#❛ worlds › where dwell the brave at heart

[jinwoosungs]

09/20/24; 06:20pm

sung jinwoo x fem.reader

warnings: a self indulgent piece, mentions of depression and anxiety.

your tears had long since dried, yet the events leading up to today had been so taxing (so soul crushing) on you that you could feel the happiness you once had slip away from you.

failure after crushing failure kept mounting against you during your latest attempt at working in a new environment, and all of those tiny mistakes you made kept building up until you were labeled as incompetent by your supervisor. as you struggled with balancing your work ups and making the right recommendations to your superior’s, you found yourself falling short every time.

and just a mere three weeks later, your boss had a private discussion with you, remaining brutally honest about how they were quickly losing confidence in your abilities and how they believed you were not a perfect fit for their company.

so, you were immediately terminated from your position-

leaving you utterly devastated at how much you had let your failures and lack of confidence get to this point.

and what was worst?

you couldn’t bring yourself to face your beloved boyfriend of three years. despite living together in a modest apartment, you felt a strange sense of guilt filling you at the thought of potentially disappointing him.

perhaps your feelings of inadequacy were valid, since your beloved was none other than sung jinwoo himself, a man who had become so far above your league in just mere months. you remembered him as being such a lanky and tall boy, the weakest of them all-

yet even through the face of his own adversities, he was able to rise above those who looked down upon him, becoming now the strongest hunter in the world.

compared to the sheer brilliance of jinwoo, you felt like a speck of dirt in comparison. something that was so insignificant and tiny that you could be forgotten in mere seconds.

after your dismissal, you chose to return home to your parents, telling them to please keep you away from jinwoo for the time being until you were brave enough to face jinwoo once more.

the days turned into weeks, with your cellphone constantly flashing with calls and text messages from jinwoo. yet, you had no energy to return his calls or reply to his messages, choosing instead to allow his constant calls to go through until your cellphone’s battery ran out.

you kept yourself holed up in your old room, clinging to your worn comforter that held the lingering scent of your childhood. every so often, you mother or father would convince you to eat with them, and you managed to stomach a few bites before ultimately going back into your room.

the concept of time was lost on your end, making you lose all track of time. your eyes stare blankly up at the ceiling, and your heart had now become numb. since your dismissal, you lost all motivation, not finding the strength to face your lover as you simply assumed that he had given up on you, potentially taking the hint and had moved on from you.

just the thought of losing jinwoo makes tears well up in your eyes, a sharp, yet ice cold pain felt piercing at your heart as you dwelled in such self-deprecating thoughts. deep down, you knew that you couldn’t hide from jinwoo forever-

but you didn’t know where to start.

the pain had gotten to near unbearable levels now, causing you to openly sob while placing the palms of your hands against your eyes. your chest ached, alerting you to an incoming panic attack, yet you were unable to calm yourself down, feeling the anxiety make your head spin and your stomach churn-

yet such painful sensations seemed to disappear the moment you felt powerful arms and the lingering scent of someone’s cologne surrounding you. your eyes widen, making you gasp when you caught sight of jinwoo’s trench coat and dark dress pants.

“j-jinwoo?” his name comes from your parted lips in a broken sob, with the powerful hunter simply whispering your name in response. as your body trembles with the weight of your stress and memories of your failures, you began to actively bawl, clinging to jinwoo’s arms in a vice grip, treating him like an item of comfort as you found solace within his warmth.

he remains silent, allowing your tears to stain at the fabric of his clothes with no complaint. as your tears slowly simmered down, you basked in the way his longer fingertips thread through your hair, clinging to him while basking in the way his gives your damp cheeks lingering kisses. once your tears finally dried, leaving behind swollen eyelids and chapped lips, jinwoo was filled with love and empathy for you.

with another hum of your name, he places your head within his chest, still threading his fingers through your hair as you continued to cling to him. you moisten your lips and ask, “h-how did you find me?”

you felt something soft against your hair before jinwoo answered, “shadow exchange. i knew you would be back here, within the comfort of your childhood home. your parents told me what happened, and i wanted to give you some space, to help you heal.”

you sniffle, feeling a fresh wave of tears threatening to overwhelm you once more. “jinwoo… i-i feel so bad. i-i kept messing up and c-constantly had to remind myself about… a-about everything that i missed but still fell short! i-i am such a failure, and it hurts-“

jinwoo cuts you off just then, pulling your face out of his chest to give you a quick kiss. it tasted salty, yet sweet, and despite how you were still crying, there was an odd comfort felt in the way he kissed you. once you were calm again, he pulls away from the kiss to frame at your face.

“i know those deep feelings of failure that you’re feeling more than anyone else… yet i still love you all the same. you being let go from that job may have been a blessing in disguise, and it’s okay if you had a hard time improving while being in an environment that you’re just not used to.”

you felt a deep comfort and warmth filling you upon hearing his words, making a choked laugh come from you. “y-you’re not disappointed in me?”

jinwoo then proceeds to vehemently shake his head, “no, jagiya, i could never be disappointed in you. how can i feel anything but pure and unconditional love for you when you’ve been nothing but the perfect woman in my eyes?”

you found yourself laughing once more, “even when there’s bags beneath my eyes and my hair is a mess?”

jinwoo chuckles before rolling his eyes at you, “are you kidding me? i’ve been missing you this entire time, and you’re still as beautiful to me as the first day i had met you.”

your heart felt considerably lighter now, making you break into a smile after what felt like an eternity spent in total darkness. meeting his gaze, you tell him, “i’m so sorry for being too afraid to be honest with you… and… i love you. thank you, for coming to me when i needed you the most.”

your beloved hunter ends up chuckling, all while shaking his head, “there’s no need to thank me, sarang. i’ll do anything for you.”

letting out a relieved sigh, you place yourself back into jinwoo’s comforting embrace. placing one final kiss against his chest, you press yourself even closer to him, allowing the steady beating of his two hearts lull you into a peaceful slumber.

end notes: today has been a soul crushing day for me, since i failed at something i really didn’t wish to fail at. this was written as a way to get some things off my chest.

also, i wanted to thank everyone for following me ♡ i just reached 500 today… i’ll write something more fluffy and happy once i’m in a better mental state ♡

all stories are written by rei; please do not repost, plagiarize, or translate my works!!

[sonics-atelier]

Beneath Her Grace: The Quiet Might of Elain

For Elainday2024, @elainweekofficial , I apologise for being so late 😅

Beneath the quiet grace she wears so well,

A storm lies sleeping, where secrets dwell.

Elain, soft as morning’s dew-kissed light,

But within her blooms a quiet might.

She dreams in colors no one can see,

Whispers of futures, wild and free.

With eyes that hold the weight of stars,

She watches far beyond the scars.

The world may think her fragile, too kind,

Yet they fail to grasp the strength behind.

For in her softness, there’s power untold,

A fire that’s gentle but fiercely bold.

She hopes, she sees, she dares to believe,

In a world where light can never deceive.

Her kindness is not weakness, but pure steel,

A force that knows how to heal and feel.

And though the shadows have clouded her view,

She will rise, reborn, in a light that’s true.

For Elain’s power is more than they know—

It’s the courage to break and the grace to grow.

Her heart may have cracks, her spirit torn,

But from the pain, new wings are born.

She is healing, slowly, but sure,

And in her light, all will endure.

The future stretches, vast and wide,

And Elain will walk with strength at her side.

For in her dreams, her power takes flight,

A beacon of hope, glowing bright.

She is more than the girl they once defined,

She’s the healer, the seer, the force aligned.

With every step, her path becomes clear,

For Elain, the brave, will have nothing to fear.

- @sonics-atelier 2024 ( do not repost or reuse in any way shape or form )

[posletsvet]

Mushishi's second episode genuinely is so wild. It goes:

Do you know what happens when you close your eyes?

No, not your physical eyelids. When your very being shuts in and you travel too deep within yourself, stray too far away from the wordly light, kind and familiar, when you close your inner eyes, you may find a path to a place where the true darkness dwells. It's the darkest shade of night you've ever known, and ever darker than that, and terribly deep. Any absence of light in the outside world will pale in comparison to this great nothingness, and any unlit space will seem welcoming with illumination, and the tiniest speck of light will scorch and scar your retinas. And inside that void you will feel something beckoning, something almost eager to greet you back and make you stay. And inside of you, in response to its greeting, you might feel something willing to listen.

But if you're brave enough and curious enough and the darkness won't claim you, the eternal light will. Because there, at the bottom of pitch black emptiness, lies the river of light and it's the throbbing, quivering, shimmering heart of life itself, its beginning and its cradle. And it smells sweet like euphoria and wine and rancid like rotting flesh and humus, and it's the brightest shade of dawn you've ever known. Its ever-changing, undying beauty is entrancing and it will devour you whole if you don't find in you the strength to avert your eyes -- and you won't want to.

And swarming near that luminescent vein, the wondrous and bizarre creatures play. If you look hard enough, you might be able to discern them in the brightness flowing past you. They're simply life at its most basic, its most pure, and they're not like anything you've ever seen. And their shapeless, foreign otherness will take your breath away, but this otherwordly delight will be so profound you may mistake it for fear. Don't be afraid. Even when they feast on your flesh and enter your dreams and sap your eyes of the ability to see, they do not seek to harm you. Beauty tries to colonize you, as does decay, and so nature pulls itself back into balance, perpetuating life indefinitely. And there, at the spring of all things that lies in the thick of the world's putrescence, you cannot look away from it.

Oh, and there's also him. Some random dude wearing a polo shirt. Who apparently only has one eye and, wait— Is he smoking a blunt? Hello, Ginko.

[witchthewriter]

𝐇𝐨𝐠𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝

Like I did with the moral alignments, I thought I would make a post about why and how I sort characters into Hogwarts Houses! There are also quizzes so you can figure it out for yourself as well. I go into detail about each House, what they represent, their background and what it means to be sorted into a certain House. 

I hope you enjoy!

*just because I’m talking about Harry Potter doesn’t mean I align with the transphobic views of J.K. Rowling. There is no room for transphobia on my page, and I support the trans and LGBTQIA+ community*

Figuring out which Hogwarts House you belong to has been around since the HP series came out. But I think there’s more to it than simply choosing to be in ‘the brave house’ or ‘the smart house.’ I think it reveals a lot about a person - or rather, a large aspect. 

Here are a few tests for you to try, comment below what you got!

Test 1 (the ‘official’ Wizarding World quiz)

Test 2 (from IDRlabs, they have other personality quizzes as well!)

Test 3 (Here’s the full Pottermore quiz. The 1st quiz will only have a few questions, so that’s why I don’t think it’s fully accurate to take)

Test 4 (A really good one from Quotev, the questions/answers aren’t obvious)

Gryffindor: Do what is right. Hufflepuff: Do what is kind.  Ravenclaw: Do what is wise. Slytherin: Do what is necessary.

𝐆𝐑𝐘𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐑

“ Where dwell the brave at heart, their daring, nerve and chivalry set Gryffindors apart “

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡: Fire

𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦: ‘Bold Gryffindor, from wild moor’, Godric Gryffindor. 

Dwelled at Godric’s Hollow

Was an accomplished dueller

A fair man, he believed that any child who displayed magical abilities before their 11th birthday should be able to attend Hogwarts.

Gryffindor was the original owner of the Sorting Hat

Gryffindor also had a sword made, which would present itself to any true Gryffindor in a moment of need.

He was allegedly the best friend of Slytherin before he left Hogwarts

Godric will always be known for his accomplished skills in battle, and his fight against Muggle discrimination in the wizarding world.

𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠𝘩𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑠:

Courage

Bravery

Standing up for what you believe in - even if your voice shakes. 

Caring about the greater good 

Daring/Bold 

Having a deep need to do the right thing 

Standing out from the crowd

𝐶𝘩𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑠 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒:

Lucy Pevensie

Thor

Mulan

Katniss Everdeen

Merida

Batman/Bruce Wayne

Buffy Summers

Chandler Bing

𝐇𝐔𝐅𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐅𝐅

“ You might belong in Hufflepuff, Where they are just and loyal. Those patient Hufflepuffs are true. And unafraid of toil. “

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡: Earth

𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦: ‘From valley broad,’ Helga Hufflepuff

A kind and warm woman who believed in loyalty, patience and hard-work as the best abilities a person can possess

Was a brilliant cook and had remarkable skills for preparing food. Her recipes are still used in Hogwarts to this day.

She brought the house-elves to Hogwarts

Owner of Hufflepuff’s Cup

She was the best friend of Rowena Ravenclaw

𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠𝘩𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑠:

Loyalty

A need for justice. A lot of the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor traits are intertwined, but the difference is that Gryffindors don’t need to know a person to feel the need to look out for them. 

Patient 

Believe in fairness and equality (Helga Hufflepuff was the only founder who believed everyone should have a fair chance in being taught)

Accepting

Thinks about other people more than themselves

Would do anything at all, for family 

𝐶𝘩𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑠 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒:

Edmund Pevensie

Antman

Jay Gatsby

Okoye

Samwise Gamgee

Michael Scott

Alfred Pennyworth

Joey Tribbiani

Phoebe Buffay

𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐖

“ Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw, If you’ve a ready mind, Where those of wit and learning, Will always find their kind. “

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡: Air

𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦: ‘From Glen,’ Rowena Ravenclaw

A sharp and intelligent woman

She wanted to make Hogwarts the finest wizarding school in the world, teaching only those with the highest intelligence 

Rowena wore a diadem that was said to grant wisdom to the wearer, however, Rowena’s own daughter grew jealous of her mother’s incredible intelligence. Helena Ravenclaw stole her mother’s diadem and ran away, a fact that Rowena kept hidden from her fellow founders even when she fell ill.

Wanting to see Helena before she died, Rowena sent a man to bring Helena home. Unfortunately, that man was the Bloody Baron, who was in love with Helena, and stabbed her in a rage when she refused to come home.

 After Helena was tragically killed, legend tells us that Rowena Ravenclaw died of a broken heart. 

She was the best friend of Helga Hufflepuff

𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠𝘩𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑠:

Intelligence

Wisdom

Witty

Open-minded - don’t mix well with traditional, close-minded people. Ravenclaws see the big picture, they think about what things could be, rather than what things are. 

They think outside of the box, they don’t like being confined by rules or traditions. 

Unique 

Individualistic/Original

Actually very intuitive

𝐶𝘩𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑠 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒:

Susan Pevensie

Sherlock Holmes

Bruce Banner

James Bond

Annabeth Chase

Mary Poppins

Gandalf

Monica Geller

Ross Geller

𝐒𝐋𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍

“ Or perhaps in Slytherin, You’ll make your real friends. These cunning folk use any means to achieve their ends. “

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡: Water

𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦: ‘From Fen’, Salazar Slytherin

He believed strongly that only wizards of pure blood 

This belief caused a big rift between the founders, especially Gryffindor, which led to the depature of Salazar 

Despite his flaws, Salazar was a talented wizard, skilled in Legilemency and Parseltongue

Before he left, however, he created the Chamber of Secrets

𝐸𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠𝘩𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑡𝑠:

Ambition

Determination

Cunning

Traditional

Strategic

Willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals; even using others for their gain. 

Not all Slytherins use these traits for personal gain, however, because the founder was evil - doesn’t mean every Slytherin is. 

Resourceful

Cleverness

Family means a lot to them

Desires respect

𝐶𝘩𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑡𝘩𝑎𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝘩𝑖𝑠 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒:

Peter Pevensie

Natasha Romanoff

Daenerys Targaryen

Lady MacBeth

Wednesday Addams

Selina Kyle/Catwoman 

Rachel Green

Harley Quinn

[hollowed-theory-hall]

Hey !

I love reading your posts , you are brilliant truly.

I would like to request an analysis of James potter and maybe his relationship with lily Evans.

Thank you so much for your time !

Hi!

Thank you so much! 💕 I love writing these analysis posts, and I'm so glad other people enjoy reading them!

Now, James and Lily Potter, I'll start by giving my biased opinion which is that I like them as characters (especially Lily, love her) and their relationship.

So without further ado:

James Potter's Childhood

So before the Pottermore article that revealed Fleamont and Euphemia existed, the common fanon parents of James were Charlus and Dorea, I'm going to go with Fleamont and Euphemia being his parents though. (I still sometimes prefer his parents to be Charlus and Dorea in fic, even though it makes less sense with what we know about James, as I'll mention later).

So what do we know about the Potter family?

We know they are pretty rich. Not Malfoy or Black level rich, but they have a substantial amount of money as shown repeatedly:

Griphook unlocked the door. A lot of green smoke came billowing out, and as it cleared, Harry gasped. Inside were mounds of gold coins. Columns of silver. Heaps of little bronze Knuts.

(PS, 57)

We also know, from Pottermore, that the Potters are relatively newer money, making a good portion of their wealth from Henry Potter’s potions business (James' grandfather).

We also know Potters are common enough members in the Wizengamont from Pottermore. I posed here that the Wizengamot seats pass down families, which will place the Potters as wealthy and influential in the wizarding community as a whole.

