#It's not a marriage bed if he can't have the marriage that it represents with it.

[dootznbootz]

I feel kind of bad about that post I made talking about how Odysseus would never sacrifice his family to save his own skin while I didn't give a name, I hope that person doesn't feel bad or that they get hate. As I don't want to gatekeep someone's interpretation of the Odyssey but also...while I guess you could claim that he would do that, there's so much MORE evidence as to how he would literally rather be stabbed than see his wife and son have even a splinter

Her rejecting him at first put him in a bad position. Honestly, in an alternate universe, where she didn't accept him or trick him that night, I think the poor guy would've cried himself to sleep again in that separate cot. He'd probably cry to Athena and ask if he did something wrong.

It would probably be an "awkward morning" of Odysseus and Penelope silently doing their things (not bringing up suitors' parents right now. And Odysseus would probably tell Telemachus to not say anything stupid.) and eventually, everything would bubble up out of Odysseus and honestly, I could see him straight up begging her to accept him. Not even caring about how he appeared to others.

Honestly, if she DID take a lover in that time...I think he'd either accept it and just...wander? Around Ithaca as a beggar as he doesn't want to be away from them but if they won't accept him, what else can he do? OR if she had another lover, (War flashback of the shitty retelling where Penelope has an affair) he'd probably kill the lover as let's be honest, Odysseus is basically a Yandere, to put it simply. Touch the wife, you get the knife.

And yeah, he doesn't JUST want his family.

"Oh, he wants to not be in constant danger."

"He just wants to go back to Ithaca."

"He wants to be king again."

Boy howdy, he sure does!!! But if, for example, Penelope and Telemachus for some reason moved to somewhere else? IDK, AU where they permanently moved to Sparta, hanging with Helen and Menelaus, and she didn't remarry or something. He'd be like "Shit, okay, BRB." And go to them. He'd probably have them all go back to Ithaca but still, THEY ARE HIS HOME. They make Ithaca home. Any place is home as long as he has them.

Despite having the opportunity to wed the most beautiful woman in the world, he took the Oath so then he could marry Penelope. And even then, it wasn't "for sure" as he had to race her dad. He did so much simply to have the CHANCE to marry her even though he probably wasn't planning on getting married as he brought no gifts. And he did so much so then he wouldn't have to leave the life they had built together and their young baby.

He could've had ANYONE. Went ANYWHERE. Did ANYTHING and he still wanted THEM.

Like??? Holy shit. This guy would do ANYTHING for them. I mean that's kind of why he's considered to be so "scummy" in how ride or die he is for them and basically a bitch to everyone else. That's what makes him SO different from many of his peers.

Person: Would you rather have your family- Odysseus: Family, always. Person: I didn't even say it yet- Odysseus: I don't fucking care. Always family. Person: Even if it meant you got immortality and a hot goddess for a wife? Odysseus: You act like that's a good thing? That was literally torture. Fuck you. I already have a hot Water Wife™ that I get the privilege to drown in every day. She gave me a wonderful Water Son™ who is the light of my eyes and who I am more proud to be the father of than I am of being the son of an Argonaut Person: Even if I give you a million dollars? Odysseus, acting nonchalant while Penelope picks the person's pockets: As if we can't get that on our own. Person: You'd die? Odysseus: I'll set myself on fire if I have to. Person: ...Okay, new question. Would you rather lose your family- Odysseus: The other option. Always. Person: Even torture? Odysseus: I never said I would like it, just that I would do it. Person: Even yeet a baby?! Odysseus: I'll punt the baby if I have to. It's not like I wanna but I gotta do what I gotta do.

And so on and so forth. You GET IT.

[lovelykhaleesiii]

Can I request some sort of smut with Prince Regent!Aemond? I can't get him out of my head!!!! I see him being so mean and intimidating on the Iron Throne, like he wouldn't wear the eye patch bc he knows he looks "scary" to everyone in the court without it...except his little wife doesn't find him scary. His sweet wife is willing to fulfill his every need, no matter what that is, and is a good girl for him when he fucks her roughly, and it ends up melting his cold heart. Just a thought 😮‍💨

please the heinous bitch I'll become when Aemond takes this role on, lord forgive me. this is brilliant, thanks for sending in the ask boo xx

hope you love it!

Dearest, Ruthless Husband

PAIRING: Prince Regent!Aemond Targaryen x fem!Wife!Reader

WORDS: 2,432.

WARNINGS: swearing, mentions of cruel!Aemond, degradation kink, p in v sexual intercourse (consensual), oral male receiving, mentions of breeding kink.

A/N - writing this got me so hyped for Prince Regent Aemond!!! I hope you all enjoy, the smut is a little different to what I normally write or go about it, but sue me. Intrusive thoughts won!!!!

