#◈ keeping desires ( aes. )

[hclluvahctel-a]

Bee tags!

[the-winter-brothel]

Cassandra Tag Dump

[sweets1n]

TAG DUMP.

[arcane-appetence]

Tag List || Sabine Taliesin

✩ the realm's delight ✩ ✩ about sabine ✩ ✩ sabine's visage ✩ ✩ her kindness was her crown and she wore it like a Queen (sabine aes) ✩ ✩ to be soft is to be powerful (sabine musings) ✩ ✩ you built a fire just to keep me warm (sabine ship) ✩ ✩ princess of eyllisathem ✩ ✩ the circle of snow ✩ ✩ flame and frost (twin) ✩ ✩ let my tongue explain how much I crave you (desires) ✩

[vlvte]

Tags <3

[eraenaa]

Masterlist

Helloooo! I'm Eraena, a college student who loves to write! Here's the masterlist of my works! (Aemond Targaryen, Feyd Rautha, Rafe Cameron, and Aegon Targaryen)

Related Blogs: @romanteacism - All things Aemond Targaryen @rafeacs - All things Rafe Cameron

Tag List

Cheat Sheet:

🏙️ - Modern AU

��� - Fire and Blood AU

🏛️ - Greek Mythology AU

🤍 - Personal Fave

👑 - Popular

U.N.I. Aemond Targaryen X Reader 🏙️ Synopsis: Where one of the sons of your mother’s estranged best friend attends the same university as you, and did I mention you were the reason why he lost his eye? 

From The Underworld and Beneath Aemond Targaryen x Reader 🏛️ 🤍 Synopsis: You, the Goddess of Spring, were captured by the King of the Underworld, who was intent on keeping you there.

My Knight in Darkened Armor Knight Aemond Targaryen x Princess Reader 🐉 🤍 Synopsis: Ser Aemond Targaryen has been tasked to be the sworn protector of a princess who is overly curious about life beyond the castle walls and has bribed him to escort her to the city in exchange for anything he desires. She just did not know that what he desired was her.

A Bastard's Bride, A Dragon's Desire Aemond Targaryen x Princess Reader 🐉 Synopsis: They have betrothed you to Jacaerys as a way of securing a line to the throne if they fail in usurping your half-sister’s crown. Your older brother Aemond was livid at the decision.

Flipped Aemond Targaryen X Reader 🏙️ 🤍 Synopsis: You had been infatuated with Aemond since you two were children. You could not remember a day when you did not feel anything but adoration for him— not until recently. When something in you turned indifferent, it did not go unnoticed by Aemond, who had never been a fan of change. 

Stereotypical Aemond, Son of Ares x Reader, Daughter of Aphrodite 🏛️ Synopsis: The daughter of Aphrodite falls for one of the sons of Ares— the second coming of their parents. 

One More Night Aemond Targaryen X Reader 🏙️ Synopsis: You were quick to leave after a one night stand, leaving Aemond dissatisfied, for he wanted so much more. When he found you again, he was sure to never let you go. 

The Prince and the Poet Aemond Targaryen X Lannister Reader 🐉 Synopsis: It is established that Prince Aemond hates poems and sonnets; it was just a pity that you adored them. 

Jealousy, Jealousy Aemond, Son of Ares x Reader, Daughter of Aphrodite 🏛️ Synopsis: It’s frustratingly hard to keep admirers and doubts away when you and your partner are the most attractive and powerful Demi-Gods in camp.

Most Ardently Aemond Targaryen X Tyrell Reader 🐉 Synopsis: Prince Aemond Targaryen had accompanied his younger brother to Highgarden in hopes of securing Daeron a wife— he did not expect he would want to secure a wife for himself as well. 

The Prince's Prize Aemond Targaryen X Riverlady Reader 🐉 Synopsis: After his victories in the Riverlands, Prince Aemond Targaryen sought for a trophy— his spoils of war. He sought for you, the daughter of the lord who hosted him whilst he wagged his war.

But Daddy, I Love Him Aemond Targaryen X Niece Reader 🐉 🤍 👑 Synopsis: When the favored daughter of Daemon Targaryen falls for the favored son of Alicent Hightower, the Rogue Prince does everything he can to ensure that a union between the two of you will never happen. 

Gold Rush Aemond Targaryen X Lannister Reader 🐉 🤍 👑 Synopsis: Everybody wants you, and I don’t like a gold rush.

Desperate Requirement Slytherin Aemond Targaryen x Reader 🏙️ Synopsis: It’s hard being horny at Hogwarts. Luckily, you and Aemond always found a way to relieve your needs.

Mine Aemond Targaryen x Wife Reader 🐉 👑 Synopsis: You are the best thing that has ever been Aemond’s, which is why you cannot really blame him for being so possessive and cautious not to lose you. 

Loathe to Love Aemond Targaryen x Strong Reader 🐉 🤍 👑 Synopsis: Seeking forgiveness is not a thing Aemond bothers himself with, but that quickly changes when he deeply offended you.

King of My Heart King Aemond Targaryen x Queen Reader 🐉 👑 Synopsis: Marriage, miscarriage, and the monarchy… how would you and your husband fare to them all?

Bound By Blood Aemond Targaryen x Princess Reader 🐉 🤍 👑 Synopsis: They can no longer hinder Aemond from taking whatever he wants, and you are the only one he desperately wants. 

Tea Party Aemond Targaryen x Stark Reader 🌃 Synopsis: Aemond convinces you to let Helaena join your group’s exclusive tea party, using any means necessary just for you to agree. 

Please Please Please Aemond Targaryen X Lannister Reader 🌃Synopsis: Heartbreak is one thing; my ego’s another. I beg you, don't embarrass me, motherfucker.

Unexpected Affections Aemond Targaryen X Tyrell Reader 🐉 👑 Synopsis: With just a smile, you had managed to bewitch and enthrall the stoic and cold prince. 

Blessed Curse Aemond Targaryen x Strong Reader 🐉 👑 Synopsis: When a marriage between you and Aemond was arranged and forced by your grandsire, conflicting emotions arise, but which one will loom greater? Loathing or Love?

Parting Gift Aemond Targaryen X Reader x Aegon Targaryen 🐉 🤍 👑 Synopsis: Aegon asks for a parting gift from his younger brother and his beloved wife: One night with you in exchange for the throne. 

Silent Passions Aemond Targaryen X Tyrell Reader 🐉 👑 Synopsis: You and Aemond had been promised to one another before you were even born. And when the time came for you to meet, all were curious to see what was to come when soon to be spouses only shared one thing in common: your want of silence. 

Virginal Whore Aemond Targaryen X Celtigar Reader 🐉 👑 Synopsis: Prince Aemond sets out to find a whore to warm his bed; he finds a virgin instead. 

Worth The Price Aemond Targaryen X Lannister Reader 🐉 🤍 👑 Synopsis: Aemond does everything to prove that he is worthy of you— even if it means that he would be a kinslayer twice.

Birthday Present Feyd-Rautha x Lady Reader 🤍 👑 Synopsis: During a state visit, you, a daughter of one of the great houses, have captured the attention and fatal attraction of the Na-Baron and were quickly turned into his promised wife. 

Bittersweet Feyd-Rautha x Lady Reader 👑 Synopsis: As the Na-Baron's proposed bride, you were simply too sweet for him and his bitter being. You were too innocent and pure to be tainted by the blood-stained hands of the Harkonnen heir.

Casual Rafe Cameron x Reader Synopsis: You would settle for causality as long as you had Rafe by your side. 

Still Casual? Rafe Cameron x Reader Synopsis: You promised yourself that you’re never going to settle for casual ever again— promised yourself you would never be another casualty of Rafe Cameron. 

I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) Rafe Cameron x Reader 👑 Synopsis: Trust me, I can handle me a dangerous man.