“My whole family have been in Slytherin,” he said. “Blimey,” said James, “and I thought you seemed all right!” Sirius grinned. “Maybe I’ll break the tradition. Where are you heading, if you’ve got the choice?” James lifted an invisible sword. “’Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!’ Like my dad.” Snape made a small, disparaging noise. James turned on him. “Got a problem with that?”

(DH, 567)

We know from James his father was in Gryffindor and probably his grandfather too. His distaste towards Slythering and anything resembling Dark Magic probably came from home. The same way Draco came to Hogwarts with his notions of blood purity and how Slytherin was the best house because he was parroting his parents, James is the same. He is an 11-year-old shouting off whatever he hears at home.

This is why I mentioned Fleamont and Euphemia make more sense as James' parents. As much as I personally like the idea of his parents being Charlus and Dorea, it wouldn't make sense with what we see. Dorea was born a Black, which means James would likely know who Sirius is and would probably have different notions regarding Slytherin house if his mother was there...

James Potter, then, grew up as the only child of a rich and politically influential family of Gryffindors, he was spoiled and used to having anything he wanted whenever he wanted, which is clear from his behavior.

James yawned hugely and rumpled up his hair, making it even messier than it had been. Then, with a glance toward Professor Flitwick, he turned in his seat and grinned at a boy sitting four seats behind him.

(OotP, 642)

He is brilliant and he is aware of it. Lily refers to him as arrogant often before they start dating, and I have to agree with her assessment of the teenage James. James at 15 is lounging in his seat and feels untouchable. He is at the top of his own world, popular, rich, and brilliant. So of course he's arrogant, he feels like nothing could reach him.

Ron said, stopping mid-sentence at the look on Harry’s face. “Why are you grinning?” “I’m not,” said Harry quickly, looking down at his Transfiguration notes and attempting to straighten his face. The truth was that Ron had just reminded Harry forcibly of another Gryffindor Quidditch player who had once sat rumpling his hair under this very tree.

(OotP, 704)

But it isn't that simple. James chooses to appear unbothered and untouchable, and I do think he is prideful but not as arrogant as Lily and Snape make him out to be, even at 15. The reason I think that is the above passage. I never really saw anyone bring it up in association with James' character, but Harry mentions Ron messing up his hair as he brags about his Quidditch save in much the same way James did in the memory he saw. The reason this is interesting is that we know Ron, we know how insecure he is and that all this hair messing is show and bravado that isn't fully backed up.

And considering the parallels I already mentioned James having with Draco and will mention more of them later, I wonder if James really does have insecurities he covers up with pride and arrogance — something we see both Ron do (in the above scene) and Draco do in general.

James Potter, when it comes down to it, has more in common with Draco Malfoy than with Harry in terms of his personality and even character arc, down to some of the things he says:

“Who wants to be in Slytherin? I think I’d leave, wouldn’t you?” James asked the boy lounging on the seats opposite him, and with a jolt, Harry realized that it was Sirius. Sirius did not smile.

-James Potter to Sirius Black, 1971 (DH, 567)

“Well, no one really knows until they get there, do they, but I know I’ll be in Slytherin, all our family have been — imagine being in Hufflepuff, I think I’d leave, wouldn’t you?”

-Draco Malfoy to Harry Potter, 1991 (PS, 58)

So James is spoiled, snobbish, and used to getting his way in everything, unlike Lily and Sirius, who grew up with siblings and were more used to having to share or give up their wants sometimes. James also feels the need to live up to certain expectations, he has to be the best (the way Draco thought he would be at Hogwarts), he needs to be popular and top of the class and a lot of his pride and confidence probably hinges on these external sources, his arrogance is superficial. I just can't see a character who has real self-confidence be shown in narrative parallels to either Ron "self-esteem issues" Weasley or Draco "Arrogance to Hide Weakness" Malfoy.

The Mauraders

We move on to James' time at Hogwarts. He gets sorted into Gryffindor and befriends the Mauraders. I kinda want to talk about their friendship dynamic a bit, because it is interesting.

We saw in the earlier quote from the train, that Sirius was the first of the Mauraders James met, and he was the closest to him out of the bunch. I'm going to talk more about Sirius and James' friendship later in this post as they are a separate entity from the Marauders. I mean, there's a reason everyone in PoA keeps mentioning James and Sirius in a single breath while Lupin is never brought up.

(I know the reason is so JKR could keep the reveal for later, but in universe, it's quite telling)

Now, from what we see of them, they have a very clear dynamic. James is the leader, and Sirius is his second and only real equal (academically and by popularity) who are the closest to each other. Then we have Remus, who is friends with them, but they don't take him or his concerns as seriously. Remus was usually afraid to speak up against James and Sirius because he felt he was expandable to the friend group, a feeling Peter shared, if even worse than Remus. James and Sirius didn't really treat Peter great:

“Put that away, will you?” said Sirius finally, as James made a fine catch and Wormtail let out a cheer. “Before Wormtail wets himself from excitement.” Wormtail turned slightly pink but James grinned. “If it bothers you,” he said, stuffing the Snitch back in his pocket. Harry had the distinct impression that Sirius was the only one for whom James would have stopped showing off.

(OotP, 645)

Sirius is the one James actually takes cues from and vice versa. Pettigrew is often belittled and made the butt of their jokes and Remus:

“I’m bored,” said Sirius. “Wish it was full moon.” “You might,” said Lupin darkly from behind his book.

(OotP, 345)

“How thick are you, Wormtail?” said James impatiently. “You run round with a werewolf once a month —” “Keep your voice down,” implored Lupin. Harry looked anxiously behind him again.

(OotP, 643)

Is treated friendlier than Peter, but not with the same respect James and Sirius reserve for each other. James mentions Remus is a werewolf in a crowded hall, Sirius endangered Remus' secret during The Prank. We see Sirius doesn't really take Remus' Lycanthropy as the serious concern it is for Remus. Obviously, Sirius gets better about it, but this is the dynamic of the Marauders the way we see them. It's a far cry from a healthy friend group, but they were teenagers, and teens actually do on occasion have these kinds of friend groups that you question if it can be called friendship (I know I've seen a few of these in my school). I think the adult Remus and Sirius we see in OotP are closer than they were in school, and the reason for that was the war and having no one else really, but this is a James meta and not a Mauraders in general meta, so I'll focus.

Prongs

Many in the fandom already talked about what a brilliant and insane feat of magic becoming animagi at 15 is. We know James was a prodigy in Transfiguration and other areas of magic as well considering his confidence regarding the DADA exam. What I want to talk about Prongs, in particular, is the symbolism of a stag as one's Animagus form.

I talked about this a little already here, but basically, stags and deers in general represent:

The cycle of life and death

Agility and grace

Bravery

Nobility

Stags additionally represent:

Masculinity

Authority

Leadership

Fatherhood

So, what does all this tell us about James?

Well, it tells us he is as Gryffindor as they come (Bravery & Nobility), the cycle of life & death is his connection to the Peverells and his own early demise. Agility and grace make sense as well if you take it to mean he was a talented and graceful dueler, which is very possible and even likely.

And then we have the stag-specific traits. These are traits I think James only grew into later in life and would've grown into more. I mean, he was always charismatic and had the ability to lead people, he was leading the Mauraders and was incredibly popular. But I think the traits of the stag with fatherhood and authority suggest maturity, something the young James definitely lacked. I think his Animagus, more than anything proves he did change, and would've continued growing into himself to truly become the stag if he was given a chance to grow old. Because stags are positive leadership, father figures, and authority, they are supposed to represent the noblest kinds of leaders they have the internal self-confidence James lacks. And if that is the animal that represents James, it means he had it in him to be what the stag represents.

Bullying and Maturity

Sirius said it well enough:

“Yeah,” said Harry, “but he just attacked Snape for no good reason, just because — well, just because you said you were bored,” he finished with a slightly apologetic note in his voice. “I’m not proud of it,” said Sirius quickly. Lupin looked sideways at Sirius and then said, “Look, Harry, what you’ve got to understand is that your father and Sirius were the best in the school at whatever they did — everyone thought they were the height of cool — if they sometimes got a bit carried away —” “If we were sometimes arrogant little berks, you mean,” said Sirius. Lupin smiled. “He kept messing up his hair,” said Harry in a pained voice. Sirius and Lupin laughed. “I’d forgotten he used to do that,” said Sirius affectionately. “Was he playing with the Snitch?” said Lupin eagerly. “Yeah,” said Harry, watching uncomprehendingly as Sirius and Lupin beamed reminiscently. “Well . . . I thought he was a bit of an idiot.” “Of course he was a bit of an idiot!” said Sirius bracingly. “We were all idiots!

(OotP, 670)

James was an awful bully, toward Snape:

“This’ll liven you up, Padfoot,” said James quietly. “Look who it is. . . .” Sirius’s head turned. He had become very still, like a dog that has scented a rabbit. “Excellent,” he said softly. “Snivellus.”

(OotP, 645)

“And stopped hexing people just for the fun of it,” said Lupin. “Even Snape?” said Harry. “Well,” said Lupin slowly, “Snape was a special case. I mean, he never lost an opportunity to curse James, so you couldn’t really expect James to take that lying down, could you?” “And my mum was okay with that?” “She didn’t know too much about it, to tell you the truth,” said Sirius. “I mean, James didn’t take Snape on dates with her and jinx him in front of her, did he?”

(OotP, 671)

And even toward Peter, who Sirius and James constantly belittle:

“How thick are you, Wormtail?” said James impatiently. “You run round with a werewolf once a month —”

(OotP, 643)

I mentioned above how the 15-year-old James wasn't really the embodiment of the stag just yet, like Sirius said they were idiots. Sure, Harry rightfully calls them out that it isn't a good excuse for anything they did, but Harry is a very mature 15-year-old.

As for what motivated his bullying?

Honestly, I think it wasn't all that dissimilar to Draco, in terms of motivations at least. I mentioned above how James' conception of himself is tied to his being at the top, the most popular, the most talented, the top student. One way to feel at the top is to put others down. Most of his bullying was probably fueled by this need to assure himself he is better and assert control (but, more on that later).

I don't think Snape should forgive James or any of the Mauraders or anything like that, not at all, what they did to him was awful and the fact James continued seeking him out even after he mostly dropped the bullying makes it so much worse.

But at the same time, I tend to believe Sirius, Remus, and Lily about him changing, that, given time, he would've matured even more:

“Look,” he said, “your father was the best friend I ever had, and he was a good person. A lot of people are idiots at the age of fifteen. He grew out of it.”

(OotP, 671)

I'm a big believer that people can and do change over time, especially teenagers. Life experiences change who you are, especially big and traumatic occasions, and James encountered one hell of a life experience to kick-start his growth and maturity:

The first wizarding war

I won't go into the full detail on what happened in the war but I want to talk about how the war changed James.

I discussed the progression of the first war as part of my analysis of Voldemort here and when James and Lily went into hiding here. Now, the Marauders were in school between September of 1971 and June of 1978. As I mentioned in the Voldemort analysis post I linked, the war really started getting bad, the first casualties, were in 1975 when the minister of magic was replaced. This makes James and the Mauraders 5th or 6th years when the war truly begins. I personally think this was late in 1975, as in November or December when the Minister was booted from office, aligning well with James' change.

What I think this was for him is a moment the rug was pulled from under him.

I think, the same way the second war showed Draco who he is as a person, that he doesn't want to hurt and torture, not even muggleborns, the first war was the same for James. He learned about himself and his own priorities. He just learned different things than Draco because James is very much willing to hurt and probably kill for what he thinks is just and for the people he cares for. He can be cruel and ruthless.

The wizarding world is an incredibly small community, with this kind of small population that almost all work together (the ministry) when someone dies, especially someone important (I believe the first deaths were high in the ministry or even Wizengamont members) it rattles everything. For James, who felt his skill, money, and status made him practically untouchable, this is a slap in the face. This to him starts his journey to see he is not above anyone else and he is just like anyone else — can die and hurt like everyone else.

War, even when you aren't on the front lines, even just hearing that Mr. Whatever's brother was killed and your old neighbors who moved away lost their son — it doesn't leave you unscathed. It forces you to confront how little control over certain aspects of life you actually have. And in a community so small that every death is someone you at least knew in passing or knew someone who knew — every death hits hard. Every death feels too close to home.

I think this is part of why James continued bullying Snape even after his change in approach. It wasn't out of the same arrogance as before, now it's by a need to feel in control. To hurt a familiar enemy that represents the Death Eaters to feel a semblance of stability under his feet. I think, this was part of what motivated James, a roundabout justice against the Death Eaters at large when he felt powerless. So he took it on whoever he could — in this case, Snape.

I'm not trying to justify it, I'm just explaining what I think motivated James and why he would do that if he was in the process of changing for the better.

All of this gives James ample motivation to join the Order, after all, he wants to hit back against the Death eaters, he wants to feel balanced and in control again. So he probably jumped at the opportunity to join the Order.

The Order of the Phoenix

We don't know much about what James did in the Order, and it doesn't matter too much for the sake of analysis. We know he joined at graduation, so, June 1978. I also mentioned in the aforementioned post how the war got worse in 1979, which means that before he went into hiding, James was probably involved in a few skirmishes in the war when it was already at its peak.

We also know James and Lily got married incredibly early, almost immediately after graduating. That too, is probably influenced by the war. After all, war can either speed up life events or slow them down, depending on various factors among which is the optimism of the people involved. James and Lily getting married and pregnant in the middle of the war tell us something about their characters — it tells us they were incredibly optimistic and hopeful for the future. They got married and had Harry in the hope and belief that the war would be over soon enough and Harry would grow up in a better world. That is what they believed in and I think this is just, really interesting.

Then they went into hiding, and we know what happened from there. There are two things I want to mention about this period in hiding in regards to James' character.

First, James' first choice was Sirius, Sirius is the one to convince him to choose Pettigrew instead:

“Harry . . . I as good as killed them,” he croaked. “I persuaded Lily and James to change to Peter at the last moment, persuaded them to use him as Secret-Keeper instead of me. . . . I’m to blame, I know it. . . .

(PoA, 365)

As I mentioned above, the Mauraders looked down on Pettigrew. I think the plan always was to tell everyone Sirius was the secret keeper so he'd draw the fire and torture and potential death, so the real secret keeper, and the secret, would remain safe even if he was killed for it (which is a sad thought, but that's about Sirius).

Pettigrew was chosen by Sirius for how unassuming he is, Sirius is so ready to sacrifice his life for his friends that he couldn't fathom Pettigrew wouldn't do the same. James didn't choose Pettigrew because of his faith in him as a friend the way Voldemort implies, no, I think James chose Pettigrew because of his faith in Sirius. If Sirius said its a good idea, then it was a good idea to James.

Second, is this quote:

James is getting a bit frustrated shut up here, he tries not to show it but I can tell

(DH, 158)

There are two things I want to unpack in this one sentence (I do love doing that).

James, quite similar to Sirius in OotP, doesn't like being cooped up away from the action. He hates not being out there for very similar reasons to Sirius. He loathes feeling useless like he isn't doing anything to help while people are dying. While his friends are risking their lives. James, at his core, is a person who cares deeply for the people he considers his, he would feel incredible guilt sitting safely behind magical protections while they were in danger.

Lily says James is trying to hide how frustrated he actually is, this is significant, why? Well because the 15-year-old version of James who complained easily about being a little bored wouldn't have hid his complaints. He would have voiced them to anyone willing to listen. The fact he isn't doing that shows some of his growth and maturity, it shows he is self-aware enough about the situation that he knows he shouldn't be the one complaining considering he and his family are safe. He still feels frustrated for the above reasons, but he tries to be considerate and keep things at home with Lily as intense as he can in the way he thinks is best. He is actively trying, and I think that's important.

Now, James has two important relationships that really define his character for me. Sirius and Lily.

Quite the Double Act

I adore James and Sirius's friendship honestly, they were each other's most important person and I can't really talk about James without talking about Sirius (as seen in this entire post), after all, no one in the books seems able to operate these two when talking about them in POA:

“Naturally,” said Madam Rosmerta, with a small laugh. “Never saw one without the other, did you? The number of times I had them in here — ooh, they used to make me laugh. Quite the double act, Sirius Black and James Potter!”

(PoA, 204)

Sirius and James met on the train at the age of 11 and couldn't be separated since (well, until death, that is). They are the heart of the Mauraders as a friend group and I've seen some other blogs bring up already how unhinged their friendship was:

This is a two-way mirror. I’ve got the other. If you need to speak to me, just say my name into it; you’ll appear in my mirror and I’ll be able to talk in yours. James and I used to use them when we were in separate detentions.

(OotP, 858)

They literally invented an advanced magical communication method so they wouldn't have to go an hour without talking to each other. When we see them finishing the exam in SWM, the first person they look at is each other and communicate with no words that the exam was great.

