fallen so in love, after waiting so long for them to appear in his life - and I. was. panicking.

Once we had a few moments as a fandom to wrap our heads around the Sussexes’ proposal as outlined on SussexRoyal.com, to develop some semblance of understanding, the second bomb dropped - HM was unaware of their decision to go public.  Charles and William weren’t in on it, either.  The discussions were preliminary and were far from adequate enough for the public’s questioning and demanding gaze.  Harry did what Harry has always been prone to doing... he didn’t like the way things had to be, so he made his own rules.

It didn’t look good for my Harry, who I’ve always loved, always defended, even when the worst parts of his personality overshadowed the best.  And for the first time in all the years I’ve been following him, I had nothing to defend him with.  Nothing.  He was wrong in my eyes - plain as day, he was a stubborn, spoiled, petulant brat who didn’t get his way immediately, and retaliated.  He had his reasons, sure, and they were (and are) legitimate.  But I couldn’t find a single way to defend the way he went about making it happen.  And let me tell you guys - that was not easy for me to wrap my head around.  I’d always found room in my thoughts to understand Harry’s relatively infrequent grand lapses of judgment.  This time, I had nothing.  My Harry was wrong.  Wrong.

Not only was he wrong, but he seemed so lost, so desperate to get out.  It was absolutely heartbreaking imagining my Harry - my strong, cheery, dedicated Harry - feeling so desperate for the sake of the safety of his wife and child that he went to this extreme.  Abandoning the only life he’d ever know for a chance at peace.  The only reason for such a move was sheer desperation.  As infuriating as it was... it was equivalently, if not more, heartbreaking.  He sought peace in the only way he thought he could, blindly fearful of the same forces that took his mother, now coming for his wife and son, clawing his way out so he could finally rest... heartbreaking.  I don’t know this about him, but just imagining it was enough for me to feel sick to my stomach.  My poor Harry.  My poor, stubborn Harry.  

Within minutes, this place was at absolute war.  A war that has been building for several years finally hit its breaking point.  I saw people turn on each other, turn on the royals, change their points of view.  I saw language I’ve never seen in all of my years here.  The blame game, finger pointing, complete dissolution of real relationships, friendships breaking, two factions violently clashing with every new piece of information released... it was awful.  It was like a train wreck, or a dumpster fire.  I’ve seen a lot happen in this fandom over the past six years, but I’ve never seen anything like January 8th.  Never.  I couldn’t sit around and watch it happen but I couldn’t bring myself to leave.  I had to be involved for the sake of this blog and for the sake of William, Kate, Harry, Meghan, the kids, and the rest of the British Royal Family, but I hated my involvement.  It was an awful feeling.  Combined with how awful I was feeling already about the idea of the split alone... I felt terrible for days.  Weeks, even.  Even now, just thinking about it, seeing photos of Harry and Meghan plastered all over every media source... even seeing William and Kate out and about, still doing their royal duties... I still feel absolutely awful about the whole thing.  Lost, and sad, and lonely... just awful.

I was losing and gaining followers every minute.  Some people I thought were friends vanished in the blink of an eye, because they didn’t like what I had to say.  Some - violently so.  My inbox and messages blew up - some agreeing with me, more screaming at me, and even more asking what the hell was going on.  It’s been more than four weeks, and I still haven’t gotten through even a third of the messages.  My head was spinning in the worst way, and I couldn’t shake it.  I couldn’t believe it.  All of these years of loving my Harry, waiting for him to find his partner, watching him find her, fall in love with her, propose to her, bring her into this unique world of his... traveling 3,500 miles to see the wedding in person, falling in love with Meghan for the simple reason that he loved her, crying for their pregnancy, and falling in love with the bump that became Bubba that became Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor... just for it to all get ripped out from under my feet not two years later.  I didn’t know what to do.  I couldn’t handle it.  I was heartbroken and completely blindsided and lost and so, so immeasurably sad.  I didn’t know what to do.  I didn’t know what to do.