The Dance of the Dragons as most maesters and commoners of King's Landing had dubbed the unfolding family feud within House Targaryen, was beginning to simmer and churn. Brutal words exchanged, promises unkept and broken, and battles ruthlessly fought, both sides began to earn their gains, and yet also face immense losses. The most recent, left the Usurper King Aegon, burnt and beyond repair. The King had succumbed to his bed chambers, in the endless care of maesters, tending to his wounds as he remained unconscious from milk of the poppy. Although the realm staggered on, it needed to be assigned someone to represent the sovereign himself, and no other candidate stood out, other than your royal husband, Prince Regent, Aemond Targaryen.

Before the war had torn through the Seven Kingdoms, you had been betrothed to the young Prince. Paramount in securing an alliance on behalf of the Crown, you had grown doubtful that the marriage would remain fruitful, weary that Aemond merely saw you more as an obligation than an actual human being. Much to your surprise and in favour of the Gods, the Targaryen prince, took a key interest in you, as you gradually began to spend more and more time immersed in each other's sole company. Till proof had been cemented when he meekly admitted his love for you.

"It will be undying, this union, bound to me forever, my love. You will never no of hate nor harm, that I can promise you, my wife to be."

And although, Aemond had always been more of a withdrawn, private man since your first acquaintance, the longer this war prolonged, the more it seemed to have hardened his exterior. The man you'd once soulfully cherished and dreamt of now absent, replaced by a strange clone, the warmth buried inside seemed to have gone out like a candle in the wind.

He did no harm towards you, although, you scarcely saw him. Occasionally, he'd accompany you to dinner, only to be torn away from you, more prominent, urgent matters to attend that broke in the dead hour of the night. The bed had grown lonesome, and you struggled to sleep without his comforting presence and familiar body warmth. Regardless, your safety was still a priority, he made certain that you were around, in his vicinity.

****

Nowadays, you often found your husband seated firmly atop the Iron Throne, speaking and acting on behalf of his elder brother, the King. Many a times, he'd often privately disclosed of how he'd envisioned himself instead, given the miraculous chance, he sternly believed he'd be the better choice, "I'm far more suited than the likes of him." And yet, now that his treasonous wish had been granted, the circumstances unfortunate, he did not feel as willing for it. Eager to uphold duty nonetheless, you knew, however, that Aemond loved his family immensely, this including Aegon. They grew together, trained together and fought together. Yet he only now, fully understood the burden in which the crown wielded.

Today was no less different.

Entering the throne room, crowded by those who'd sworn allegiance unto King Aegon the Second, and those in chains, forced upon their knees, for those who had instead sworn fealty to Rhaenyra only to be captured. Aemond coldly observed them from above, the ferocity of the throne, its sharp, steel blades exemplified by his exposed sapphire eye. Since your beloved husband was publicly anointed as Prince Regent, he had taken to the habit of unveiling his lost eye, no longer bearing the notorious eye patch that modestly covered his ailment. He never hid it out of shame, though rather sympathetically as means to not frighten the maidens of the court. Yet the spoils of war had unleashed a crueler side to Aemond, one that you did not sense of its existence, though neither grew fearful of.

"Sided with the false Queen, my elder sister, Rhaenyra Targaryen, you have committed the highest form of treason against the Crown... Cowards and traitors, you shall all face the wroth of the Dragons through me... I do not see it fit to send you all to the Wall, no that would be mercy...Death to the whole lot of you."

His words sent a cold chill through your body, shuddering against his low, unwavering tone. Aemond had always spoken with a steadiness, and that remained unchanged. You could not deny that seeing such a formidable side of Aemond, unlike before, was invigorating. In the haste moments that you were caught in your own bewildered thoughts, with a sway of his hand swatting for the guards to remove said traitors, the out-roar of prisoners begging and pleading before their Prince Regent and the rattling of their heavy chains as they'd been forcefully led away was a chilling memory. After the final few had left to the dungeons below, you'd caught sight of Aemond staring right at you. Mindlessly, a faint smile fell upon your gentle face, and in a few seconds to come, Aemond demanded that all vacate the room, except for you. As the others departed, you walked in the opposing way, strolling closer and closer to where your husband remained comfortably seated, coming to a halt before the stony steps.

Upon hearing the final closing of the main, oak doors, an eerie silence fell upon the void of the room. Aemond's eye turned from the shut doors back down unto your feeble state below, the height and distance made you look smaller, more miniscule.

"You dare to taunt me with that smile, woman? Your presence during court already weakens me so."

"I merely wish to see my husband in all his glory, for it feels like a lifetime that I have not been blessed in his company. If needs be that I must seek you out myself, then so be it."

"Hmm."

Just as you'd taken the first step up, Aemond commanded for you to stop. Caught mid-way, you were startled by his objection as he often never resisted you.