Imgonnagetyouback Rafe Cameron x Reader 🤍👑 Synopsis: The plan is clear. Get Rafe back after your breakup. 

So High School Rafe Cameron x Reader 🤍 Synopsis: He knows how to ball, you know Aristotle

Please, Please, Please (Rafe's Edition) Rafe Cameron x Reader 👑 Synopsis: Being with Rafe, a notorious hotheaded drug dealer, you knew others would question your relationship— especially your parents, who had never been fond of him. But when his habits had been too much to handle, you knew that you would prefer heartbreak to a broken ego. 

Trouble Maker, Stress Reliever Aegon Targaryen X Reader 🏙️ Synopsis: You’re a prefect tasked with taming Aegon’s unruly behavior. Strained by your task, he offers you a way to relieve the stress he caused.

Parting Gift Aemond Targaryen X Reader x Aegon Targaryen 🐉 🤍 👑 Synopsis: Aegon asks for a parting gift from his younger brother and his beloved wife: One night with you in exchange for the throne. 

[leiawritesstories]

still sleepless in terrasen

hi i wrote this during my recovery teeheehee part 2 to "sleepless in terrasen" @throneofglassmicrofics prompts "charge" and "daybreak" 👀👀

word count: 1,390 (WHOOPS)

warnings: swearing, spice, and smut. NSFW.

ain't nobody doing any sleeping here 👀🤭 enjoy!! also happy belated birthday @mariaofdoranelle!!!! ily maria <3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aelin's breath hitched at the sight of a completely nude Rowan, her legs weakening at the intensity lighting his emerald eyes.

"Thought I told you to come here, Ae." The raspy thrum of his voice sent her into motion, and she slowly raised her arms and peeled his soft cotton t-shirt off of her body, tossing it carelessly to the ground.

"Like what you see, hmm?" A lazy smirk unfurled across her lips as she strolled towards him, gleefully noting the way his already-huge erection stiffened at her approach.

He swallowed thickly. "Fuck yes," he groaned, taking one long stride forwards so he could grasp her by the waist and pull her soft, warm skin flush against his. Her pulse thundered just as much as his did, electrified by the promise hanging hot and heavy in the darkness of the hotel room.

She looked up at him, mischief blended with desire swirling in the pools of her eyes. "Then do something about it, Ro."

With a low, hungry moan, he tipped his head down and kissed her hard, coaxing her lips to open for him. She wrapper her arms around his neck, sinking one hand into the soft short strands of his pale hair, and tugged just a little bit, delighted to hear the moan that tore from his throat at the pressure.

"Naughty boy," she teased in a hoarse whisper. "I should've known you'd like a little pain with your pleasure, hmm?"

Quicker than she could react, he tossed her onto the bed, splaying her out beneath him. "Same goes for you, love." To prove his point, he leant down and scratched his teeth gently across her nipples, and she moaned, loud and unabashed. "Good girl," he growled. "Keep making those sounds for me, love."

"Keep...keep going, and I ohhh gods, Rowan!" Aelin's attempt at snark was rapidly drowned out by the utterly divine sensation of Rowan's lips, tongue, and teeth on her breasts, nipping and sucking as he worked his way down her stomach until he was poised between her thighs, eyes glittering darkly up at her.

"Look at your pretty little cunt all wet for me," he murmured, his tongue darting out to swipe the crease of her thigh. "Did you touch your pretty pussy when I left you, love?"

"Yes," Aelin breathed, nodding rapidly. "Fucked myself with my favorite little toy." Smirking, Rowan dipped his head down and flicked his tongue around her throbbing clit, making her groan. "And I--ah, fuck!" Her hips writhed under the sudden onslaught of his tongue into her pussy. "Th-thought about you."

"That's my good girl," he rumbled, and he speared his tongue into her as he pinched her clit between his forefinger and thumb and twisted lightly. "Doing this?"

"I...yes, gods yes!" Aelin's moans and whimpers turned to cries as Rowan sped up his pace, feasting on her. When he lifted his burning gaze to her, locking his eyes onto hers, she screamed his name and came all over his face, her orgasm tearing through her like lightning. Rowan worked her through the high, his tongue lapping gently against her skin as she settled.

"Fucking hell," Aelin whispered as she calmed down. "So fucking good, Ro." She ran one hand down his chest, fingertips tracing his tattoos, until she reached the thick hardness of his cock and wrapped her hand around it. "Is this okay?"

"Fuck yes," Rowan groaned, his head tipping back as she stroked him with a firm grip, twisting and squeezing her wrist. She flipped them over so he was on his back and grinned wickedly up at him as she lowered her mouth to his dick, giving his crown a tiny, teasing kiss.

"Is this okay?"

"Fireheart," he moaned. "Fuuuuck, please!"

"Such pretty manners." She kissed the tip of his dick again, and just as he reached down to wrap her hair around his fist, she opened her lips and practically swallowed his whole cock, nearly choking on its sheer size. "Mmm," she hummed, stroking her tongue along the ridges and veins. She wrapped her hand around the base and worked what she couldn't fit into her mouth as he cupped the back of her head and guided her up and down. When she hollowed her cheeks, sucking sharply, he groaned and pulled her off of his cock.

"Keep that up and I'll barely make it two seconds," he said breathlessly. His hands migrated to her waist, brazenly stroking and touching her curves. "Ready, love?"

Aelin rose onto her knees and nodded. "Fuck yes, love. I have an IUD," she added before he could reach for a condom. He nodded shakily, and she sank down onto his cock, moaning at the way it stretched her.

"Good girl," he murmured, "taking me so well."

She gasped, her head tipping back. "So...big," she breathed. "So good, Ro." She rocked her hips, and he matched her pace, guiding her as she rode him faster and faster. Her words jumbled together into garbled moans of his name, and he sat up, pulling her against his chest and working his cock deeper, hitting a spot that had her moaning loud enough to inform probably the whole floor exactly what they were doing.

"So...so close," she panted, lips pressed against his throat. "You gonna finish me, love? Make me squirt all over your massive dick?"

"Fuckin' hell," he groaned. "You fuckin' my ego too, love?"

"Only if he needs it." She smirked, her mirth quickly turning to a groan as he reached between her legs to stroke her clit. "Gods, Ro, yes!"

"That's a good girl," he rumbled, kissing her deeply. "Come for me, love," he ordered, and she did just that, exploding all over his dick. Her nails scratched down his back, leaving fine little red lines through the tanned skin. She swore she saw electricity crackle in the air between them as she came, squeezing him so tightly that he yelled her name and came inside of her, dropping his sweaty head into the crook of her shoulder.

She ran her hands up and down his back, gently this time, as he rocked her hips in small, shallow circles, working her through every last drop of her orgasm. He traced his fingers up her sides and back down, whispered quiet little praises as he carefully pulled out and collapsed next to her on the bed.

"Mmmph, lemme up," she mumbled. "Gotta pee." Reluctantly, he moved and let her roll out of bed, grasping the nightstand for balance as she told her legs to stop shaking. She ducked into the bathroom and emerged a few minutes later to snatch a towel off the shelf. "Shower, love?"

He was in the bathroom in less than ten seconds. She chuckled as she turned on the shower and stepped in, luxuriating in the shower of warmth cascading over her skin. Rowan wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, and she curved her ass backwards, meeting his dick that was already getting hard again.

"Someone's excited to see me," Aelin teased, turning around in his arms so she could see his face.

He snorted softly. "Of course he's excited. He might love you even more than I do."

Her jaw dropped in shock. "I...what? Isn't it a little early to be saying that?"

"Nope." He cupped her jaw, tucked it back into place, and kissed her, soft and slow. "I love you, Fireheart."

"Gods, Rowan, I love you too." She kissed him back, deeper, and hooked one leg around his waist as he slid into her. He fucked her slow and deep against the shower wall, the warm spray misting around them, and cleaned her up when they were done, dotting tiny kisses on her skin as he went.