These two are just, on the same wavelengths. I had a friend in high school who, when we would talk to other people, and she'd be unsure how to say something so she'll just turn to me, communicate a whole ass concept in eye contact alone, and then I'll explain it aloud to whoever we were talking to. I am convinced James and Sirius were like that too, where they didn't even need to talk to understand each other, they just knew.

For them the answer to "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" was always "Yes" or "Now I do"

Sirius was the best man at James' wedding, Harry's godfather and he still held a special place for James, to the point Lily was very aware of it:

If you could visit, it would cheer him up so much.

(DH, 158)

I mean, I don't know of many friendships like this, where the guy's wife asks his best friend over because they were apart for too long and getting antsy. I mean, it is bizarre.

In my head, if there wasn't a war, Sirius would've probably practically moved in with James and Lily. Sure, he had his own apartment, but you'd rarely ever find him there.

During the war it was too risky, James and Lily were in hiding and Sirius was doing missions for the Order, but again, if there wasn't a war, I think Sirius and James would've still been joined at the hip way into adulthood.

Sirius is one of the only two people James would ever take cues from no questions asked. I just, love them, okay.

Head Boy and Head Girl

Now, to James' second most important relationship: Lily.

James' crush on Lily started pretty early in their school years. We know it wasn't quite a love-at-first-sight as in the meeting on the train we don't really see any of it. I would guess his crush on her started growing as he got to know her as a housemate. I think James liked how smart and talented Lily was. James considers himself the best, his best friend is also the best, a top student, handsome and popular — his crush would be the same. Lily's kindness, likeability, and intelligence were huge turn-ons for him, not just the fact she was gorgeous (but that too).

I want to talk about this quote:

then back at James, who was now doodling on a bit of scrap parchment. He had drawn a Snitch and was now tracing the letters L. E. What did they stand for?

(OotP, 642)

This is adorable. James is a romantic guy, he was doodling Lily's initials on a spare parchment. I bet he wrote out "Lily Potter" in hearts and everything. I find it hilarious and adorable and it both shows he had a crush on her, but it also shows a really dorky and romantic side that no one (of the characters we meet) mentions because they probably haven't seen it. Well, Sirius probably did, but he doesn't really get many chances to talk to Harry about James unfortunately.

Sirius mentions that they went out on dates (something Harry and Ginny don't really do), and with James doodling Lily's initials I bet they were super cheesy and romantic. He'll take her out to picnics and light candles and carve their initials in a heart on a tree.

If they lived to raise Harry, they'd be the kind of parents who had a weekly date night and left their kids with Sirius for the evening.

“I didn’t mean—I just don’t want to see you made a fool of—He fancies you, James Potter fancies you!” The words seemed wrenched from him against his will. “And he’s not. . . everyone thinks. . . big Quidditch hero—” Snape’s bitterness and dislike were rendering him incoherent, and Lily’s eyebrows were traveling farther and farther up her forehead. “I know James Potter’s an arrogant toerag,” she said

(DH, 569)

Now, about some of the downsides of their relationship.

Yeah, James was persistent in flirting with Lily for years before she agreed to go out with him. He bullied her best friend and acted like an idiot. She considered him an "arrogant toerag" which isn't very complementary.

That being said, even when she calls him out, she still defends him to Snape in the above conversation. While Lily disapproved of James' behavior, I don't think she ever really hated him, not the way Snape did. She didn't like how he was acting, but she didn't hate him:

“Oh, well, he always made a fool of himself whenever Lily was around,” said Sirius, shrugging. “He couldn’t stop himself showing off whenever he got near her.” “How come she married him?” Harry asked miserably. “She hated him!” “Nah, she didn’t,” said Sirius. “She started going out with him in seventh year,” said Lupin. “Once James had deflated his head a bit,” said Sirius.

(OotP, 671)

I think Sirius is right about this for the reasons I mentioned above. Lily never really hated James, just thought he was an idiot (rightfully so) and once he got less arrogant, she was more willing to date him.

I think their relationship wasn't a bad one, I think they did love each other and mostly got along really well. I think Lily liked James' sense of humor after it mellowed out a bit and she liked that he's smart and talented. I think James liked Lily's calmness and intelligence and how much she cared for people.

Yeah, they probably argued about a lot of stupid things (I think they enjoyed their stupid arguments and barbs on occasion not unlike Ron and Hermione), but overall, I do like their relationship, I think they balanced each other out. James pushes Lily to allow herself to be a little silly, and Lily can put James in his place when he is being an idiot or needlessly cruel. And they are both incredibly smart and compassionate people... whenever I think about them it kinda makes me sad they didn't get to raise Harry. That Harry wouldn't have such a low view of himself, he'll probably have younger siblings, be used to having Sirius (and Remus too, to a lesser degree) around constantly, he would've been the top student in practically everything... I mean, he'd have a different set of issues, I'm sure, but, I don't know, I just made myself sad.

The fandom is pretty split on James, some talk about him as if he's some flawless sunshine child, which isn't the case. Yes, James is loyal, brave, and compassionate, but he can be cruel and ruthless and he uses arrogance as a mask for his insecurities and need to be great (I think James Potter could be a Slytherin, tbh). But on the flip side, some fans consider him nothing but a bully, and I tend to give him more credit than that. I think he was always more than that, but I believe Sirius, Remus, and Lily that he did change, and he probably would have continued to improve to become the brave and compassionate leader the stag represents if he had lived longer.

This post turned out way longer than I expected it to, but, here you go, James Potter's analysis of the top of my head.

[ddarker-dreams]

being a cynic comes naturally to scaramouche.

if he had a heart, it'd undoubtedly be hardened by this point in his centuries-long existence. to be made callous is not so bad. it offers certain protections, acts as both a sword and a shield. he's never had reason to regret the towering walls erected around his soul, if anything, his only regret would be that he hadn't done it sooner. he saps the energy from the room upon entering. excited conversations die down into cautious whispers for those who are brave and silence for those who are smart.

he is feared, rightfully so.

it's a wonder, then, that he tames his unruly tongue in your presence.

certainly, he's still disagreeable. petulant, argumentative, always ready to give an opinion you never asked for. compared to how he treats everyone else who has the misfortune of knowing him, though, the difference is stark. for the longest time, scaramouche never dwelled on this out of self-preservation. the door to exploring the deeper reasons behind his behavior isn't locked, yet he acts like it is. he writes it off as begrudging intrigue for as long as he can.

yes, it's to satisfy some mild curiosity that he winds up in your area more often than not. allows himself to sustain wounds he could've easily avoided so that he may experience your healing touch. why he falsely claims he's still recovering so that he might sleep beneath your roof another night. this is a passing fancy that'll lose its glow as every star is fated to. maybe he'll even revel in the reveal that he isn't who he's presented himself to be — you've been granting sanctuary to a harbinger, sharing silly childhood anecdotes with a being who delights in cruelty.

he entertains the thought, finds amusement in it. he'll part his lips, ready to unleash vitriol that'd shatter the illusion he's meticulously maintained, then you'll smile. or laugh. or maybe make a joke that's perhaps the tiniest bit clever. then he'll forget himself, the monster which lives beneath his unblemished skin. he'll lose his appetite for sadism. what you offer tastes far superior, and just when he thought he was averse to sweet flavors, you challenge the notion.

you'd look cute with glassy eyes, a trembling lower lip, and upturned eyebrows. but you almost look like you were the one destined for divinity when your countenance is beaming, enthusiasm carved into every crevice.

it irritates him to no end. if you happen across a pretty flower, you can either pluck it and delight in its beauty until it wilts, or leave it to bloom in peace. why is he opting for the latter? preserving this mirage is more trouble than it's worth. he has to go days without you — weeks even, when dispatched into the abyss — he should just secure you in a fatui stronghold and be done with it. perhaps your petals would wither away, but it's no matter, he'd see to it that you'd blossom again in time.

and still, he leaves you where your roots are spread. it's unlike him. this benevolence, this consideration.

when it comes time to leave, he'll often mull over these thoughts. this could be the time he takes you back. the difference in your strength is laughable, he'd barely need to exert any effort. while he weighs his options on an internal scale, you'll amble over, giving him homemade snacks for the road and a hug. your warmth envelops and washes over him, softer than the first rays of sunlight come dawn. as always, he falters. next time, he'll think. next time for certain. there's no more convincing liar than oneself.

the world made him cynical, but for as long as he can, he wants to prevent it from doing the same to you.

[forestdeath1]

ur takes r so good but how can u like jily 😭😭 he bullied her bsf

I swear, a hundred years will pass and people will still be going on about how James bullied Snape and how poor Snape was.

I’m sorry, but read what nuance really means. Snape and James’s situation isn't just a nuance, it's a big fat stain that you somehow don't see.

They were both idiots at school. Both James and Snape.

Ok. Let's take a closer look at their relationship. Here's their first encounter:

‘Who wants to be in Slytherin? I think I’d leave, wouldn’t you?’  (Draco said the same thing, by the way)

Sirius did not smile. ‘My whole family have been in Slytherin,’ he said.

‘Blimey,’ said James, ‘and I thought you seemed all right!’ 

Sirius grinned.

‘Maybe I’ll break the tradition. Where are you heading, if you’ve got the choice?’

Notice that Sirius didn't even react to James's "I'd leave", even though he knew his whole family was from Slytherin, and he was likely to go there too.

James lifted an invisible sword.

‘“Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!” Like my dad.’

Snape made a small, disparaging noise. James turned on him.

‘Got a problem with that?’

‘No,’ said Snape, though his slight sneer said otherwise. ‘If you’d rather be brawny than brainy –’

It was Snape who starts the confrontation on a personal level. James in his insults in this memory refers to moral qualities. "Who wants to be in Slytherin?" Only bad people. He is prejudiced against Slytherin because Slytherin is evil. Voldemort is gaining momentum. The first Muggle-born Minister was recently ousted. Attacks are happening here and there. Dark forces are growing. More and more of the pure-blood society talks about "Mudbloods" not belonging in this world. And "amazingly", they all turn out to be from Slytherin. James sees himself as a noble knight "James lifted an invisible sword", and he is against Slytherin not so much personally as against the moral component of Slytherin.

This doesn't mean James had the right to bully Snape. But come on, are we going to paint Snape as a poor little boy? He was the first to insult Gryffindor on a personal level. James was spot on saying, who wants to be in Slytherin? Voldemort was terrorizing the country and killing people. Think about it, what Slytherin was like back then. It's like if there was a house in some school dominated by Nazi ideals and all the main supporters of terror came from that house. Would you be all lenient about that house? Don't you get how bad things were in the wizarding world then? James expressed his preference that he didn't want to study there. Who would? It was Snape who started the confrontation, getting personal (‘If you’d rather be brawny than brainy –’). Why can't the younger generation of readers think on a bigger scale, rather than just personally? IT WAS SLYTHERINS WHO WERE KILLING INNOCENT PEOPLE. What's there even to talk about?

Yeah, sure, James was pretty blunt and rude too. Although in my view, he had the right to openly disagree with Slytherin's views.

If you're looking for who actually started all this in this situation, here's the answer — Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin. Blame those two.

But don't tell me Snape wasn't backing Slytherin's ideas. He had a bias against Muggles even before school.

“Haven’t been spying,” said Snape, hot and uncomfortable and dirty-haired in the bright sunlight. “Wouldn’t spy on you, anyway,” he added spitefully, “you’re a Muggle.”

He already had a dislike for Muggles. You'll say it's because of his bad dad? But Harry also had a bad family. Having a tough time isn't an excuse for hating on the weaker ones (in this case, Muggles).

Does it make a difference, being Muggle-born?”

Snape hesitated. His black eyes, eager in the greenish gloom, moved over the pale face, the dark red hair.

“No,” he said. “It doesn’t make any difference.

And he knew full well what Slytherin was about and the difference between pure-bloods and Muggle-borns. And still wanted to be in Slytherin.

So she’s my sister!

“She’s only a—” He caught himself quickly; Lily, too busy try- ing to wipe her eyes without being noticed, did not hear him.

Yeah, she's "only a Muggle."

I don’t like some of the people you’re hanging round with! I’m sorry, but I detest Avery and Mulciber! Mulciber! What do you see in him, Sev, he’s creepy!

Snape's mates are creepy and the whole school's scared of them. But you'll say Snape needed someone to hang out with or that he was bullied in Slytherin, so he hung out with them? Then you really don't get Snape's character. He's up for a fight. If he really didn't want to, he wouldn't have hung around with them! Snape's got a backbone, and you're making him out to be a doormat. He's not. He did what he wanted.

D’you know what he tried to do to Mary MacDonald the other day?

That was nothing,” said Snape. “It was a laugh, that’s all—”

“It was Dark Magic, and if you think that’s funny… Mulciber’s and Avery’s idea of humor is just evil. Evil, Sev. I don’t understand how you can be friends with them."

After SWM:

You and your precious little Death Eater friends—you see, you don’t even deny it! You don’t even deny that’s what you’re all aiming to be! You can’t wait to join You-Know-Who, can you?

He opened his mouth, but closed it without speaking.

It's the fifth year. When you say Snape wasn't a Death Eater yet... yeah, he wasn't, but he already knew who he was likely to become and who his mates were definitely going to be.

But you call everyone of my birth Mudblood, Severus.

And Snape calls others Mudbloods. Like I said, James' bullying of Snape was "morally directed," James saw himself as a knight in shining armor. It's awful, and James had no right to it, and of course James's actions affected Snape. But that's also not an excuse for Snape.

Snape's always been fascinated by the Dark Arts, he was famous for it at school.

Plus, Snape was known for his fondness for the dark arts. Wonder where that reputation came from? Snape came up with powerful dark spells back in school. Snape was a wizard of great power.

And Snape was just this little oddball who was up to his eyes in the Dark Arts and James — whatever else he may have appeared to you, Harry — always hated the Dark Arts.

Here's the main conflict. Somehow Snape fans say James bullied Snape because Snape was poor and James was rich. Where did you read that? Lupin was his friend and wasn't rich. Pettigrew didn't seem to be rich either. Not everything in the world is measured in money. Not all pure-blood wizards are rich. Not all Death Eaters are rich. Slytherin isn't a rich kids' club. Pure-bloods aren't an aristocracy with vaults full of money. It's fanon, but it's not canon.

Snape was a special case. I mean, he never lost an opportunity to curse James, so you couldn’t really expect James to take that lying down, could you?”

And Snape attacked James too. By seventh year, Snape had one foot already in with the Death Eaters. If you don't get how HORRIBLE that is, then I don't know how to explain it to you.

Plus, he deliberately kept tabs on them, snooping around Lupin, wanting to rat him out.

“What’s Potter got to do with anything?” said Lily.

“They sneak out at night. There’s something weird about that Lupin. Where does he keep going?

He’s ill,” said Lily. “They say he’s ill—”

“Every month at the full moon?” said Snape.

I’m just trying to show you they’re not as wonderful as everyone seems to think they are.”

And by the way, even Snape admitted that the whole school saw the Marauders as "wonderful." It probably wasn't true, the Marauders were bullies, but it was likely because they stood up for Muggle-borns and were against Voldemort's ideas. That's why they weren't seen as "evil and creepy" like Snape and the Slytherins.

About how the Marauders were actually bullies — I wrote about it here. And they never really understood anything, even when they grew up.

But please stop justifying Snape by James's actions (why is everyone forgetting Sirius?) There is no excuse for either of them. And the fact that James bullied Snape...it has no bearing on how I feel about Jily. Snape wasn't a poor kid. James wasn't a golden retriever. James and Sirius were pretty cruel. Snape was too. They just ended up on different sides of the fence.

And I don't love Snape for who he was in school. I love him for what he did afterward — bravely and selflessly securing victory over the biggest evil in the WW at the cost of his entire life.

[piccioneceleste]

When the Doctor Belonged to Her

As the Doctor and Rose settle back into the TARDIS following their trip to New Earth, Rose can't seem to shake her feelings for him. Feelings that have only intensified since he regenerated. Little does she know, the Doctor is feeling very much the same way about her.

The ongoings of the Doctor and Rose's relationship between episodes of series two.

Chapter Five

“The stuff of legends,” the Doctor said, looking proudly at Rose as he began to dematerialise the TARDIS. She didn’t try to help him like she sometimes did, instead staying by his side and quietly watching him work.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“Well I think we both need a bit of rest,” he replied, looking at the brave but tired, and quite possibly traumatised, girl standing in front of him. “But considering the last thing you ate was a bit of protein one who knows how long ago, let’s go and get some food first.”

“Yeah. I don’t think I could sleep right now anyway.” She swallowed as she tried to stop the sound of the devil’s voice ringing in her ears.

“I know just where to go. Go and have a shower and get changed if you want,” he said as he pressed a few more buttons, gearing up to fly them to whatever location he had in mind.

Enjoying the idea of washing away the sweat and grime she had accumulated, Rose nodded and turned to leave the console room. Before she reached the door though, she hesitated.

