#I think they are so talented and can’t wait to see them booked and busy

[lialovesstuff]

Happy first anniversary to boonboomger ❤️💙🩷🖤🧡💜

This season has made me so happy beyond words and am so happy I gave it a chance 🥹

I miss them so much and I can’t wait to meet them again

[lionhanie]

han taesan ; back 2 u (part one)

you can’t help but find yourself coming back to taesan everytime

this is part one of my series, back 2 u! read the previous part here!

fuckboy!taesan x fem!reader, college au

...featuring! BFFS jaehyun + woonhak, fuckboy leehan (AND he's taesan's roommate), and lovely roomies sungho + riwoo <3

word count: 1.7k

warnings: cursing, alcohol mention and usage, party mentions, TAESAN IS A BIG FLIRT, reader lowkey doesn't like him lol

a/n: fuckboy taesan i won;t U so bad .. . .. </3

likes ♡ and reblogs ↺ always appreciated!

You would’ve never expected yourself to be involved with Han Taesan, well-known on campus equally for his pretty face and his ability to have someone new under his arm every week. Your school wasn’t necessarily huge, but it was impressive to think that most students had some inkling about who Han Taesan was.

His existence frustrated you deeply, actually. There wasn't any actual reason to hate him per se, but it was aggravating to think that some people just have so much going for them. Not only was he undeniably attractive to anyone who had eyes, he was also known for his unmistakable musical talent and a captivating charm that drew people in immediately. It’s almost comical the way you could be minding your business in class only to overhear a group of girls a couple seats over talking about how handsome Taesan was at a party last weekend or who his most recent fling could be.

Despite everything you’ve heard people say concerning him, you found it hard to believe he was such a player. Sure, he may have some good looks, but he looks… Innocent, in a way. Harmless.

The first time you’d interacted was in the library. You’ve noticed him in there on various occasions while you were working, but never paid much mind to it, given that he’d only look around the bookshelves for a couple minutes before seeing himself out. Taesan was standing right in front of the library’s help desk, where you worked for a couple hours in between classes. “By any chance, would I be able to check out this book?” He’s holding it out to you, and you’re surprised to find that he’s renting out one of your favorite novels.��

“Yup, I’m just going to need your name and student ID. You can only get it for four days at a time, but you’re free to come back and renew the book if you need more time with it,” You type away at the keyboard in front of you, opening up the form you needed to fill out for book rentals. “That’s a good book, by the way.” Your small talk is unnecessary, but your job was too boring not to make conversation with the few people that actually used your services. 

“Yeah, I’ve been eyeing it for a while,” He’s smiling as he takes his card out from the back of his phone case, sliding it to you on the counter. “Ah, my name is Han Taesan. And here’s my ID.” Picking it up, you notice that the name he’d just given you didn’t match the one on his ID. Han Dongmin? You were almost sure this was Taesan, though. Sensing your confusion, he chuckles as he moves to explain the mismatching names. “Most people know me as Taesan, not Dongmin. It’s just a nickname, really. Does it matter what name I use to check out the book?” He tilts his head as he looks back up at you, waiting for your response. 

“No, not really. It’ll be linked to your ID anyways, so it should be fine.” You scan his ID on the card reader next to you, allowing you to finish up the form splayed out on the monitor. Taesan drums his fingers on the counter, glancing around the near-empty library; he’s humming the melody to a song you don’t know. “You’re all set, Dongmin.” You slide his receipt and a piece of paper telling him when he needs to return the book under the cover before giving it back to him. 

He’s caught off-guard at hearing his real name come from your mouth, but he flashes you a grin regardless. “Have we met somewhere before…” Taesan’s sentence trails off until he notices the name tag pinned to your shirt, “...Y/N?” 

This time, you’re the one caught off-guard. “Sorry, is it better for me to call you Taesan?” You question. He’s probably only striking up a conversation because he doesn’t like people calling him by his real name— that probably explains why people call him Taesan instead. “And no, I don’t think we have.”

“Nah, keep calling me Dongmin. It sounds nice coming from you.” He’s leaning on the counter now, close enough for you to notice the luxurious-smelling cologne coming off of him. “You’ll be one of the few people who call me that, you know.” His comment makes you roll your eyes playfully, scoffing at the way he’s making it sound like a special honor for you to be able to call him that. “Are you free this weekend?” 

The clicking of your keyboard stops as you finally look at him properly, feeling slightly bashful at the sudden question paired with his intense stare. “...Why do you ask?”  Your initial perceptions of Taesan quickly dissolve, as you now realize that this is the type of person he really is. Looks really can be deceiving. He smirks at the expression on your face, happy with himself knowing he has such an effect on someone he just met.

He slides his phone over to you, just like he had done with his student ID just moments ago. You take a peek at it, curious about its contents, only to see a blank “New Contact” screen waiting for you. “Number?” He asks for a girl’s number… Like this? It irritates you to think that he’s probably used this exact sequence numerous times without fail, and now he’s here using it on you while you’re at work.

Hesitating briefly, you pick up the phone and type in your info— You hate how easily you give in to him, almost wishing you played a bit harder to get, but it’s hard to say no to the handsome face of Han Taesan directly asking you for your number. “I’ll text you, yeah?” 

“Okay,” You reply, completely baffled at the interaction that just unfolded all in the span of less than ten minutes. Taesan slips his phone into his pocket and tucks the book he rented under his arm, giving you a small smile as he steps away from the desk. As you watch him walk out the sliding doors, you let out a breath you didn’t even know you were holding in. Next to you, your phone screen lights up. 

4 new messages from “Unknown Number”! it’s dongmin [address] come saturday if ur free, starts at 10 i’d love to talk to u again, y/n :-) 

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

Just this once, you’re grateful that Han Taesan is so widely known, because it was surprisingly easy to find friends who were already planning on attending Saturday’s party. You were at ease knowing you’d at least have Riwoo and Sungho to fall back on if the nerves suddenly took over. 

You wish you could say that you debated on not coming, but that’d be a complete lie, because you’re currently standing in the middle of Riwoo and Sungho’s shared apartment throwing back shots to pregame. “It’s been a while since you came out with us Y/N! What’s the occasion?” Sungho randomly interrogates you while refilling the empty shot glasses on the counter. 

Biting your lip, you contemplate your response: Should you lie and say you just felt like partying this weekend? You’re well aware of the fact that the pair of roommates in front of you are friends with Taesan… So it wouldn’t be weird to mention him now, right? But then again, his parties are huge. Chances are, he invites random strangers to them all the time, so there’s no need for you to act like your interaction at the library was anything special— You’re about to answer when your phone screen flashes on the kitchen island.

 

2 new messages from “Han Dongmin”! i’ll see u later ya? ik u won’t leave me hanging again y/n ;P 

The notification exhilarates you. Was he looking forward to seeing you tonight? It annoys you slightly to think that Taesan knew you’d show up, even if you’d never confirmed the matter. “Ah… I didn’t know you were friends with Taesan, Y/N!” Riwoo reads the text off your phone from over your shoulder as he moves to pick up one of the shots Sungho just poured. Guess he chose the answer to your internal turmoil for you. “Now that I think of it, how come we’ve never gone to any of his parties together before?” 

Mirroring his actions, you take a glass for yourself and finish it in one clean gulp, wincing at the burn it sends down your throat. “Hm, I don’t think I’d call us friends. He asked for my number at the library the other day.” You correct him, explaining the encounter you shared with Taesan two days prior. 

Being the last to take their shot, Sungho hums in understanding across from you. You can’t help but wonder what it’d be like to actually get to know the kind of person Han Taesan is; Would he maintain the tension with his flirty remarks? Or is he just a normal college student that doesn’t actually live up to the reputation he’s made for himself around campus? 

“So, Y/N, do you think he’s hot?” Sungho blurts out, making you choke on your spit. Riwoo giggles from beside you, patting your back as you finish your coughing fit. “I mean, we don’t care if you think he is. Taesan’s a handsome guy. Hell, half the student population probably thinks so too!” Sungho’s contagious laughter fills the kitchen, making you and Riwoo laugh along with him. 

“Well duh, why wouldn’t I think he’s hot?” There’s a smile on your face as you admit your attraction to the boy in question. Han Taesan is definitely intriguing. The alcohol feels like it’s finally made its way through your system, the room feeling a bit warmer than it was earlier. The three of you didn’t drink much; just enough to give you a little more courage to go to the party without feeling too nervous. You take a glance at the clock on their microwave: 10:43PM. “Shouldn’t we get going?”

taglist: @minwrlds @luna2nite @taesancore @taesanmoon @helpsplease @taylorluvation (send an ask / comment if you want to be added hehe)

© lionhanie 2024 ; all rights reserved!

[wren-kitchens]

there is no line never enough

1097 words

maybe it's cruel. no- it's almost definitely cruel, and grian is probably stooping a bit lower than he'd like here, but frankly, he has not been able to think about hotguy without that creeping dread accompanying it. he’s never liked the guy that much, but he’s always been.. for lack of a better phrase, a bit of a bumbling idiot. grian hasn't seen him so cold and calculating behind that cheery persona before, and now he doubts he'll ever be able to see him the same way again. so with that in mind.. it's still cruel. but, in grian's opinion anyway, it might just be deserved. 

completely inspired by this incredible animatic by @persiiart on youtube! which in turn is ddvau created by the wonderful doody and maruu! go check them all out, they’re all so incredibly talented

maybe it's cruel. no- it's almost definitely cruel, and grian is probably stooping a bit lower than he'd like here, but frankly, he has not been able to think about hotguy without that creeping dread accompanying it. he’s never liked the guy that much, but he’s always been.. for lack of a better phrase, a bit of a bumbling idiot. grian hasn't seen him so cold and calculating behind that cheery persona before, and now he doubts he'll ever be able to see him the same way again.

so with that in mind.. it's still cruel. but, in grian's opinion anyway, it might just be deserved. 

he watches as hotguy wanders across the street from atop the roof, and he can’t help smirking to himself. grian has always found it funny to wind jimmy up with some silly story about trimming his eyelashes or polishing his books—perhaps this is just an extension of that. the thought crosses his mind that jimmy ought to have gone on his 'not-a-date' with tango by now, and he finds himself a little miffed that he has not heard all about it just yet. sure, he’s spent the better part of a week in the hospital, but still—you’d think joel or lizzie would have come by to gossip, at least.

"i know you’re there, birdie!" comes hotguy's voice, that stupid flirtatious note in it, as if grian would ever fall for him. "come on, don't be shy!"

grian rolls his eyes and lets himself fall from the roof, spreading his wings to glide slowly down. hotguy, the complete dolt that he is, doesn't see him as he descends, nor does he hear as grian lands directly behind him. how he ever managed to get this far is beyond grian's understanding.

"i’m hardly shy." grian says, and hotguy yelps, jumping away from him. he smirks as hotguy tries to regain his composure. "what are you doing out here? doesn’t seem to be much going on."

"aw, just waiting for my favourite vigilante!" hotguy gives what grian assumes is something he considers a winning smile, and grian wants to gag. "haven't seen you around!"

grian shrugs, taking a step forward. "i've been busy." he tilts his head to the side. "i’ve heard you had something of an ordeal with a couple civilians."

hotguy blinks, apparently already taken aback by grian's behaviour. well, this ought to be more fun than he expected. "i- well, it's all over the news, i’d be surprised if you hadn't." he gives an awkward chuckle. "y’know- it's thanks to a professor at the university that we got things under control."

"what, you couldn't handle it yourself?" grian leans forward, hands behind his back—birdlike. "you’re all.." he gives hotguy a look up and down, lingering a little on his chest. "well, you know."

much to grian's satisfaction, hotguy's face has begun to redden, his eyes wide. "i don’t- you- i may be called hotguy, but i don't have fire powers." he manages, flustered. "that was- it was kind of the whole- the saviour of the day! i- um."

grian is definitely enjoying himself too much now, but he doesn't want to stop. "never seen you be so tongue-tied." he glances at hotguy's lips briefly, but long enough for him to have noticed. maybe he should do this more often, actually. "it's kinda cute."

okay, that may have slipped out there. as much as he detests the guy, grian has to admit- it is a little cute how easily the macho hero can be completely thrown off his game by some flirting. once again grian has to wonder how he managed to get this position—you'd think he should be better at this. 

"i- i’m only human, cuteguy." hotguy laughs, visibly embarrassed. he takes a step back, and grian takes another forward. "i’m not- what are you doing? um- exactly." 

grian gives what he hopes is an attractive laugh, beginning to circle the self-proclaimed 'hero'. "oh, i’m just havin' a little fun. can’t blame a guy for that, can you?"

"i suppose not." hotguy is beginning to look nervous, until grian puts a hand on his shoulder and runs his fingers along to his neck and down his spine. hotguy gives an almost imperceptible shiver. "you- you know, your name is pretty accurate."