She tried to pick up the shirt she'd long since discarded as she went back towards the bed, but he teasingly knocked it out of her grasp and hoisted her into his arms. "Mm-mm, love, not tonight." He kissed the sensitive spot just below her ear. "Stay."

"Of course." She curled into his side as he settled her into bed, looping one arm protectively over her waist. Neither of them cared that the faint gray of daybreak was starting to filter through the windows as they fell into sleep, sated and comfortable in each other's arms.

~~~

TAGS:

@live-the-fangirl-life

@superspiritfestival

@thegreyj

@wordsafterhours

@elentiyawhitethorn

@morganofthewildfire

@mariaofdoranelle

@rowanaelinn

@house-of-galathynius

@tomtenadia

@julemmaes

@swankii-art-teacher

@charlizeed

@booknerdproblems

@earthtolinds

@goddess-aelin

@sweet-but-stormy

@clea-nightingale

@autumnbabylon

@darling-im-the-queen-of-hell

@llyncooljones

@silentquartz

@aelinschild

@renxzs

[l1tw1ck]

Devouring the Herbivore

FTM!Bunny!Aether x Top!Werewolf!Masc Reader

Kinktober | Size Differences | No AFAB language ver (AO3)

Contains: Public Sex, Predator/Prey, Heat, Knotting, A/B/O, Marking, Breeding, Size Kink

Words: 753

──────────────────

An intoxicating smell wafts through the forest, the smell of something delicious. The smell of prey.

You turn your head in the direction of the smell, whoever it is must be hiding behind a bush. You can hear heavy breathing, a clear sign of fear that only spurs you on. The creature must be hiding because it knows how dangerous it is to be outside during a full moon.

Due to the effects of said moon, you lack the sympathy to leave the creature alone.

You rush towards them, licking your lips when you see a bunny hybrid cowering in fear. They squeak and run away, running through the forest zigzagging in hopes of losing you.

Unfortunately for the herbivore, they're unconsciously spreading their pheromones and a werewolf during a full moon will never give up on prey that smells good.

From the smell and the fact that they're not concealing their smell on a night such as this, the bunny's probably in heat or nearing their heat. Perfect time to be bred.

You run after the smaller hybrid, determined to devour them whole. You release your own pheromones, effectively weakening the bunny.

Bunny hybrids are the best when in heat, incredibly horny and insatiable. To pounce on one and fuck them til they're coughing up cum is the dream of many predators.

The bunny trips and starts to cry, curling up into a ball. You grab their arm and force them onto their back.

"Please...please leave me alone!" They whimper, ears tilting down.

"You shouldn't have been teasing me with your smell then." You lick his cheek. "What's your name, bunny?" You run your hand down his body, squeezing his soft and plump thigh.

The hybrid moans, sensitive from their heat and unable to stop themself from wanting to be devoured. "Ae- Aether~"

"Such a pretty name for a pretty little bunny." Your hand moves underneath his pants, his slick turned his underwear completely damp. "Fuck.."

Aether bucks their hips into your touch, whining like a needy whore. "pleasepleasepleaseplease~"

You rip his pants off then your own, also too eager to keep teasing him. Aether bites his lip as he watches you pull your underwear off, your hard cock flopping out.

Aether's ears and tail twitch at the sight. "Big.." He mutters, not scared in the least. He needs all of it inside him. Including your knot.

You rip his underwear away, his cunt also twitching in anticipation. You groan at the sight. "So small...'m gonna break you." You grin and push your tip against his entrance, forcing it through. The penetration makes the herbivore come instantly.

"Mo- more- further~ please~" Aether mewls, trying to push their body further along your length.

You grab Aether's waist, your long nails digging into them as you push your entire length inside them.

Their scream of pleasure scares all the small creatures in the forest. Aether's ears are twitching and extended fully while squirt is gushing out of them.

You give him no time to adjust, forcing his body up and down and listening to his adorable squeals and moans.

Aether looks down at the bulge in their stomach, squeaking from how big it is. He can't wait to see how it swells from your cum and knot.

The two of you ignore all the possible residents and visitors in the forest, filling the area with the smell of pheromones paired with Aether's moans and screams.

Aether soils the grass with his slick and cum, too desperate to be bred to care about anything.

You feel the urge to mark Aether, to claim them as yours forever. They can tell what you're desiring with the way you're salivating near his neck. Aether put a collar on to prevent any accidents so you almost rip it off with your teeth.

But before you can do that, Aether, who's completely out of his mind, quickly and shakily takes the collar off and allows you to bite. They moan loudly when you sink your teeth into his scent glands.

Your knot fully swells up, entering his body and making him squirt in excitement. He tightens around you and shakes erratically as he anticipates becoming bloated with your cum.

You push him all the way down and come inside them, hot thick ropes of white seed filling their insides.

Aether mewls, clenching around you as they feel their womb become flooded with your cum.

Neither of you are ready to stop though, the night is still young.

[unicorncornflakes]

Spin the Bottle | Modern Au | Aemond Targaryen x Reader | Sneak Peek

Prologue (One day, not now ;))

Paring: Aemond Targaryen x Fem!Reader

Summary: Better to read, but just a little story aboyt foolish love :D

Tags: Alternate Universe – Modern/ Setting / Eventual Smut / Hurt-Comfort.

Warnings: Just a sneak peak, sorry :(

I will update Dark Desire and Little One as soon as possible, so… while we are waiting, I leave this here :D

Author´s note: Pls, enjoy! Feedback, shares and comments are always welcome!

Word Count: 2.9K

"You're going to thank me for this bloody party the rest of your life" Aegon entered the front door carrying a box of various bottles with different types of alcohol. Daeron was right behind him carrying several bags of snacks and some red cups. Aemond remained seated in the living room, not looking up from his book but with a visibly annoyed scowl. "All your life" Aegon repeated again as he headed with that load towards the kitchen. Helaena appeared behind them loaded with several cans of beer and at that moment Aemond did get up to help his sister with that task.

He didn't look happy. Well, Aegon always said that the day he smiled the earth would explode, so Aemond never did anything funny or get into trouble, or lived in general. According to his older brother's opinion, of course. To Aemond, his books and his studies were what gave him the most satisfaction. He followed Helaena into the kitchen. Now he was the one who was loaded with beers until he couldn't take it anymore.

"All your bloody life," Aegon repeated as he placed and removed the bottles of alcohol. Aemond set the beers on the kitchen island and looked at his brother with a questioning eyebrow.

"Yes, I like parties so much, especially one that Jace and Luke come to... maybe I'll always thank you" he rolled his violet eye annoyed and Helaena laughed.

"Baela and Rhaena are coming too" his sister said cheerfully. Amond looked at her. Helaena was too pure for this world. She didn't hate any of them, while Aemond couldn't even see them.

"Better still" he snorted indignantly "If I'm going to thank you so much for this birthday party, why do you invite these people?" Aemond said it, pinching the bridge of his nose as he closed his eye. He was getting stressed by the moment at the prospect of such a lively party.

"Mom invited them when she found out I was organizing it," Aegon responded with a shrug. Aegon, already in his third year of university, had taken it upon himself to throw a birthday party befitting his brother at the family's mountain home. To do this, he had invited the few friends Aemond had, many of whom he himself had, which was why he organized the party, and a few of Helaena and Daeron. Aemond was already in his first year of university, about to finish it, and as Aegon said it was a pity that he had not gone to a single one of the parties that he organized. So if Aemond didn't go to the party, the party would go to Aemond. Simple as that. "What's my fault that if they didn't come, mom wouldn't let me organize the party?" Aegon excused himself again.

"Well, you would have saved me from two headaches: the one from the party and the one from having to see them," Aemond said, sounding stressed again. He couldn't stand parties. He didn't like them. They made him feel uncomfortable. Besides, he gave her the feeling that this party was not in his honor, but another excuse for Aegon to get drunk.

“I'm going to get the rest of the beers,” Daeron said excitedly. He was still in high school and the prospect of such a party excited him far more than Aemond himself. He ran through the kitchen door and disappeared in search of the rest of the alcohol.

"But how much have you bought?" Aemond said, as if he were the adult responsible for keeping his own birthday party from getting out of hand. Aegon was stressing him out at times. In the end he felt like he was going to explode and the party hadn't even started.