People were coming at me in droves, mocking my longtime defense of the Cambridges and my omnipresent denial of the feud.  Screaming about William, about how I’m awful for caring for him and his family after what he’s done to his only brother... screaming about the Royal Family and how I’m terrible for loving them despite what they did to Harry and Meghan... telling me to go focus on my “perfect” future King/Queen and leave the Sussexes out of my life, calling me the worst names for having the audacity to open my heart to more than Harry/Meghan/Archie... and worse.  Much, much worse.  My inbox was absolutely atrocious after this whole thing first happened.  A lot of the messages have been since deleted, but just reading them once was more than enough for me.  

I was so ashamed, knowing that this place that I often love so much has eroded to this.  Violence, cruelty, arguing, slinging real insults, cursing the existence of some of my favorite people on the planet, cursing each other... it was so awful.  So awful.  There are no words to describe how it felt for me - a William girl, a Kate girl, a Harry girl, and a Meghan girl, through and through - to be a part of this fandom during these past few weeks.  But mostly, it was absolutely, heartbreakingly awful.  I’m strong enough to know that this stuff doesn’t matter, not really... but it does, in its own way.  It does.

When the split was finalized with a quick, heartfelt, and ultimately quite succinct message from The Queen, I genuinely cried.  Real tears, real heartbreak.  That was it - the end of something many of us waited years and years for, gone after not even two.  Never in my wildest dreams did I even entertain such an idea.  The end of six years of following my Harry... done.  Harry was one of the highlights of my day for so long and now... that’s it.  It’s over.  I was not ready for it, not even remotely prepared for even the idea of it (a split never once even crossed my mind as a possibility to begin with), and now... it’s over.  And it hurts now, just as it did on January 8th and every day of every announcement since then.  It hurts, in a very real way.  It hurts.  And Harry’s last speech sealed the deal.  In ten minutes, he seemed to confirm the sheer desperation with which he acted.  He reminded the world of his reasons for doing what he did - ultimately, to protect that which he holds most dear.  He promised that he wasn’t bailing, but he couldn’t live this way anymore... I’ll admit, I bawled while I was reading it.  I still haven’t listened to the audio; I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to.  It broke me completely.  Shattered me.  My Harry, the light of my life, broke my heart that day and I honestly believe things will never be the same for me with him.  I’m heartbroken.  Truly, honestly, even after all of these weeks... utterly heartbroken.

I’ve been called extra, dramatic, pathetic... both here and in my real life.  I can live with that; that doesn’t bother me.  The feelings are real.  The pride, the disappointment, the heartbreak, the panic, the fury, the excitement, the joy... even though we don’t know these royals, the feelings are real.  I’ll go to my grave saying that.  Most of you guys understand that, I know you do.  Dramatic?  Maybe.  But the way I felt, and feel, about this situation is very, very, agonizingly real.

I’m not sure if it’s apparent, but I’ve taken a bit of a break around here since the last statement dropped.  I’ve been online, sure - occasionally reblogging, chatting, liking, commenting, and whatnot - but I haven’t been nearly as active as I tend to be.  There’s a big hole in this place that the Sussexes left behind when they split from the Royal Family and it’s taken some adjusting for me to grow accustomed to their absence on my dashboard.  I love William and Kate with my whole heart, you guys know that, but there’s just something missing right now.  A little bit of spark, a little bit of my Harry magic is missing, and his absence from my day-to-day blogging dims the allure of this place significantly for me.

I’m still not sure what’s going to happen with this blog.  A blog called Harry-Sussex is hard to keep up if there’s no more Harry Sussex to follow, you know?  I’m not sure how to cover Their Royal Highnesses the future King and Queen alongside Mr. and Mrs. Sussex, regular people.  This blog has been and always will be about royalty... what do you do when half of the royals you cover and care about decide they don’t want to be royal anymore?

I’ve been here for almost six years and I don’t really want to leave just yet.  I think there’s a lot left to see, a lot left to say.  I always wanted to stick around as long as I could, until William’s investiture as Prince of Wales at the very least, but the Sussex split has made that idea much less appealing.  Maybe it’d be easier to follow these people I love so much from afar, instead of so closely.  Maybe I could return to the blissful ignorance of the days before I had this blog, when I got excited over outfits and babies and tiaras instead of getting frustrated over finances and security and engagements.  I’m not sure.  What I do know is that this isn’t as fun for me as it used to be, and truly, I never thought I’d say that.  But in all honesty, this... this has been different.  Way different than anything in my wildest dreams. 