"You think you can go unpunished just like that, do as you please and walk yourself right up here. Simply because you're my little whore?"

You were mildly perplexed by his minor outburst, although with the sly grin strewed across his face and the low deep chuckle he provoked from his own amusement, you knew he was simply taunting you. And yet, being Prince Regent, you had no choice but to obey.

"On all fours woman, I want to see you crawl to me, like the bitch that you are."

Hesitant at first, the burning glare from your husband's end though convinced you otherwise. Now on all fours, you slowly began to mechanic your way up to him, feeling Aemond's grin seething into the tender skin of your back, straight through your gown. Did this amuse him, seeing you grabble for him on the grimy, ancient floor, practically yielding to his every word.

Now at his feet, you remained on your knees, sore palms resting on your thighs, you looked up at him eagerly, a soft smile upon your face. If he thought he could taunt or debase you, he should reconsider.

"Satisfied yet, my dearest?" You meekly interject, your smile growing brighter.

"Not yet. Have you any bright ideas, wife, or must I command you like a hound?"

Although his voice stern, the sly grin remained faintly embedded across his face, and eyebrow perked, eager for your response. Yet your remained endearing, a lustful look across your face, as your hands began to gently make there way up his lean thighs.

"You have worked so tirelessly for the realm, and yet your wife remains lonesome, in her own company. From time to time, my husband is too busy fulfilling the duties of the realm, he seems to have forgotten his duty to his wife. Leaving me to touch myself so desperately... I suppose, I must remind him."

Now your hands reached the buttons of his trousers, Aemond bucks his hips forward, as you undo them, pulling them and his under garments just low enough, that his bare cock strings out. Already glistening at its tip, the sight always left you dumbfounded. His length was greater than average, and veiny, you could sense its palpating throbs against the soft palms of your hands, as you began to stroke its firm state.

"Already hard for me, my Prince. Have you missed me so?"

His pre-cum already spilling from the pinkish tip, you'd noticed the more fasten your pace grew, the firmer his grip tightened on the metal arm rests of the throne. His once-steady breathing now heavier.

"Fuck Y/N. Don't keep me waiting."

A sweet giggle escaped your lips, as his eye and the sapphire gem remained fixated on your kneeling frame below his knees. Soon enough, still massaging his hardening cock, you ease yourself between his thighs, spreading his legs out wider for you to adjust yourself. His wish, his command, you brought your mouth to his cock, in the same, sensual pace, sucking at his cock, feeling the throbs and familiar taste in your mouth.

"Seven fucking Hells," He breathlessly huffed, his chest now heaving against your slow, engulfing motions.

It was undeniable that the tip of his cock was stiffly hitting the back of your throat, regardless of how often this act was done in the privacy of your shared chambers, his length was one you could never quite adjust to, often gagging at it, although now you'd grown familiar to manoeuvre and angle it accordingly.

"That tight, pretty mouth of yours, oh, how I've missed it."

It had been a while since Aemond and yourself had shared these intimate moments only lawful between a man and his woman, since the uprising of the war. The Gods were now charitable, for both your favours were being met.

"Mmm. F-Fuck I'm close, Princess. Straightened up."

The thudding of his hard, long cock you could feel had grown tenser. Pulling out, caused a visceral reaction from him, as you once more, obeyed his command, straightening your posture enough, that the cleavage of your breasts was the main attraction between his thighs. Immediately, he hastily spilled his warm seed over your breasts, causing a mess all over you, some of his wetness had seeped in between the cleavage, whilst the rest glistened against your soft skin, before pooling down, drenching your garments.

"A masterpiece if I ever saw one," He chuckled, as his thumb tenderly wiped away at the remnants lingering over the corner of your moist lips.

"Aemond, I need you dearest," You sulkily yearned, a hand clutching to your clothed cunt, feeling yourself beginning to grow avid, as a long, familiar feeling brew between your thighs.

"Up- Come, my dearest-" His hand smacked against his thigh, as the other held your hand in is lifting you up, guiding you to ease yourself down over him: hastily pulling your layered gown up and tearing your undergarments into two, his firm cock easily finding its way inside of you.

Muffled moans helplessly tore through you, once again, the neediness for your husband's cock, and the long-awaited wait, stimulating you enough. His wetness that coated him, helped to ease himself plunging in, now adjusted, your hips beginning to sway forwards and back over his strong lap, his rough hands held you firmly by the waist, steadying you over him.

"I ought to fuck you senseless, leave you satisfied enough for until the next time I return from battle. Perhaps I ought to fuck a babe into you, my dearest."

Still childless, it was all bad-timing for only a few months after your wedding, the war broke out and Aemond was caught in the haste of it all. He scarcely had time to bed you, although now that his family numbers were dwindling, it seemed a babe was of great importance, an heir for the Prince Regent.

"Y-Yes, Aem- I want your child."