"Just enough for a party in your honor," Aegon said as he produced a rather expensive bottle of alcohol. "I'm saving this for last. When only the ones of us who have to stay are left” he said, giving his brother a wink and putting the bottle in the fridge. Helaena quietly set about preparing the rest of the appetizers in silence as Daeron appeared in the doorway with a keg of ale. Aemond looked at the three of them as if he did not believe his eyes. Where did they get such an idea? “Hey, can you help us, huh? I won't get mad if you do it” Aegon told him as he continued to count the cans of beer and Aemond replied with a sigh as he tried to hide a smile. He liked to at least see Aegon working on something, even if it was even throwing a party.

"Yes of course. I'm going to work setting up my own party,” he said wryly as he sat on the island and checked his messages. His friends from the fencing club were talking about how great the party would be. Cregan had given him a thumbs up when he'd told her the date and time, as well as the location. His closest colleagues from the university film club were also talking about the same topic. The only one who hadn't posted a single message in any of those groups was Aemond. He didn't like parties. That didn't indicate that it was boring, it indicated that he had much better things to do than waste his time on something like that. Finally, he went to his Instagram and checked one of your most recent stories. You went out In a very short summer dress and red lipstick. He liked when you painted your lips. In the story you could read 'Preparing for the event of the year'. Aemond was surprised. I didn't know what event you were preparing for. He didn't have your number. He had never even dared to ask you and only followed you on Instagram because you had started following him a couple of months ago, right when Daeron took you to their house to do a high school history paper together. Aemond had interfered because he had been annoyed by all the inaccuracies that your project was going to have, but in the end he had stayed with you until you left his house, because deep down... he liked you.

"Daeron, did you invite (Y/N) at the end?" Aegon asked curiously, pretending that he hadn't seen how Aemond had stared like an asshole at the screen when he saw your photo. The brother of the middle  squinted  to the eldest.

"Yes of course. You told me to do it” replied Daron matter-of-factly, as if he didn't suspect anything of what Aemond was going through with you. He continued without speaking while he made his face even more stoic, in an attempt not to notice anything at all. To admit that he had feelings for you would be a weakness, and Aemond never recognized his weaknesses.

“Is that the girl who comes home sometimes? The one who goes to class with you?” Helaena asked casually, as if she didn't know anything either.

“Yes, I usually pair up with her in all the projects. She works fast and she's nice,” Daeron replied. Yes, of course, that she was with you. It was a way of working less. It's what Aemond thought every time he saw you together doing work in the study room they had in their house.

“Look, how nice, Aemond! (Y / N) is coming” he said in a tone that if he pretended to sound innocent, but that he knew the truth. Aegon was the most observant when it came to a case of women. After alcohol, women must have been what interested him most. If they were college subjects, Aegon would get Cum Laude.

"What do I care?" Aemond replied, turning off the screen of his mobile. He felt his cheeks flush slightly. And he wanted to cringe even more when Daeron spoke.

“Do you like (Y/N)?” asked his little brother, confused about him, as if he had never expected it.

“Well, you would make a very nice couple. She is also very smart and she is very sweet” Helaena replied with a kind smile.

"Yes, she has all the gentleness and kindness that you don't," Aegon laughed cheekily, and Aemond looked at them all again with his serious expression.

“I don't like (Y/N). She's still in high school,” Aemond replied, as if that might sound like a convincing excuse. It really was what he always said when he looked at your photos,  gave you a like, or saw you at his house with Daeron.

"Yes of course. Daeron pass me my mobile ”Aegon replied, while Daeron ran with his brother's phone in his hand to give it to him, since he had left it on one of the countertops in that spacious kitchen. When Daeron gave it to him, Aegon opened it with a mischievous smile. “Let's see: Aemond_one_eye follows only twenty people. You make it easy with only 20 people. Guess who is among those 20 people, Daeron”

“(Y / N)” he shouted excitedly, also entering his Instagram account on his phone.

"Indeed, let's see. Let's see” he replied, continuing to pretending be interesting, while Aemond looked at him cold and distant, when he really wanted to kill him. “Oh, have you guys seen this photo of her on the beach? Aemond_one_eye and forty other people like this photo” Helaena chuckled sweetly as Aegon continued his search for her “Oh and look at this one of (Y/N)'s cat. Aemond_One_eye and 10 other people like this photo! Coincidence? I don't believe it!"

"It's just that the photo is funny" added Daeron in a sweet way, continuing with the game that his older brother had started. Helaena rolled her eyes in amusement and continued working on preparing the snacks for the party.

"But the best, your honor, is this photo of (Y/N) in the pool at his house" he said, showing the photo as if it were proof of a trial to the rest of those attending his sermon "You only have one bloody comment, And why can't you guess whose it is?" he stopped speaking for a moment and Aemond looked at him as if he were going to kill him "Well indeed, from Aemond_one_Eye" he replied, laughing. Aemond rose from his chair and faced him, daring him to continue speaking. He looked at him with that look he only gave when he was truly angry. And Aegon laughed again in his face. "You're going to thank me for this bloody party for the rest of your life"

"Hmm" was all Aemond replied before heading up the stairs to his room. He heard Aegon laugh with Helaena about the situation. They were his older brothers, after all, and Aemond, though he showed no sign of more than apparent anger, thought he was cringing with embarrassment. At least, he already knew that the event of the year for you was his birthday. And that made his heart beat even faster.

"I'm just saying a saber like that would be amazing," Jace commented as he stood with the rest of the party. The house was packed with people, but Aemond had ended up sitting by the fire in the garden with the rest of the college fencing club. Even though Jace was among them, he was the one they got along with the best. They had common interests with him and he always ended up talking to them after each training session. Aemond felt comfortable between them. The party continued inside the house while they drank outside. Aemond took a swallow of his ale, and felt a warm sensation from the alcohol. If his brother had ridden him the same way only with those companions, he would have even been more excited.

"It would be impossible to handle" Alyn commented, rolling his eyes at the boy's words. “Valiryan steel for a fencing saber? It wouldn't be flexible."

"It would be a waste," Cregan added, downing a bottle of Vodka directly by himself. In the end even Aegon was right and with that alcohol it didn't reach them.

"That would be awesome," Jace repeated again, focused on the idea of him. Aemond in the end even liked that strong boy under the influence of alcohol. The night was not being as bad as expected. Despite the fact that his conscience did not leave him alone when imagining what was happening inside the house with Aegon and his friends. He took another drink again. He wasn't one to talk a lot and it showed.

“Hey, look,” Cregan whispered to him, heading toward the pool. Aemond turned to look at it and there you were, with a group of girls, jumping into the pool, laughing and splashing at the others as Aegon encouraged you to jump right in.

"Fuck, where did your brother get so many chicks from?" Alyn said as if his eyes bulged at such a sight. "What a party you've had, and you're complaining," he said indignantly as he raised his red cup to his mouth. The four of them kept their eyes fixed on the pool. "It makes me want to get involved" he sighed, as if all that was out of his reach.

Aemond did not answer. He just took another drink while he had his eyes on you. You looked beautiful, with all your hair wet while you splashed a friend. He liked you Very much. More than he wanted to admit. He felt like he could talk to you about anything and you would understand. After all, when he made a pun or a clever joke, it was always you who laughed. Besides, you were beautiful, what more could he ask for? Whenever he looked at you something would happen to him that had never happened before. His hands were sweating and his heart was racing. Also, he liked to see how your eyes sparkled every time he smiled smugly. He gave her the feeling that you were a smart girl and that attracted her like a moth to a light bulb. Aegon approached them, vodka bottle in hand like Cregan.