"hm?" grian hums, resting his chin on hotguy's other shoulder, interested by the change in tone. he sounds confident, and grian is too curious to shut it down. "how's that?"

hotguy turns his head, and his lips brush grian's ear as he murmurs. "well, you’re pretty darn cute, birdie."

grian expects it to be revolting—unpleasant at least. so when something sparks in his chest, something that makes him want hotguy to talk like that some more, needless to say, he’s surprised. surprised, but not displeased. 

"now aren't you just the charmer." grian smirks, placing his hand on hotguy's waist and keeping it there as he walks around to face him. 

despite his boost of confidence, hotguy is breathless when he says, "i live to serve." he grins. "besides, it's true."

grian tilts his head, and pushes hotguy in the chest, his back against the brick wall of what he assumes to be unoccupied apartment buildings, if the lack of light emitted from any of the windows is an accurate indicator. hotguy gives a surprised huff, and grian moves closer, standing between hotguy's legs, hand still on his chest.

"this- this is a change of pace." hotguy says, the colour on his cheeks deepening further. his eyes flicker from grian's own to his lips and back again. well, why not?

grian leans forward until his lips almost graze hotguy's, eyes half closed. "not a fan?"

a beat, in which grian can hear hotguy's breath quicken ever so slightly, and feel his pulse speeding under his palms. "well- that isn’t what i said, is it?"

"i have noticed, of course." grian murmurs. "the way you look at me. it'd be hard to miss."

hotguy huffs a laugh that ruffles the tips of grian's hair. "i can’t say i’m surprised to hear that."

"you probably also noticed," grian's lips are practically brushing against hotguy's as he speaks, he’s that close. he watches as hotguy's eyes flutter shut. "that i don’t look at you the same."

grian pulls back suddenly, staying long enough to watch hotguy blink in confusion before he takes off, grinning triumphantly as he wiggles his fingers in a mocking wave. as he flies away, back home, he doesn't bother looking back.

[gingerjunhan]

boyfriend headcannons - kwak jiseok

☆彡 sorry for the delay on this one! I gotta wait for the delusions to hit juuust right before I write them LMAOOO hope you enjoy! 🫶🏻

word count: 812 | pronouns used: none | genre: fluff, established relationship | cws: all caps used, he’s a stem major (I don’t make the rules), teasing, not proofread, lmk if I missed anything!

← previous member | next member →

IT’S JISEOK TIIIIIMMMEEE

Jiseok doesn’t strike me with the same hardcore “boyfriend agenda” and Jungsu or Seungmin do, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a great boyfriend!!

there would literally never be a dull moment between the two of you

he’s such a good listener

much like Gunil, Jiseok looks at you like you hung the stars when you talk, and he never forgets a single detail

all of your favorite hobbies? your niche interests? he knows everything about all of them

you are both giant nerds but it’s okay!

while you might geek out over tv shows and bands, Jiseok geeks out over science

he’s such a loser (/pos) (and I love him for it)

he will never escape my stem major headcannon NEVER

but this also means that he would be a great help with homework if you’re also a science oriented person!

chemistry? he’s got you

biology? piece of cake

you know what he can’t do?

PDA

again, I’ve talked about this, but I need to elaborate more

Jiseok blushes and practically folds in on himself like a chair at the slightest mention on girls

it’s one of the things I find the most endearing about him

so imagine how he feels walking around with you

he is absolutely baffled that you chose to date him so he gets so giddy and excited when you show PDA

he literally can’t handle it because he just loves you so much and he gets so excited

he’s like a little kid in a candy store- he just can’t get enough

SPEAKING OF LITTLE KIDS

Jiseok, much like Jungsu, would be great with your siblings or cousins!

he would talk video games with the older kids

good around with the younger kids

gang up on you with your family, always taking their side instead of yours

playful feasting is definitely a love language of his!

I think Jiseok would score some mega points with the adults in your family and also with your friends!

they would all see that he’s both incredibly musically talented and book smart, plus he makes you happy so he’s literally the ideal man

the jack of all trades of boyfriends

the… boyfriend of all trades? okay moving on

your friends are JEALOUS

“Where did you find him? I need a boyfriend like that!”

TOO BAD go get your own this one is mine hee hee 🤭

such a polite man

his manners 📈📈 through the roof

his middle name is chivalry

he would be the sweetest, most loving boyfie around 🥹

if something is not to your liking he’s fixing it for you right away!

your wish is his command

okay we need to get back to the feasting real quick

he is so goofy

downright odd

but we love him

I can fully imagine him hiding behind a corner or doorway just to pop out and scare you 💀

harmless pranks all the time

prank wars are very common between the two of you

you have a lot of very strange inside jokes that other people would literally need code to decipher because they wouldn’t make any sense to anyone else

Jiseok is always down for an adventure!

the most basic tasks feel fun with him because he knows exactly how to keep a good energy flowing!

but he can be serious too, don’t get me wrong

long, serious phone calls after a bad day at work or while he’s away are very common

he’s not afraid to get emotional with you!

Jiseok gubes me the vibe that if you cry, he’s gonna cry too (same tbh)

he just cares about you so deeply and he’s never felt that way about anyone else

he shows his love and appreciation for you in any way he can, no matter how odd

he buys you things that make him think of you

he probably has your work/school schedule memorized so he knows when he needs to make dinner or pitch in around the house because you might be busy

if you use a purse I can imagine him holding it for you and calling it his “murse” LMAOO

I feel like he would give you an assigned animal too? idk just a thought

“Well if I’m a duck then you have to be a goose because of duck duck goose.”

his logic? flawless

if you don’t know how to play already, be prepared for guitar lessons

if you don’t want the lessons, at least be ready for concerts

he will make up songs (sometimes they’re good, sometimes they’re not) or learn your favorite songs and perform them for you

and you will always be there in the front row :)

god I love Jiseok

at the end of the day, your relationship is lighthearted, fun, and Jiseok feels very lucky to have you in his life 🩷

taglist: @dazzlingligth , @mini-mews , @mxlly143 , @somethingaboutcheese , comment to be added!⁎⁺˳✧༚

[cepetriwrites]

Alicent Reverses the Hourglass Chapter 51 Pt 2 Memes

Is this your way of flirting? God no wonder you’re single Laenor. JFC

~~~~

“You never faltered, Lady Alicent. You must have a deep devotion to your husband.”

Alicent:

Anskfkglskdkd Alicent’s avoidant attachment style will never not be funny to me. She just did all that weird Valyrian stuff INCLUDING permanently branding herself, and won’t give a mild, “yeah I’m fond of him.”

Meanwhile in all of Daemon’s marriages his wives were very open about their feelings towards him. He’s going crazy. I would be too. Bro is married but somehow still in a situationship with HIS WIFE.

~~~~

Alicent trying to guess out why Daemon is suddenly having an attitude (& being very wrong)

(Tumblr only lets me have one video per post so I have to find links to videos if I don’t want to split up everything. How dare they limit my greatness 😠)

Girl he’s told multiple times now that he wants your love and devotion. This is not a mystery!

He was a children’s beginner reading book. But she’s using him as a coaster.

~~~

I’ll be nice. Part of this is Alicent having a different way of expressing affection than daemon. She doesn’t come from a verbally affectionate background, you determine how someone feels through their actions. In her mind the fact she’s done things like running Dragonstone & supporting his future claim should make it obvious. For daemon it’s not real until it’s said. It’s interesting seeing their personality difference and how their traumatic upbringings make it worse.

~~~~

Dragonkeepers watching the public sex ceremony energy

Daemons lucky Alicent matches his freak cause why wouldn’t you tell your Catholic wife they’re going to have public sex? 😭😭😭😂😂😂😂

Imagine you’re working your first shift as a Dragonkeeper & you find out you gotta watch a rider consummate his marriage with his wife as part of the job.

~~~~

Me waiting for daemon & Alicent to pass out from dehydration/electrolyte imbalance because they’re having sex in a sauna

Gatorade doesn’t even exist yet either 😭😭😭😭

~~~~

Alicent & Daemon: *banging in a sauna*

Their autonomic nervous systems trying to keep them cool

They’re going to stand up after afterwards and immediately hit the ground.

~~~~

Alicent watching Daemon go blank after she says I love in in Valyrian.

Alicent: wow I definitely fucked up the pronunciation. This is so embarrassing, I’ve embarrassed myself. He’s embarrassed.

Meanwhile Daemon

His wife said I love you and he blue screened lol

~~~~

“I’m not made for love. I never was. My father made me for power and Viserys made me for labour. My sons made me for their own ends, a kingdom built upon my silence. It should have stayed that way.”

Me

The cycle of intergenerational trauma spinning like a hamster wheel. I really hope she gets off the ride this time.

~~~~

Daemon *chucks the hourglass into the fire*

Me

Askfkfkwofodke it was such a nice moment and then he does this bullshit??? I hate him so much. Why can’t he admit reversing time has its benefits????

~~~~~

“Let it!” Daemon’s eyes were alight even as the cave fell into darkness again. “The fate of this world is not yours to shoulder.”

Me not paying attention to the (admittedly good points) Daemon is making to Alicent cause I’m too busy tweaking out over the fact he THREW THE HOURGLASS INTO A FIRE

Me trying to figure out what about the Valyrian wedding ceremony Viserys thought would be so exhausting for Alicent