I’m not leaving - please don’t mistake that.  I’m not leaving, not yet, but I just want you all to know that my heart truly isn’t in this right now, and I want you to understand why.  The Sussexes took most of it with them, and whatever’s left has been completely shattered by the way this fandom, this place turned on itself and absolutely imploded... destruction, violence, and cruelty, shattering it from the inside out.  This place is fractured, it is damaged, perhaps irreparably.  And it is very, very real.  It may be an online space, but behind each blog is a real person with real feelings towards these very real royals, and the words one says and actions in which one partakes can have very real consequences.  

That being said... the consequences do not always have to be negative.  There are some truly wonderful people involved in this fandom, without whom I’m not sure how I would have made it through.  It was hard, it still is hard, navigating this new “blog normal.”  

There are quite a few people that I have met or interacted with over the years, and particularly since the split, who have made navigating this new normal much easier.  It was so hard, I was so upset that I cannot adequately vocalize the feeling... but there are some people who went out of their way to cheer me up, however inadvertently.  Through a quick message, chatting, sheer knowledge, or just making me laugh... I really struggled with this place for a bit.  I wasn’t sure if I was going to bow out or not.  I wasn’t sure if I could handle the malice, the negativity from the fandom compounded with missing Harry and Meghan more than I could stand.  

I’m not, at least not now, and I truly believe I owe that to these people.  In the weeks between the first statement and the last, the worst parts of this place were on full display for the world - and me - to see.  I almost let it get to me; I almost let it win.  The best parts, though - nearly overcome by the sheer magnitude of what was happening - revealed themselves to me in a time when I really, really needed it.  My feelings regarding the split were tangible.  The help these wonderful people provided to me was equivalently real, equivalently tangible.

So, with that, I’d like to name and thank more than a few people publicly who really, really made this place a place worth staying in during and in the immediate aftermath of the Sussex split:

@acaffeinateduniverse​ - Someone I’ve never spoken to before the split.  You saw my posts about how heartbroken I was and sent me the absolute sweetest message, understanding and empathizing and generally just being very, very sweet.  For worrying, and for understanding the reality of these feelings.  You are a surprise bright spot in a place that can so often be dark and the world is better because you are in it.  I’m so sorry that you’re equivalently upset by this new arrangement, but we will make it through together.  You’re an absolute angel, thank you for being you.

@avidroyalfan​ - We’ve been through a lot on this website together, haven’t we, Debby?  Thank you for always bringing it back down to Earth and for always coming out swinging - especially when anons are involved.  For always caring about what I have to say.  Sometimes I feel like I’m screaming into the void, but never if you’re around.  Seeing your name always brightens my day.  Thank you.

@cambridgemadness - We have almost nothing in common from a royal-watching standpoint and yet you took time out of your day to message me in the peak of this mess.  We don’t even follow each other but you saw what was going on and put aside our differences and dissimilar preferences to reach out a hand.  This place needs more of that.  The problem here isn’t dissenting opinions; it’s the malice often associated with finding out someone feels differently than you do.  You never did that - not with me - and I really appreciate it more than I can put into words.  Thank you, Vanessa, for reaching out to a complete stranger so kindly.  Seriously.  Thank you.

@catherineandmeghans​ - What can I possibly say, Rach?  We’ve been through a lot together over the years and there’s nobody out there who handles the ins and outs of this hellhole better than you do.  For always being a bright spot in anyone’s day and for always speaking with understanding, level-headedness, and a (figurative) smile.  For knowing when to take a step back.  You are an angel.

@claireofluxembourg​ - It’s a rare thing when someone is a fan and a critic of the same royal, given the development and preeminence of stan culture - especially in this fandom.  For not letting your love of Henry cloud your judgment.  For always being hilarious (hello, Henry’s bald spot) and for always, always owning your shit.  For never being afraid to speak your mind.  For reaching out and understanding (even when I’m being dramatic) and for everything.  You know, friend.  You know.  I love you so much ♡

@crownprincesses​ - For a rational brain, the sweetest disposition, and equal-opportunity-representation of everyone’s favorite royals.  For understanding what was happening and responding so calmly.  For never letting it get to you.  I could learn a thing or two about that from you, Chiara.  Thank you for it.