“Doctor… I know this sounds silly but…” she began.

“Do you want me to come with you?” he interrupted her gently, knowing what she was going to say.

She just nodded at him, and the look in her round, doe eyes broke his heart. It wasn’t fear, it was something else, something worse, something lasting, and he hated the thing that had done this to her with a fiery passion. Whatever the thing was. He tried to push that question from his mind before he could dwell on it for too long.

“Don’t worry, I understand. I don’t really want to let you out of my sight right now either,” he said, walking over to her and taking her hand in his.

“That whole thing was just…”

“A lot. I know.” He squeezed her hand comfortingly and lead her to the door. “Come on. I should probably clean up a bit as well, that space suit wasn’t exactly the freshest.”

-

When they reached the bathroom, they found a full, warm, bath waiting, and Rose thanked the TARDIS for knowing exactly what she needed. She took off her clothes and climbed into the bubbles as the Doctor shedded his suit jacket and sat on the floor beside the bath, his arm resting along the edge.

They were quiet for a while, the Doctor simply gazing at the precious girl in front of him as she gently scrubbed her skin before dipping her head under the water to wet her hair. He watched as she began massaging shampoo into her scalp, and was overwhelmed by his feelings for her. Whatever that creature was, they had defeated it through his belief in her. This beautiful human girl who could only do a simple task like wash her hair right now because his presence was soothing her. He was glad he could do that, that he made her feel safe. And more than that, that he could even make her feel happy. Suddenly, her safety and happiness were the only things in the world that mattered to him.

“I thought you wanted to have a wash and stuff as well,” Rose said, interrupting his thoughts of of her.

“Ah, yes, but I’m more of a shower man myself,” he said, reaching forward and tucking a strand of conditioner-coated hair behind her ear.

“Well, I’m gonna drain the bath and wash my conditioner off with fresh water in the shower. If you wanna…” she gestured for him to join her.

On different day, in different circumstances, that invitation would’ve had both his hearts racing faster then they did when being chased by a Dalek, but he knew from her timid tone that wasn’t what this was. This was just her needing to be close, and that was ok. It was what he needed too.

He removed his suit as she drained the water from the bath and stood up to turn on the shower instead. He climbed in with her and scrubbed his body as she rinsed the conditioner from her hair, both covered by the rain-like pour of water from the overhead shower.

Without a word, Rose suddenly wrapped her arms around his middle and pressed her face against his soapy chest. He responded immediately, his arms automatically encircling her and his cheek resting on top of her wet hair.

“What was it Doctor?” she whispered into his chest.

“I don’t know, but it won’t hurt you now. I won’t let it. I won’t let anything ever hurt you again,” he told her firmly, pulling her closer against him. Although he meant what he said, a voice in the back of his mind reminded him he couldn’t make a promise like that. He couldn’t keep her safe forever. He felt sick at the thought but pushed it away; Rose was particularly fragile right now and he needed to make her feel better. His own feelings could wait.

They stood for a long time, holding each other as the warm water flowed over their bodies. Rose’s shoulders moved up and down slightly as she cried, but he couldn’t feel the tears on his already wet chest. Eventually, he pulled back and gave her a soft kiss.

“Come on, let’s get dried off before our hands turn all pruney.”

She just nodded at him again, but the look in her eyes was calmer than before, brighter, even though they were red from tears. She even managed a small smile at his joke.

After drying off, the Doctor changed into another of his suits and Rose into jeans and a cream coloured top. The Doctor then insisted on stopping by the wardrobe to get her a coat.

“We going somewhere cold?” she asked.

“Not too cold, just breezy,” he told her.

She looked around the rails for a moment before settling on a leather jacket that reminded her of her first doctor, only dark brown. They were about to leave when the Doctor draped a chunky red scarf around her neck too for good measure.

As soon as she stepped out of the TARDIS onto a grassy outcrop of rock, she was hit with a gentle gust of fresh sea air. She didn’t need to ask where they were, as she quickly noticed the telltale landmark of Whitby Abbey in the distance.

Whitby wasn’t somewhere she frequented; it was too far north for her and her mum to bother, especially considering neither of them could drive. They’d come once though for a day out whilst visiting her auntie in Middlesbrough, and it was a day she remembered incredibly fondly.

“Thought you might fancy chippy,” the Doctor said, coming up beside her and taking her hand, “and where better for it than by the sea?”

Rose turned her gaze from the Abbey to find he was looking down at her rather than out at the view, something she found happened rather frequently.

“Sounds perfect,” she smiled at him, causing him to beam with joy at the very idea that he had pleased her.

~

Soon, the pair found themselves perched on a bench looking out at the sea, two portions of chips and gravy in hand. It wouldn’t be Rose’s usual choice, but she figured she should have the same ‘when in Rome’ attitude she had on other planets when in the north of her own.

The sun was lowering on the horizon as they finished eating. Two children nearby chased each other down the pier, making the most of the last rays of sunlight. The sound of their laughter drifted towards them, as did their mother’s worried warnings about not getting too close to the edge. An elderly man passed by them with his dog, both walking in such a way that Rose just knew they’d trodden this same path a hundred times or more.

A sense of peace washed over her and she knew why the Doctor had brought her here. Safe, familiar, Earth.

“Thank you,” she whispered, leaning her head on his shoulder. “This is exactly what I needed.”

“I think I needed it too,” he said quietly. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, and the two of them sat, watching the sun set beyond the sea.

~

It was dark by the time they spoke again.

“Let’s go home,” the Doctor said, standing up and reaching for her hand.

Once back in the TARDIS, they went straight to bed without even stopping for their usual bedtime cup of tea in the library, Rose now truly overcome with exhaustion from the events of the past day.

When they’d first began sharing a bed, the Doctor would wait for Rose to fall asleep, then he would get up and tinker with the TARDIS or plan their next trip or something similar. The longer their arrangement had continued though, he’d taken to staying in bed with her until she woke up. He figured that’s what a human partner would do, and he wanted her to have as close to a normal human experience as possible with him. Sometimes he slept alongside her, overriding his superior biology and forcing his body to go into a short hibernation. Other times he would read by the light of a small reading lamp. He’d even found ways to keep himself occupied just within his own head, thinking through complicated equations and theories, jotting down notes when he thought of something useful.

Tonight though, he just looked at Rose. Since their reunion, all he had wanted was to distract her, to make her feel better, make her feel safe. Now though, as she slept, he was finally able to focus on his own feelings. The dread he had experienced thinking he had lost her.

He was painfully aware that he was far too attached to this human.

Keep reading:

[thepaperpanda]

A BRIEF COLLECTION OF POETRY:

Avatar: The Way Of Water

Number of poems: 7

Author: Rouge

A/N: having spent several days writing, I’ve decided to share some of my poems about Avatar: The Way Of Water with you. As this is my first attempt at writing poetry, please be gentle with me. Please also note that English is not my primary language.

A BROTHERHOOD

In the depths of the ocean blue, Lo'ak met a creature pure and true. A tulkun, a being so rare, And with it, a bond beyond compare.

Payakan, a name to behold, A friendship worth its weight in gold. For the tides may rise and fall, But this connection will stand tall.

With every dive and every breath, Their bond grows stronger, defying death. And though the world may never see, Their brotherhood is real, as real can it be.

THE SON AND THE MOTHER

Neteyam, a young Na'vi with a heart so true, A warrior in training, a spirit anew. With every step he took, he felt the land, The forest's whisper, the pulse of its grand.

With bow in hand, he'd take aim and shoot, Honing his skills, his path ever astute. And in his mother, Neytiri, he found a guide, A beacon of wisdom, a pure love that would never subside.

Together they explored the world around, A bond so strong, a union so profound. Neteyam looked up to his mother with pride, Knowing her teachings would always be his guide.

As the future of the Na'vi, he held a great role, A leader in waiting, with a warrior's soul. With every challenge, he rose to the task, His spirit unbroken, his courage steadfast.

Neteyam, a symbol of hope and light, A champion of his people, a warrior of might. In our hearts, his legacy will remain, A tribute to his spirit, forever we'll retain.

THE SONG FOR EYWA

Eywa, the goddess of the Na'vi land, Bearer of life, her touch so grand. Her spirit flows through every tree, And echoes in the breeze that all Na’vi see.

Her song so pure, her will so strong, A force that carries life along. The Na'vi sing to her every day, In reverence and in gratitude they pray.

Through her, the land is made complete, A living, breathing, vibrant feat. And all who dwell within her care, Find peace and love beyond compare.

Oh, Eywa, the goddess of all we see, We honor you, on bended knees. May your light forever shine, And guide us through the passage of time.

JAKE AND NEYTIRI

Jake, a warrior brave and true, A hunter skilled in all he'd pursue. With bow and arrow, he'd take aim, A protector of his people's reign.

With strength and grace, he'd move with ease, In tune with Pandora's gentle breeze. And when his heart was touched by love, He found in Neytiri his true dove.

Together they roamed the forest green, A pair as one, a unity supreme. With Jake by her side, Neytiri knew, Their love would forever bloom and renew.

Jake, a hero of the Na'vi land, A soul so pure, so brave, so grand. In our hearts, his memory will forever remain, A tribute to his spirit, forever we'll retain.

ABOUT PANDORA

Pandora, the moon, a world so rare, A place of wonder, beyond welfare. With skies so blue and forests so green, A paradise like none we've ever seen.

Amidst the trees, the Na'vi roam, A people in tune with this world's home. In harmony with creatures of all kinds, Pandora's beauty, a treasure to find.

With floating mountains and bioluminescent lights, A world that glows, in its own unique delights. A place of magic, where the heart can soar, Pandora's charm, forever we'll adore.

So let us journey to this world so rare, And let us marvel at its beauty so fair. For Pandora, the moon, a gem in the space, A testament to nature's boundless grace.

TULKUN

In the depths of Pandora's seas, Where the currents flow and the creatures tease, Lived a gentle-giant, a creature of grace, Tulkun, a whale-like being, with a majestic trace.

Its skin was gleaming, reflecting the light, A beauty unmatched, a marvel of sight. Its movements were fluid, with a powerful grace, A creature of wonder, in this underwater space.

Tulkun swam the oceans, with a gentle pace, A being of peace, a guardian of the place. Its song echoed through the waters, a melody so pure, A gift to all creatures, an invitation to cure.

The Metkayina would gather, when Tulkuns were near, They'd raise their spears and let out a cheer. For Tulkuns were more than a creatures of the sea, They were a symbol of nature, a spirit so free.

The seas would whisper, when Tulkun would pass, A message of hope, a reminder to last. That in this world of wonder, of ocean and land, We are all connected, by Eywa's loving hand.

NEYTIRI

In Pandora's land of vibrant hue, Stands Neytiri, strong and true. As a tsakarem, she leads the way, Her bow always ready to fight and slay.

Born to Eytukan and Mo'at's line, Her spirit fierce, her heart divine. A warrior skilled, with arrows bright, She stands for her clan with all of her might.

Through danger and trial, she remains unbroken, Her courage and strength, always outspoken. With honor and wisdom, she leads her clan with grace, Neytiri, a true inspiration of Omaticaya place.

[judgeitbyitscover]

The Memoirs of Lady Trent by Marie Brennan

Cover illustrations by Todd Lockwood

A Natural History of Dragons (2013)

You, dear reader, continue at your own risk. It is not for the faint of heart—no more so than the study of dragons itself. But such study offers rewards beyond compare: to stand in a dragon's presence, even for the briefest of moments—even at the risk of one's life—is a delight that, once experienced, can never be forgotten. . . . All the world, from Scirland to the farthest reaches of Eriga, know Isabella, Lady Trent, to be the world's preeminent dragon naturalist. She is the remarkable woman who brought the study of dragons out of the misty shadows of myth and misunderstanding into the clear light of modern science. But before she became the illustrious figure we know today, there was a bookish young woman whose passion for learning, natural history, and, yes, dragons defied the stifling conventions of her day. Here at last, in her own words, is the true story of a pioneering spirit who risked her reputation, her prospects, and her fragile flesh and bone to satisfy her scientific curiosity; of how she sought true love and happiness despite her lamentable eccentricities; and of her thrilling expedition to the perilous mountains of Vystrana, where she made the first of many historic discoveries that would change the world forever.

A Tropic of Serpents (2014)

Attentive readers of Lady Trent’s earlier memoir, A Natural History of Dragons, are already familiar with how a bookish and determined young woman named Isabella first set out on the historic course that would one day lead her to becoming the world’s premier dragon naturalist. Now, in this remarkably candid second volume, Lady Trent looks back at the next stage of her illustrious (and occasionally scandalous) career. Three years after her fateful journeys through the forbidding mountains of Vystrana, Mrs. Camherst defies family and convention to embark on an expedition to the war-torn continent of Eriga, home of such exotic draconian species as the grass-dwelling snakes of the savannah, arboreal tree snakes, and, most elusive of all, the legendary swamp-wyrms of the tropics. The expedition is not an easy one. Accompanied by both an old associate and a runaway heiress, Isabella must brave oppressive heat, merciless fevers, palace intrigues, gossip, and other hazards in order to satisfy her boundless fascination with all things draconian, even if it means venturing deep into the forbidden jungle known as the Green Hell . . . where her courage, resourcefulness, and scientific curiosity will be tested as never before.

The Voyage of the Basilisk (2015)

Devoted readers of Lady Trent’s earlier memoirs, A Natural History of Dragons and The Tropic of Serpents, may believe themselves already acquainted with the particulars of her historic voyage aboard the Royal Survey Ship Basilisk, but the true story of that illuminating, harrowing, and scandalous journey has never been revealed—until now. Six years after her perilous exploits in Eriga, Isabella embarks on her most ambitious expedition yet: a two-year trip around the world to study all manner of dragons in every place they might be found. From feathered serpents sunning themselves in the ruins of a fallen civilization to the mighty sea serpents of the tropics, these creatures are a source of both endless fascination and frequent peril. Accompanying her is not only her young son, Jake, but a chivalrous foreign archaeologist whose interests converge with Isabella’s in ways both professional and personal. Science is, of course, the primary objective of the voyage, but Isabella’s life is rarely so simple. She must cope with storms, shipwrecks, intrigue, and warfare, even as she makes a discovery that offers a revolutionary new insight into the ancient history of dragons.

In the Labyrinth of Drakes (2016)

Even those who take no interest in the field of dragon naturalism have heard of Lady Trent's expedition to the inhospitable deserts of Akhia. Her discoveries there are the stuff of romantic legend, catapulting her from scholarly obscurity to worldwide fame. The details of her personal life during that time are hardly less private, having provided fodder for gossips in several countries. As is so often the case in the career of this illustrious woman, the public story is far from complete. In this, the fourth volume of her memoirs, Lady Trent relates how she acquired her position with the Royal Scirling Army; how foreign saboteurs imperiled both her work and her well-being; and how her determined pursuit of knowledge took her into the deepest reaches of the Labyrinth of Drakes, where the chance action of a dragon set the stage for her greatest achievement yet.

Within the Sanctuary of Wings (2017)

After her adventure in the mountains of Vystrana, and her exploits in the depths of Eriga, to the high seas aboard The Basilisk, and then to the deserts of Akhia, the Lady Trent has captivated hearts along with fierce minds. This concluding volume will finally reveal the truths behind her most notorious adventure - scaling the tallest peak in the world, behind the territory of Scirland's enemies - and what she discovered there, within the Sanctuary of Wings.

[sideprince]

What’s your general thoughts and opinions on James?

I don't know how general my thoughts and opinions of him are, but here goes... (under the cut because long post)

To me, James was the kind of kid who was made to feel special by his parents and didn't realize, as he grew up, that the rest of the world wasn't duty-bound to share this view of him. I think the backstory Rowling gave was that his parents struggled to have a child and had him when they were older, so he was very valued and spoiled, in a family that had money and lived comfortably. There are people who will come out of an upbringing like this with a strong sense of self and security and feel empathy for those who struggle, and there are people who will come out of it feeling entitled and affronted that the rest of the world doesn't understand how special they are. I think James was the latter. He has the vibe of a kid whose parents never taught him to share. When he got to Hogwarts and was thrust into a world where he didn't get the constant positive reinforcement he did at home, his response was to feel insecure in its absence and I'm not sure he ever outgrew that.

His first interaction with both Snape, Lily, and Sirius on the Hogwarts Express says a lot about him. When Snape says he wants to be in Slytherin, James scoffs, but when Sirius says his whole family have been in that house, James is surprised, because he's already formed an opinion of Sirius and has started to like him. James and Sirius met on the train, which had probably just left London, since Snape and Lily were picking up their conversation from the platform, Snape having just changed into his school robes, which he presumably did as soon as he got on the train. In that short time, because James made a connection with him, he can excuse Sirius' association with the house because he already likes him, but he doesn't know Snape so it's easier to dismiss him for the same house preference. Young James shows a lot of bias and we see through his Hogwarts years that he doesn't grow out of it. The fact that he judges people with such certainty based on their house or house preference shows this too.