Cause the thing that makes it tiring is the sex inside a sauna. We’ve seen you have sex Viserys. That’s not tiring. Her body trying to compensate from fluid loss would be doing the heavy lifting. Thinking awfully highly of ourselves Mr Leprosy aren’t we? You’re struggling not to call out your dead wife’s name during sex. You think you’re laying down pipe? Be so for real right now.

~~~~~

Reddish is such a talented writer who’s written such an amazing, dramatic, funny, and gut wrenching story. I’m at the edge of my seat with every chapter update. I’m so proud of her for getting nominated, she deserves every one of them. If you also enjoy reddish’s work vote on the form by December 29th!

Vote Here!

Memes Masterpost

[augustjoy]

I’m so so so so sorry for annoying you but I thought to make this official for shits and giggles really

I feel like I bother you the most with requests but I want to always make sure your inbox is full because you are so talented and I want all your fics to be popular because they are always so well done

I love you so so so so

I looked at my teddy bear and I know you aren’t taking requests but I just wanted to share my thoughts with you

So I looked at my teddy bear , Mr Marshmallow, I sleep with him and cuddle him every night, it’s a comfort thing but it got me thinking, what if we do a Aaron X reader where Aaron is a little jealous of when reader cuddles the teddy more, especially because it’s Mr Marshmallow but he rather have her cuddle the teddy when he’s away on a case then someone else or something like that, especially when reader made sure the teddy smelled like him, but one morning he makes the bed and holds the teddy and looks at it, seeing some marks on it and stains and a few holes and a small tear on its side, clearly loved by reader for many years now and it makes him a little sad seeing the teddy like this and how sad his gf will be one day if she has to throw it away, knowing full well she wants to pass down the little teddy bear to her kids no wait their kids someday, hopefully a baby girl someday but then he decides to fix the teddy and clean him up or ask someone to help him maybe someone like Garcia idk and surprise reader with Mr Marshmallow looking brand new and reader is so happy Aaron can’t be jealous of Mr marshmallow because the smile on reader face is so worth it even if she cuddles a another man *wink* he’s literally a teddy bear but the idea kinda came form one of my books I like “twisted lies” where Christian harper is jealous of a Teddy named Mr Unicorn

PS. YOU NEVER SAW ME ONLINE 😂🤍

Okay babes,

This is the last request that was made before I closed them!!! Sorry y'all I got super busy 😫 BUT things are slowing down a bit and I have more writing motivation for now.

So I have this adorable fic coming soon - Friday actually... Then I have two asks that have been in limbo...they were sent in after I shut down...but before my dumbass realized that my ask button was literally labeled "Requests are OPEN!!" 🤦🏻‍♀️

Anyway...rant over, once the other 2 fics are written and scheduled to post (should be by end of the weekend) I will be reopening my inbox...so please please please be patient, I will make a formal post when that happens.

Love you babes,

Juni

[yuurei20]

Riddle Info Compilation part 2: Upbringing (pt2)

At the beginning of Book 4 we see a very subdued Riddle (Grim describes him as “kinda defeated”) in the Hall of Mirrors.

Ace explains that Riddle is not enthusiastic about going home due to “an extreme case of helicopter parenting waiting for him.”

Trey reminds Riddle that he is not allowed in Riddle’s house and thus cannot bring him any cakes, but encourages him to visit his parents’ bakery, assuring him that Chenya will probably be visiting as well.

Riddle says, “I think…I’m going to try talking with Mother some. I don’t know if she’ll listen, but even so.”

In Book 5 it is revealed that Riddle was ultimately not able to escape his home to Trey’s family’s bakery during the vacation.

We learn a little bit more about Riddle’s upbringing during Spectral Soiree when he tells Ruggie and Ortho that he has had “no exposure to the comic books and video games the rest of you enjoy.”

Riddle says that his opinion is “entirely grounded in reality” as a result, and that he has “never had much interest in watching or reading escapist fare. Ah, but I have read a great many autobiographies. By the time I was your age, Ortho, I was already reading medical dictionaries.”

Ortho comments that “there are studies that show consuming entertainment media is essential for well-rounded emotional development,” and Ruggie points out that Ortho—a robot—is worried about Riddle’s emotional growth.

Riddle accuses them of ganging up on him, saying it is none of their business.

Riddle insists that while he is not up to date on popular culture he has “read all the classics that are foundational for a literary education. Treasure hunting? Adventure? There’s no point in bothering with stories that have no lesson to learn.”

Ruggie reacts with surprise, as treasure hunting “is like solving a puzzle,” but Riddle seems confused.

We learn during Book 6 that Riddle didn’t have a TV in his home growing up, and he first tries to opt out of the video game that Ortho encourages him to play on the grounds that his mother has told him that “video games are addictive and can hurt academic performance.”

Idia mocks him for blaming games for his own lack of self control, leaving Riddle momentarily speechless.

Riddle takes offense, insisting that his grades would never drop just because he happened to play a video game, and Idia successfully provokes him into playing the game in order to prove it.

Vil comments that Riddle playing right into Idia’s hands is “embarrassing to watch” and Azul says, “Riddle’s very bright, but has zero resistance to trolling.”

Later, Riddle says that he has spent most of his time learning magic ever since he was born, receiving specialized magical training lessons at three years old.

Azul says he must have been quite the prodigy but Riddle explains that he can’t be certain if he ever had any special talent to begin with since his mother “apparently went to every possible length to ensure I’d be an exceptional mage, starting from when I was in the womb.”

Riddle says that grade skipping isn’t really done in the Queendom of Roses, and the private school he attended prior to NRC didn’t allow it,1 which is why he never did so.

He explains, “Besides, you have to be at least 24 to get a medical license in the Queendom of Roses. So I doubt my parents saw much point in me skipping a grade or two.”

Riddle’s education also included dance:

He explains that “social dancing is part of gentlemanly etiquette” and that he has “mastered it, of course.”

He offers to lead Ortho and Ruggie in a dance to thank them for what they taught him during Spectral Soiree, but Ruggie turns him down in favor of the buffet.

We also see Riddle waltzing with a ghost, and then with Vil.

Riddle explains, “I’ve had an interest in social dancing since I was a child. I learned it from my mother, as part of my rigorous education.”

Riddle says he knows how to behave in formal situations and will occasionally call out other characters for poor etiquette, such as when Silver falls asleep during a party and when he scolds Heartlsabyul students for holding conversations in the entrance to the dorm.

[edmarienism]

idk why everyone is going through so many hoops re: felvin breakup. The only obvious time they may have gone on a break was after capri. there were about 2 instances that proved they had some spat. But they must have talked about how to be public 2.0 - why would they fake being back together??

However, I do think E can do so much better than F - i thought they were ‘cute’ during that first italy trip with friends but only because I thought it was a casual ‘let’s see where it goes’ relationship and i love good gossip. But now it’s just waiting for the inevitable break up.

But while she gives me the ick time to time bc I find her to be immature. i don’t think she’s this toxic cunt who’s using E for fame tbh. I think she’s insecure and E is happy to give her as much validation as he wants bc he likes being wanted/needed.

Relationships can be unhealthy without being toxic. it’s not completely black and white, imo. I don’t think e&f are congruent romantically. They are just awkward and don’t fit. It’s weird they lasted this long and bc of this incongruity, i don’t think they will last much further. Maybe until end of the year? Can you imagine E marrying F?! lol, bc of that, I’m sticking around to see when they realize they do not match as romantic partners.

Re ellegalan - I kinda expected this was going to be them over the top. since E always has events planned in his itinerary bc he’s always has something to promote and he’s ~booked&busy~ - she, on the other hand, has nothing except some self made indie film . So, I figured E was going to make some grand gesture to put the spotlight on her. Insert eye roll but I digress.

Also I think Omar and Wilma just pity F lol. Everyone else is focusing on their career, making big moves, and she’s just there. Say what you want about Wilma’s talent, she’s never used a bf or edvin to earn her followers or get work. And idk who her parents are, but she comes across as someone who like to work hard and being creative. It comes naturally for her and she’s secure in her production of work to where she doesn’t need external validation. But back to F —

When it comes down to it, I don’t think F is capable of being some mastermind. She can’t even use charisma to articulate wisely in an interview on the spot. I just think she’s got to grow up but E has to heal from his people pleasing behavior. It’s just a match gone wrong out of convenience which makes it hard to witness but I don’t think either are bad people or that F is toxic.

anyways I feel like we go in circles about this so I wish something fun can happen or get new tea. it’s all getting repetitive (much like this long ramble - sorry!)

i actually agree with all of this. i know i'm sometimes a bit drastic and overboard with my choice of words lol. but at the end of the day i don't headcanon turtle as a toxic mastermind manipulating e or anything like that either at all. she's just an awkward, wannabe-bratty, insecure cunt with a fake persona in my eyes. nothing more or less than that lmao

[lilacsandorangeblossoms]

Photo by the amazingly talented Gia @l0veisntbrains this story is inspired by her photo.

Buffy wakes up snuggled next to Spike. She smiles for the first time in a while she is waking up next to Spike. She has Spike back and they love each other, bonus they are not living on a hellmouth. They both have been busy and today is the only day they both have off together.

Spike half asleep half awake brushes his lips over her bare shoulder. “Happy Valentine’s Day Buffy.”

She glances over her shoulder at him. “Happy Valentine’s Day Spike.”

He opens his eyes and smiles at her, he rolls over and opens the nightstand drawer on his side of the bed. He turns back to her with a little square box. “Your first prezzie.”

She gasps excited. Buffy loves getting presents. She quickly unwraps the little box and inside the little box sitting on a tiny pillow is a silver skull ring with ruby eyes.

Buffy glances up at him. He takes the ring out. “So many years ago we were under a spell and got engaged but we’ve come so far from then and now under no spell I want to ask you if you would marry me and make me the happiest man on earth.”

“Oh Spike of course it’s yes!” Buffy tackles him back onto the bed kissing him. They both laugh as they remember they both said that under the spell too. He slips the ring onto her finger.

“Happy Valentine’s Day luv.”

She pecks him on the lips again. “Happy Valentine’s Day honey.” She frowns and he tucks a piece of hair off her face. “What’s with the face

“I feel like my gift to you fails in comparison now.”

“What did you get me?” Spike loves getting gifts and especially from Buffy.

Buffy leaves his embrace and moves about their bedroom Spike enjoying the view of Buffy in her little sleep shorts and tank top. She comes back from their living room with a wrapped present.

When he unwraps it he smiles she knows him so well she got him a book of poetry a first edition limited edition. “Here’s the best part.” She flips through the pages looking for the page she wants. She stops and points to one of the poems.

“By William Pratt.”

He looks over at her and she smiles so proudly at him. He can’t believe he is seeing his own name in this book he is a published poet.

Spike leans over and kisses her passionately. “You don’t know what this means to me, thank you.”

“You’re welcome, it took me forever to find it, I eventually found it in this little shop in London that sold rare books.”

He places the book on the nightstand and wraps an arm around her bringing her underneath him. Peppering her with kisses their hands entwine. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.”

Xxx

As they are getting dressed it hits Buffy she sits down on the footstool they have in their closet. He finishes getting dressed and finds her looking at her hands and at the ring very in her head. “Hey what’s going on in that brain of yours.”

She shrugs and he bends down In front of her and kisses her on the temple. “I just remembered the last time we told everyone we were getting married or when we told them we’re together. Nobody except Dawn was happy for us. I know our last engagement was spell induced but still us becoming a couple wasn’t, I love you and that never changes but you and Giles have come far but no where as far as you used to be, Wood doesn’t want to be in the same room as you. You and Faith are good and you help out with the Slayers in training. Giles and I have come far in our relationship since sunnydale. I just want them to be happy for us.”

“Want me to take them out?”

She chuckles. “Knew I could get a grin.”

“I love you, I can’t wait to be Mrs. Pratt.” He entwines their fingers.

“You’ll have to be waiting a long time because I’m taking your name, I’m becoming a Summers.”

She smiles down at him. “William Summers. I like it.”

“Sounds better than Buffy Pratt.”

She shrugs. “Do you think they will be happy for us?”

“Dawn will, Connor will be happy because Dawn is happy, Faith will probably say it’s about time. Willow will be happy. Xander no matter how much time it’s been to him I’m always going to be that guy. Wood probably not. He might even pull you aside and ask if there’s anything wrong with you. Like he did when we announced we were dating. Giles it’s iffy on if he’ll be excited. He’ll be happy that you’re happy. When the news gets back to captain forehead he’ll be pissed, that will be fun.”

Buffy side eyes him and looks down at her ring. “One thing that hasn’t changed is we still have each other.”

“That’s never going to change, come on it’s time for breakfast, and if we don’t go down Dawn will barge in again.” Spike pulls her up off the footstool and kisses her. They both remember after Buffy came back from helping out in the battle against the senior partners. She came back with Spike. Him and Buffy were up all night talking about everything, and figuring out what their relationship is going to be. They fell asleep after the sun came up. They were snuggled up together. They didn’t go down to breakfast, next thing they know the door to their suite is being slammed open and Dawn is shouting, “‘Stop doing it like bunnies, you missed breakfast.’”