@defend-mm​ - For your passion, dedication, and availability.  For your involvement.  For the regular positivity in my notifications that I regretfully have taken for granted in the past.  For your openness and enthusiasm and eagerness to defend.  For your engagement with the broader community.  We should all enjoy passion and excitement the way you do.

@duchessofostergotlands​ - The Queen herself.  For knowing everything and never balking at sharing your knowledge.  For being the most rational and thorough person I know.  For level-headed understanding and never, ever judging - even and especially when I deserve it.  For your openness and willingness to talk.  For never letting your preferences get in the way of what others are feeling.  For your understanding and patience.  For RuPawl.  I could go on, but I think you know.  Thank you, Jessica.

@gloriousglorianas​ - One of the most level-headed people I know.  Cece, I don’t know where this place would be without your calm, forgiving, and rational insight, but I’m glad I’ll never have to know.  You are a steadfast pillar of rationality mixed with a heavy dose of excitement and passion and I appreciate it so much.  Thank you for reaching out as kindly as you have and thank you for sticking through the mess and coming out stronger on the other side.  For your nuanced understanding of anything and everything.  

@grandmotherofeurope​ - Thank you for understanding, for loving him and knowing the heartbreak that came with the split.  You reached out - again, without knowing me from a hole in the wall - without judging and with understanding and compassion and I’m forever grateful for it.  I’m truly so, so sorry that you’re so hurt by what’s happened.  I sympathize, and I understand.  You’ll get through it, I promise.  Thank you for being so sweet.

@harryandmeghansussex​ - My best girl.  Becky, I don’t know how we made it through, but we did.  It’s going to be an adjustment but if anyone’s going to be alright, it’s you.  Harry and Meghan would be thrilled to know they have someone like you out there in their corner.  These days, they need it.  For the positivity, all of the challenges, and never letting the negativity get through.  For the updates and the pictures and always keeping me (and everyone else) in the loop.  I wouldn’t have known anything about the Sussexes beyond what was posted on Instagram without you.  Thank you for keeping on top of it when the rest of us can’t.  For understanding and valuing my points of view without bailing on a friendship because we differ.  Another valuable commodity, a true rarity around here.  Thank you.

@hollylite - The very first person to reach out when I was in the middle of having a nervous breakdown.  Thank you for your consistent reassurances, your sweet demeanor, and for your understanding.  Our conversation reminds me of the very best this place has to offer; you are most certainly a part of that.  Thank you.

@hrhatbat​ - Morgan...  Morgan Morgan Morgan.  I swear you’re like a Texas-living, design-savvy, stylist clone of myself.  We have so much in common it literally scares me, but I love it.  Thank you for keeping things bright and airy around here.  It felt so dark for a few weeks, but you never let that get to you or through you, and you never let it get past you to everyone else.  Thanks for never judging and always having something else to talk about.  

@lizisaroyalist​ - You know how much I adore you, but it needs to be in writing.  For always making me laugh and for always coming out swinging.  For the best insults (”cold slice of ham”) and for never taking yourself (or anyone else) too seriously.  For always being in my corner.  For laughing at the ridiculous messages I get, especially now.  I could go on for hours.  There aren’t enough words, but I think you know.  Thank you for being you, Liz.  I love you so so so much ♡  It’s come to my attention that you’ve chosen to leave since I started writing this, which is okay.  We’ll be here if you ever want to come back.  I hope you see this.  You deserve to know how wonderful you are and how thankful I am for your friendship.

@lorising​ - Lo.  What can I say that hasn’t already been said about you?  For the love, the positivity, and the understanding.  For defending anyone and everyone - royal or not.  For the laughter, and the incredibly unique and invaluable optimism and enthusiasm.  For reaching out with a hug and for being so warm and inviting to anyone and everyone.  For your “infinite support.”  We could all learn a thing or two from you.  

@meghanscatherines​ - For being so willing to start new communities within this larger community.  For your positivity and optimism.  For being as sweet as pie.  For understanding, empathizing, and being so compassionate.  You’re a sweetheart, Bia.  Thank you.