Though Snape and Lily are clearly friends when he meets them, James seems only interested in targeting Snape. Lily, with her face pressed against the window, doesn't seem interested in interacting with the other boys in the compartment before Snape enters, but they also seem to have put little effort into cheering up this girl who's unhappy and alone. While it might be that James is nicer to Lily because she's a girl (whether because he's immediately interested in her or just because he feels it unchivalrous to bully girls), I think that both James and Sirius immediately pick up on Snape's otherness.

The first description of James we see is, “slight, black-haired like Snape, with that indefinable air of having been well cared for, even adored, that Snape so conspicuously lacked.” A clear differentiation is drawn between the two of them in this scene, and I think the implication is that James perceived this difference too, and it drove him to dismiss Snape and treat him with contempt all the more. I wonder sometimes if James didn't look at Lily and worry that someone like her (cared for, middle class) was friends with someone like Snape (neglected, poor), and whether his interest in her wasn't borne out of a sort of savior complex where he imagined himself as some kind of knight saving the princess from the terrible monster. Perhaps that image comes to mind because of this moment:

James lifted an invisible sword. ‘ “Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!” Like my dad.’

In any case, I think that James' contempt for Snape was driven by his visible poverty and neglect as much, if not more so, than his feelings for Lily, especially in their first few years at school.

Most of what we know of James' Hogwarts years comes from Sirius and Lupin, Snape's memories, and the detention cards Harry has to sort after nearly killing Malfoy with Sectumsempra. Sirius and Lupin remember James as having been popular, but I think they're biased, given they were good friends. In Snape's Worst Memory we see a James who's arrogant, wants attention, and bullies Snape. It's Sirius who says he's bored, but James is the one who points out Snape and leads the bullying. A few minutes before they round on Snape, we see this moment, as James is playing with the snitch while Wormtail marvels sycophantically:

Harry noticed that his father had a habit of rumpling up his hair as though to keep it from getting too tidy, and he also kept looking over at the girls by the water’s edge.

It doesn't take long until:

Snape let out a stream of mixed swear words and hexes, but with his wand ten feet away nothing happened. ‘Wash out your mouth,’ said James coldly. ‘Scourgify!’ Pink soap bubbles streamed from Snape’s mouth at once; the froth was covering his lips, making him gag, choking him - ‘Leave him ALONE!’ James and Sirius looked round. James’s free hand immediately jumped to his hair. It was one of the girls from the lake edge. She had thick, dark red hair that fell to her shoulders, and startlingly green almond-shaped eyes - Harry’s eyes. Harry’s mother.

There are a few things to unpack here. One, it's clear that James is bullying Snape to get Lily's attention, as shown by the hand in his hair and his self-consciousness as he looks over at the girls by the lake and again when Lily comes over. His choice to get her attention through Snape says a lot about his personality and his values. He's 15, a bit too old to flirt through bullying, whether directly or indirectly. He's like a five year old pulling a girl's pigtails on the playground because he likes her. It shows immaturity, but then if you think about Harry at the same age and his own immaturity, it manifested in his inability to understand Cho and his liking her because she was pretty even though they weren't well-suited to each other. It never occurred to Harry to get Cho's attention by bullying someone, not only because Harry wasn't a bully, but because despite being a Quidditch player who played the same position as his father had, he never felt compelled to flex in front of the girl he liked. That, however, seems to be James' go-to move. He doesn't really care what damage he does to Snape, because he objectifies him - Snape is just something he uses to get Lily's attention.

The other thing that sticks out to me about that passage is James' viciousness the second he feels disrespected. It's reminiscent of an abuser's behavior in the way he lashes out disproportionately the moment Snape challenges his sense of authority. Snape uses words, but James responds with physical violence, specifically to silence Snape. It's not just that James' actions show a complete disregard for his victim's well-being (after all, we see Harry and Malfoy butt heads several times but neither hits the other in such a disproportionate way, but then Harry and Malfoy aren't really a parallel for Snape and James because they're rivals and James and Snape have a bully/victim relationship). James seems to feel perfectly entitled to his treatment of Snape as if his response was proportionate. I think the cartoonish imagery of a bubbling bar of soap distracts some readers, but in essence this exchange is as if Snape said "go fuck yourself" and James responded by wrapping his hands around Snape's throat and throttling him. What I find disturbing is the ease with which James does it. When, only moments later, Lily asks what Snape ever did to him, James' casual reply is, “it’s more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean …” He doesn't see Snape as a person capable of feeling and reacting on the same level he sees himself, and frankly, I find that chilling.

I have a hard time reading James in this moment as anything but abusive. His goal with his actions towards Snape is to exert control through violence, which is what abusers do (I'm including emotional abuse in this statement too, given that emotional violence is still violence). To add to this, this incident happens after the werewolf incident, so James is treating Snape this way after Sirius almost got him killed/maimed/turned by Lupin deliberately. He doesn't seem to have grown or changed after that experience at all when it comes to understanding the impact and influence of his bullying. In fact, he uses Sirius' boredom as an excuse to target Snape, which doesn't seem likely to discourage the same behavior that nearly got Snape killed only a few months earlier.

I think James had a strong relationship with Sirius, but his intervening to prevent Snape getting to the Shrieking Shack shows a difference between the two of them. The incident in SWM seems to indicate that James, who so reflexively attacks Snape with viciousness, was probably acting on behalf of his friends and not Snape when savinghim. My personal meta is that he, unlike Sirius, understood what it would do to Lupin psychologically if he attacked Snape while transformed, and that's why he intervened. I like to think James' view of Sirius changed a bit after that, and his trust in him faltered somewhat, in a way that they never quite fixed, which is why James could be convinced to switch from Sirius to Peter as their secret keeper. That sense of, "when is this friend going to make me vulnerable through his carelessness when he gets lost in his antagonism of someone else."

His empathy for Lupin didn't affect his contempt for someone like Snape, though. We know from Harry's sorting of old detention cards and Lily's accusation in SWM that James would hex people in the halls just because he could. Again, he's using violence to assert himself and doesn't care how it affects people. His friends, though, remember him with fondness. Lily eventually started dating him and liked, presumably loved, him enough to marry him soon after they finished school. We see through Voldemort's memory of the night he killed them that James was affectionate with Harry and that he was willing to put himself between Voldemort and his son and wife to protect the latter (though he was ineffectual given he carelessly left his wand on the couch and bought them no more than a few seconds, which to me shows hubris). So we know that James could be a loving person, but it seems he was selective about who deserved his humanity and affection. He could show contempt just as strongly to others, whether someone he knew casually or someone he actively disliked. It reminds me a bit of the loving letters home from Nazi concentration camp officers who showed that they did have humanity, they just treated their prisoners as undeserving of it in deeply chilling ways. This isn't to say that James was a Nazi by any means (so please don't try to come at me in the comments thx), but rather to illustrate that he, too, displays the ability to be both deeply human and then turn around and dehumanize others when it suits him.

This dischord makes sense when you realize how much of JK Rowling's first husband, Jorge Arantes, is in James, down to his dark hair and round glasses, and especially the dichotomy of how lovable he is meant to be yet how controlling and violent his behavior is. I think James is a character who is often hinted at more than described because of Rowling's own difficulty in processing that relationship and dealing with Arantes as a character on the page. We hear about James more than we see him, but when we do it's:

when Harry sees him and Lily in the Mirror of Erised (which isn't the real James but Harry's idealized version of him)

in moments of grave peril facing his family, ie. when his echo comes out of Voldemort's wand at the end of GoF and when Voldemort recalls the night he killed the Potters

in Snape's memories where he acts violent, entitled, and controlling

What's interesting to me is that in the moments where we see James (ie. pseudo-Arantes) being protective of his family, he's either already dead and an echo, or he is immediately killed. The bulk of the moments in which we see James in his normal, everyday life, he's controlling, violent, arrogant, and insecure. Put in the context of him being an avatar for Arantes, there's enough to unpack there for a trained therapist, but my tl;dr is that Rowling either deliberately or subconsciously has chosen to put him on a pedestal and let his own actions knock him off it. It's unclear to me whether she's struggling to identify her own feelings as she projects them onto the page, or if she's making a considered statement about how even the affectionately thought of father figure can have a dangerously ugly side. The fact that so many Marauders stans look past this behavior, let alone justify it, makes me skeptical of their intentions because I have difficulty seeing James outside the context of the clear parallels between him and Rowling's actual, real-life abuser.

While Lupin and Sirius say that James changed and that's why Lily started dating him, we see signs that he didn't. The fact he kept sneaking out under the invisibility cloak after the Fidelius Charm was put on his house shows that he still put himself and his whims first, implying his entitlement and the difficulty he continued to have putting responsibilities ahead of his own wants. It's indicated he didn't stop bullying at school once he started dating Lily, he just learned to hide it from her better.

Many others have written at length about this, so I'll just touch on it briefly, but I think James justified his behavior on the basis that he felt he was on the right side and against the dark side. Lupin and Sirius talk about Snape and his fascination with dark magic when they were at school, but we see James using innocuous charms like scourgify to enact violence, which mostly just makes me question the distinction between light and dark magic (ie. what matters is how a spell is used, not what category it falls into). James, as a Gryffindor, sees himself to be on the side of righteousness and valor, and though his actions contradict this, he doesn't question himself because he sees himself through the lens of being a Gryffindor, not an individual defined by his choices. His bullying of Snape certainly helped push the latter towards becoming a Death Eater, a cult-like group that preyed on the kind of vulnerability that James exarcebated in Snape. While that is ultimately Snape's journey and part of his character and choices, it's undeniable that, in some way (great or small), James was complicit in that process, and in ways that can be drawn back to his own perception of light vs. dark, his inability to empathize, the viciousness of his bullying, and his judgmental delineation between who deserves to be treated with humanity and who doesn't.

All in all I see James as a spoiled, privileged child who grew up to be an insecure, entitled bully. I think being thrust into the world of Hogwarts, where he had no parents to reinforce the idea that he's a precious angel, brought out his insecurities and instead of outgrowing them he dealt with them by exerting control over everyone around him as much as he could (or as much as he could get away with). I think if he had lived past his early 20s he might have grown more as a person, but as we see him when he dies, he seems to have retained many traits of the boy on the Hogwarts Express who judged others and reflexively bullied the kid he perceived as an outsider. I hope that what people take away from his character is that bullies and abusers can also be fathers and father figures, people capable of affection. Their dangerous side just shows that people like this are complex and their actions nuanced, they aren't just two dimensional villains.

[dany-is-my-queen]

A Question of Loyalty III

Rhaenyra Targaryen x reader, Alicent Hightower x reader

Word Count: 3.7k

Note: Another flashback chapter! This one is a favorite of mine 🖤 happy reading! Always appreciate the support 🥰

Summary: When dragons of green and dragons of black dance, you have to choose the color that suits you best.

Life was surely stepping in in an incredible pace, for every day since the wedding you wanted to escape the place again, Aegon’s High Hill being your paradise, yet your downfall altogether.

“My daughter, I know I was harsh on you, a bit too much. You fought bravely beside us, not to prove yourself but because that’s who you are. This is for you.” Corlys said, handing you a handsome Valyrian sword, the pommel shaped by a seahorse.

“I thank you, father. It means the world.” You beamed at the sight of your new blade.

“How should you name it then?”

“Nightrider.” You put it back inside its sheath.

“By the way, Y/N…” Corlys was nigh hesitant to ask. “Now that your bother’s a husband. And Leana has taken a great interest on prince Daemon, well…” He chose carefully his words, not to appear pressuring, he did anyway. “Lords across the whole Realm have shown their fascination towards you. The son of Lord Tully, for instance. Houses Tyrell, Blackwood, Tarly, Costayne, Rowan… I could go on. You’re a comely lady, you ride a dragon, but, youth won’t last forever, my child. Don’t you want to form a family as soon as possible?”

“I wish a woman could mother a babe without a man.” You plainly answered, not sounding rude, however. Corlys knew better than prompt you any further, setting your mind already, too much alike your mother Rhaenys.

Moons flew by, and you continued dwelling in the matters of the heart, concerning both your childhood companions. Alicent glistened whenever she came across you, too bashful to comment about your “romantic, non appropriate encounter” on the night of Rhaenyra’s wedding. But you knew what it had meant to her, you had lit a spark that will not be easy for her to extinguish.

Having just woken up to start the day, a guard came to fetch you and escorted you to the Godswood, where Syrax’s rider solemnly awaited you. Haven’t spoken for weeks, you didn’t know what to expect, or how to react to her very presence, in that case.

“Princess Rhaenyra.”

“Riñnykeā Y/N, nyke istan hoping īlon could ȳzaldrīzes.” (Lady Y/N, I was hoping we could talk)

“Skoros iksos konīr naejot vestragon?” (What is there to say?) You blurted, in all honesty discourteousness was not your intent, but when you peeped into her eyes, it was like a shock to your heart, you were already used to the feeling. “I apologize for my bad manners, Princess.”

“I never meant to insult you, Y/N. Not even at my wedding… I don’t know why I said that. I would never consider you or treat you as my whore, let alone offend you by calling you someone else's. I guess I just... lost my mind. You were... my Lady, my equal. I'm truly sorry. I'm not asking you to forgive me and start over. It will be hard, I know, but I care about you a lot. I've lied to you, I've kept secrets, even confessing to you now makes me ashamed. If you hate me, then it's okay. The fault is mine and mine alone. You know, I've always wondered why they call me the Realm’s Delight when that title should belong to you. Any man or woman lucky enough to catch your eye is the luckiest in the Seven Kingdoms, in the whole fucking world. You deserve so much more than I can offer you. Bless se mēre bona gets naejot lua aōha prūmia.” (Bless the one that gets to keep your heart)

“Riñnykeā Y/N, nyke istan hoping īlon could ȳzaldrīzes.” (Lady Y/N, I was hoping we could talk)

“Me and Her Grace.” She countered.

“The Realm’s Delight fits only a Princess. And so happens you are the only one.” You strived to keep the Queen away from the conversation, because you are likely to give yourself away in one way or another.

“You are forgetting my little step sister.” She simpered.

“Helaena is the sweetest. I cannot wait until you and Laenor indulge me with a niece, isn’t that a marvelous thing to hope?” Nonchalantly you proposed, Rhaenyra titled her head to stare at you amusingly.

“You might beat me to it.” You shared an affectionate chortle.

The memory of your yet third reconciliation with the Princess comes to you in a blur, for only a few weeks later she announced she was with child. Your curiosity was at its hilt, you avoided such topics with Leanor, but it was fast… as it was expected of them.

Alicent had delivered another princeling, Aemond, Viserys named him. The first offspring of your brother and Rhaenyra came without a fuss, summoning your presence during childbirth, you abided, despite the ache buried within you, no time for being selfish, you whispered to yourself.

“He has your eyes.” Rhaenyra bespoke, swinging the baby in her arms, you pressed a peck on his little hand, he seemed to reciprocate your caress for he tangled his small fingers on your index one. “How should we name him?” Rhaenyra asked as if you were the other parent, not minding at all the midwives and handmaidens nearby, lost in her son and in you.

“Shouldn’t you… consult it with Laenor?”

“I have a few in mind.” She ignored your question, so you did too.

“Jaecerys.”

“That’s a name fit for a prince.” Said she with joy. “You’ll make a fine King one day, Jace.”

*********

You were perhaps too enthralled to notice, or perhaps you didn’t want to notice. Apparently everyone around you did. The Commander of the City Watch, Ser Harwin Strong, dubbed Breakbones, was a constant companion? To the Princess, seldom did he leave her side, being her sworn protector. He spent time of quality with little prince Jaecerys as well, what you paid mind only after the second birth of your brother’s child, Lucerys. You flinched at what it could meant. Was Rhaenyra seeking warmth on another man’s bed?

“Lady Y/N.” The Queen saluted you, donned in her usual green attires, you been neglecting her, but spending time with Princess Helaena, the introvert girl of four of age. Prince Aegon turning himself in quiet the troublemaker. “Helaena treasures her moments with you.” She watched her daughter dozing in your lap as a result of an hour playing with her dolls. “She won’t even play with me.”

“She’s a special girl.” You recited a sweet lullaby, remembering the letters Rhaenys sang for you as a toddler.

Alicent fought with all her might not to bring up Rhaenyra and Ser Harwin matter, concentrated instead on the sight before her.

“I’ve missed you.” She murmured not to disturb her daughter’s nap.

“I’m always here.” You responded in the same hushed tone, meeting her gaze, she knelt to where you laid on the floor, and eased in when you stroke her chin with delicacy. “Always”

**********

A year later, right after you returned to the Capital from visiting Laena and her twins, Queen Alicent was heavy with child once more, maesters wagered she was carrying twins, after an exhausting labor, she gave birth to a healthy male baby with hair as white as the snow, “Daeron”, he was named. Hence, the delivery has left her in a grievous state. The King was untroubled it would seem, for he wasn’t there attending to her.