Xxx

Buffy didn’t want negativity so she told a few people of her engagement and they were all happy for her. As they are leaving the dining room Buffy slinks her arm around his waist. “What do you say we go back to our suite and stay in bed all day we could order champagne and chocolates celebrate our engagement and Valentine’s Day.”

He smiles down at her and kisses her hair bringing her even closer to him as she snuggles into his side. “I would love to but I have to put the finishing touches on your surprise.”

“My surprise? What did you get me?”

He chuckles. And kisses her on the nose. “If I told you it would ruin the surprise.”

She pouts up at him and he smiles down at her kissing her pout away.

Xxx

Buffy and Spike’s suite is the biggest in the castle, when Giles bought the castle for all the new slayers to stay in. He gave the room to Buffy as a show of affection and forgiveness. When Giles originally gave her the room some of the still new slayers were not happy that Buffy, a then single woman and Buffy being Buffy, got such a big room. When she came back from LA with Spike he moved in with her. Their suite consists of two bedrooms, a walk in closet, a huge bathroom and a living room.

While Spike was off on his secret surprise mission Buffy took a bubble bath, painted her nails. As her toes her drying Spike comes back. “Buffy come with me.” He goes to pull her up.

“Spike! My toes are not done drying. I don't want to mess them up.”

He sighs he really wants to show her his surprise, but he knows not to mess up fresh nails and especially a Summers mani/pedi. She has painted her nails pale pink.

“Where are we going? Am I dressed ok?”

She’s in blue jeans and a blush lace tank top she hasn’t put her sweater on yet, she was just lounging around their suite. “You look beautiful. I've always loved this outfit on you.”

She blushes even when he first saw this outfit when they almost ran into each other outside the bathroom all those years ago in Sunnydale he complimented her on her outfit saying she looked nice. “Can you get my shoes when you come back my toes should be dry.”

He comes back with a pair of white heels. She raises an eyebrow why did he choose those shoes. She watches him bend down and blow on her toenails to make sure they are dry then slowly slide the heel on her foot.

When he’s done he takes her hand and they walk out. She has put her black sweater on too. He brings her hand up to his lips. “So where are we going?”

Instead of ruining the surprise he tells her. “Shortly after I got her I couldn’t sleep one night nightmares of what I’ve done and of the battle with the senior partners. I didn’t want to wake you so I slipped out of bed and was wandering around the castle. I found this beautiful hidden area. It looked like it was taken out of a book. I would go there at night if I couldn’t sleep or wanted to think.”

“That was seven years ago, you found a secret place in the castle and didn’t tell me.”

He shrugs his shoulders. “Recently I wanted to know if this place was just as beautiful in the daylight as it is in moonlight so I enlisted Spike's little helper and was informed that it is just as beautiful in the daylight as it is at night.”

“Spike’s little helper?” Her tone evidently teases him.

“Sod off.” She chuckles.

They are in the back hallway and go through a shadowy arch which leads to a heavy door behind that is a private chapel, they go through the private chapel but stop at the marble statue of a head, Spike moves the head back to reveal a secret passage. They go down a hallway, and they stop at the end.

Dawn and Willow come out of one of the secret rooms at the end of this hallway. Buffy looks at them then at Spike. “This was your surprise?”

“No, this is only step one of my surprise. You need to change for the second part.”

She goes to open her mouth but he puts a finger up to her lips. “You were dressed for this part but not for the next part. Don’t worry I have it all figured out. Trust me.”

Buffy nods. “You go with them and I will see you soon.”

He kisses her on the lips delicately and goes into the room opposite the room Willow and Dawn came out of. “Do you know what is going on?”

“We’ve been sworn to secrecy.”

Buffy looks at Dawn. She is in a suit and Willow is in a nice floor length champagne colored dress. Then she enters the changing room and there’s a white dress hanging up.

“Oh my god! Just have to ask, am I fighting the master again and am I dreaming?”

Dawn and Willow shake their heads. Buffy’s face breaks out into a huge smile she knows what Spike’s surprise is. She can’t believe it. “Spike, I love him.”

She looks over at Dawn, “You’re one of Spike’s helpers?”

The younger Summers smirks. “I can’t say I’ll lose my helper title.”

“I never thought all those years ago when we first encountered Spike that we would end up here. He’s really changed. He did all of this for you.”

“We all have, I know the vampire who when we first met said on Saturday I kill you would become one of my best friends, my boyfriend, and soon my husband. Spike is always trying to make me happy or laugh and he does I’m so happy with him.”

Dawn and Willow help Buffy into this floor length strapless white wedding gown. The top of the dress is beaded, there is a light pink ribbon around her waist, and the rest of her dress is very flowy. While Willow goes to do Buffy’s hair Dawn goes to leave but Buffy stops her rushing over to give her a hug and whispers to her. “I wish mom was here.”

Dawn nods and hugs her sister. “She would be so proud of you, she hoped you would get married one day. Plus she has always liked Spike.”

Buffy chuckles. “Yeah I remember coming home from college and there would be two cups of hot chocolate in the sink, mom had said Spike came over to watch Passions and they had hot chocolate.”

Dawn laughs. “Is there anything you want me to tell him?”

There’s so many things Buffy wants to tell him she closes her eyes and takes a breath. Trying to collect her thoughts. She smiles when she whispers in Dawn’s ear.

Dawn squeals as she nods and is so happy she practically bounces out of the room and across the hall.

Xxx

Spike is tying his black tie, to match his black suit and white dress shirt. “Wow Spike you look amazing.”

“Thanks Niblet. Is she mad at me for surprising her like this?” Spike knows Buffy hates secrets in a relationship and he kept her in the dark about their wedding location but also the wedding so he wants to know if he’s going to be marrying a mad Buffy or a happy Buffy.

“Not at all actually she has a message she wanted me to tell you. ‘She can’t wait for you to be a Summers.’”

“I can't believe you’re taking our name.”

Spike looks over at Dawn; she has always been a little sister to him and soon she will be officially. “Your sister radiates Summers. I couldn't take that from her.”

Dawn wraps her arms around her vampire brother. “I’m so happy for you guys.”

Xxx

Willow has fashioned Buffy’s long hair in a low messy bun. She also French braided some of her hair and wrapped it around the top of Buffy’s head and left two pieces of hair dangling on each side of her face. “One more thing then you’re ready.”

She places a long veil at the back of Buffy’s hair. “You look beautiful Buffy. I’m so happy for you and Spike.” Willow dabs at her eyes trying not to cry and mess up her makeup.

Xxx

Buffy and Willow come out of the room and go down another hallway and Giles is waiting for them at the end of that hallway he is in a black suit matching Dawn’s. “Giles?”

“You asked me all those years ago if I would give you away I would be honored.”

Buffy blinks trying not to cry and mess up her makeup. “There is one thing I have to say….. Spike and I are getting married!” She holds up her Skull ring. Buffy throws her arms around Giles and he hugs her back. “I’m so proud of you Buffy and I’m so happy for you, I know in the past I haven’t been the biggest supporter of your relationship with Spike but seeing you together for the last seven years, I can see how happy you both make each other.”

Willow hands her a tissue to dab her eyes; she also hands Buffy a silver ring with a red ruby in the middle. She smiles at her. Willow leaves through the door and Giles looks down at Buffy. “Are you ready?”

She nods.

They open the door and Buffy gasps; she can’t believe what she is seeing. It's breathtaking, majestic and beautiful. It’s this wooded garden filled with fairy lights shimmering everywhere in every tree and on the ground. The sun does not shine directly on this garden; it's shaded by all the black trees.

Underneath the tree at the end of the aisle made of fairy lights is Spike in a suit with a light pink rose on his suit jacket, Dawn is behind him and Faith is also in a suit and she is next to him as the officiant.

This is not a big wedding so the guest list is short and it’s only the Important people and Andrew is their only guest outside of the wedding party. Andrew is also the videographer; he has his camera and is recording the whole thing.

As Buffy and Giles walk down Buffy mutters. “A daytime ceremony in the park underneath the trees indirect sunlight only.”

“What was that?”

Buffy looks up at Giles and shakes her head. “Nothing.”

Giles walks Buffy up to where Spike is and places her hand in Spike’s outstretched hand. Buffy hugs Giles again. He takes his seat in between Andrew who has already started crying and Dawn’s boyfriend.

Spike squeezes her hand and they both mouth I love you.

Faith smiles at the happy couple, she was surprised that Spike was asking her to officiate the wedding. After everything she has done to Buffy and that one time she hit on Spike in Buffy’s body. Maybe because she knows them but is still an outsider in their relationship she is the perfect person for this.

“I’ve known Buffy longer than I’ve known Spike. When Willow brought me back to Sunnydale one of the first people I ran into was Buffy and Spike. I punched Spike thinking he was attacking a young girl we got into a fight and then Buffy punched me in the face. She checked on Spike before she had her quippy line for me. They watched as the young girl was actually a vampire attack me I took care of the vampire. The next day Spike and I were talking in the basement smoking and needed a little breather from the wannabes we were getting along. Buffy came down and you could feel the shift in the room. Buffy was jealous, Spike tried to assure her he could pick up on it immediately. They always could read each other and knew what the other wanted from just a look. When Sunnydale collapsed I saw Buffy take Spike’s hand. I saw the look in her eyes and she did not want to leave him. Like I said I’ve known Buffy a long time I’ve never seen that look in her eyes for any one of her than Spike. That pure love and trust. Buffy knows whatever happens she always has Spike and when you look at Spike you can see the same look of pure love devotion Spike knows Buffy will always have his back. That’s real to find someone like that in this world. That's incredible. They have had so many people tell them that this would not work or that Buffy deserves better. When you look at them they make each other better. There's been ups and downs like every relationship but they make it through together.”

Neither Buffy nor Spike knew where Faith was going to go with her speech. Buffy is surprised it was actually a touching speech. Spike wipes a tear off Buffy’s cheek and she softly smiles at him.

“Did you write your own vows?”

Buffy’s eyes widened when she just found out she was getting married half an hour ago. She didn’t know they were writing their own vows. Spike swallows. “Buffy, I have loved you even before I knew I loved you. I’ve lived in the shadows for so many years. Meeting you, fighting beside you, falling in love with you, you are my own personal sunshine. I've seen the best and worst of you and I’m still here, you're the one Buffy, I will always be next to you, I’m not leaving you.”

Buffy sniffles that was beautiful she is going to take her lead from Spike. Words and Buffy sometimes are not mixy. “William, I loved you even before I could admit it to myself. You have always been there for me and I’ve been there for you too. You turned my world upside down and it has never gone back to normal but I wouldn’t want it to. You fought the monster inside of you and you won you’ve done things nobody ever would do. I’ve always believed in you. I’ll always be next to you too, I’m not leaving you.”

Spike smiles at her and it’s genuine and full of love his eyes sparkle in the fairy lights. “Do you Buffy take Spike to be your wedded husband for richer or poor.” Faith went to continue but realized sickness and in health Spike doesn’t get sick and till death do you part Spike is already dead. “For the rest of your life.”

Buffy side eyes Faith and she noticed that pause and the words for the rest of her life. “I do.” She places the ring that Willow gave her on Spike’s ring finger. The ring is from the same gem that the ring of Amara was made from.

“Spike, do you take Buffy for rich or poor in sickness and in health for the rest of her life.”

He also side eyes Faith, maybe he should have asked Andrew who is still crying, Giles handed him a tissue. “I do.” Spike places a silver ring with a diamond in the middle on her finger.

“By the powers invested by me I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Spike cradles Buffy’s face in his hands and passionately kisses her. One of his hands has gripped the back of her neck while her arms wrap around his neck pulling him even closer to her. His tongue licks her lips asking for entry and their tongues caress and they continue to kiss.

Giles, Andrew, Faith, Dawn, Dawn’s boyfriend Connor, And Willow all clap for them.

Xxx

Wind beneath my wings begins echoing through the trees and Buffy looks up at Spike, surprised. “You remembered?”

“Of course I remembered.” He places a hand out for her. “Can I have the first dance Mrs. Summers?”

She chuckles and smiles at him, placing her hand in his. “Of course you can, Mr. Summers.”

Buffy and Spike sway to Bette Midler singing. Buffy asks. “How did you do all of this? I can’t believe you remembered so many things from when we planned our wedding so many years ago in Giles' living room.”

He kisses her hair as they sway to the music. “Before we left to go find Red I put our notes in my pocket and I kept them all this time in my pocket. It started out as a reminder of when we were truly and deeply happy but as time went on it became sentimental, something I had to have with me.”

She kisses his neck lovingly. “Thank you Spike. for giving me the best wedding I could have ever asked for.”

“I wanted to give you everything you deserve.”

“And you have I just married the man I love. I can’t picture my life without you in it.”

He presses his lips to her forehead.They sway to the music and Buffy cups his cheek and looks into his piercing blue eyes. “This has been the best Valentine’s Day ever. I love you.”

Spike leans his forehead against hers and smiles. “I wouldn’t have wanted to spend it any other way. I love you so much Buffy.”

[friendly-books]

Dresden files White Night live blog

Content warning: Transphobia

“That’s big or you, Mini Mouse” pg. 16 Ha

Interesting bit about Wiccan and the Bible

Cool that Murphy was able to tackle Molly while she was invisible 