"But all my favorite nerds are here" he laughed, beginning to be affected by the alcohol. “You do know that the party is inside and now part of it is in the pool, right?” he asked taking another sip. Cregan was up first as he went to greet each and every girl in the pool, while Alyn and Jace headed inside the house for more booze and fun. Aemond still sitting on the fire rolled an annoyed eye at Aegon.

“I was having a good time, you know? It's not about that?" the younger of the brothers asked as Aegon sat down next to him in the fire.

"No. Not really," Aegon replied, looking into the fire. "It's about you getting it wet tonight. If it is with (Y / N) all the better ”he replied taking a drink from his bottle and Aemond rejected it with a wave of his hand. He looked at him again angrily. He was beginning to get fed up with his brother's insistence that he go out or have a larger social life. He was fine the way he was.

“Have you seriously set up all of this just for that ridiculousness?” Aemond glared at him. His only eye was fixed on his older brother.

"Look. I know it's not easy, damn it” he said, looking at his brother with the first attack of sincerity he had in his life. He smiled sadly at her. "I know you think all the assholes at that party are laughing at you, that's why you don't go in," Aegon said, looking at him. Aemond looked away, as if he didn't want to talk about it any further, as if he preferred to turn a deaf ear to what was a reality “And… surely they will. Luke screwed your life up when he took your eye out. I know it can't have been easy, but it pisses me off that while he's in there having a great time, you're out here with the only three people you think can stand you at this party.” Aegon sighed tiredly. “She fucking likes you, (Y/N) likes you, and you don't even dare say anything to him for fear of rejection, because this is what all this shit about I don't like parties, I don't want to go out with is about nobody"

"Now are you going to worry about me? You have not done it in your life, leave me alone” Aemond replied, as if all the words of his brother had hurt him, because they knew that deep down they were true. Aemond Targaryen arrogantly treated everyone as a protective measure. He couldn't afford to suffer again. Never more.

“I care about you, even though I enjoy messing with you. I care about you” he sighed tiredly as he got up from the fire. "And in the end, if you don't do anything, it's going to be Cregan who's going fuck her" Aegon pointed to the pool with his head, where you were chatting animatedly with the northerner. After all, he was three times as strong as Aemond, though not much taller. He was charming and had a way with people… he had… he was attractive. He hadn't suffered anything in his face. Not like Aemond. He sighed. He had to steel himself to be able to talk to you.

[written-in-flowers]

Hi there! I really enjoyed your married to aegon headcanons! Especially the spicy bit with aegon's wife and aemond ;) what do you think aegon's reaction would be if his wife accidentally (or not?! :o) moans out aemond's name while theyre doing the nasty? 😂 i bet he'd be so mad but his wife would just laugh it off like whoops sorry 😍 i really enjoyed wife's character 💜

Wrong Time, Wrong Name

At the worst time too! Aegon thrusted into you at a nice, steady pace; his cock throbbed inside you with every stroke, feeling your walls clench around him. Sex with you was the ultimate feeling. It's the best end to a night of debauchery. He gazed down to see you on the bed, legs around his waist and tits bouncing from the position. You were jaw-dropping. Eyes closed, lips parted, and body glistening with sweat, he felt so lucky to have you, his sweet sister and soulmate. He'd leaned over to kiss and suck on your breasts when it escaped your lips.

"A...Ae-e-Aemond..."

He thought he'd heard wrong at first, so he kept going.

"Aemond..."

Aegon immediately stopped. "What did you say?"

You paused, your eyes flying open as you looked up at him. "Um...uh...Aegon. I said your name, love."

"No," he said, "You said 'Aemond'."

"Don't be stupid. I never would."

"Yes, you would," he kneeled up, but didn't withdraw from you. "You called me by his name."

You sighed in defeat, "Alright, alright, you caught me. I might have..."

"Might have what? Fucked our brother?"

"Oh please, I wish. I'd have more luck seducing a horse than seducing our brother," you grumbled, staring at the ceiling. "Every time I try, he rejects me because I'm your wife."

"As he should," Aegon said, shocked by the confession.

"You cannot fault me for trying," you giggled, rocking your hips on him so his length went deeper inside you. "He's tall...handsome..."

"A complete psychopath..."

"Who definitely has a big cock..." you continued grinding and closing your eyes, "Gods, imagine if I could have you both."

"I'd, um," he shut his eyes to the pleasure returning to him, "I'd rather not share holes with my brother, thanks."

"You can take turns. You don't need to be in me at the same time," you began fondling one of your breasts. "Intelligent men like him always have a bit of depravity in them. I bet once he gets going, it's hard to get him to stop. Like some other men I know..." you smile at him, pinching one of his nipples so he winced.

"I'm not touching swords with my brother. He's a twat."

"And I wish he'd fuck mine."

"Alright, alright. That's enough. I get it."

He significantly picked up the pace so you finished quickly; he pulled out of you and sprayed it over your stomach. You never let him cum inside you. He didn’t fully know why, but he never questioned it. He didn’t want children. He’d make a terrible father, and you wouldn’t be a great mother either. Yes, everyone asked why no children came from your frequent love-making, but neither of you answered them. Lack of issue was nobody’s business but yours. 

He couldn't get it out of his head: you and Aemond. If things had been different, you'd be married to him. Aegon was no fool. He saw how Aemond coveted you. He spotted the jealous gaze in his eyes whenever you and Aegon stood near each other. It surprised him that he’d rejected your advances. He supposed Aemond refusing you is another sign of his piety and righteousness. He’d never bed another man’s wife, even if he desired her.   

"You know I'm only teasing," your voice broke into his thoughts.

You rolled onto your side to face him. Undeniably beautiful, he couldn't help admiring you in the firelight. You'd both always kept things fun and light, but deep down, he burned for you. Your presence is the only thing keeping him in The Red Keep. He would have flown away on Sunfyre long ago if he didn’t have you. The thought of you with Aemond, in any capacity, irked him to an extent. 

"Aemond has no interest in me, even if I do attempt to seduce him,” you said, “Surely, you’ve wanted Helaena before?”

He grimaced at the thought of their empty-headed sister. "No, she's an idiot. She's not my type."

"Then, what about that serving girl? What's her name? Ellyn? The one with the big tits who pours you wine at night?"

"I've already had her."

"More than once, I wager."

"That’s different.”

“How so? You’ve actually fucked her. I haven’t done anything with Aemond.”

“But you will.”

You laughed, “What makes you think so?”

“He could only resist you for so long,” he insisted. 

You saw the pensive look on his face. Guilt buried itself inside of you seeing him this way. You scooted over to kiss his lips, the ones that gave you such pleasure and comfort. 

“I still wouldn’t mind both of you,” you joked, kissing him again. 

“In your dreams.”

“I suppose that’s where they’ll stay,” you sighed sadly, putting your head on his chest. 

****

A/N: well, this added a lot more depth to a couple I never imagined working on again lol So much so....I might have written this from Aemond’s perspective???

Heerreeee!!! 

[nuwho20zine]

NuWho Zine: Character Tracker 👀👯

Hi everyone!

I decided to put my nerd cap on today and, as I was putting together some things for the zine, decided to look into what kind of works we have so far. I thought I'd share with you all, so I hope you enjoy!!

1. General Stats

We so far have 29 works lined up: 15 fan arts (52%), 10 fanfictions (34%) and 4 works of written non-fiction (this may be analysis, essays, etc) (14%). This feels like a nice balance for me, and I'd be pretty happy if this is the balance of different types of works ae have for the final zine.

Pretty much all of these are character-focused, so here are some pretty graphs for you all:

(2) Character Breakdown

So, as you can see, Nine, Ten and Twelve are the ones who are coming in the strongest. However, in terms of companions, the Ponds are winning by far! This may be because, after the initial submissions, there weren't any Ponds pieces and some people who didn't have a concrete idea yet decided to feature them; they mostly feature them together, though - we don't have many/any pieces of Amy or Rory (or River) solo.

Most pieces feature two or more chracters. So far, the only character centric pieces I have jotted down are for Clara, Twelve, Fifteen (maybe), and the Master.

(3) What This Means

Like promised, in July I will open a form for submissions. I strongly encourage people who want to participate to start thinking about what they'd like to do, because you'll have to provide that when signing up. I'm counting on accepting about 15-20 people/pieces and, since this isn't a submissions-based zine, these will be first come, first serve.