“Y/N?” Alicent said with a fragile voice when she felt a hand on hers.

“Yes, my Queen. How are you holding up?”

“I’m afraid, what if I don’t survive this?”

You looked at her with fret. “You will, you will recover. You are to meet the new handsome prince you had delivered.” Tenderly you smiled at her.

“Would you raise my children, if something were to happen to me??” She uttered.

“Of course. But nothing is happening to you, not as long as I live, you shall be secure. I’d fight the Stranger myself if that’s what it took.”

“You only want to use that sword of yours.” Alicent japed. “I thought you were with Rhaenyra.” She winced.

“I wanted to be here.” You replied. “Even though, on my way I stumbled across her and Ser Harwin.”

The wet nurse came in with an inconsolable Daeron on her arms. “He won’t stop whimpering, your Grace. Perhaps if he sees your face, it’ll do.” Alicent shifted, trying to adjust to a more comfortable position.

“Oh my baby boy.”

“May I?” You gestured at the Queen softly, while the nurse awaited Alicent’s consent to hand you the babe.

“You may.” Little Daeron halted his cries once you took him in, you wiggled him and recited the same melody as with Jace and Helaena. “You’d be an excellent mother.” She later stated.

You've grown attached of the little princeling, you've taught him some of your mother tongue, you've played with him, soothed him to sleep. Alicent's heart swelled when she sees how fond you are of each other.

In his lodgings, he held a pair of wooden knights. “Mother mother!” Daeron exclaimed rather enthusiastic, it alarmed you a bit.

“What is it, my darling boy?” A worried Alicent gasped.

“This is you and this is Y/N.” He alluded to the stiff toys.

“Oh and who might I be?” You humorously asked.

“You’re the fearless dragon rider of the ancient Silverwing!”

“And I?” It was the Queen’s turn to comically inquire.

“You’re the damsel in distress, who’s seeking saving from her one true love.” He innocently said. You and Alicent look at each other expectantly, he didn’t notice though. “You are to rescue mother, get her to safety back to her home, you’ll defeat all enemies and armies with your dragon!” It is true that Viserys was never a parental figure to neither of them, he rarely visited them, even less did he play with them. “Can Y/N be my other mother, please, please?” He pleaded, and you doted on him.

“I thought I already was.” You joked and Alicent contemplated you in amazement, loving every second of the play pretending, wishing it could last forever.

You missed Daeron deeply, even though it has only been a few moons since he left for Oldtown to be Lord Hightower's squire, he took with him a bracelet with a little dragon in the middle that you gave him and his astounding hatchling (growing every day) Tessarion. He wept all night when he learned he was leaving, clutching to your leg tightly the next day and pouting until you promised him you would visit him as soon as you could, as long as he went and behaved like a proper prince.

“I love you, my silver boy.” You told him before he climbed into the carriage leaving you holding back tears with Alicent by your side.

Another two years have passed, and the Realm’s Delight pregnancy does not seem to be coming to an end. It's ironic, though. The women you love the most, producing heir after heir to men they do not exactly love, out of duty. Was it? You knew it was Alicent's case, you began to doubt the Princess'. You grew more and more fond of them, the "green" princes caring for you but not warming to you as much as the "black" princelings.

“Aunt Y/N! Can we go flying on Silverwing?” The lads begged excitingly, you whisked their heads and let them down slowly.

“I promise I will take you soon enough, when you are older.”

“We want to grow up fast to ride with you!” Little Jace exclaimed.

“You’ll be taller than me in no time. As of now, I’ll teach you how to give commands in Valyrian so both Vermax and Arrax get used to your voices. lua gīda, sōvegon, dohaeragon.” (Keep calm, fly, serve)

**********

“You shouldn’t have called for her.” You reprimanded Her Grace, she gave you a look and scoffed.

“I didn’t ask them to retrieve her. I’m ecstatic to make the acquaintance of my newest step-grandson.”

The truth behind why Alicent was doing this was to prove his point to you of all people; and to Viserys by all means. She’s spent years and years watching the Princess do as she pleases while taking advantage of being the heir, and bearing bastards in front of everyone's eyes. Hurting you, most of all. Neglecting your "friendship", knowing how much it hurt you that she was married to her brother, and now breaking her vows and lying with another man. Her insinuations had fallen on stony ears, she wasn't finished yet.

“You shouldn’t be walking in this condition, Princess.” With false politeness, Alicent expressed her concern. Rhaenyra looked beyond knocked out, sweating from head to toe, and your brother was upset, as well. You knew she was indignant that you were standing now with Her Grace, as if rooting for her or something of the sort.

“Have you picked a name already?” You cut the tension, while King Viserys arrived to proudly view his grandchild, as he had done before.

“Joffrey.” Laenor interjected ahead of the Princess, visibly confused by the sudden response of her husband. “We will name him Joffrey.”

“That’s an uncommon name for a Velaryon.” Alicent pointed out, peeking in between the pair.

“Lovely, nonetheless.” You attested.

“Yes, it is.” Viserys and Laenor chatted a bit whilst indulging in the sight of the newborn. Leaving you with a fatigued Rhaenyra on the settee, intending to get up to no avail, you offered your arm to her.

“I hope the labor was easy.” You said to her.

“Without you there, trust me, it wasn’t. Se dāria emagon mirre ao occupied se distracted.” (The Queen has kept you occupied and distracted) The Princess answered.

“īlon’ve issare both rather occupied isse bona case.” (We’ve been both rather occupied in that case)

“Would you mind speaking the common tongue in the presence of those who do not speak your language?” Alicent awkwardly said, catching the words “distracted and occupied”, annoying her.

“Sorry, your Grace.” Rhaenyra rolled her eyes, and turned to leave.

“My wife needs to rest. If you’ll excuse us. Your Grace, my King. Sister, would you mind accompany us?” The Queen gave you leave even though you don’t actually require it, she was irritated.

“Do keep trying, Ser Laenor; soon or late, you may get one who looks like you.”

You feel bad, guilty even, that Alicent does not cease on insisting about the same affair that began years ago. You also feel betrayed when you are in the same room as the Commander and the Princess, you can see the way he looks at her, how devoted he is to her, and how he has a special treatment with her kids. You’ve never approached Rhaenyra with this, nor has anyone more than Alicent being adamant on it.

“Mother, father! We’ve chosen and egg for the baby.” Jace said cheerfully, along with Luke. “Look, aunt Y/N, you like it?”

“I do, sweetheart. It’ll be a beautiful hatchling.” You admired the egg, and Luke hugged your waist to greet you.

“Off with you now, lads. Your mother wants to rest.” He urged the kids back to the Dragonpit to resume their training. Harwin was so deep in awe with the new babe and Rhaenyra looked apologetic when Laenor suggested you should leave the apartments.

“Y/N, a stroll in the gardens?” He offered, and noticed your gloomy resemblance, you threw a last glance at Rhaenyra before nodding and following him outdoors.

You didn’t ask Laenor more questions, nor were you eager to hear the answers he possessed. Despite of enjoying his own freedom, he was aware of things you were ignorant, ones you decided not to pay heed to save the torture.

“I was thinking… everything’s quiet here as of late. We should pay a visit to our sister and nieces. They’re still in Pentos. Sort of a… break.” Laenor suggested, you pondered for a minute.

“What of your wife and children?” You countered.

“They’ll be fine without me. They got good company.” He regretted what he said just when the words came out. “They are home.“

“I don’t know, Laenor. I of course do want to see Laena again. But being absent now does not seem like a good idea. The Queen is relentless.”

“She has no proof of anything, Y/N. They’re all mere false accusations to put his own son on the Throne. Don’t you miss flying with your favorite brother? I can’t hardly recall when was the last time we did so together. Oh I know why you’re reluctant! You fear again not winning the race between Silverwing and Seasmoke.” He jested, and you crackled hard.

“Oh yeah, you caught me.”

Later that evening, you approached the Queen and the young Princess, Helaena, who’s apparently way too focused on the worm on the top of her palm. Aemond was there too, all covered in ash and soot.

“My Lady.” Alicent addressed you, still upset, but now she was fuming.

“Bad timing?”

“Your nephews gave my son a pig.” Alicent hissed, holding Aemond close.

“What?”

“They were making fun of me.” Aemond shouted. “I’ll never have a dragon.”

“What have I just told you, my sweet son? Give it time.”

“My prince, if Silverwing does ever brings another clutch of eggs, I will personally deliver one to you, as a gift for your bravery.” You doubted your silvery dragon would indeed, as she’s an old one but whoever knows? You meant it though, the promise to him.

“Thank you.” Helaena proceded to show her insects to her younger brother, not a fan of them himself, he still paid attention to her.

“Those boys…” Alicent commenced.

“It’s not their nature. They’re gentle, kindhearted.”

“They resemble to you in those aspects. They might as well be yours.” For the first time, her clear resentment towards the children wasn’t one with rancour, you chuckled and so did she.

“Walk with me?” You strolled the small sunken courtyard, out of sight of creeping eyes.

“Is there a specific reason why you decided to bring us here, my Queen? You asked in an amused voice, she feigned offense.

“What are you insinuating?”

“That you want to kiss me.” She made a neutral face, and you began to think that you'd got it all wrong, that you'd misread the signs. "Alicent... -" With your guard down, she pulled you by the back of the neck and shut down your further ramblings, you reciprocated and as soon as she was done she hugged you affectionately.

“Sometimes I still wonder... if what I feel is a sin, if I'm a sinner for loving you this much.” You frowned, you observed that there was a battle going on inside her soul, inside her mind. She found herself thinking about her father, Otto’s words and warnings still echoing.

“Be careful with that girl, Alicent. She’ll destroy you.”

“Prepare Aegon to rule.”

“You cannot love another woman, you stupid, unholy child.”

“Aegon will be King. It is your duty to see it done.”

Trying to soothe her, you placed your forehead against hers. “It is not, I do not believe so. We are who we are, Alicent. We are true to ourselves, and that’s a brave thing to do. We embrace it, that’s why we get to feel alive, otherwise, we’d be empty.”

“I feel empty when I’m not with you.”

“Then you have answered your own question, my Queen." She smiled, and you planted another kiss on her immaculate lips.

*********

After an "incident" in the training yard involving the boys, you heard that Harwin beat the hell out of Criston, you were glad that he was put in his place after a lot of taunting and scorn regarding your nephews. You honestly don't know how you control yourself in similar situations. However, Breakbones is leaving the city to return to his duties as heir to Harrenhal. Rhaenyra and Alicent kept disagreeing on every issue, however big or small.

“Lady Y/N, I…-“ The silver-head does not seem to find the words to say, caught in her throat. “Pardon me, for bothering at these hours but, I want to say my farewells to you.” You were unable to register.

“Farewells?”

“I am leaving for Dragonstone, my lady. With the kids and my husband, your brother.”

“Is this because of the Queen’s-“

“A wise sailor leaves ahead of a gathering storm rather than try to defeat it.”

“Those are Laenor’s beliefs. You cannot-“

“I am serious, Y/N. It pains me, really it does. Jace and Luke too. But it’s better if we get some fresh air, different surroundings might do them good, Joffrey to grow up without the bitterness of the Capital. We cannot longer stand the increasing rumors, the gossip, the mounting threats and humiliation we have endured. I don’t even know what side you’re on, Y/N. You’re obviously torn. And it hurts.”

“Rumors or not, those boys are important to me. I adore them.”

“I know they are, and I know you do. I need to protect them from those who do not share your sentiment.” She gave a meekly half smile.

“A clever sailor finds the way to surround the gathering storm rather than to flee it.”

“Now, those are your beliefs. It’ll make the children happy if you bid them goodbye first light in the morrow.”

“I will.”

Has Rhaenyra stopped caring about you, has everything been spoiled by her feelings for Harwin Strong? You felt stupid, this started years ago. Since her wedding, she was never the same, and neither were you. Those were selfish thoughts, deep down you knew. Asking her to stay in King's Landing was too much, and you also knew Alicent would keep pushing it. Better that she went with her family to a safer place. It might help your feelings dissolve once and for all.

Just two weeks later, you decided it was your turn to think of yourself, and with suitors coming like hunters, stalking you every chance they got, leaving the court seemed appealing too, so you set off on your silvery she-dragon for High Tide to find the comfort of home, your parents and old friends.

Tagging: @loveislove4 @sophiexoxsblog

[cnnmairoll]

The Disguised Monarch

Pairing : Luka x Reader Genre : Fluff, Fairytale AU Word Count : 3.2k Summary : In a world of hidden identities, a disguised monarch's quest for freedom leads to an unexpected love with a spirited commoner, but their bond is tested when their true identities are revealed, forcing them to navigate the challenges of trust, forgiveness, and a love that defies royal conventions. a/n : My entry piece for @masked-fools Fairytale au!! Please check out the other writers there, they're very talented ♡

The palace walls loomed tall and imposing, a symbol of your gilded cage. As the heir to the throne, you had grown weary of the suffocating constraints of royalty. Every aspect of your life was meticulously planned and controlled, leaving you yearning for a taste of freedom beyond the opulent corridors and grand ballrooms.

On a particularly stifling afternoon, you found yourself gazing out of a window, lost in thoughts of the outside world. A gentle breeze rustled the curtains, carrying with it the distant sounds of laughter and life. You couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to experience the world beyond these walls as a commoner.

Inspiration struck like a lightning bolt. With determination burning in your heart, you concocted a plan. Disguised as a commoner, you would venture into the bustling city that lay beyond the palace gates, seeking adventure and a chance to live as an ordinary person.

Donning a simple cloak and tucking your royal garments away, you stepped out of the palace dressed as an unassuming commoner. Heart pounding, you made your way through the streets, reveling in the anonymity that your disguise provided. The world outside was a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and scents, a stark contrast to the polished sterility of the palace.

As you wandered through the market, your eyes were drawn to a lively figure with fiery red hair. Luka, a charismatic young man, stood at a makeshift stall, surrounded by children who listened raptly to his tales of adventure and bravery. His bright blue eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he regaled them with stories of far-off lands and mythical creatures.

You took a step closer to the makeshift stall, unable to tear your eyes away from Luka's animated storytelling. His passion seemed to infuse every word, every gesture, making it impossible not to be drawn in. The children around him were hanging onto his every word, their eyes wide with wonder.

As a particularly thrilling moment in Luka's story unfolded, he raised his hand dramatically, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "And just as the brave knight stood on the edge of the cliff, facing the fearsome dragon," he paused, the anticipation in the air almost tangible, "he realized that his greatest weapon wasn't a sword or shield—it was his unwavering determination."

The children gasped, their young faces alight with excitement. Luka's storytelling had a magical quality, transporting listeners to far-off lands where anything was possible. And in that moment, you realized that Luka's tales weren't just stories; they were windows into the dreams that dwelled within his heart.

Caught up in the atmosphere, you finally nodded in response to Luka's invitation. "I'd love to hear one of your daring escapades," you said, a genuine smile tugging at your lips.

Luka's eyes sparkled with delight as he leaned in, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial tone. "Ah, you've chosen well, my friend. This tale is one of courage, unexpected alliances, and a touch of magic."

As Luka's story unfolded, you found yourself completely engrossed. His words painted vivid images in your mind—fierce battles, secret caves, and unlikely friendships. The way he described the characters' emotions made it feel as though you were right there beside them, experiencing every triumph and setback.

And as Luka reached the climax of his story, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and hope, he looked directly into your eyes. "It just goes to show that even in the face of the impossible, as long as you believe in yourself and those fighting by your side, miracles can happen."

The weight of his words resonated deep within you, stirring something that had long been dormant. As the story came to an end, you found yourself clapping along with the children, caught up in the contagious energy of the moment.

Luka's smile was genuine and warm, as if he knew the effect his storytelling had on people. "Thank you for joining us on this adventure," he said, his voice sincere. "Stories have a way of bringing us together, don't they?"

Little did you know that this chance encounter with Luka and his captivating tales would set in motion a journey far beyond anything you could have imagined—a journey of self-discovery, love, and the realization that dreams could come true, even for a disguised monarch seeking freedom.

-

Engaging in conversation with Luka felt effortless, like rekindling a friendship from long ago. He spoke of his dreams to explore the world and make a difference, his enthusiasm infectious. You found yourself drawn to his spirit, captivated by his genuine desire to inspire others.

"You know," Luka mused, "it's the dreams that keep us alive, even in the darkest of times. I want to show these children that they can be anything they want to be, even if the world tells them otherwise."

Your heart swelled with admiration for Luka's mission. The two of you spent hours talking, sharing stories and laughter as the day turned into evening. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the city, Luka extended an invitation.

"Would you like to join me for dinner?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes. "It's not often I meet someone with such a genuine spark."

Dinner at a quaint, candlelit tavern felt surreal. In the soft glow, you and Luka shared tales of your respective lives, your voices mingling like notes in a melodic symphony. With every passing moment, the connection between you deepened, a sense of camaraderie blooming into something more profound.