Molly, why are you here? This is a crime scene and you’re a civilian 

“(In case it slipped by, Molly has authority issues)” pg. 31 Ha

So the victims were all women practitioners 

I’m guessing by the way the women died our killer is a White Court Vampire or it could be more than one killer 

“Finding things. Following things. Blowing things up, mostly” pg. 47 So Harry’s good at thaumaturgy and fighting magic. At least that’s what he likes he’s good at

Interesting to see the difference in training between Molly and Harry with calling up their wills. 

“Despite all of that, the same folks I’d tried to help were afraid of me.

Even Mac” pg. 72 Aw poor Harry :( 

“Then a couple of Red Court ghouls showed up and killed two kids.” pg. 79 Ah so that’s why Harry hates Ghouls so much understandable 

“Kill them all” pg. 79 Psych much Murphy how’d you know Harry’s going to kill all the Red court?  

Helen Beckitt is back?!? 

“I mutter off-color limericks in my sleep” pg. 84 Ha 

“You don’t always think clearly where women are concerned” pg. 84 Ha

Who wears a turtleneck if it’s warm out? Sus Could be a vampire and hiding her bite mark?

Is Helen Beckitt a minor practitioner? 

Not liking how one of the possible suspects could be Thomas 

Obviously it’s not Thomas

 Harry maybe calm down, you're getting really angry Lasciel influence?

Oh no Murphy’s car

I love that Mister always slams into Harry’s shins 

Wonderful acting Harry truly a great performance 

“I was going to kill my brother later” pg. 127 Can’t wait for that confrontation 

“An NBA-sized gay burger who works with a dog” pg. Ha

“I’d get plenty of sleep when I’m dead” pg. 134 You’d be surprised how little you get 

“Okay Lash” It’s starting! 

“Do I merit an affectionate nickname now?” pg. 135 Yes 

“Could evil, true capital-E Evil, do such a thing? Help create something whole and lovely and precious” pg. 140 Interesting I wonder if even this soon after Naming Lash she began to change. I don’t she would have helped Harry with the music pre Naming 

 Elaine! I didn’t know you would be in this book

“He’s got a phychosis about charging to the rescue. I always thought it gave him a certain hapless charm” pg. 159 Yep and I agree that Harry has charm

Now people aren’t telling Harry information because he’s a Warden

Oh Elaine got into the PI business cool

The buildings on fire and Harry didn’t cause it shocking 

“Okay, here’s the plan. We follow all the other flammable people out of the building before we burn to death” pg. 171 Ha

“Harry you jackass this is how getting yourself  into trouble” pg. 177 Ha and at least you admit it 

I hope it’s a warden so Harry can fight them 

I’m glad Harry is being smart about chasing a bad guy

Mouse lore!

I hope Ancient Mai meets Mouse 

“I wondered if I could find someone to make Mouse a Kevlar vest” pg. 192 Ha and I think that would be adorable 

Little Chicago is so cool that Harry can use it listen into a conversation 

“I doubt that. It would take a subtle worker of the Art to manage that. He isn’t one”

“He’s a thug,” the passenger said. “Plain and simple. His talents makes him good at destruction and little else. He’s a beast to be prodded and directed” pg. 199 Well the passenger clearly underestimates Harry 

Cowl? It’s a bad guy convention 

How did Cowl see Harry? It’s very cool but very bad for Harry

“Bring it, Darth Bathroom” pg. 212 Ha

I ask again how does Harry not have more brain damage or at least a concussion. He really shouldn’t poke your physic around things unprotected 

“It would be more convincing if she weren’t holding the book upside down” pg. 219 Ha

“she didn’t score quite high enough to be considered for Council membership” pg. 229 Interesting so the Council has a test to decide who gets to get in. What constitutes high enough? Why does there need to be a test? Do the Wardens administer it? How does the test work? Did Harry take the test? 

“Unless we keep losing people to the vamps, in which case I guess we lower our standards”  pg. 229 What do you mean lower our standards? With a war going you should be happy with anyone joining. They don’t have to be powerful to be helpful. There are other areas that aren’t front line fighting that they could help with. This comment also shows how Carlos is the White Council’s golden boy prodigy compared to Harry’s black sheep. 

So Elaine is under performing on the test. 

“DuMorne was a warlock himself. Black wizard as bad as they come. He planned on training us up to be personal enforcers. Trained, strong wizards, under mental compulsion to be loyal to him. He nailed Elaine with it. I killed him” pg. 234 Interesting If we take what Harry said as true then why would Justin want or need enforcers? Was Justin trying to overthrow the White Council? Or was he planning on making an army? If he was then who or what was he planning on fighting? He clearly kept it a secret from the rest of the White Council as they don’t know about Elaine. Justin kept secrets from the White Council like Bob and Elaine I wonder what other secrets he had. 

“the Wardens are a fine bunch of assholes. Presents company excluded” pg. 235 Ha and I agree 

“I carefully did not lose my temper and barbecue her stupid face right then and there” pg. 245 Whoa there Harry let’s calm down 

“She met my eyes for a moment, and though her lips didn’t move, I heard her voice quite distinctly”

“The communication spell between us was an old one” pg. 246 Oh fascinating so telepathy exists maybe. That brings into more questions. Do other wizards know telepathy? Is this gray magic? Now that Harry remembers it will he use it? Or is it a subtle magic that Harry isn’t good at?

“It was my brother” pg. 247 Oh no

“The Wardens would freak out if you went to them now, anyway” I said, “and reveled  that you’d been hiding your talents from them” pg.252  Why do the Wardens care? Is it so they can draft her? 

Why don’t you like boats Harry?

“In fact I haven’t had a good time this close to the lake in general” pg. 260 Harry I like you but I need to know those are fighting words What did Lake Michigan do to you? Lake Michigan is clearly the best lake out of the five. 

“I’m not sure I could have made a focus for something like that. It took real skill” pg. 260 Yes Harry has skills 

“Water Beetle” pg. 262 Ha is that a homage to the blue beetle? 

“There’s no way the real Dresden would have come here with a woman like that instead of his dog” pg. 267 Ha

“Thunderstorm. Or I just plug it into any wall socket” pg. 268 Interesting I thought electricity and magic don’t go together. But if this works then magitek could be a thing in the Dresden files which would be so cool

“He’s not a thing” I snarled “His name is Thomas” pg. 269 Couldn’t agree more Elaine that was rude to call Thomas a thing

“Fucking boats” pg. 273 Ha

“In the space of a heartbeat the water between where I stood and the next dock froze over, a sudden sheet of hard white ice” pg. 285 So cool that Harry used a fire spell to freeze part of Lake Michigan

Oh no Madrial has a assault rifle 

“Slim, dark-haired, pale, and handsome” pg. 289 Bi Harry 27

“Is there anything I could do to make you not trust me then?” I asked “Cause I don’t want to wear the cloak. No offense” pg. 297 Ha

Oh cool Lash can translate languages 

Harry, how are you going to explain that you know these ancient languages when you’re bad at Latin?

“She was naked from the waist down” pg. 316 Why is naked from the waist? Never mind, I don't want to know. Bad implications 

Well I agree that the ghouls need to die this definitely has some Lasciel influence with how brutal Harry is being cause this is just torture at this point

“I called up Hellfire again, and with a snarl cast out the simple spell I use to light candles.” pg. 318 Scary how Harry uses a not necessary harmless spell as it is a fire spell but a spell we’ve seen him use to light candles and fireplaces used in such a destructive way 

“Sixteen, Carlos,” I said “Sixteen” pg. 319 Too young 

“Never again” pg. 324 And Harry means it

“Oh sorry about that” I said, with all the sincerity of a three-year-old claiming he didn’t steal that cookie all over his face” pg. 336 Ha

“I love to see a good testosterone-laden alpha-male struggle as much as the next woman” pg. 336 Ha and it’s fun to see other people’s reactions to Harry and Thomas who aren’t in the know

Oh no three killers 

I wish Harry and Thomas could talk to each other

Oh no Anna :(

Nope Mouse is alive just gotta keep telling myself that 

What did Mouse do at the vet? Glad Harry could pay for the damages

Harry goes to Kim’s grave :(

“DuMorne’s methods of  teaching us to discipline our emotions had not been gentle, but they worked” pg. 349 The more I learn about Justin DuMorne training the more convinced I am that it’s just child abuse

“She doesn’t have a lot of talent that way” pg. 356 Oh she does have some talent 

“The Velvet Room? I thought I burned that plac- uh, that is, I thought some as-yet-unidentified perpetrator burned that place to the ground” pg. 365 Ha

Yes we’re getting Marcone!

“Marcone doesn’t like me,” I said “And it’s mutual” 

“Marcone doesn’t like anybody,” Murphy replied. “But he respects you” pg. 366 Marcone likes Hendricks. Yes Marcone does respect Harry. He might like him a little bit considering he saved Harry’s life and offered him a job twice. Now the shipper in me is gleefully saying that Marcone likes Harry a lot.  

“Murphy rapped her knuckles gently against mine” pg. 367 Yay fist bump 

“Stallings and I found an autographed picture of Julie Newmar on eBay.” pg. 368 That’s a good gift 

Harry’s a platinum member?

“Don’t ask me” I told her “I’m gay now” pg. 373 Ha

It’s nice that Marcone takes care of his employees 

Hendricks!

Harry really notices what Marcone is wearing. 

Also while I know it’s for the readers sake that Jim reminds us what characters look like so we don’t forget I find it amusing that Harry constantly describes people and their looks when he should know what they look like “his eyes were the color of worn dollar bills” pg. 379 yes Harry I remember what Marcone’s eye color is. You’ve described it in every book Marcone’s been in. 

“I am under no illusion about your fondness for myself and my business. I regard it as a preventive measure. In my judgment, my buildings are considerably less likely to burn to the ground during one of your visits if you are disoriented from being treated like a sultan. I do, after all, recall the fate of the last Velvet Room”

“Murphy snorted without taking her wary eyes from Marcone “He’s got a point, Dresden.” 

“That was one time” pg. 381 Ha and what Marcone is doing is working. Harry hasn’t set anything on fire yet. Also Harry you set fire to Marcone’s building that’s kind of hard to forget and I doubt he’d want it to happen again. Think of his insurance 

“Marcone’s voice cracked like a whip. “Stop everyone” 

We all did” pg. 381 Cool

“Marcone blinked once” pg. 382 Oh Marcone blinked that seems to be his tell I guess or at least he’s not as in control at this moment. It’s always interesting and I like that Harry notices it mostly because he causes them

“I don’t believe it’s polite to gloat” Helen murmured to him. 

“If you knew this man, you would realize what a rare moment this is” he replied “I’m savoring  it” pg. 384 Ha and I didn’t realize that Helen was now working for Marcone interesting 

“He wasn’t wearing a business suit. He had on jeans and a black leather jacket. His hair was longish, a little mussed and he also sported a stubble of a beard that gave him a rakish look that would attract attention from the girls who fantasized about indulging with a bad boy” pg. 393 Bi Harry 28 I think. Just the girls Harry hm 

“His eyes were still green-but they were the green of summer hunter’s blind, bright and intelligent and predatory, but touched with more…something. Humor, maybe. More life” pg. 393 Oh interesting I wonder if this event with Persephone is what caused his eyes to change or if age and world warily changed them

It’s fascinating that both Demeter and Marcone this is a defining moment. For Demeter it’s her daughter who she thinks died. For Marcone he watched an innocent girl “die” from a bullet that was meant for him. And that caused him to climb the ranks and clean up the streets. 

“Owie” pg. 395 Sobbing 

Wait if Pricscalla is Skavis and we’ve established that Skavis is a man…I swear if this book pulls a creepy cross dresser a la Psycho, Dressed to kill, and Silence of the lamb I’m going to lose it

Molly what are you doing here? It’s dangerous 

“I. Am. Not. Yoda” pg. 401 Scary 

The mini sun was scary it was definitely Lash influenced 

“Sure, we’d  face somethings as children that a lot kids don’t. Justin had qualified for his Junior de Sage Badge in his teaching methods for dealing with pain” pg. 416 Not sure what Junior de Sage Badge means but if Justin’s involved then it probably isn’t good

“Rather effeminate-looking man” pg. 424 COME ON! >:( this is so stupid and a bit transphobic Jim you didn’t have to have this villain nor this plot point. I hate the whole creepy cross dresser trope as I feel that it’s transphobic. I don’t have the right words to describe or articulate the many reasons why this is bad so I’m going to stick to this sucks

“Once you start thinking, Gee maybe that isn’t me  thinking about suicide, it kind of falls apart” pg. 427 Interesting 

“The sigil of angelic script, the only unburned flesh on my left hand, itched madly” pg. 440 Interesting 

“I interpreted him purely because I knew how much it would annoy him” pg. 442 Ha

“Look, we both know you’re going to do it, and I’m too tired to dance” pg. 442 Ha

“There was a moment of silence that might have been vaguely irritated. Being adolescent at someone like Marcone is good for my morale” pg. 442 Ha 

“We both know you need me, Dresden, and I’m too tired to dance.” I could practically see the shark smile on his face.” Ha 

“Say please.” I stowed for a sullen minute before I realized that doing so was probably building Marcone’s morale, and I couldn’t have that. “Fine,” I said. “Please.” 

“Pretty please,” Marcone prompted me.

Some pyromaniacal madman’s thoughts flooded my forebrain, but I took a deep breath, Tasered my pride, and said, “Pretty please.” 

“With a cherry on top.” 

“Fuck you,” I said, and hung up on him. I kicked the base of the vending machine and muttered a curse. Marcone was probably laughing his quiet mirthless little laugh. Jerk” pg. 443 Ha I love their banter and the way Harry brings Marcone down to his level of humor and it makes Marcone seem younger. Cause who else teases Marcone no one but Harry as far as I can see. Harry’s the only one stupid enough or brazen enough to do it. I love to see it. Can’t wait for more. 

“Lasciel manifested her image to me again. The fallen angel’s manner was subdued, and her voice had something in it I had rarely heard there-uncertainty.” pg. 447 Interesting  

“She was wearing the usual white tunic, though her hair seemed a little untidy” pg. 448 More interesting things she’s changing 

“My head,” I told her “My rules. We aren’t finished” pg. 451 Ha and Harry’s not wrong 

“Because you’re so noble” she purred” pg. 452 Purred?!? 

“You. Cannot. Change. Me.”

“Lady, you ain't Lasciel” pg. 453 But he can and will 

“How many shadows like you have ever stayed in a host like me longer than a few weeks, huh? Longer than three years?”

“Never” pg. 457 So cool