"Your wish is my command, wife. I shall see you swell greatly with child, as many sons and daughters as I see fit."

Earning more helpless cries and screams for your husband, the room echoed with your pleas and Aemond's heavy breathing. You were certain the guards posted outside, would know of the events unfolding from within, and yet no shame. For they'd have to answer to Aemond, and that itself, was a threat.

"Fill this pretty cunt of yours, this cunt that belongs to me. I shall keep you full, as need be."

"A-As you desire, m-my Prince-"

One of Aemond's hands remained supporting your lumbar, snaking its way behind, and the other found its way to your scalp, tugging and pulling at your hair, as your head rocked back in tune to his aggressive motions. Words no longer comprehensible to exchange, Aemond's lips found themselves occupied, lapping and suckling at the sensitive crook of your neck, leaving harsh, red marks across your skin.

"Finish me, Aem. I-I need you to fill me-"

The excitement that had brewed in anticipation for this monumental moment, had finally met its need. Your sweet, hot cum pooled over his sturdy, long cock inside, pooling beneath your gown, and in response, evoked the same pleasurable reaction from your husband. Feeling his hot seed once more, shooting itself inside, coating your walls. You felt certain a child was procreated in that precise moments, though regardless, would pray to the Gods to grant you the chance to bear a healthy babe.

Huffing and puffing, hot, perspiring skin against each other, resting your foreheads against one another, almost in sync, you both exchanged faint, genuine laughter.

"I-I have missed you my dearest. It pains me so, to be away from you so often and for so long. I cherish these moments with you, even catching you lingering in the shadows, watching me."

His sweet words warmed your meek heart, and you knew that your husband was apologetic in some sense, even if he struggled to admit it.

"I know my love, but soon enough, a war always comes to an end. Just be sure, I have you returned to me in one piece, and at my beckon call."

A deep, low chucked echoed from deep inside him, as he bashfully looked down, before returning his sole gaze unto you, your fingers toying with long strands of his platinum hair.

"Even if the Gods have other plans, I will defy them for you, always. I promise to return to you, and if the Mother is willing, a babe in your arms. I love you."

general taglist - @evenstaris @chompchompluke @fan-goddess @malfoytargaryen @ilikeitbetterangsty @bibli0thecary @m1ndbrand @randomdragonfires

Aemond taglist - @godrakin @megatardisbaby @harrypotteranna23-blog

[lilap20]

Chapter VI: The Wedding

@koobratzy

@beebeechaos

New chapter released, hope you like it

The Kingdom holds its breath as the day of greatest union ever seen in the history of Westeros arrives. Princess Targaryen, second daughter of King Viserys, marries the Lord of Winterfell, unifying the two greatest Houses of the North and the South. It is said that many came to see this wedding, dragons roared in the night, wolves howled marking a great alliance. It is said that the ceremony was intimate, with love flowing from both bride and groom But the most interesting is undoubtedly the night you go to bed. Princess Nymeria was aged ten and six, Lord Cregan twenty. Many might say that the bride and groom would have waited until the Princess was ten and seven years old, but Maesters and Mushroom agree that the Princess was a worthy descendant of Princess Alyssa, her grandmother. It is said that Winterfell Castle was shaken by bedroom noises until early in the morning.

-It's the day ! Talyssa and Rhaenyra shout

It's the day…

All around me, everyone is busy, the servants are opening the luggage, the castle is being prepared for the reception, I am being grabbed everywhere and I don't see Cregan all day. It weighs on my heart a little but I have too many problems to think about it for long.

With my aunt and my sister I organize my outfits, listening to my aunt's advice carefully. My sister and Talyssa weave the pearls and rubies that will style my hair, I watch my aunt explain the duties of marriage to me, I have never been so embarrassed.

-Listen to me Nymeria, she said inspecting my dress, a good husband does not hurt his wife in the marital bed, and I turn purple, he is gentle and loves his wife.

Rhaenyra tenses when she hears our aunt's sideways glance at her. It is true that her marriage with Leanor is not yet bearing fruit, but we cannot ignore my cousin's inclinations either.

-From this union, the Kingdom expects a lot, continues my aunt inviting me to extend my hands, but you must not live only for duty, she smiles at me caressing my hands, enjoy your marriage and your husband my dear cousin .

My heart melts in my chest and without even waiting or thinking I throw myself into his arms, holding him against my heart touched by his words. The words they say now are the words my mother should have said.

-Thank you very much Aunt Rhaenys. I whisper against her

Tense against my embrace, she ended up giving me two pats on the back, then caressing my hair in a motherly way.

-You're welcome, my little cousin, you can count on me.

I haven't eaten since I broke my morning fast, the stress spinning like a ball in my stomach. The guests were arriving, the castle in the North was silent, the old town was becoming noisy and nervousness was playing with my mind.