As the candlelight flickered, casting dancing shadows on the walls of the cozy tavern, Luka leaned forward, his eyes fixed on you. The warm ambiance seemed to heighten the intimacy between you, the words flowing freely as you shared your thoughts, hopes, and fears.

Luka's eyes held a mixture of curiosity and genuine interest as he leaned in, his elbows resting on the worn wooden table. "You know, I've always believed that everyone has a story to tell," he remarked, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "So, what's the tale behind the spark in your eyes?"

You chuckled, feeling a hint of nervousness under his scrutiny. "Well, you could say I've been living a life that's been more prescribed than chosen," you admitted, your gaze tracing the intricate patterns on the tablecloth. "But today, being out here in the city, sharing stories with you—it's like a breath of fresh air."

Luka's smile widened, his eyes softening with understanding. "Sometimes all it takes is a single moment of rebellion against the expectation to remind us who we truly are," he said, his voice gentle.

Throughout the evening, you discovered more about each other—your dreams, your fears, your favorite childhood memories. Luka's laughter was infectious, his stories woven with a sense of wonder that left you hanging on every word. And as you shared your own experiences, you felt a sense of liberation, as if the walls that had confined you within the palace were slowly crumbling away.

"You have an incredible gift," you said, your gaze locked with his. "Not just in storytelling, but in making people feel seen, heard, and understood."

Luka's cheeks flushed with a faint blush, his humility only adding to his charm. "I've always believed that everyone deserves to feel valued, no matter who they are or where they come from."

-

Days turned into weeks, and your bond with Luka deepened into an all-encompassing love. The stolen moments, the shared laughter, and the unspoken confidences wove an unbreakable thread between you. But the weight of your secret grew heavier with each passing day, threatening to unravel the happiness you had found.

One evening, as you walked hand in hand through a moonlit park, Luka's voice trembled with emotion. "I've never felt this way before," he confessed, his grip tightening on your hand. "You know," he said, his voice soft yet full of conviction, "I can't remember the last time I felt so at ease with someone."

Your heart skipped a beat, warmth flooding your cheeks at the touch of his fingers against your skin. "Likewise," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. "It's as if we've known each other for a lifetime."

"You've become my anchor, my source of strength."

Luka's words hung in the air, a confession that held a weight you hadn't fully comprehended until that moment. As his gaze bore into yours, a swirl of emotions engulfed you—gratitude, trepidation, and the fierce longing to protect the fragile connection you shared.

Tears welled in your eyes, and you reached up to brush them away, a wistful smile playing on your lips. "You've become my anchor too," you admitted, your voice soft but sincere. "There's something about you that makes me feel... alive."

His smile mirrored your own, a dance of vulnerability and tenderness passing between you. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring you together, to forge a bond that defied your roles as monarch and commoner.

And yet, even as you reveled in the warmth of the moment, the weight of your secret pressed upon you, demanding release. You knew that the longer you kept the truth hidden, the more complicated things would become.

As if sensing the turmoil within you, Luka's fingers brushed against your cheek, wiping away a stray tear. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, concern etched into his features.

You took a deep breath, your heart pounding in your chest. "Luka," you began, your voice quivering, "there's something I need to tell you."

His gaze never wavered, and he reached out to hold your hand, offering silent support.

In that moment, as you looked into Luka's eyes, you knew that the truth would inevitably surface. But before you could find the words, a commotion erupted at the tavern's entrance. The sudden intrusion of voices and the clinking of armor drew your attention, the scene unfolding like a surreal tableau.

A group of royal guards, clad in ornate armor and accompanied by an air of authority, strode into the tavern. Conversations hushed, gazes turned toward the unexpected visitors, and tension gripped the air.

Luka's grip on your hand tightened, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the scene. "Something's not right," he murmured, his voice tense.

Before you could react, one of the guards pointed in your direction, his voice carrying a tone of urgency. "There! That's the one we're looking for!"

Your heart pounded in your chest as all eyes turned to you, the weight of realization settling heavily upon your shoulders. Panic coursed through your veins, and the truth you had been hesitant to reveal was now exposed by the guards' accusations.

Luka's gaze shifted from you to the guards, confusion mingling with concern. "What's going on?" he demanded, his voice firm.

As the guards closed in, their intentions clear, you felt a mix of fear and resignation. The truth you had tried to keep hidden was now an undeniable reality, threatening to shatter not only your relationship with Luka but the world you had built beyond the palace walls.

The tavern fell into a tense hush as the guards surrounded you, their armor gleaming in the dim light. Luka's eyes held a mix of confusion and concern, his grip on your hand tightening as he stood by your side.

The guard who had first pointed you out stepped forward, his expression a blend of duty and sympathy. "Apologies for the intrusion," he began, his voice carrying a formal tone. "We were sent by the palace to locate someone of utmost importance."

Luka's brow furrowed as he regarded the guards with skepticism. "And what does this have to do with them?" he gestured toward you.

The guard's gaze shifted to you, and there was a hint of recognition in his eyes. "This person is not who they appear to be," he said, his voice carrying a weight of significance. "They are a member of the royal family, heir to the throne."

Luka's eyes widened in surprise, and he turned to you, his expression a mixture of astonishment and disbelief. "You... you're part of the royal family?"

Your heart sank as you nodded, unable to meet Luka's gaze. The truth you had been so hesitant to reveal was now thrust into the open, and the fear of losing the connection you had built with him weighed heavily on your shoulders.

Luka's eyes bore into you, his expression shifting from disbelief to a mix of hurt and anger. "Is this true?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Before you could respond, the lead guard continued, his tone taking on a softer note. "We've been searching for you," he addressed you directly. "Your disappearance has caused concern within the palace walls. Your family is worried, and the kingdom is in a state of unrest."

A swirl of emotions coursed through you—guilt, responsibility, and the realization of the impact your actions had beyond your personal desires. The palace had been your cage, but your absence had left a void that had far-reaching consequences.

Luka's gaze remained fixed on you, his eyes searching yours for a hint of truth. "You never mentioned..." his voice trailed off, his words heavy with disappointment.

Tears welled in your eyes, and you finally met Luka's gaze, your voice filled with regret. "I didn't want you to see me as just another royal," you admitted, your voice barely audible. "I wanted to be someone, something different."

Luka's expression softened, a mixture of understanding and conflict in his eyes. "You lied to me," he said, his voice a mixture of pain and resignation. "All this time... everything we shared... it was a lie?"

Tears streamed down your cheeks as you nodded, your heart breaking with each tear that fell. "I didn't mean for it to be this way," you choked out. "I wanted to experience life beyond the palace, to be free from the expectations that bind me."

Luka's gaze softened, his anger giving way to a conflicted sadness. "I understand wanting to be free," he murmured, his voice heavy with resignation. "But you should have trusted me enough to tell me the truth."

As the weight of his words settled over you, a profound sadness gripped your heart. The love and trust you had built with Luka had been tarnished by the truth, and you realized the extent of the damage that had been done.

The lead guard's voice broke the silence, his tone carrying a sense of urgency. "We must return to the palace," he said, his gaze unwavering. "Your family needs you, and the kingdom awaits your return."

As the guards began to usher you away, the reality of the situation sank in. The connection you had shared with Luka, the world beyond the palace walls, had slipped through your fingers like grains of sand. The path ahead was uncertain, and the consequences of your choices were now inescapable—a bittersweet reality that left your heart heavy with regret and longing.

Days turned into weeks, and the weight of the separation between you and Luka grew heavier with each passing moment. The palace felt more stifling than ever, and the memory of the connection you had shared—the stolen moments, the shared laughter—haunted your every step.

As you navigated the opulent halls of the palace, the echo of your footsteps a constant reminder of what you had lost, your heart longed for a way to mend the shattered trust. Luka's absence left a void within you, a yearning that couldn't be ignored.

In the quiet solitude of your chambers, you found yourself pouring over the letters you had written to Luka, each word a testament to the emotions you had kept hidden. Each letter was a plea for forgiveness, an earnest confession of the depth of your remorse.

The palace walls, once symbols of constraint, now felt like a prison as you grappled with the consequences of your choices. The pain of lost trust was a constant ache, a reminder of the connection you had shared and the choice you had made to conceal your identity.

One evening, as the moon cast a soft glow over the palace grounds, you found yourself writing another letter to him. The night breeze carried with it a hint of freedom, a reminder of the life you had experienced beyond these walls. The stars above seemed to twinkle with a secret promise, a glimmer of hope that you could reclaim what had been lost.

As you pour in your feelings into the letter, a soft rustling sound catches your attention. Your heart skipped a beat as you turned to see a figure standing at the entrance to your balcony—Luka. His fiery red hair caught the moonlight, giving him an ethereal glow.

Shock and longing mingled within you as your eyes locked onto his. "Luka?" you whispered, your voice a mixture of surprise and disbelief.

He gave you a small, crooked smile, his eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and vulnerability. "I couldn't stay away any longer," he confessed, his voice carried on the evening breeze.

Your heart pounded as you crossed the room, unlocking the balcony doors to allow him inside. In a matter of seconds, he was standing before you, his presence filling the space with an energy that was both familiar and electric.

"I've read your letters," Luka began, his voice barely above a whisper. "Each word, each apology... they've been weighing on my mind."

Your heart ached as you looked at him, the yearning to bridge the chasm between you almost overwhelming. "Luka, I never meant to hurt you," you said, your voice raw with emotion. "Every word, every moment we shared, was real."

Luka's gaze held yours, his eyes searching for the truth in your words. "I know that now," he replied, his voice softening. "But trust... trust takes time to rebuild."

Tears welled in your eyes as you stepped closer, the ache of remorse mingling with the hope of redemption. "Luka, I want you to know how sorry I am," you whispered, your voice trembling. "For the pain I've caused, for the secrets I've kept. I should have trusted you with the truth from the beginning."

Luka's expression softened further, his fingers reaching out to gently wipe away a tear that had escaped. "And I want to apologize too," he said, his voice sincere. "I allowed my hurt and anger to cloud my judgment. I let my doubts overshadow what we had shared."

His words held a weight of their own, a shared acknowledgement of mistakes made on both sides. As his fingers lingered against your skin, a glimmer of hope bloomed within your chest. The connection you had shared was fragile, but it wasn't irreparable. With determination burning in your heart, you knew that the journey ahead would be a challenging one, but it was a journey worth taking—to mend what was broken and rebuild a trust that had been tested.

"Maybe we can start with small steps," Luka suggested, his touch gentle against your cheek. "Let's rediscover each other, build something new."

As his suggestion hung in the air, you felt a renewed sense of possibility. The moonlight cast a soft glow over the two of you, as if the universe itself was offering a silent blessing—a chance to mend the bonds that had been strained and to forge a path forward, hand in hand, through the twists and turns of fate.

[polarisdelphi]

Another Knight I worked on my Arthurian concepts, Sir Tristan. One of my favourites again blaming the 2005 movie for that and accidentally looking like a ranger :)

Also accidental Jesus Christ as well, I only realized after I coloured his face *puts on clown makeup*

Everything is rounded and wavy with him - even with his sword, I opted for more rounded shapes to give Tristan this air of softness. He is known for his love of Iseult, so I'm taking the route of "this man is a menace, but is filled with kindness in his big golden heart".

Same goes for the flowers all over. They are to point that soft side of his but I also searched a little bit about Kernow, found out about Cornwall, and decided to incorporate those flowers into his design.

As a counterpoint, we have his sharper facial features and scar, indicating that ~menacing~ part of his, I guess hahaha

Once he ended up falliing more to the ranger side on my design, I also opted for leather armour instead of full heavy stuff. His build is more athletic but not bulky yes, yes, Lancelot is the heavy hitter fighter in the team, who would've known and he has this sense of ~movement~.

And, of course, sad droopy eyes and forget-me-nots in his hands.

As always, I'll leave more explaining and fangirling over Arthurian characters under the cut, where I'll tell al little more of my version of these characters!

SO TRISTAN, MY BELOVED.

Like I said, I became a Tristan fangirl after the 2005 King Arthur movie thanks to Mads Mikkelsen but I only went downhill from there. We all know the story of Tristant and Iseult, and he always ends up being one of my favourite characters.

Therefore, when I was reading Bernard Cornwell's Enemy of God, I almost died when I saw the phrase "because that was the summer of Tristan and Iseult" and went NOOOOOOOOO I'M NOT READY FOR THIS PLEASE LEAVE MY TRISTAN ALONE.

Alas. He wasn't left alone.

As there are many iterations of his tale, I had to decide which one to go with in order to get his design going. I like the tragedy of having him being Mark's son, as prince of Kernow, and falling for Iseult - the young woman to be married to his father, the King of Kernow.

Why? Because I'm a dramatic bitch, that's why.

Jokes aside, I think it opens many options for character development and counterpoints. By choosing Tristan to be Mark's son, I can develop them as being opposites in basically everything.

Unlike Lancelot and Galahad, who are opposite sides of the same coin and can work together despite how different they are, Tristan and Mark cannot. Tristan is brave while Mark is a coward, Tristan is gentle while Mark is harsh, Tristan is kind while Mark is cruel. All his softness, beauty and knightly courage is reflected as cruelty, uglyness and cowardice in his own father.

And by uglyness I mean more than just what we consider beautiful in aesthetic terms - it would be a putridness of heart, a rotting of the soul. Tristan's beauty comes from his capability of showing mercy and love, from having rough hands but wielding the softest of touches, from knowing how to hunt but also how to preserve the world around him to keep it in balance. Starkly different from his father, from his own blood.

That's why I think his design took a more ranger route. I wanted him to have that sort of Aragorn quietness and gentleness mixed with an imposing but quite relaxed aura of when Aragorn first appears as Strider - the Ranger of the North.

Ok peeps I won't dwell much on this because I FREAKING LOVE RANGERS. Ever since I discovered RPGs in my life, when I was a little kid playing Ragnarok online, I'm a ranger, I can't choose a different class, they are awesome and yesterday even I was fangirling over how awesome I feel with my ranger only dialogue in Baldur's Gate 3 and how badass my ranger character looks, thank you very much, I'm accepting Tristan into the ranger family AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON ARAGORN-

Ranger Tristan it is.

And the theme seemed to fit him nicely. Like I said before, having him as the son of King Mark of Kernow - which, as my knowledge goes, is Cornwall - I wanted to use his colours as black and yellow. But they didn't work with him at all. Testing some other similar colours, I ended up with forest green and everything fell into its proper place - so the black/yellow theme will probably be his father's, to be another counterpoint to him.

If Mark is full on his posh and noble clothes, Tristan will be simple and wearing only a few things to identify himself as the prince of Kernow - hence the Kernow flowers engraved on his gear.

On my Arthurian world, then, Tristan and Iseult fall in love willingly, no love potions involved. For Iseult knew only obligation and fear with Mark until she was treated with utmost kindness and love with Tristan - sealing her fate as soon as he kissed her hand for the first time as an act of courtly decorum. And Tristan... He met in her the same kindness he always had inside of him but was never extended to him. Having, for the first time, someone care and worry about him, someone who offered him gentle words instead of cruel ones.

They were, unfortunately, meant to be - and their hearts knew they couldn't be together, but a love like this cannot be tamed or ignored.

Regarding his looks, the only thing I really wanted him to have was droopy eyes - reflecting that internal sadness in his soul. The longing he carries for something he doesn't quite know or understand, until he sets his sad eyes on Iseult.

And that's why he is carrying forget-me-nots. As a foreshadowing of his and his beloved's fate at the hands of his cruel father - myosotis, as I always heard them being called, are a pledge to never forget your loved ones, a vow of faithfullness, during all life and in death, remembering the adoration for those who aren't among the living anymore.

And I think it fits Tristan and his tragic love for Iseult quite nicely.

him looking like ranger Jesus Christ wasn't intentional I SWEAR

[thelonelybrilliance]

Favorite Lyrics from Every Song on Fearless (Standard Tracklist)

Thank you for the tag, @itspileofgoodthings! Fearless is a quintessentially "me" album--the first Taylor album I listened to in full, the source of the second Taylor song I ever heard ("Love Story") and the golden heart that dwells within my heart.