@middletonmarkle​ - The sweetest girl.  Mackinley, seeing you in my notifications and on my dashboard always puts a smile on my face.  For bringing me back down to earth with the smallest, sweetest comment.  It’s the little things.  Also, for being on the “William is attractive as all hell” train.  I respect that - you know I do.

@mrmrswales​ - Our resident genius.  I have no idea how someone like me and someone like you get along so well, but I’m thankful that we do.  For always being willing to share your information.  For the sheer breadth of knowledge and expertise you bring to the table.  For being willing to have a conversation, even when that conversation involves someone you categorically cannot stand.  For your drive, ambition, your attitude, and for always playing the Devil’s advocate.  I wouldn’t know half of the things I do without you.  May we all love and appreciate and take pride in our favorites the way you do yours.

@princeh3nry​ - The other fandom OG Harry girl.  For understanding what it’s like to love him and for understanding what it’s like to love the rest of them, too.  For never letting the atmosphere cloud your judgment.  For years of Harry content.  For (inadvertently) dragging me into the mess that is following Prince Harry all those years ago.  For a nuanced and established point of view.  Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one still in this thing for Harry.  Thank you for making me feel a lot less alone - especially now.

@princessanneftw​ - A seriously underrated person around here who never gets involved in the drama (and who seriously makes me laugh with every post).  Thank you so much for reaching out when I was about to lose my mind.  I know I haven’t answered your message (I’m terrible at that, notoriously) but I do go back and read it over and over when I get overwhelmed with this situation, which, even now, weeks later, is still quite often.  It was so sweet and I am so grateful that you took the time to write it.  You are an angel.  You always crack me up - seriously, all the time - and that’s such a valuable commodity in this community.  Thank you for your kindness and for your sense of humor.  

@princesscatherinemiddleton​ - Our resident positivity guru, Duchess of Cambridge extraordinaire, fashion Queen.  Grace, every community - online or not - deserves a person like you.  From making it your personal mission to spread positivity among the darkness, to your calculated and fervent dedication to The Duchess of Cambridge, to welcoming The Duchess of Sussex with open arms... I don’t know what to say.  It takes a special kind of person to willingly do what you do around here.  I hope you never leave - we could use someone like you.  Thank you for doing what you do and for reaching out directly.  For understanding the bigger picture.  So much love to you, my friend.

@queensonjas​ - I feel like you always understand what I’m trying to say even if it makes zero sense.  Thank you for making me feel like a little bit less of a lunatic.  Thank you for always including anyone and everyone.  This place can be so ostracizing - thank you for never letting that happen, especially during this mess.  I appreciate it more than I can say.

@riffraffrouge​ - I intentionally left this one last to write because I didn’t know how to put it into words, but I’ll try.  Melissa, if I am grateful for anything that came from this disaster of a place, it’s you and your friendship.  I had no idea that anyone on Earth loved both the Yankees and the Duchess of Cambridge the way I do... let alone someone who lives less than an hour away.  When I made this blog six years ago, I didn’t think I’d get anything in my real life out of it.  Fortunately, I was wrong.  Thank you for everything you are and everything you do.  For your kindness and for reaching out to anyone and everyone who needs a friend.  For your enthusiasm (in everything) and for your willingness to speak, engage, learn, and teach.  For freaking out with me when we signed Gerrit Cole and Brett Gardner.  For laughing at the future of the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox.  For never, ever, ever judging, especially for my hysterics during the split.  Generally, for being the sweetest person on the face of the planet.  There are no words, but I think (hope) you know.  I’m so thankful that you’re you.  Let’s get brunch again soon.  I love you so so so so so much  ♡

@rosegirl1416 - Another person I’ve never spoken to until the split.  Your comments have not gone unnoticed, dear.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.  For your positivity and for the light you bring to this community.  I’ll never forget your reply to one of my posts, telling me to breathe and take my time with getting back to everyone when I was in the middle of an outright breakdown.  I needed to hear it.  I really appreciate your kindness and generosity and humanity.  This place lacks that kind of substance a lot of the time, but you don’t. 

@will-make-more-mistakes-tomorrow​ - Your presence has not gone unnoticed, my friend.  I see you day in and day out and I appreciate you so much.  Thank you for your involvement, your generosity, your interest.  It is rare to feel so seen and heard but you make it effortless.  We all need someone like you in our corner.  Thank you.