My dress hangs in front of me, its pure color only increasing my apprehension. I will be married tonight, my cousin Ser Leanor will take me to my husband, and the Gods know I wish it was Daemon.

-Stop thinking too much.

I turn around watching my future husband's sister Sara come into my room, she didn't knock and her appearance took me by surprise, only I like her comforting smile on her face.

-How do you know I'm thinking? I ask inviting her to sit with me

She sits in front of me placing a large bag in front of us, I observe her for a while seeing a certain fur overtakes it.

-Every bride thinks about her wedding day, I can't imagine what's going on in your head given the stakes.

It is true that my marriage is not just a simple union between two beings who love each other, but it represents the union of the North and the South. This is the only marriage between a Stark and a Targaryen. The children who will emerge from this union will be almost like Gods to the people of the South.

-Don't worry too much, Princess, Sara smiled, my brother has loved you since the day he laid eyes on you. And I can assure you that he is in the same state as you.

My curiosity is immediately stirred and I ask him with my hand on my mouth as if it were a dirty secret:

-Is he really? Nervous ?

Surprised by my question Sara remains a little open-mouthed before laughing exactly like Cregan but with a thinner voice. I find myself smiling when I see her laugh, she will be a good friend, everything about her exudes confidence like her brother.

-My Princess, she smiled, trying to stop her laughter, I have never seen him in such a state, he is so confident, yet now he is only nervous.

It reassures me that Cregan is in the same state as me, I don't like being alone with the nervousness. Sara frowns when she sees that I haven't broken my lunch, she advises me to eat, but I explain to her that I can't swallow anything because I'm too nervous.

-You should really eat Princess, Sara points out, but I'm bringing you this, a gift that my brother can't take you.

My heart reacted a quarter of the time hearing that Cregan sent me a gift. I thanked him, opening the bag and my jaw dropped to the floor when I saw it. Beautiful soft white fur, my hand dips into it and I compare it to the clouds in the sky. It is not long dragging on the ground, it is worn on the shoulders.

-She’s beautiful… I whisper

-She is the piece that was missing from your dress. Adds Sara while smiling -She is.

We stay talking for a long time, and I get to know my future sister, she manages to make me eat which surprises my eldest when she comes into my room. Then Sara leaves, excusing herself to go see Cregan, leaving the women of my House to give me a bath and take care of my hair.

It is at this moment that I understand that evening is falling and that the ceremony will not take long.

The bath as hot as the dragon with scents of roses and spices from Pentos perfumes my skin making it soft to the touch. But I'm not concerned about the softness of my skin, or the noises behind my door, no. I am transfixed in front of my portrait which is reflected in the large glass. My silver hair is tied in a large braid wrapped around my elegantly tied hair, on top the pearls and rubies braided by my sister and Talyssa make it sparkle.

My snow-white wedding dress is decorated with a scaled pattern representing the dragon, its long sleeves have the pattern of dragons and wolves and dragons in silver satin, two brooches close the front of the dress, one Targaryen the other Stark, and the dress flares out from my tight waist. And to top it all off, the beautiful white fur that surrounds my neck and shoulders going down to my forearms and a little down my back.

-Gevis. Someone whispers and I jump

My heart races, my mouth drops open when I see my uncle Daemon leaning against the door with a satisfying smile on his lips. Even before my brain commands it, I jump into his arms, probably surprising him.

-Oh my little adventurer who are you going to fight in this outfit? He mocks, caressing my back

-What are you doing here ? I ask walking away from him

-Aren't you happy to see me? Daemon asks, raising an eyebrow.

A smile splits my face.

-Yes I'm happy, I really am, but you told me that…

-The scholar of Pentos allowed Leana to travel on the back of a dragon with me, my uncle explained to me, I didn't want to take the risk but your father sent me a raven urging me to go to the wedding and take you to your husband, so I spoke to the Lord of the North who swore to keep this a secret until I arrived here.

My jaw quickly finds the floor, so Cregan knew about Daemon?

-You came because Viserys told you to come? I ask playing with my fingers

-No, little adventurer, I came because I had to and I wanted to, it’s me who’s supposed to take you in front of your husband and not Leanor. You are like my daughter Nymeria, without even Viserys' letter I could not have left you alone.

Tears appear in my eyes and a small drop runs down my cheek, Daemon wipes it away with the back of his thumb, a tender smile on his face. Then Daemon will be the one to give me to Cregan, I am overjoyed.

-So cousin Leana is with you?

-Yes, smiled Daemon, she is with her parents going to the Heart Tree.

My throat tightens as I think of the guests heading to the place of the gods for the ceremony. My uncle notices this and comes over to take my hands in his.

-Everything will go well, your future husband is as nervous as you, proof that he undoubtedly loves you.

-Thank you for being here. I sigh looking at him

Daemon smiles fully something rare before leaving me to head towards the package he gave me.