I really want all works to be artist-led, ie, you get to draw/write/whatever whatever it is you desire. However, I would also like the zine to be somewhat balanced in terms of character representations, so in the name of compromise, please keep that in mind!! Here are some ideas for pieces:

Pieces focusing on a single character, especially those that have less submissions;

Episodes/seasons/story arc analysis or commentaries;

Analysis of specific aspects of NuWho;

Personal essays (for example, focusing on an aspect of Doctor Who you love, how you got into it, etc);

Fanarts that are episode-focused (in particular, I'd really love a piece about the 50th and/or the 60th anniversaries, since they were such big fandom events);

Non-character-centric pieces: pieces focusing on the TARDIS, or DW monsters, or planets, or the Time War, or regeneration - other aspects of the DW universe in general beyond the characters.

I'll also be open to one or two pieces that focus on NuWho spin-offs rather than NuWho itself, since I do consider them part of the over-arching NuWho Universe (looking at you, Torchwood girlies!!!).

In terms of characters, we're really missing Thirteen-era pieces and I know the 13 fans are out there, so this is your chance!! We're also with low numbers of Jack, specific Masters (most Master pieces are about the character in general, not focused on a specific Master), Bill, River, and 11-Era Clara.

I also really encourage people to submit pieces about minor characters: give me the Tylers/Joneses/Nobles/Sundays family portraits! Give me Mickey, or Ten's one-offs, or Jenny, or Alonso! Give me Jenny, Vastra and Strax! Give me the Moment, War Doctor, Fugitive Doctor! Give me Nardole, Rogue, Wilfred, Rose Noble, Lady Me, or whoever else I am missing here that you love and want to feature!

Finally, I also have two artists who would like to establish a colab: in particular, I'm looking for a writer that feels comfortable writing various characters of NuWho (but 13 and Yaz in particular), and an artist who loves Rose and Tentoo. If that is you, feel free to reach out whenever so that we can talk (no need go wait for July!!)

That is all! Hope you've enjoyed this longer post. Ahhh, I'm so excited to this come together 💛💛

[hclluvahctel-a]

Val tags

[the-winter-brothel]

Black Hat Tag Dump

[suzannahnatters]

I have finished watching MR SUNSHINE, and there was so much that I loved about this prestige kdrama. The writing of the heroine was SO good in how it discussed and defied some of the worse kdrama-heroine tropes. There was amazingly trenchant and deeply nuanced social criticism, gorgeous cinematography, lots of fascinating history, the warmest and most positive depiction of Christianity I've ever seen in a kdrama, men who drink respect women juice, the beautiful and angsty Gu Dong-Mae, FABULOUS period clothing, and rivals in love learning to put aside their differences in favour of shooting imperialists.

But the show has a major flaw - a flaw that was particularly interesting to me, because it's the precise sort of flaw that I would be most prone to. The screenwriter, who does such brilliant work in so many other ways, is clearly most fascinated by the themes and symbolism she keeps bubbling away in the story's subtext. The problem is that these themes and symbolism - which delightfully clever - are not actually supported by the storytelling, and particularly by the characterisation.

And it's a really fun, rich, resonant bit of symbolism: Ae-Sin is not just a character in the story, she's the living embodiment of Joseon Korea. She's beautiful, desirable, noble, privileged, gradually awakening to a life of hardship and struggle and resistance. Each of the three male leads in the story has a different complicated relationship with her. Eugene has run away from Korea, but returning as an adult cannot help falling in love with the land and the people in defiance of the nobility who mistreated him as a boy. Gu Dong-mae was horribly oppressed by his homeland but cannot help loving it anyway; the Korea which oppressed both men also saved their lives through small acts of kindness. And finally, Hee-Sung, Korea's richest son, is her approved betrothed, but past injustices committed by his family against the people Ae-Sin cares about stand between them. The three men fall in love, not with Ae-Sin, but with their homeland. They express their love for the woman by sacrificing themselves for the homeland; in dedicating themselves to her, they cannot help dedicating themselves to the fight for freedom.

This is why the story had to have a sad ending. None of these men can espouse the whole country; they can only die for her, while Ae-Sin - Korea itself - lives on, alone and victorious, even in exile.

This symbolism is itself delightfully rich, deftly painted, and rewarding to think back upon once you see it. There's only one problem: it doesn't. make. sense.

From the very start of the show, I felt a little impatient with the writing because the relationships between the heroine and her three suitors are so poorly developed. The feelings come out of nowhere. Take Gu Dong-Mae, for instance: he last met this woman when she saved his life as children. Now, it just takes a brush of her dress across his fingers to get him pining madly for her. Hee-Sung, after avoiding her for the best part of a decade, gets one glimpse of Ae-Sin at the washing-line and just like that conceives an undying passion for her. The central relationship, between Ae-Sin and Eugene, doesn't fare much better. The problem is that the story demands each of the male leads to sacrifice himself for Ae-Sin by the end of the show, and I simply couldn't understand why they should. They all have multiple other women pining for them, and Ae-Sin doesn't give two of them the slightest encouragement to hope. I wanted them so badly to find happiness with one of the other women, and they never did.

What MR SUNSHINE needed was not primarily rich and complex symbolism - it was believable characterisation and relationship development. As it was, the lack of substance to the relationships cheapened the grand historical tragedy which was being told. When at the climactic moment the last of the three leads sacrifices himself for the heroine, it felt cheesy and unintentionally funny, rather than tragic.

I loved so much about this story, but the heart of it never clicked for me, and it's a crying shame that with all that budget and talent, it wasn't better written. And that, for me, will be the central tragedy of MR SUNSHINE.

[noxiatoxia]

HEY so I know its been a minute since I've sent an ask, but I saw some of your posts about danganronpa, specifically regarding another episode, udg, and I was agasp because I was literally in the middle of playing it for the first time lmao. So after finishing the game last night I really wanted to ask, if you want to ofc, your in depth thoughts on the game and why you like it so much, or even thoughts on the gameplay and mechanics since its so different than the danganronpa staple. I quite liked it personally because of Komaru and Toko's relationship, them becoming two of my fav characters in the franchise so far, and because I became very endeared to the kids by the end of the story. I have some qualms with how Kotoko was handled in chapter 3 at... that part... but she's also my favorite of the kids at the same time lol.

Anyways yeah no pressure at all, I just was really curious because I liked the game a lot and found it so funny that you posted stuff about it as I was playing it. Also because I really enjoy your ouran opinions. But again I get if not, the game has some senstive subjects for sure. Thanks!

THIS IS LIKE THE BEST ASK EVER FOR ME TO RECEIVE. I AM SO PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS GAME AND HAVE BEEN FOR NEARLY A DECADE AT THIS POINT.

Okay....where to even START....

(I will be referring to UDG as DR:AE or just AE in this. SPOILERS FOR ALL OF DR:AE.)

Firstly, the environment. Unlike the main series, DR:AE does not take place in a secluded area away from the real world. It does the opposite; you are in such a vast area, you are not caged, yet you are still trapped. Even if Komaru didn't have that wristband on her, where would she go? The game is great at highlighting what the world outside of what we are told in the mainline games is actually like, how caged things are even outside, all while expanding upon existing characters' backgrounds by introducing family members, or little pieces of dialogue that serve to flesh out the world.

The gameplay itself, personally, I find VERY fun. I'm not a shooter game person, but DR:AE was a game I could play many times over. I love the different types of ammo, the puzzles, the possibilities with how to destroy the monokumas. Just a fun game all around. It's by far the most replayable Danganronpa game, as the main series games are all about the story. Once you know the story, there's really no reason to replay them. In fact, they are quite slow and boring without the intrigue of the mystery.

But the highlight, obviously, is the characters. As is Danganronpa's specialty.