Fearless:

Well, you stood there with me in the doorway / My hands shake, I'm not usually this way / But you pull me in and I'm a little more brave / It's the first kiss, it's flawless, really somethin' / It's fearless

2. Fifteen

In your life you'll do things greater than / Datin' the boy on the football team / I didn't know it at fifteen

When all you wanted was to be wanted / Wish you could go back / And tell yourself what you know now

3. Love Story

But I got tired of waiting / Wondering if you were ever coming around My faith in you was fading / When I met you on the outskirts of town

And I said, "Romeo, save me, I've been feeling so alone / I keep waiting for you, but you never come / Is this in my head? I don't know what to think" / He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring

4. Hey Stephen

Hey Stephen, why are people always leavin'? I think you and I should stay the same

5. White Horse

And there you are on your knees / Beggin' for forgiveness, beggin' for me / Just like I always wanted / But I'm so sorry

'Cause I'm not your princess, this ain't our fairytale / I'm gonna find someone someday / Who might actually treat me well

This is a big world, that was a small town / There in my rearview mirror disappearing now

6. You Belong with Me

Oh, I remember you / Driving to my house in the middle of the night / I'm the one who makes you laugh when you know you're 'bout to cry / I know your favorite songs and you tell me 'bout your dreams / Think I know where you belong, think I know it's with me

7. Breathe

Never wanted this, never wanna see you hurt / Every little bump in the road, I tried to swerve / But people are people and sometimes it doesn't work out / And nothin' we say is gonna save us from the fallout

8. Tell Me Why

I'm sick and tired of your reasons / I got no one to believe in

You tell me that you want me, then push me around / And I need you like a heartbeat / But you know you got a mean streak / Makes me run for cover when you're around

9. You're Not Sorry

You used to shine so bright, but I watched all of it fade

10. The Way I Loved You

He can't see the smile I'm fakin' And my heart's not breakin' 'Cause I'm not feelin' anything at all And you were wild and crazy Just so frustrating, intoxicatin', complicated Got away by some mistake and now

11. Forever and Always

It rains when you're here and it rains when you're gone

12. The Best Day

Now I know why all the trees change in the fall / I know you were on my side even when I was wrong / And I love you for givin' me your eyes / For staying back and watchin' me shine

13. Change

It was the night things changed, can you see it now? / When the walls that they put up to hold us back fell down / It's a revolution, throw your hands up / 'cause we never gave in

[sharpen-your-hatchet]

What I feel; What I do; What I want || Wenclair fic - Chapter 1

Description: "Frankly, all her life, she has felt separation between what she feels, what she does, and what she actually wants. Being royalty means there's often little room for opinion and desire [...]; Enid wonders how it'll feel to have her ingrained sense of duty be pitted against her unshackled curiosity. "

Six months past her 19th birthday - Enid, princess of The Kingdom of Nevermore, is allowed the chance to travel and explore the world as she sees fit. Unfortunately, it comes with a little caveat... in the form of some unwelcome company for protection. Cue Wednesday Addams, the only knight deemed worthy, and who is now Enid's personal thorn in her side.

Can they work together despite their differences? Or maybe fate has an entirely different plan for them altogether...

Pairing: Wednesday Addams / Enid Sinclair Rating: General Audiences Word Count: 3150

Click Here To Read On AO3 or read below!

x-x-x-x-x-x

The Kingdom Of Nevermore. A proud nation that towers not only in size, but also in the scale of opportunity it offers those who live within it’s borders. It is a magnificent nation, both well governed yet free. Not only this, as Nevermore is also a sprawling landscape with plentiful forests, lakes, and deserts to support the livelihood of almost any race and species. Anyone is welcome – particularly those thrown from their lands by beasts and thieves, or have otherwise been outcast. It is a land of peace and prosperity; a place that anyone may call home.

Within Nevermore’s borders there are a variety of towns, cities, and outposts – all freely explorable to every citizen if they are brave enough, or can find some way to adapt themselves to the local climate!

Some of these homesteads are within the coldest depths of the darkest caves; others amongst the crashing waterfalls of the great lakes that feed every river within the land. One particularly hardy group even find themselves nestled within an expired volcano. It is a sight to see. Not only are there free citizens, but factions too: causes people may align themselves with for a greater purpose. Most are for good, and to make Nevermore stronger… but not all are quite so innocent, though this is best not dwelled on. Unfortunately, corruption and evil can leech into anywhere, and no kingdom can be perfect - but for most, Nevermore is a place to call home and feel safe.

Within the main central city there is a castle. It is a magnificent building that is surrounded by elegant gardens, that only adds to the beauty of its architecture. This castle is the ancestral home of the Nevermore Royal Family, and it is where they still reside to this day. Though there is government, the Royal Family does not rest on their laurels. They take great pride in participating in the growth and maintenance of their land. The current family consists of the queen, prince consort, a myriad of young princes, and their single daughter – Princess Enid.

Today is a special day for the Royal Family, and there is an excitable thrum throughout the castle. Hums and whispers; glances between staff… and it is all to do with the princess herself. The staff that tend the garden look upon her room – easily spotted from the large circular stain-glass window – and wonder when the princess will emerge…

Their wait will not be long. Princess Enid awakes with a summer song in her heart, pulled into the world of the waking from a slither of sunlight piercing the curtains of her study. With a slight twinge in her neck, she groans as she shakes herself awake. Asleep at her desk again, it would seem… With an ancient Nevermorian text acting as her pillow. She must rush to her bed quick before the servants find her like this again. With sleep in her eyes, she stumbles through the short hall connecting the private study to her bedroom, tugging off her slept-in day clothes, before slipping into the relaxing coldness of her bed.

They will never know. She will play the neck ache as a training accident. Genius.

As if on cue, a servant quietly enters the room, a fond but restrained smile on his lips. He carries a tray over to the bed, his smile widening as he catches the sparkle within Enid’s eyes. Placing the tray down on her lap, he steps back then and awaits her commentary.

Enid shuffles one of her plush animals before looking down. It is a decadent array of fruits, some meats, breads, and tea. Delicious no doubt – but excessive. “Quite the platter this morning.” She muses, quirking her brow as she looks amusedly to the servant.

“Ah yes...well, you will not experience such decadence out there in the wild,” He replies, his tone playful but warm. “The kitchen thought it well you have a good hearty meal for your big day.”

Enid takes some of the meat – a sliced ham of sorts – and places it upon some bread before taking a bite. It is savoury and frankly, to die for. She is thankful for the effort, even if she thinks it unnecessary. She must remember to thank the kitchen staff before it’s too late. She grins at the servant “It’s wonderful! Though, definitely too much.”

The servant dips his head, shrugging. “I tried to tell them.”

“Well, I shall tell them myself once I am dressed.”

“Of course. I shall leave you to run your morning, princess.”

The servant smiles and leaves promptly. Enid eats some more of her breakfast platter but finds the excited flutter in her stomach too much. She simply cannot fill up on food when her insides hold too much anticipation...For today is the day.

Today. Is. The. Day!!!

The day she gets her freedom.

It is in all the governing texts – Upon six months passing a princess or prince’s 19th year, they are granted the freedom to discover and explore the lands as they wish. A journey of discovery, or thereabouts. The truth of it is that this exploration is a catalyst. The Royal Family were historically outcasts themselves: werewolves, purged from their lands. Now that the times have changed and they no longer fend amongst the wilderness, a large life-changing journey is necessary to bring forth their ability to shift. It is something Enid has looked forward to tremendously. Not so much for her abilities, but moreso knowing there is so much knowledge, wisdom, and so many stories to be found within this great land of theirs. She can only study books so much before wanting to see the world herself…If her wolf decides to show, that is only an additional benefit.

And now, the date is finally upon her. It has been the longest six months of her life.

Enid scrambles from her bed, eager to start the day. Oh she cannot wait for midday to strike; to be finally leaving the castle walls via the quiet back passages, where she and her trusty steed may gallop into their new adventure. No grand displays, no crowds pouring at her feet for just a glimpse, just her and the endless possibilities of what she’ll discover. She will prove herself a scholar finally – a reporter of the wonders of the land. She’s going to write a compendium. Something both factual and mystical to make her readers crave more!

It’s so close. She can almost taste it.

Enid dances around her room. She hums a tune as she dresses and prepares herself. Her clothing is simple yet refined, paired with a light armour set – handmade by the royal armoury. It is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Agile, yet strong. It is quite unlike her regular garb; less elegant, but certainly more practical. Her father will be pleased! Her mother less so… though she is not fond of this adventure regardless. Enid falters for a moment but lets the thought pass.

Glancing in the mirror, Enid feels a world away from the princess she has been for the last 19 years of her life. It is thrilling, captivating even! She feels like herself and yet not at all. How exciting.

Briefly, she returns to her study, scrambling to pack away all her precious stationary. Paper, ink, writing quills, pencil lead, and charcoal - she considers more, but all this alongside the few books she is bringing to read, there is little room for more lest she wishes to break her back with the weight. Prioritising is key… but how does one prioritise when all you have known is luxury? Enid scowls at her belongings. Everything is important, and yet somehow forgettable. She thinks it best she not doubt her decisions because there’s always a solution if she’s wrong!

(There isn’t the time for doubt, regardless.)

She traipses back into the main bedroom, having little else to do considering her small pack of essentials has been prepared since a week prior – and then double, tripled checked.

There is perhaps one thing missing, however.

Enid approaches her bed once more. She glances at the array of – perhaps excessive – plush animals. Comfort items… something she should likely not use any more, considering she is an adult, not to mention potentially a queen in the future. But she cannot help herself, for there is a childlike warmth that exists in her heart when those soft and familiar shapes cuddle against her during the dark and cold nights. No one will notice if a small one went along with her… She picks up one of them – a plush depiction of a unicorn – and tucks it amongst the other items within her packed bag.

Despite the land of Nevermore being full of mystical and magical beings, many believe the unicorn to be a myth. Enid intends to prove them wrong. Something so majestic and widely reported surely cannot be false.

At least, that’s what her gut tells her… She’ll find out, one way or another. It’ll make a great report for her compendium!

“Still sneaking around with your childhood toys?” Comes a soft, quiet voice, laughing slightly.

Enid jumps, having not noticed her father quietly sidle in whilst she had packed the unicorn away. She turns to him with a meek smile. Of course she had to get caught out. “Well…” She starts, a faux-innocent grin spreading across her cheeks. “I just need a companion, is all. Something to keep me safe.”

Her father looks at her fondly. He approaches and cups the back of her head as he leans to press a tender kiss to her forehead. “Oh, my Enid…” He sighs wistfully.

Her father’s hands are warm and feel like home. Despite her excitement, Enid feels the slight prick of tears, and she finds herself faltering once more… But it took too much to get here, and there is too much she has prepared for to even consider doubting her choice. She cannot consider any other possibility. Especially not now. Though perhaps a few tears for the sake of missing her Father is not a terrible thing.

“Going to miss me, hm?” She asks, distracting from her tears, and pulling her father into a hug. She presses her wet eyes into his shirt… hopefully he will not notice until he is gone.

“Of course… but this journey is important.”

“Exactly, even if mother almost put a stop to it.”

Her father lets out an indignant hum and pulls away. He looks Enid in the eye, and she feels a slight anxious twinge. She knows that grave look… Why did she have to say that? Ugh.

“Do not bring your mother into this.” Her father scolds. “She had her reasons… Fortunately, she eventually saw sense, but do not tempt fate, Enid.”

Enid nods, feeling suddenly bashful. She drops her father’s gaze. “Will mother be seeing me off?”

Her father turns quiet.

… Of course. She should have expected this.

If anything, it only solidifies her choice. She will likely not experience such freedom otherwise. She must take this chance and run with it. It does not stop the grumble of disappointment at knowing her mother’s less than warm reception, but she knows that within a few days it’ll be at the back of her mind, as she makes her way to greener pastures. Metaphorically speaking of course, as there is little pastures greener than the ones of the castle grounds. Emotionally greener pastures, perhaps, where she can escape the incessant need to be ‘good enough’ for her mother’s approval.

Frankly, all her life, she has felt separation between what she feels, what she does, and what she actually wants. Being royalty means there's often little room for opinion and desire – instead it is replaced with the wants of her parents instead, her mother specifically. Enid wonders how it'll feel to have her ingrained sense of duty be pitted against her unshackled curiosity. She hopes it will feel like a divine choosing of her own fate... And if not that, perhaps at least the weight on her shoulders to choose 'correctly' will err more in her favour, and her mother’s voice will not linger in her ear like a wicked siren song.

Sigh. She wishes her mother’s approval did not mean so much. It shouldn’t… and hopefully soon, it will mean almost nothing.

Enid takes in a deep breath. She must calm her own thoughts. She offers her father a half-hearted smile. “It’s okay. As long as you’re there.”

Her father’s expression warms. “Always,” He confirms, ruffling Enid’s hair slightly. “Now finish up getting ready, it isn’t long to go.”

Enid feels a smile tug back onto her lips, her energy and excitement revived. She nods and hugs her father again before he trundles out of the room, calling the servants to collect Enid’s things. As expected, a few servants enter moments later and collect Enid’s belongings before offering curt bows of their heads. Enid smiles in return, and wordlessly they disappear into the castle hallways. Efficient as always. The door shuts behind them and Enid is then left to her thoughts. Now her father is gone, they whir faster than ever, to the point she can hardly grasp them before another takes its place.

She is excited – that much has been established. Scared perhaps, too. Curious no doubt, and yet perhaps apprehensive at mingling with people who have only known her through paintings, books, and scrolls. It is a high pedestal to be on – that is, being a princess – and she can only hope people will cast aside their judgement of her bubbly, bright, curated exterior, and see that she is a person of substance with a lot to offer beyond her royal ties. People cannot be so shallow, surely?

Hm. She will find out soon enough.

Her eyes cast towards the clock above her dressing table. The time reads 11:30 – much later than she had expected! It really is nearly time!

Enid takes a breath, quickly taking a final scan of her beloved room before making her way out. With a pep in her step, Enid trails through the castle, greeting and smiling at every member of staff she can. She, of course, takes a quick detour to the kitchen to thank the cooks for her breakfast, before heading towards the stables around the back of the castle grounds. It is a short walk and she arrives ten minutes later to a small sending-off party, headed by her father who beams at her proudly. Enid feels her heart swell with happiness and she once again feels affirmed in this choice. She is so ready for this.

Enid goes to approach her horse – a beautiful white stallion named Sol – when her father gently guides her away for a private talk. He smiles at first, but it is empty and his expression soon pales, smile fading as it is replaced by what appears to be guilt. Enid’s stomach drops.

“Your mother and I talked.” He says stiffly.

Oh.

Enid replies with silence, staring up at him with a confused frown.

“She-… We think it would be best if you took a companion with you on your travels. To keep you safe.”

How convenient.

A companion? Seriously?! Six months of waiting, and training, and learning how to handle herself in the great wilderness… and she is now to take a companion!?! And to be dropped with this information right before her send off! Enid feels her face twitch, a stubborn scowl tugging at her eyebrows. This is unfair – more than unfair, this is an interruption of her birthright!

Perhaps the idea would’ve been loved by her had she been given the freedom to choose her travel partner – better yet, gotten to train with them… but no. Her “freedom” now suddenly hinges on the allowance of some likely brutish knight following her every move. The thought alone fills her with dread.

Enid’s mouth trembles as she tries to form words. How degrading it is that her mother disapproves of this journey and yet must dip her influential hand into it regardless. So much for freedom.

“Father-” Enid starts, only to be cut off harshly. She knows her Father’s pale heart cannot handle such a disagreement, and she can see his heart break as he asserts himself.

“No, Enid. I cannot let your mother – The queen – be disappointed. She is the ruler of us all, even me,” He sighs.

Enid grumbles. Frankly,it’s pointless to argue. “Who is it?”

Her father breathes out and calms himself. Expression brightening, he then places an encouraging hand on Enid’s shoulder before using it to spin her around. Her points with his free hand. “Her.”

… Her?

A...female knight?

At least, that’s what it appears to be. Knight’s armour and garb – though, unusually, a dark black as opposed to their usual royal blue – adorns the small frame of a woman who lurks in the shadow of the stables. Her neat uniform paired with her immaculately braided hair blends in with the dark wood, only really becoming visible when her head tilts upwards to show off the pale skin of her face. But it is not her skin nor her outfit that strikes Enid the most. It is her eyes. Intense, unwavering; a glare that sends a shiver down her spine. It is an inscrutable expression – one that has Enid wondering about this mystery knight. Despite being petite, she appears deadly regardless.

Enid feels herself struck. She simply cannot pull her gaze away.

Upon noticing their staring, the knight walks over with a stiff, but upright posture. She offers no greeting except the slight nod of her head. There’s no smile, barely even the twitch of her brow as she looks upon Enid. This is not a royal knight of which Enid is familiar… though considering the size of their forces, it is perhaps silly of her to think she would know them all.

“Enid,” Her father says with a hopeful tone. “This is Wednesday. She is a knight of a special calibre. She will be joining you for your journey.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Enid offers, holding her hand out. This turn of events is still most highly disappointing, but really she can only make the best of it. It isn’t as though she has much choice… in any case, this knight has certainly caught her attention. Maybe once the shock wears off she’ll feel differently.

But for now, Enid feels that maybe this won’t be the worst thing in the world.

Wednesday glares at her. She glances at Enid’s outstretched hand. “We’re leaving now.” Wednesday grunts, disregarding Enid and turning away. She heads back to the stables with a turn of her heel. Not an ounce of emotion seems to pass her.

Ah.

Enid suddenly feels she may have been very, very wrong.