-You didn't open it. Does he notice

-I was waiting for the wedding, I answer, I would like to open it now.

I approach and Daemon hands it to me so that I can open it, I discover the package with wide eyes at its contents. It's not often that Daemon gives me jewelry, he usually saves it for Rhaenyra, but for this day, he gave me a beautiful pair of dragon wing earrings, the gold and the glass shines and sparkles when I hold them.

-It's diamond and gold, I had it forged for you, you will be here with the Starks but I don't want you to forget that you are a Targaryen and that you are the dragon. You are the fire in the winter, you will also be additional security for the North, your children will speak Valyrian and will know their stories, and they will undoubtedly have Dragon and Giant Wolf. But you are still Targaryens, you are a Princess Nymeria, and I am proud of you. You do me honor.

My heart overflows with tears of joy and my hands tremble when I hear it. He brings me support and courage but above all love at this moment when I need it more than anything. I'm ready to take the step, I'm ready to go to my wedding.

The Heart tree in front of me is different from the one in the Red Keep. It is larger, wider, more majestic and its red is flamboyant. But my gaze is not fixed on this God of the Forest, my gaze is fixed on the man below. In his furs, shaved and coiffed, his gaze riveted on me, Cregan stands waiting for me for the wedding.

There were very few guests for the vow ceremony, present from my House, my Uncle and my Aunt Rhaenys and Corlys, my sister and heiress Rhaenyra and my cousin Leanor with them my pregnant cousin Leana and my Uncle who is holding my elbow with honor and emotion. Talyssa is there too, tears streaming down her cheeks causing my body to churn with love. Queen Alicent looks down at me from my sister's side, jealousy and contempt play on her face, but she smiles when our eyes meet.

On Cregan's side, his sister Sara is standing in the front row, with her members of House Bolton and other guests.

With my heart beating I approach Cregan and the big bearded man in front of the tree I jump making Daemon laugh when the ceremony begins:

-Who comes before the ancient Gods this night? Exclaims a big bear man

-Princess Nymeria Targaryen. Presents Daemon with his deep voice barely betrayed by his emotion, She comes here to get married, a true and noble adult woman. She comes to implore the blessing of the Gods, who is there to claim it?!

A quick glint of challenge appears in his eyes and I smile when I see it.

-I, Cregan Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, come here this night, before the Gods, to claim this Lady. Who is taking her to me?

-Me, Daemon serves my elbow stronger, Prince Daemon Targaryen who is the uncle and the father. My heart is helped by hearing it.

He lets me go slowly, placing me in front of my future husband, tears wet the corners of my eyes, and my body trembles slightly. I've never felt my heart beat so fast, and when his gaze looks into mine, that purple of ancient Valyria, I know he considers himself my father.

Cregan faces me, our eyes do not leave each other and our hearts undoubtedly beat in unison, he smiles at me and I faint, swallowing back my tears of joy. We turn to the officer of the ceremony who hides a smile under his beard.

- Princess Nymeria of House Targaryen, do you take this man? asks the man

-Yes, a warm smile stretches my lips, I take him for my man.

Cregan holds my hand with his, a happy, joyful smile, he holds it so hard that it warms at his touch.

-So Cregan Stark, take your wife Lady Nymeria now, of House Stark. Said the proud man looking at Cregan

My heart stopped at the contact of his hand on my cheek, the blush didn't even color my face, my gaze fixed on his, and his thumb slowly caressing the corner of my lips.

And this softness that I feel and which envelops me, his lips on mine, the desire to abandon my body in his tickles my stomach as I press again on his lips when he tries to escape.

I force myself to separate myself from him, a playful smile hangs on his face and I roll my eyes, gradually turning red at the few mocking laughs from those assembled, but what makes me laugh heartily is my uncle's grunt behind me who had advanced:

-A little more and I would have ripped it off of you.

Cregan stifles a laugh at Daemon's threatening tone which makes me giggle.

-I present to you, Lord Cregan Stark, and Lady Nymeria Stark!

The party takes place before my eyes, men and women dance, children play and eat and I enjoy seeing my sister and my cousins ​​dancing with Talyssa.

Cregan's hand caresses my thigh hidden by my dress and I tense when his fingers dig into the fabric.

-Your intentions are not subtle my Lord husband. I scoff softly trying to shoo his hand away

Cregan laughed as he drank some of the wine specially sent by my uncle Corlys.

-Did I only want to be subtle, my dear wife. My intentions are clear.

-And shared, I whisper and he almost jumps, I want it as much as you my Lord.

Cregan's intense gaze falls on me and I heat up, if Daemon wasn't arguing with Corlys I think he would have pulled me back. I look out of the corner of my eye at Alicent who is playing with a ring on her finger, Ser Criston Cole is standing behind her making me feel nauseous. His gaze is fixed on Rhaenyra.