“Pretty much,” I said. “From a grumpy old Scot on a farm in the Ozarks” pg. 475 Ha and I would love to see Harry’s apprenticeship with Ebenezer 

“A virgin” pg. 489 I was right about Carlos. Why would you come to the succubus vampire den and be a virgin? That doesn’t sound safe 

“Fairies, tiny pixies, each surrounded by its own sphere of light, trapped and miserable, crouched in the cages” pg. 496 Oh no why would you do that to the Little Folk? What’d they ever do to you? 

Justine!

“Groovy, I thought. Thanks, Lash

A started second passed. Then she replied, You are welcome” pg. 504 When was the last time Lashciel got thanked? Lash certainty seems shocked by it. When was the last time she was treated as a person?

“Damn, there aren’t nothing like a good entrance” pg. 509 Ha 

“You can barely speak Latin, but you speak ghoul?” pg. 524 How are you going to explain this?

“Welcome ladies and gentlemen,” I hollered, “to Bowling for Vampires” pg. 536 Ha

Marcone to the rescue!

“His cold green eyes wrinkled at the corners” pg. 556 I think Marcone is amused by Harry’s antics 

“No. Threats won’t deter you. We both know that. I can’t force you to do anything, and we both know that too.” I jerked my head at the cavern. “People are dying, John. Help me save them. God, please help me” 

Marcone’s head rocked back as if I’d slapped him. After a second he asked “Who do you think I am, wizard?” 

“Someone who can help them,” I said “Maybe the only one” 

He stared at me with empty, opaque eyes.

Then he said, very quietly, “Yes.” 

I felt a fierce smile stretch my mouth” pg. 559 bsbshjsvshjshejskanaj Ahh! I love this so much. Ok I need to stop giggling and kicking my legs like I’m 12 again. Ok I’m good now. My shipper heart loves this. Interesting how similar Marcone and Harry are with how threats and being forced to do things won’t work. I like that Harry calls Marcone by his first name. I like how before Harry said please begrudgingly with Marcone doing to annoy Harry but here with people’s lives on the line Harry does it easily and without hesitation. I love Marcone’s reaction he’s clearly shocked and didn’t expect it and he’s reeling. Then he asks Harry who considers him a bad person why he would choose Marcone to be good and Harry’s he thinks Marcone can help. When was the last time Marcone saved innocent lives without repayment or selflessness. Probably before he was part of the mob if ever. I love the description of opaque eyes as Marcone is letting Harry see his emotion and Marcone is clearly thinking about what to do. Harry believes and trusts Marcone to do the right thing or else he wouldn't have askedI. Harry’s banking on that little kernel of good that he saw in Marcone’s soul. I love that Marcone agreed to help but I doubt anyone heard him say yes except for Harry. I love that Harry’s response to that is to smile. I love that Harry can get such big reactions out of Marcone like back in Death Mask with with shroud and now with Harry asking Marcone for help. 

You mentioned that when you write already in love Marcone you like White Night. I assume you were talking about this scene. 

“Murph” I complained, “can’t you pick on someone your own size” pg. 560 Ha

“Hell’s Bells, I’m good” pg. 577 Ha 

“Nice shot” Marcone noted” pg. 579 Oh Marcone complimented Harry

“Bloody Hell” he gasped “Harry. There’s a knife in my leg. When did that happen?”

“In the dual,” I told him. “Don’t you remember?” 

“I thought you stepped on me and sprained my ankle,” Ramirez replied. Then he blinked again. “Bloody hell. There’s a knife in my guts.” He peered at them. “And they match” pg. 584 Ha

“Can you walk?”

“Yes. I can walk” I snapped 

“I could get someone to carry you” Marcone said, his tone was solicitous and sincere.

“Bite me” pg. 585 Ha and that fact that Marcone was concerned and sincere in his response. I kinda want to know what would happen if Harry said yes. He’s so tall I feel it would a little silly

“No one likes a wiseass Harry” pg. 586 Ha and come on Murphy being a wiseass is Harry’s personality 

“If you recall,” he said, “I agreed to extract you  alive. I’m not leaving until I have done so” pg. 587 Marcone does keep his word

“My God” Marcone said, his voice hushed “It is the most beautiful nightmare I’ve ever seen” pg. 589 Ha glad to see even Marcone is affected by Lara and Thomas

I wonder what Marcone’s thinking about with Vittorio attack? Probably something to do with Amanda 

Lash accelerating Harry’s brain is cool

“Why do you continue to be so stubborn about this my host?” pg. 593 Lash you’ve been in Harry’s head for three years. You should know how stubborn he is 

“An Outsider,” Lasciel said. “I have felt such a presence before. This attack is drawn directly from the mind of an Outsider” pg. 597 Interesting  

“If frying my brain got Murphy, Ramirez, Thomas, and Justine out of the mess I’d gotten them into, it would be worth it.” pg. 595 Harry just loves his friends so much 

“She…doesn’t deserve you” pg. 595 If the shadow of a fallen angel thinks you’re too good for the real one that means something 

“Kiss me. I know it seems weir-” pg. 608 Lara didn’t even let Harry finish his sentence 

“There’s an outside chance that I have abandonment issues” pg. 615 Ha

“Still…a man like you and it’s been four years…” She shook her head. “I have enormous personal respect for you, wizard. But that’s just sad” pg. 615 Ha

“Lara looked back at me for a moment and then she…turned pink” pg. 615 Is Lara embarrassed? 

“I looked slowly around the ruined room. There was a hole in house, almost perfectly round, right through the floors above us and the roof four stories. Bits and pieces were still falling” pg. 618 Ha 

“Some Listerine,” I said “I’ve got a funny taste in my mouth” pg. 619 Ha

“We use the money. We expand the Ordo, build a network of contacts. A hotline for midddle-class practitioners. We contact groups like the Ordo in cities all around the country. We put the word out that if people are in some kind of supernatural fix, they can get word of it onto the network. Maybe if something like this starts happening again, we can hear about it early and stomp on the fire before it grows. We teach self-defense classes. We help people coordinate, cooperate, support one another. We act” pg. 635 Yes! I love this idea. This is what the White Council should be doing. I hope it grows and helps people. 

“The Black Council,” I said.

“Oooh,” Ramirez muttered. “Yours is better” pg. 639 Ha

“You don’t leave an injured friend all alone.” pg. 640 Aw :)

“Tonight you will be visited by three spirits,” I announced “The ghosts of past, present, and future. They will teach you the true meaning of ‘you are still a scumbag criminal’” pg. 640 Ha 

“Marcone was there, sitting behind the desk was Helen Beckitt, or maybe Helen Demeter, I supposed. She wore her professionally suggestive business suit and was sitting across Marcone’s lap. Her hair and suit looked  slightly mussed. Marcone had his third shirt button undone.” pg. 641 jfhfjfyrhfjkgjfhdhd I shouldn’t have drank something before this ow my lungs pain. I hope Jim is happy with himself because my lungs hurt thanks to him. I knew that Marcone and Helen were sleeping together but I didn’t realize this is how we learn about it. Wait, Harry seems less shocked than I thought he’d be. Wait did Harry figure it out back in chapter 29? Before me even though I had prior knowledge what? Did I miss something? All Helen did was put her hand on Marcone’s shoulder. This does have more interesting implications.

“I cursed my timing. If I’d come ten minutes later, I’d had opened the door in media res. It would have been infinitely more awkward” pg. 641 Awkward for who Harry cause Marcone and Helen don’t seem like the type to get embarrassed. Also why would you want to walk in on them? 

“You should see how much my insurance premiums go up after your visits, Dresden” pg. 641 Ha

“Maybe Helen deserved to know about her daughter. Hell she probably did. But whatever else Marcone was, he was no fool. If he thought the news of her daughter’s fate might shatter Helen, he was probably right. Sure, she should know. But did I have a right to make that decision” pg. 646 Interesting I’ve never wanted more than to crawl into Marcone’s head than I do now. What are you thinking Marcone?

“I looked at the third line.

Then I signed it, and left without another word. pg. 648 Oh interesting that Harry was Marcone’s third signing. Harry really did help Marcone with becoming the first freeloading accord member as I doubt Marcone could have gotten Lara’s if Marcone hadn’t come to the rescue 

“Free will is horrible, Harry, believe me. I’m glad I don’t have it.” pg. 651 Are you sure you don’t have a little free will Bob? Cause back in Death Mask you didn’t do what Cowl wanted and instead helped Harry. That could be because Harry Named Bob

“Hey, Harry are you crying” pg. 652 Sobbing 

“I started playing 

Beautifully” pg. 652 More sobbing I knew this was coming but I’m still sad. 

Thomas is a hair stylist yay! 

Final thoughts 

General thoughts about the book

I thought the fights were good and I found the book funny. We’re up to Bi Harry 28 moments. I’m counting Harry’s description of young Marcone and nobody can stop me. I always enjoy Marcone and Harry banter. I love that part where Marcone offers to get someone to carry Harry. Marcone was in the book so that’s always a good thing. I’m sad for Harry that people are scared of him now. That’s going to continue to happen now that he’s the Winter Knight. The ghouls got what they deserved. I loved the Mouse lore we got. If my math is right it’s been four years since Death Mask so Maggie is roughly three at this point. I can’t wait to see what Harry and Elaine do with this organization. Will the Alphas be a part of it? As always I have thoughts about this book. 

White Council 

Now about this test. What I’ve gotten from the world building is that there are small, mid, and high practitioners of the Art. The White Council only lets the high/mid practitioners in if they pass a test. I have so many questions about the lore. Elaine seems to know how to show talent but not enough to meet the membership requirements. Now onto Justin he just keeps getting more secrets. Why would Harry think that Justin was training Harry and Elaine if there’s not at least a little truth. Maybe that’s another reason the White Council doesn’t like Harry is that they’re afraid of him. It could explain why the wardens would be upset about Elaine. If so it seems really stupid on the White Council’s part as if they keep alienating Harry he’s not going to want to be a part of the Council. While the Council kicks Harry out instead of Harry leaving it will probably have the same effect as now Harry has no ties  nor allegiance with them and I doubt he will be all that nice to them in the future. If the White Council keeps treating Harry as a black sheep or a monster, that's the fastest way Harry will become one. Self fulfilling prophecy and all that. 

Priscilla reveal 

I didn’t like it. I feel like the same plot point could have happened if Priscilla was a cis woman. I hope it was unintentional but what I got from this whole chapter is the creepy crossdresser serial killer like the villain in all the movies I mentioned. Which isn’t great for transgender men. As these tropes and media could lead the general public to think that transgender men are violent and dangerous. As statistically transgender men have been the victim of violence rather than the perpetrators. It perpetuates this myth that transgender men should be feared. 

Lash 

I knew she was going to die but her death still got to me. Redemption and self actualization are beautiful things. I wish we got to see more Lasciel and Lash moments in the books. To see what she was before and then to see what she could become. It would have been interesting to see how their dynamic would develop and how her character would evolve. As I feel like Lash became a separate entity entirely when she redeemed herself. As she was a shadow of a fallen angel with free will and choice that has got to do something. Her and Harry could have been a foil to the denarians in that Harry and Lash have an equal partnership. I love that she left him their music and I know this moment is when Bonnie is conceived. As I mentioned before, when was the last time anyone thanked Lash or now when was the last time anybody grieved for her? Surely after her fall God grieved for her and the choices she made. I doubt the denarians will. Harry must be so lonely now. He’s had Lash in his head for three years now. While they weren’t friends and they didn’t talk to each other much in three years is a long time. His head must be so quiet and lonely. He’s presumably the only one who will grieve for Lash. Well now I’ve made myself cry.

Marcone and Helen 

Hooboy do I have questions. So Helen now works for Marcone. Presumably after she got out of prison. She probably wants to get close to Marcone so she can kill him. Surely Helen was the one who asked for a job and the one who brought up sleeping with Marcone. Why would Marcone agree to this? He doesn’t seem like the type to sleep with an employee. Why would he sleep with the mother of the child that’s currently in a coma that she blames Marcone for? This puts Helen in a unique position as I assume Marcone put two and two together about the Three Eye drug, Tommy Tomm, and Victor Sells. And he must know that Helen had a part to play in Tommy’s  death. And Marcone hasn’t done anything to her. Given the fact that Marcone’s usual response to his men dying is fatal retribution it’s interesting that he hasn’t done anything to Helen. As for telling Helen that her child is alive. Yes, someone should tell her. That’s her daughter. Marcone doesn't know what Helen will do if she finds out. She deserves to know. And Marcone shouldn’t have kept Amanda a secret from Helen. That was not Marcone’s choice. Maybe it’ll stop her from trying to kill Marcone. Hopefully Harry will tell Helen now that Harry’s got Maggie and is a parent.

Onto the next book!

[sceneohscene]

Writer's block

Donna Paulsen, a talented young novelist, is struggling to find inspiration for her third book. Frustrated and on the verge of giving up, she takes her best friend's advice and changes her surroundings in hopes of reigniting her imagination. A few days later, she heads to Vermont, renting a peaceful cottage in the middle of nowhere. But the peace and quiet quickly start to drive her crazy, so she decides to settle in a bar to get some work done. If she thought that this new environment would shake loose her creativity, she didn’t expect to find inspiration in the form of the sexy bartender, Harvey Specter, who catches her eye — and her heart — at first sight.

Rating : T

Words : 14,861

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

Writer's block.

Donna couldn't believe it, after releasing two successful novels, her agent had been asking for the first chapter of her latest book for two months now and nothing, she couldn't write a single sentence. She had been sitting in front of her computer in her large New York penthouse for two hours now, and as she stared at the horizon, the town starting to wake up, she sighed — still nothing. As she wrote two words before erasing them, she sighed as she heard her phone ring and saw that her agent was calling her.

« Hello? »

« Donna, finally »

« I’m sorry, Rachel. I was... busy »

« Busy writing? »