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

I’m not sure when my activity level will pick back up again.  Writing this whole thing over the past week has been extremely therapeutic, so maybe it’ll be sooner rather than later.  I know I have a ton of unanswered messages, both in my inbox and in my personal messages.  I know I owe answers, especially to many of you tagged above, and I promise they will come.  I’m still feeling so overwhelmed with this place and with the new status quo of following and loving the British Royal Family.  I’m still furious at the situation and I’m still so, so, so damn sad.  

I still care for them, and I always will, but the allure and luster of following the royals has dulled significantly for me now that half the people I care about aren’t working for the family anymore.  I’ve tried to get into other families, other royals, and I just can’t.  It’s William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan for me, is and will always be.  With half of them on the other side of the globe... what else am I supposed to do, you know?  How do I keep this thing going?  I’m not sure, but right now, the hole is just too big for me to actively work through it.  Maybe the weight will lessen as the new norm becomes old news, but for now... the absence is just too big.  It still hurts too much.  I can’t bring myself to get excited over the future for them right now because it just hurts way too much.  Ultimately, I’m happy for them, but I’m not happy about it.  I’m not excited to see what the future holds because it isn’t what it used to be.  I still adore them both, but right now, the excitement that many Sussex fans are feeling about the prospect of future projects is foreign to me.  I hope that changes, but for now... I’m just not into it anymore.  I’m just not.  Not the way I used to be.  It breaks my heart, but it’s the truth.  It just doesn’t hold the same magic for me anymore.

What was the point of me writing this mammoth essay?  A few reasons, I guess.  I first wanted to acknowledge my comparatively lackluster activity since the final statement was released.  I wanted to acknowledge that I know I owe many of you answers, and I wanted to promise that they are coming - because they are.  I wanted to acknowledge specifically the people who reached out to me during the events and days leading up to the final statement when I made it loud and clear that I was not coping well.  I wanted to be perfectly honest about what I’ve been feeling, about the heartbreak and disappointment and feeling lost and alone.  I wanted to recognize my reasons for taking a step back and the reasons for my diminishing interest in covering the royals... despite the fact that I’d never thought that day would come.

Mostly, though, I wanted to acknowledge the completely toxic culture that is associated with this fandom.  Many people have written pieces about how our little niche of the Internet is the worst one to be in, and on January 8th, for the first time, I really felt it.  The way people treated each other was not right.  Period.  We’re all culprits, but most people make an effort.  Some people do not, and it infiltrates the entire place.  There are real people with real feelings - yes, even about these royals that we do not and never will know - behind these blogs.  If you’re not thinking about how what you’re writing would come off if you were saying it out loud instead, then you’re not doing it right.  We can differ without being cruel.  We can have a conversation without slinging accusations.  We can be civil in the face of differences.  The mute, block, and blacklist functions are there for a reason.  Use them.  If you don’t like what someone has to say, then make sure it can’t come across your dashboard.  If you’re going to react, do it fairly.  Things are difficult enough in this world without having a space that’s supposed to be fun and interesting become a dark cloud over your day.  If this isn’t fun for you anymore, then maybe think about why.  And do whatever you can to change it.  This is your space.  You and you alone have to make sure that it stays positive, or else it won’t.

I’ve unfollowed 16 blogs since the split.  97 to 81.  My blocked list is double that.  I’m not thrilled about it, but this needs to be about me, just like your space has to be about you.  I truly believe that’s the only way to keep this fun for everyone.  This isn’t enormously fun for me anymore, but it doesn’t need to be that way for everyone.  If you don’t like reading something, make sure you can’t read it.  It’s really that simple.  

Anyway... I’m sorry for the long post.  I really am.  If you’ve stuck around this long, then I seriously applaud you.  Thank you for caring about what I have to say and the way I’ve been feeling.  It really helped to get this all out in writing.  I’m hoping I’ll be back to normal soon.  I love you guys, you know that.  I really do.  And I love them still - aggravating as they may be.  I’m hoping this feeling doesn’t last forever, because I’m not done here just yet.  I’m not ready to throw in the towel on six years.  But it might be a little bit before things go back to normal around here for me.  Thank you for understanding, and thank you for caring about them, and about me.  I love you guys endlessly ♡