-I hope you won't cause a deadly fight tonight, Ser? I address provocatively to Criston Cole

The knight tenses, turning his tongue seven times before answering me, a sideways glance at me.

-I will Princess.

-What ? I push a little more, You will cause death this evening to be pardoned…

-Nymeria. Cregan whispers to calm me down

-Princess. Alicent hisses

Ser Criston Cole swallows again under my attack but does not respond, giving me a murderous look which undoubtedly attracts Daemon's attention.

I confront him without fear, remembering what he is and what I am. Ser Erryck should be here, but he is with the Queen's children. And a murderer replaces him.

-I will retire to my rooms, Alicent informs, my congratulations again, my Lord, my Lady.

Cregan gets up, but I sit there glaring at Alicent, she waits for me to get up then sighs, turning away from me when she realizes I won't move. She finally leaves the room.

-Was it necessary? Cregan asks, taking my hand.

-She deserves all my contempt, I respond, rolling my eyes, I despise this good woman.

Cregan chuckles as he plays with my ringed fingers, I didn't bring a lot of jewelry with me, but I'll always have my rings.

-I don't think I'll ever get used to it, I raise an eyebrow, your Dragon character. He explains

The fire crackles in the fireplace, the room is a little warm, my gaze is drawn to the eyes, the purple in my eyes must shine. I hold the dressing gown around me, sewn by Sara in the colors of House Stark. My feet tap the ground frantically, my excitement mixing with my fear.

The door opens and closes, its noise doesn't distract me, but the hand that lifts my chin makes my heart race.

-You are beautiful Nymeria, he caresses my grayed white hair, I don't deserve you.

-Oh husband. I whisper in response

I find a way to lay him on the bed, my hand on his chest as I climb on top of him, my legs surrounding his hips, one of his hands on my hip, the other on my cheek.

-I am yours Cregan, entirely yours.

My face leans toward his, our noses touch, and my hair forms a curtain around us. He smiles back, his chest rising and falling against mine. “Ride him, like a Dragon” Daemon had told me earlier, I blushed

But I don't blush with shyness when our lips meet, I sigh with excitement rolling my hips against him as his hand squeezes my neck.

Our sighs and heavy breathing fill the room, my little clothes become bulky, embarrassing, wet. My lips are kissed by his while my hips press quickly against his member which hardens at his contact.

-Nymeria, princess… Moans Cregan as I stand up

The nightgown falls on my shoulders, my breasts poking out into view, my body straightened I ride him like I ride my dragon, his hands on my hips to help me. I feel this heat rising and playing in my body, it burns and transcends, it makes me drunk on him.

-Cregan… I moan, closing my eyes

-No, darling, look at me.

My hips lift as he joins me and my legs tremble at the feeling of fire in my veins. I am trapped in a burning sensation demanding to be released. Little cries escape me as I claw at Cregan's chest, our noises hitting the walls of the room, our breaths in symbiosis.

The knot in my stomach that holds the dam of heat tenses again and again and I cry out when it breaks, my body shaking completely as Cregan holds me in his arms caressing the back of my neck.

-Cregan, oh shit…

My husband curses and grunts, slowly slowing his hips before stopping and catching his breath.

-Everything is fine. He whispers against my ear

-Hm, I'm taking a little breath, yes.

As soon as I respond positively, Cregan turns us so that my back ends up on the mattress, him above me, his hand caressing my cheek, looking amazed.

-I must say that I did not expect that woman, I am pleasantly surprised.

I blush at his playful and completely indecent tone, which makes him laugh loudly. Cregan stands up, his gaze fixed on mine as he takes off the simple clothes he had on him, I don't have time to look between his legs because he is already helping me get rid of my little clothes and the nightgown, I grimace when I feel the wet fabric.

-Is this normal? I ask perplexed watching him put the clothes down.

-Yes, my wife, that shows how much you desire me. He explain to me

-Then I want you very much. I said laughing a little embarrassed

A charming smile appears on her face, my eyes leave the smile to look between her legs and I immediately close my eyes. How can this even fit into me? This defies the science of my works.

-Look at me Nymeria.

I open my eyes with difficulty, losing my footing when Cregan lies on top of me and I feel his penis stretched against my thigh, it's soft and hard, I want to touch it and discuss it, but my breath takes flight when his fingers come to caress a sensitive part between my labia.

-You're so wet, he moaned, pinching my pearl, what do you want, Nymeria?

I can barely breathe, little moans and mewls leaving my lips trying to form a sentence, my hips rolling against his hand the more he strokes me.

-Woman, he stops his movements and looks into my eyes, I need you.

I swallow, I need him too, need him inside me. Need to belong to him. So I grab the back of his neck bringing his lips to mine, the kiss is less urgent, it is more tender, slower and languorous. It represents warm and sincere love.