« Of course »

« Donna » sighed the brunette.

« I can't, Rach. Nothing comes to mind, I can't even write a chapter or even the prologue, I have no idea where to start or what I want to write about. I'm not going to make it, I can’t »

« Seriously? Donna, you're the most famous romance author of your generation, in five years, you've sold more books than anyone else. You're a star, and everyone is eagerly awaiting this third book »

« That's the thing, Rachel. Everyone is waiting for it, and I can't find the inspiration, I won’t be able to make it »

« Change scenery, then »

« What? »

« Where are you now? »

« Home »

« Go elsewhere »

« I don't know »

« Donna, please. I'm sure going elsewhere and changing your surroundings will give you more inspiration, and it will keep you from thinking about Mark too »

« Rachel, everything is fine with Mark, I mean, I'm glad things are over, we were not meant to be together. Plus, I'm thirty-four, I still have time to find love again, right? »

« I’m sure, Donna »

For a few more minutes, the two friends chatted again, and after Rachel reminded the redhead of the importance of quickly submitting a first draft to the publishing house, Donna hung up before sighing. Maybe the brunette was right, she had to move and change her environment, but where? Leaving the writing of her novel aside, Donna began some research before finding the perfect destination for this fall season: Vermont. Between its orange gradient, the falling leaves, the adorable little villages, and the serene calm, it was the perfect destination to disconnect from the hubbub of New York and its crowded spaces. So after finding a small cabin isolated in the middle of the beautiful nature, Donna rushed to rent it, giving herself fifteen days to at least finish her first chapter, and a few days later, as she had been driving for almost three hours, already arriving halfway through the trip, her phone rang.

« Hey, Rachel »

« Donna, how are you doing? »

« I’m great. I followed your advice, and I’m changing the scenery »

« Really? Where are you? »

« Stowe »

« Stowe? » snorted the brunette.

« Yeah, apparently it's beautiful, especially now during fall »

« Alright, if you think it could help you — for how long? »

« I gave myself fifteen days »

« Alright, I guess we'll hear from each other in fifteen days, then? »

« Exactly »

« See you, Donna »

« Bye, Rach »

As soon as she hung up, she smiled, taking a deep breath as she followed the GPS to this small town in Vermont that might change her life. Once in front of the small rented cottage, she stayed a few seconds in front, observing it while thinking. Alright, that was cute. It was certainly not her New York penthouse in one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Manhattan, but it was at least calm and relaxing. After dropping off her things, she looked for the nearest supermarket to run some errands because she was pretty sure that food delivery was not an option, as she was happy to have the opportunity to be able to cook again, something she had lost the habit of. Clearly, Stowe wasn't Soho, and people weren't used to shopping in Jimmy Choo heels, Prada dresses, and Gucci bags, making everyone turn to look at the newcomer, especially when her sparkling hair gave her away too. At the same time, the redhead was happy to see that she wasn't stopped every thirty feet to ask for an autograph or a photo and that, in Stowe, no one seemed to recognize her. Once the few groceries in her bag, she went back into the cottage and put everything in the fridge before setting up her computer in front of the large bay window and starting to brainstorm. One hour, two hours, three hours, nothing. Alright, if it started like this, fifteen days here were going to be long, especially since the silence was starting to weigh on her, after all, she was a New Yorker now, she needed life around her, noise, and people passing by so as not to feel alone physically and in her head. For a few minutes, she was looking for a nice place to go and sit down, wanting to avoid a Starbucks being too cliché, as she found a bar not too far from the cottage where she could go on foot while enjoying the fresh autumn air: The Closer. While comments were positive — nice setting, good atmosphere, very nice bartender and manager — she changed into wide-leg black pants and a fluffy olive green sweatshirt quickly before grabbing her laptop, her phone, her bag, her keys, and leaving the cottage to head to the bar. As in the pictures, the interior was beautiful, a mix of being a chic place while remaining a bar in a village a little lost in the middle of Vermont. Mahogany wood, large bar with the possibility of sitting, with a lot of bottles of alcohol standing behind, soft lighting, and a series of booths everywhere, Donna walked into the place until finding a spot where there were not too many people and taking out her laptop as she whispered.

« This is perfect »

On the other side, Harvey had just hung up with his brother, and again, he was pissed. So, determined not to scare away his customers, he took a deep breath before leaving the reserve to return to his bar and work. If he was tense after that phone call, he never thought he would be able to relax, but as he looked up, that's when he saw her. Long red hair glistening down to the middle of her back, an absolutely gorgeous body, a classy and seated walk, and incredible eyes as she smiled at some people already seated, taking the bartender's breath away. He had never felt this way, but as she approached to take a seat without having seen him, he had the feeling that a heavy weight had just been lifted from his shoulders. Just by her presence, it was as if all his problems had disappeared and he was finally calm, without all that anger that was eating him up from the inside, as crazy as it might have seemed. Seeing one of the waiters approaching her, he quickly beat him and approached the redhead, signaling to his employee that he would take care of her. If she was busy looking on her screen, not having obviously noticed him, Harvey decided to speak.

« Can I get you something? »

As she raised her head hastily, she swallowed with difficulty as the bartender chuckled. In front of her was the most handsome and sexy man she had ever seen. Big deep chocolate eyes, such a particular smile, a prominent jaw, a stubble, and dirty blonde hair. He was so handsome that she couldn't believe it, feeling like a teen facing her first crush. After looking at him for a few seconds, she inhaled quickly before whispering.

« Do you have pumpkin spice latte? »

« Los Angeles? »

« What? »

« You're from LA? »

« No, New York »

« I see, then » chuckled Harvey.

« What? » smiled Donna.

« We don't serve pumpkin spice lattes here, but I can make you a latte »

« That's perfect, thank you »

« Alright, I'll be back »

Just the way his raspy voice had said that last sentence, the redhead felt herself shiver as she let out a sigh she didn't know she was holding. If for a few minutes she questioned her whole life while looking at him disappear, he came back with a large mug a few minutes later before setting it on the table while looking at her gently.

« Thank you very much »

« You're welcome. Call me if you need anything, I'm just over there »

« Thank you… »

« Harvey »

« Harvey. Thank you, Harvey »

Read more

[natlacentral]

HOLR CHATS: JOEL D. MONTGRAND TALKS HBO’S “TRUE DETECTIVE: NIGHT COUNTRY” AND NETFLIX’S “AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER”

HOLR is chatting with Joel D. Montgrand, who stars in HBO’s “True Detective: Night Country” and Netflix’s live-action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” Get to know breakout star Joel D. Montgrand, as he sits down to chat with HOLR about his latest roles to date- those of which include starring in HBO’s “True Detective: Night Country” and Netflix’s live-action take on “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” From how he got his start in the entertainment industry to what’s next for the rising star, Joel, who is an indigenous actor and podcast host, is diving into his “life and career-changing” opportunities and how they have shaped who he is as an actor, today.

Talk to us about how you got your start in the entertainment industry.

Professionally? It was 10 years ago, that I was given a lead by a mutual acquaintance with my now agent.  He told me I was talented and should do more than community theatre and that he went to school with someone he knew was working as an agent now. Armed with this info I showed up and walked into their office, there was no one at the desk, so I went in and knocked on the first door I saw and she was like “Hello?” I introduced myself, and said I was looking for an agent and she said, okay, where’s your resume and headshots, and I was like “Oh, I need those?” I had no clue about how to get into this business. Thankfully she took a chance on me and told me to get some headshots done. I spent the only 500 dollars I had to my name and got them done and wonder of wonders, I booked 4 out of the first 5 auditions I had and managed to pull myself out of poverty.  It was quite a trip at the start.

You play Eddie Qavvik in the fourth season of HBO’s hit series “True Detective: Night Country.” Talk to us about this experience and what it was like starring alongside Jodie Foster and screen partner, Kali Reis.

It was life and career-changing. I felt so lucky to finally be given a character I could really sink my teeth into and showcase my abilities. Beyond theatre, I was never really given that chance so I knew I wasn’t going to blow it. Also, I was really lucky to have a scene partner that I was able to have such great chemistry with.  Kali is thoughtful and driven. I appreciate people who know how to put in work, and honestly, she has a tremendous work ethic, you don’t get to be a champion of the world without it.  Jodi is a champ in the acting world too, so it’s an inspiration to see her process. I admire all of them a lot.

We’re excited to hear that you also play Hakoda in Netflix’s live-action adaptation of “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” which premieres soon on February 22, 2024. Talk to us about this project.

Now that it’s out I cannot wait to see what the future holds! I hope they get more seasons so I get a chance to form this character and show his amazing journey.  He’s a total badass.

What are some of the other projects you’ve worked on to date that you can share more about?

There’s a movie called “Beans” that I was in that really started my career. I think it’s probably the most important story I’ve been a part of since it is based on real events that happened in Canada in 1990. There was an Indigenous uprising because a town called Oka tried to destroy a burial ground so they could expand a golf course. It sounds like a cartoonish evil plot that couldn’t happen now, but it did and things like it still do. If it wasn’t for that movie I would not have had the chance to be in The Last Airbender or True Detective. The work speaks and grows with each job.

What are some of your favorite things to do in your spare time?

I enjoy gaming, hanging with my partner and cat, cycling, reading all the various things on Reddit, and long walks on the beach. Also, beer. But I can’t have as much as I used to, Hakoda doesn’t have a beer belly.

What’s next for you? 

I have a movie coming out that’s being shopped around called “Sweet Summer Pow Wow” I play the uncle trying to help his nephew find love and learn how to be a man. I’m really proud of that movie, it’s got a lot of heart and I hope it’s out soon. Beyond that, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled.

[grayintogreen]

WIP WEDNESDAY

Hello, hello! It's that time again. I'm about halfway finished with Chapter 40, but I'm dealing with some seasonal lag too, so it's been difficult finding the energy to write. But so far things are coming together!

Here's a snippet from the next chapter!

-

Time was the enemy of any plan.

The sole benefit to planning by the seat of your pants was the absence of time to forget piddly details or pick it apart to splinters. Even then, those crucial seconds when everything is flying at you at once will steal the wind from your sails as soon as you bring them out. There was no such thing as a plan that couldn’t fall apart under the spear and sword of a ticking clock.

Better the plan that unravels when you realize the situation wasn’t as predictable as it was in your step by step breakdown in a war room than the plan that comes apart because you had to wait. The Nein had broken for a short rest after going over every single detail of their current scheme multiple times, leaving everyone to lick their wounds and speak of superficial, inconsequential things. No one wanted to engage the big topics lingering in the air out of a great and terrible fear that they might consume them and leave them unable to continue forward.

“Let’s see that new scar,” Fjord drawled, coming up beside Lucien as he sat perched on a table, a book in his lap. If he was going to be stuck in the fucking Valley Archive until time to ship out, then he was absolutely going to be indulging in some rare books to distract himself from all the ways things could go wrong.

Especially since he was already planning on something independent of the Nein’s plans. He wasn’t going to give them time to tell him no, either- and he knew they would and it was nice to know that. It was nicer to not give them the opportunity to change their mind and agree it was the best course, no matter how risky it was. Better the initial ‘no you can’t’ when he sprung it on them, then the balancing act of trusting him to succeed and possibly not caring if he didn’t.

Trust was difficult and it came with caveats when it came too easy.

He lifted his head with an eyeroll to show off the faint red line from hairline to neck that bisected his right eye. Fjord didn’t touch him, but he leaned closer to examine it. “You got lucky. That should have taken the eye.”

Well. How was he going to avoid bringing that up? He could, of course- he was a very good liar- but he didn’t see the point. “I think Mollymauk still has some control. Not much and they’re going to push him under until he suffocates, but enough.”

Fjord eyed him like he knew, somehow, what Lucien was thinking of doing. Of all of them, Fjord’s lack of follow-up spoke of faith in his ability to get shit done and had nothing to do with making him a sacrifice. He wasn’t going to waste his breath with platitudes or anything that could be misconstrued. He knew when to talk and, more importantly, when to shut up- a talent Lucien lacked and couldn’t help but admire in others, even as he refused to pick it up.

He swept past the difficult topic of Molly to land on the even more difficult topic of Jayne, currently sitting primly on a chair with a retinue of archivists around her, all of whom were probably trying to fight over who got to do a thesis on her absolute insane behavior. “I noticed you branded her.”

“If she bolts, I want to know where she goes and make it difficult for her to get very far,” he responded. “And I doubted she’d let Cree take her blood.”

“I don’t know if anyone is really in the business of telling Cree no when she wants their blood.”