While I still maintain Hajime is the most interesting protagonist of the series, Komaru serves as a great subversion of the expectations set up by Makoto's actions in the first game. Makoto is someone who preserved no matter what, changed those around him with his hope. He was your quintessential paragon protagonist. While Komaru displays this a little in some scenes (namely rallying the adults under Haiji's protection) this is only the result of speaking from her own wants and experiences. That is to say, unlike Makoto who always tried to help others even if it cost his own life, Komaru is much more realistic. She cares, first and foremost, about her safety. Her helping others to stand up for themselves comes from her own desire to keep fighting so she can live, and so she imparts that onto the people around her. Fight so you can live. She says it herself: she is not like Makoto. She is selfish, she is not endlessly optimistic. She's more like Hajime in this way, but unlike Hajime who find his own brand of philosophy, Komaru really doesn't. Rather, while Hajime's character serves to show you don't have to choose a predetermined path (hope or despair) and rather your path can simply be believing in yourself, Komaru's character shows that sometimes, and maybe even most of the time, believing in yourself or a specific ideal is not feasible. Komaru believes in the people around her - namely Toko. She believes in her friend, and believes with her friend that things can keep going. This in my opinion is an excellent twist on Makoto, who was, by all means, that friend that people believed in, not the one doing the believing.

And, as an aside, Toko and Komaru have the best development of any pair of characters in the series. Yes, even moreso than Hajime and Komaeda (who I maintain never really had "development" between each other than just a very, very good dynamic from the get-go that was influenced at points by outside plot forces on Komaeda's end. Think Light and L from Death Note in this manner).

Now, let me talk about the real meat of the game, and my favorite characters to date in the whole series: The Warriors of Hope.

I won't lie that I'm biased. I'm very biased for these guys. But I think a lot of people don't give these guys the credit they deserve considering this is a Japanese game. In Japan, child abuse is a bit of a taboo topic (that thankfully has been resolving over time). Due to the nature of Japan's politeness system and "family above all else" attitude, many child abuse cases not only go unreported, but are flat out ignored. The epidemic of babies dying in coin-operated lockers being an especially egregious example of rampant child abuse that occurred. Despite being prevalent since 1971, it took till 1993 to be socially addressed.

This is just one example, but I think it serves my point: child abuse is/was an issue in Japan when it comes to socially speaking of it. ( In fact, in the game itself, Nagisa and Kotoko both directly say they tried to reach out and get help, but were ignored by adults). This is why art regarding child abuse is so important. And that's why a huge series like Danganronpa centering a game about child abuse is such a huge deal. It sparks discussion and promotes visibility of the topic. Not to say media before hadn't talked about it - in fact, there is a lot of Japanese media about child abuse for this very reason - but that does not undermine the importance of Danganronpa deciding to portray it so openly. It is even more important, to me, that they do not stop at physical or sexual abuse. Rather, abuse focused on verbal harm and emotional neglect are portrayed as being just as damaging, which is one of the most overlooked and underplayed forms of abuse in general.

Their portray of abuse also is rather accurate. I will make a confession: I was definitely a bit too young to play danganronpa when I did. Definitely not 18 yet. But I was a teen, and very aware of different types of abuse, sexual abuse included. But despite all the PSAs, books I had read on my own or even ones assigned to me for classes, I had never seen a sexual assault victim be portrayed as hypersexual before. In fact, I didn't even know such a thing was possible. Yes, it is very, very likely I just got Komaeda levels of unlucky to not encounter that in any of my reading or research material at the time, but I think it's common, nonetheless, that people to this day still have the misconception that sexual abuse victims are all afraid of sex or anything sexual. While that is true for some, many people are now becoming more aware that sexual abuse survivors can often display hypersexual tendencies. In this way, I DID learn a lot about the effects of sexual abuse based on how Kotoko acted, and was able to do my own research from there to learn more. Furthermore, the game is good at portraying things like specific triggers in the form of words, smells, items, or specific phrases. Again, I feel it's mostly stereotyped that most triggers are objects that "make sense" like cigarettes or alcohol (much like with what Masaru was afflicted with). But the game made sure to include ones that were "non conventional" like specific words ("gentle" in Kotoko's case) and portrayed both triggers, no matter how common or uncommon, as equally severe. The game also shows negative effects child abuse can have on those around the children. After all, the WoH would not be doing the things they were doing if it weren't for how they were treated in the first place.

(Aside: This is particularly WHY I get so mad when people hate on DR:AE for being "icky". If you are personally uncomfortable with topics of child abuse, that is wholly reasonable and you do not have to play or even like a game that centers on that. You are in your full right and perfectly valid to say "I think this is gross and uncomfortable, therefore I do not like it" or "I don't like this game because I felt personally overlooked/triggered by it" or "I don't like this game because I felt it was not fun or well written". But to say it is objectively "problematic" or "disgusting" to have a game like this exist? That is just spitting in the face of people trying to advocate for visibility of child abuse. You are doing nothing but making people like myself who felt vindicated, seen, or educated by this game like bad guys. Sincerely, please do not call a game that does not shy away from the uncomfortable realities of child abuse "problematic" based on that alone.)

(Aside aside: there are "problematic" elements in the game and things to criticize as is true of all media. The Kotoko minigame I would say is the biggest "why is this in here" moment and is definitely just a fan service scene. I don't like it either. This does not mean the game itself and as a whole is valueless or bad.)

That leads into my next point: I love how morally gray the "good" and "bad" guys are. The WoH aren't doing what they're doing (save Monaca) because they want to hurt people for the lolz (though they have fun with it, as kids would). They think what they're doing is genuinely good. It's a good way to rival Junko, who knew she was evil and batshit crazy, but didn't care. These kids think they are helping children and keeping them safe. And they're kids - young kids can't really think in very complex manners. If you were treated horribly by most adults in your life, and your peers were as well and shared the same sentiments as you, you would be 100% convinced your convictions were righteous then. Hell, I've met adults that think this way (pretty much all extremists who think anyone part of x group, race, gender, religion, etc is evil). A kid thinking this way is very realistic. They are also all different levels of "morally gray". Nagisa, for example, ends up helping Komaru because he feels that a paradise for children is more important than the sole idea of killing all adults. Meanwhile, Monaca, perhaps because of the abuse she suffered all her life, has become a person that we can assume will just enact similar abusive tactics on everyone around her till the day she dies. While it's a misconception that people who suffer abuse often turn into abusers themselves (they simply just have a higher chance to commit crimes, anything from petty crimes to violent ones) there are undoubtedly cases where this does happen. A real life example is Douglas Spinx (HUGE TW; CSA & BESTIALITY). My point is: the portrayal of abuse victims in many different lights from people who can inflict harm unintentionally but with help and intervention can make recoveries to those who, in the rarest and saddest of cases, will turn to a full life of inflicting harm on others intentionally, is important - for someone like me, at least. Without the proper care or attention, horrible things like these can happen. I find this a very important thing to be open about.

Then we have Haiji. Haiji is supposed to be a "good guy". He's cowardly, yes, but he does fight to help the adults being killed. He attempts to bolster moral. But...despite having good intentions and even doing some good things, he's kind of horrible. After all, he's the one who contributed to Monaca's abuse and made her the way she is now. He's just like the kids except reversed; he thinks all children are evil because they're the ones killing everyone. And in his position, I do think most people would feel that way. I mean, if literally every kid in your area was wearing a helmet that turned them fuckin murderous and were killing all your friends and family would you, after enduring months of this, still bother to be like "not all kids though!". Likely not. Even though it is wrong, it is still a realistic way these things would pan out, much like how it did for the WoH. I mean, for a real life example, one need not look further than one of those extremist radical feminist blogs here on Tumblr that believes every single person born male is a brute. Most of those people believe that way because they have personally been hurt by one or several males in their lives, and y'know, fear and pain leads to hate and all of that.

Speaking of, I like the brainwashing in this game far more than in DR3 the anime (spoilers for that later on but tbqh DR3 is not worth anyone's time). I never liked brainwashing as a trope - I feel it is lazy. However, in DR:AE and DR1 they're utilized pretty well. In DR1 it's literally glossed over as "does it really matter? The outcome is more important than the means" which considering DR1, moreso than any other game in the series, is a satire and is supposed to focus on absurdity, I think having the brainwashing LITERALLY be hand-waved as "eh, it just happened" makes a lot of sense thematically with the goofy writing. But as you know, as DR went on, it became more and more serious with itself (for...better and worse...) in DR:AE, I like how the brainwashing affects only the nameless children. DR3's anime was lazy by having all the main characters get brainwashed by a funny little video, both in future&despair arc. In AE, it's a helmet. I think this makes much more sense as theoretically the helmet could be attached to the actual brains of these people. Plus, as said in the game, they blow up when the controller is destroyed, giving credence to that theory. The brainwashing in AE is not a vehicle to explain why main characters act the way they do. Rather, it's just a device used to create background conflict/build up the main villains, leaving the main characters to be affected by persuasion and manipulation (the objectively better version of "brainwashing").

Circling back to the WoH, outside of their thorough portrayals of abuse and standings as "villains who think they are doing the right thing", they're just fun. Like, legit, I just think they're fun. Outside of their trauma, they aren't very complex, but that's the point. The game is a commentary about abuse and how it affects you, the people around you, and the world. The WoH are not the characters meant to be developed and complex entities who undergo deep changes - that is left to our protagonists. As most series with static characters do, they assign each member a core personality. Every Warrior of Hope has a number of traits influenced by this personality (the "sporty" one, the "smart" one, etc) that make them vastly different from each other, making them not only distinct but just fun to watch their personalities clash. After all, if they were not bonded by their trauma, they probably wouldn't be friends at all. it's honestly like a Teen Titans situation in that way, and I've always loved stuff like that. Of course, their personalities are also heavily influenced by their trauma, again a realistic depiction of how trauma can and will change who you are as a person and present itself in many facets of your actions.

I THINK that's all my MAIN points. Suffice to say, DR:AE is my favorite game in the series. I think it's the most fun, has the best character developments and dynamics, I think its story is the most emotional and deep-cutting, and it really spoke to me during a time that I needed something like this to reach me. I won't say it's the best DR game in terms of overall narrative (that honor goes to SDR2) but it comes close. And I know not everyone will feel the same way about this game that I do. Thanks for this ask; yet another reminder I need to do my bi-yearly replay of this game.

(Footnote so I don't get "so you hate waffles"'d: my bringing real-life examples into this is not to say those instances are exactly like what happens in the video game nor to say they are on the same level of importance. Obviously real life is far more important and complex than anything that could happen in a game. I only bring them up to support my points about certain aspects being realistic by using, well, real life examples.)

[onaperduamedee]

Thoughts on episode 4

The post-cold open scenes with Anveare putting on her armor for a day of political intrigue was beautiful. I love the way this world comes off as cruel and ruthless, and how often characters talk about it being broken.

Perrin, Elyas and Hopper scenes were the most enjoyable to me. I'm really digging their energy together and the Wolf language is cleverly, beautifully shown. Perrin and Hopper were adorable, and Elyas "adopting" Perrin makes them the first healthy mentor/mentee relationship of this season. There isn't enough of them though.

So Moiraine is 70-80... I don't know what to do with that information. I understand why they did it story-wise, but you remove A Lot of Moiraine's motivations by doing that. I'll have to WAFO. I'm very attached to the parallel between Siuan, Moiraine and Lan, and the EF5 when they started out: cutting it for the sake of a point already driven home by Liandrin's son seems wasteful.

I like that Liandrin works so hard to gain Nynaev'es trust because it makes Nyn's taking her "help" at face value much more believable than in the books (where she was frankly gullible). Nyn's rejection of the White Tower is leading her straight into Liandrin's arms and thus playing into the Dark One's hand. Nynaeve is going to feel so betrayed and her distrust of every AS will grow tenfold. The show hasn't made clear yet except in bonus material that Liandrin is specifically a DF which is confusing.

Moiraine's machinations are fun, as are Liandrin's, but the latter work better for me because we're getting so much more insights into hers. I cannot fault Alanna for believing Mo may be a DF because Mo, I love you, but you are at your shadiest here. That said, the Logain and Moiraine scene was a lot.

Where the hell is Siuan? At this point, I am assuming that two scenes in her empty study and multiple characters mentioning her absence are significant details enough for her to be doing something really important off screen. Is she on a secret mission? Is she trapped somewhere? What in the Light is going on?

I love Egwene with my whole heart. I love Nyn with my whole heart. I find their relationship fascinating but I'm really not sure about how they are being written. I like that the estrangement is paralleling Anvaere and Moiraine but Egwene and Nyn's relationship is different and it's bugging me. It's keeping with the books' theme of communication being the characters' greatest foe.

Egwene wanting to protect her friends and feeling like she failed Rand at the Eye... Yeah, that jealousy angle is BS and Elayne misread the situation through and through. Egwene is feeling useless not jealous, which is why she makes rash decisions at every turn to go help her friends.

Extremely unsure about this Min/Mat business. I like that Min is unwittingly embroiled in DF business and promised something she truly desires by Ishamael. I like less that Mat seems not to have an arc at all. They do have fantastic chemistry though so the writers hit jackpot.

The visual of Lanfear getting stabbed and replaced by Moiraine... Perfect. Between the colour schemes, the choking, and the location, they are really driving home that Lanfear is a dark mirror to Moiraine. I'm looking forward to Moiraine unearthing Lanfear's twisted teachings of Rand.

I really enjoy meeting Alanna's family and the dynamic between Maksim, Ivhon and Lan. I love seeing that Aes Sedai can have a fulfilling family life outside of the Tower because that was one of my greatest points of frustration in the books.

The Lan plot is really not doing it for me though. The incertitude about Moiraine's status is making it difficult to embrace this storyline as the characters are always dancing around whether or not Mo and Lan are indefinitely severed. I was curious about Lan getting a storyline outside of Moiraine, but he really isn't? I also dislike the idea that Lan just apparently doesn't care about their mission outside of Moiraine? He learns that Rand is alive and goes "not my problem"? If Mo and Lan were really fighting in lockstep, why is he abandoning their mission now?

As much as I love Moiraine getting to sleuth around Cairhien and avoid her terrifying sister, her storyline is dragging as well. We really need to move forward with the power thing or at least get an insight into what she is thinking because she's losing the general audience's sympathy and I cannot fault them.

The episode was tied by the theme of family in its various forms, biological, adopted, packs, sisterhood, with the biggest parallels between Nyn and Eggy, and Moiraine and Anvaere. Funnily this also sets Rand as part of the Forsaken pack. I suspect that unfortunately Lanfear did a lot of damage to his psyche and the fact that he has more bursts of anger, one ending in him choking Moiraine, is telling. It's exciting.

Overall, I'll have to wait to see how certain plots will resolve to judge whether or not their execution was satisfying here because I'm very unsure about them.