“I think Cree is still figuring out who she wants to be and what she doesn’t want to be is an absolute tyrant.” Lucien shifted, letting his long legs dangle off the side of the table as he laid aside his book about pre-Calamity monsters and how none of them were the people-shaped sort. “I never knew she had it in her to do anything but follow. It’s been… something watching her blossom.”

“Something,” Fjord repeated with a chuckle.

“A bit of column a, bit of column b. I hated her for it at first and then I resented it and now… Now I get that she never needed to dim herself for anyone just so they could shine and she knows better that she doesn’t have to crush me to feel brighter. There was room for both of us to glow.”

Fjord let that hang in the air for a moment as they watched Cree and Jester lift shelves back into their proper places and drop scattered books onto carts for reshelving. They laughed like there were still things to laugh about, which was nice to see. The world kept turning even when it was shit. There was still something you could find joy in, even in the hard times.

How wonderful it was to finally be the sort of person who didn’t meet the world on his worst days and want to tear it to pieces. If he had less of an ego, he’d wonder why he wasted his life thus far believing it was the only way. As far as he was concerned, he needed that dip in the darkness to appreciate the light, not in the suffering is divine sense as the poets say, but in the sense that the only people who are even remotely capable of changing the world are the ones who have seen it at its worst and its best and can act accordingly. It was not wasted, it was just awful and there was a difference.

[meltotheany]

hello friends! 💕 how are you? i hope you’re doing well and having happy reading! this july was a really happy month for me, but it was also a really busy month for me, so i was “only” able to read five things! yet, which you’ll see with my statistics charts, july ended up being my best reading reading month in terms of star ratings, so i am very happy! down below, will be my full reviews (or links to them) with the trigger and content warnings i wrote down while reading! i hope you enjoy all these gushes extra, because it really was such an amazing month for me! ❤️ ✨ The Apothecary Diaries Manga, Vol. 1 by Nekokurage + Natsu Hyuuga  ⭐⭐⭐⭐ okay, you were all right – this was an amazing volume one and i absolutely cannot wait to continue on with this story! i really love this, and maomao is such an amazing protagonist. i can’t wait to read more about her and her adventures! in this volume one, we are introduced to our main character, maomao, who was kidnapped and sold to the empire, and is now a maidservant in the inner court. but she soon gets a promotion when her apothecary talents are discovered, and her aid is needed in solving the mystery of the deaths of the heirs born from the consorts in the inner palace. and then… she becomes a food taster and starts to help with more apothecary needs – from chocolate making to solving another mystery of a ghost dancing atop the palace! trigger + content warnings: kidnapping, talk of child death, poisoning ✨ The Tainted Cup (Shadow of the Leviathan, #1) by Robert Jackson Bennett ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “And when the Empire is weak, it is often because a powerful few have denied us the abundance of our people.” this is the first 2024 published novel that i am giving five stars to this year! you know, i have tried to read so many horrors and thrillers, but maybe the secret sauce was just me picking up a murder mystery. i just fell so in love with our two main characters, and seeing their adventures unfold was a joy and highlight of my 2024 reading. also the amount of tabs i used because the descriptions were so lush and vivid and the quotes so powerful and beautiful? very wild, i promise. even more wild than me being so very alert and looking out for any and all cups because of the title and the cover lol. but i just loved this and i think it really reminded me how much i love murder mysteries, especially with a fantasy back drop. if you have any recommendations, please let me know! and i hope you all have even half as good of a time with this story as i did, because i still believe that will be a five star! trigger + content warnings: murder, death, blood, vomit, talk of poverty, bullying, abuse, anxiety, smoking, violence, medical testing (involving humans and animals), magical compilation, body horror, contagion, and a lot of talk and imagery of fungus and spores ❤️ full review HERE ✨ Just for the Summer (Part of Your World, #3) by Abby Jimenez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1.) Part of Your World ★★★★★ 2.) Yours Truly ★★★★ let me preface this entire review by saying that i do believe you should read at least part of your world in this loosely connected series. i didn’t feel like this about yours truly, because you just see overlapping friendships between characters – which is really cool, but i don’t think would hinder any reading experience! But i truly am not sure if i would have given this book five stars, if not for also reading part of your world! so again, totally do whatever you wanna do, read these however you want to read them, but i just recommend reading at least part of your world (which is probably the best romance book i’ve read in years, so it will be a fun side quest, i promise)! now that that is out of the way – let me actually talk about the book itself! The basic premise is that a girl read a reddit post that makes her realize the poster and her have one thing in common: they both are the person people date before they find their soulmates. So emma (28, traveling nurse) sli...

[straycatboogie]

2023/07/19 English

BGM: The Jesus and Mary Chain - I Love Rock 'N' Roll

Today I worked late. This morning I went to the library and borrowed a collection of romantic sonnets in England. After that, I started writing today's poem at the AEON's food court. Recently I am busy so can't stay and enjoy chatting on Discord to chill. I am sorry for my absence. Next Saturday I will be able to get a day off, and I want to enjoy small talk even though I have to make up the record of the meeting about autism on last Sunday. I wrote a draft of my poem so roughly. Although I want to open it to the world (for example, on Facebook). But I won't. I want to be modest to open it because I don't want to treat my readers so rudely. I need the time to make my head cool. I start reading a long interview with Shuntaro Tanikawa, and find that I have never known about him almost completely. We can find his works almost everywhere. On the textbooks, advertisements, the cartoon "PEANUTS" he had translated... But I have not learned how he had lived. This is a good opportunity for me. What can I learn?

And evening time, at the resting time of my work, I write my poem completely once more. On a Telegram group, I asked the admin to introduce my poetry blog. Oh my gosh, my life goes around the poetry nowadays. This maniac personality is one of the characters of autism. As I wrote yesterday, I have a friend as a YouTuber. Although I can't have followed his videos, I start thinking that I could add my poems to the melody he writes. Yes, a collaboration. Or another friend's paintings and my poetry... my dreams increase. It makes me happy, and also lets me feel grateful in the current situation. Now I just need to enrich my collection of poetry to wait the time because it is too early. I need the time to realize these collaborations. I share some pics of "本の蔵". I start thinking that I would like to afford the first collection of my poetry to them to share with the customers if I could make it. Can I use the friend's painting as its cover? And I also want to share the income from the book by selling it with her. Of course, this is just a plan. I need to collect my poems.

Is there any writer who had become famous in his/her late stage of life? I adored the writes who had appeared young enough and become famous immediately. Just like Keiichiro Hirano (although I have never read his works), and Ryu Murakami. But I can't become like them. I need to accept that I am lesser than them, and I never have the great talent... I just try to make my talent grow higher steadily, step by step. Then I could become a great old writer as Atsushi Mori and Charles Bukowski. Of course, maybe I couldn't become because there must be a lot of amateur writers who couldn't show their talents. There must be the writers who had been praised after their death like Franz Kafka. I can't control that I would be praised, or become popular. I just make my efforts to keep on writing my best, and try to show it to the world. They are the things I can control. I just do them and wait for the result. God will help me.

I had drunk a lot of alcohol in my young days, and now have a regret a little. I needed to care myself more preciously. But at that period I couldn't see that, and there was no person who said to me "Treat yourself precious". Now I just try to keep/save my inner fire of vitality, and walk forward one by one. I try to write my poems one by one, slowly, slowly... I think that this is really a miracle because I am still alive. Now, luckily, my fire still works. Keep this fire and try to live in my 50s and 60s... to leave the great works as Yoshikichi Furui and Haruki Murakami. Once I felt that I must be sinful because I couldn't have found any purpose or dream in my life. Why had I learned English literature at Waseda? But now, I feel that everything was to be here. I just gripped my interest, and tried to dig it to the other side of this planet even though I have no talent. A long and winding road... to be here. Now the scenery is wide. What kind of inspiration falls from the sky?

The Hearts are Still Blue

The high school was like a battle place Smart students were trying to be an ace How would they become? Any famous magazine's face? Outsiders like me actually needed a grace

The Blue Hearts sang their anthem "TRAIN-TRAIN" They declared to go their way through very heavy rain I adored them. I carried my Walkman like the drink "REGAIN" I enjoyed their songs a lot although they must never refrain

And now... time must fly. But on YouTube I try I revisit the battle field with "The Catcher in The Rye" I don't want to tell any lie, but you say I'm sly?

The Blue Hearts says simplicity is the key So don't be afraid. Be yourself cause you're free I write this one with a smile of toy monkey

*1 The Blue Hearts is a Japanese punk band

[ellynneversweet]

See, I don’t think that reasoning is even wrong, in-universe. The Charter isn’t exactly a thinking thing, but it’s a living and planned magical system with a prime directive to keep itself going, and to thereby keep all the things that exist in and as part of it going. To do that, it needs the living descendent-avatars of the Shiners, and therefore, human reproduction being what it is, it seeks out a line of descent and spits out at least one candidate. Magical epigenetics, if you will.

So we get Sam and Lirael. Sam spends much of his section of the book worrying that he’s not a proper abhorsen-in-waiting, because he’s afraid of death. But. The thing is, what necromancers need to walk in death and not be consumed by it is strength of will — ie, to not want to die. If Lirael feels the pull of the void too strongly and leans into it, Sam feels it and is yanking in the other direction. Sabriel, of course, an Abhorsen par excellence and has these two impulses nicely balanced, which makes her frustrated with both her heirs in different ways.

But even beyond this fear of death being an excellent and necessary trait in an Abhorsen, it’s not necessarily an innate reaction to the degree that he exhibits it in-text. Sam’s first action on page is to fight an army of undead and a Hedge armed with a cricket bat and perfect pitch, not a sword and a set of magic bells. And he wins, though barely! Of course he’s terrified. Of course he’s traumatised afterwards. But he’s also much, much more competent than he thinks. If it weren’t for the unknown existence of Lirael, he would probably make a very good Abhorsen.

So. What else is missing, if you’re the Charter and tracing through ancestral lines to find embryonic candidates for avatars. Wallmakers. They didn’t, so far as we know, leave direct descendants. Or maybe they did, but there’s not a real need for them, except as a sort of adjunct-skill in the Abhorsen line as Abhorsen-wallmakers to craft necromantic bells, or as royal-wallmakers to raise and restore charter stones. Enter Touchstone, who was raising and restoring charter stones (but can’t do it fast enough to outpace the free magic practitioners breaking them) and who restored the royal charter stones, which can apparently only be raised or broken by the blood of a mage of one of the great bloodlines, while he and Sabriel (whose ancestors probably featured abhorsen-wallmaker bell makers) are busy making babies. Aha, says the Charter. I have one royal heir, one Abhorsen heir, approximately five thousand Clayr heirs, and now I have the perfect raw material for a much-needed wallmaker.

Re: the other post, maybe Sam (but not Ellimere, who I think was canonically born in the Abhorsen’s House) was born in the aquifer. Touchstone and Sabriel don’t find it an upsetting place to be by the time Sam’s old enough to know the family history of the place. To the contrary, they use it as an infirmary and place for extra special family chats. Which would be a really excellent place for a little wallmaker to be born.

And! I’m not sure where this fits in, but Sam is fascinated by and terrified of good old uncle Kerrigor, safely caged in the form of a sleeping cat in a box in a cage in a bigger box under a waterfall (probably. And a chain and a big hammer with a trigger). Where’d Kerrigor get his necromantic capabilities from? He’s probably another one of the throwbacks that we see, like Clariel, and maybe like Elinor’s mother (why was she whistling, when she was dying? I think it was some latent necromantic capability). The abhorsen branch of the family tree does probably, quite rationally, put a lot of emphasis on watching younger members with a death sense and making sure that they stay on the good side of the necromantic talent field. Maybe little Sam, who knew on some level that while he could be an abhorsen but wasn’t (cosmically) meant to be one, was worried he’d go bad.

It’s never addressed in-book as far as I can recall (and, in fact, I don’t think it would even get past a publisher nowadays, certainly not in YA) but something I was always curious about with Lirael was how much of Lirael’s suicidal ideation was despair and how much of it was an untrained and unknown Abhorsen feeling what was, in hindsight, a completely predictable call of the void from the perspective of someone who, on some instinctive level, knows that she can just go for a jaunt in death and come back, and whether this is a thing the family. It’d be an interesting twist on ‘btw we have these heritable habit of intrusive thoughts of death, here’s how to cope with that in a way that doesn’t cause your own permanent demise (and also without becoming the kind of necromancer the family has to hunt down).’ They can’t all get befriended by an eldritch horror/ancient god who has decided to hang out in the shape of a friendly dog who will bite you if you start feeling too sorry for yourself, after all.

(I am going to need to reread Clariel, aren’t I? I didn’t love it the first time.)