-I need you, I moan against his lips, I need you husband.

With a low growl, Cregan raises himself up, his lips still connected to mine, his hand slips between our two bodies, and I feel something soft caressing my penis, it was undoubtedly his.

-I have to warn you, princess, it will probably hurt. Whine my husband while positioning himself

-I'm not afraid, I answer, still doubting a little, just keep kissing me.

His lips took me elsewhere, as he fussed between us. They play, peck and suck as I feel the first pressure between my legs, my breath catches. Cregan tenses above me with an almost hurtful growl.

He pushes his forehead against mine a little more, the sire pearling on his face, tense features biting his lip. He is perfect. I run a hand through his hair, breathing through my nose as the pain intensifies.

-Maybe, I'm holding back a little sob, should we go straight away?

-I don't want to hurt you…

I caress his neck, his hair, encouraging him to go, after a deep breath and a tender look Cregan asks:

-Are you sure ?

-Yes…

A soundless cry leaves my mouth, lips open and wide-eyed I hold Cregan against me, pain radiating throughout my body. It was sudden and fast, I feel him all inside me, stretching me, and he doesn't move.

We stay there for an indefinite time without moving, he kisses my tear-wet cheeks, my forehead, my lips, caressing my back and my arms. And then over time, the pain fades, leaving me with discomfort.

-You can… move.

-Nyme…

-Move, please. I moan while kissing him

Cregan doesn't protest, I feel his hips move in a circle, the discomfort diminishes a little in the face of the movement the strange sensation of burning and heat rises in my stomach.

-Your gaze in mine. Moaned Cregan

And my gaze doesn't leave his, he holds my hip not completely coming out of me before returning, I jump at the sensation, the knot in my stomach tensing, I share his moans and sighs, my embarrassment is present but in the background, I'm obsessed with him.

His pace accelerates and his chest trembles against my hand, my hips find their balance and accompany his hip rolls making us moan out loud. I feel it, this fire that burns my veins is ready to knock me down again, I cling to Cregan with pleasure in his voice.

-Oh woman, he moaned, your eyes, your purple, by the Gods!

I claw at her back as I feel my point of no return, one of Cregan's hands passes between us and I see the stars as she plays with my pearl. Cregan's unmeasured breathing is a melody to my ears, and I feel myself cumming again.

-Cregan! I scream, Husband…

My stomach knots, contractions wrack my body and my head sinks into the pillow as I let myself be ravaged by the sensation of climax, Cregan moans at this, unrestrained, it becomes fast and uncontrolled.

-Woman, he whines, can I? Can I put a… child inside you.

-Oh yes…

-Fucking hell…

Cregan almost cried out, his cock reaching a depth that made my legs buckle, a warm sensation filling me and I moaned softly at the feeling of his seed. He is against me, full-length, his heart beating as fast as mine, his muscles trembling, a film of heat covering us.

-Thank you husband, I love you. I whisper with tears in my eyes

He stands up weakly, caressing my cheek, his gaze completely dilated. My heart pumps with love.

-It’s me who thanks you, I love you Nymeria.

[fandom-puff]

I'm constantly switching between thoughts about those three men whenever I'm thinking of Westeros. I just can't decide between being cuddled and protected by Sandor, him just treating you like a fragile little kitten he needs to take care of, or being Lady Lannister and having one of the most powerful and stoic men wrapped around my finger, being his Lady wife and royally pissing off Cersei. On the other hand though, riding Ned in front of a fire sounds great too. 👉👈

Omg 😵‍💫😵‍💫 I went a liiiiitle bit overboard. There’s some reference to smut but nothing too explicit.

Living a peaceful life in the country with Sandor, far far away from the political cess pit of the capital. Raising chicken, maybe a cow or goat, travelling for miles on Stranger to trade goods with other farmers. Perhaps raising a few children of your own, or a dog or two… or both. Peaceful and rustic, without having to worry about saying the wrong thing or making a misstep in court. Not being a Ser and a Lady… just being Sandor and YN

Entering an arranged marriage to a man old enough to be your father, or even grandfather. Stepping into Casterly Rock or the tower of the hand as a meek as a kitten, afraid of the power your new husband (and his adult children) wield. Your marriage beginning with dutiful formality; a hand tucked into the crook of his elbow during walks; murmurs of ‘Lord Husband’ and ‘Lady Wife’; occasional late night visits to your chambers, for the purpose of procreation. But a frightened little kitten has no place at court, or the Rock. So Tywin has handmaidens and squires present you with bolts of rich red velvet, regal gold brocade, delicate lace imported from the Free Cities. He sends tailors to fit you with gowns more befitting of a noble lady rather than a maiden, Smithies to fashion intricate metalwork like belts and pendants, jewellers to craft stunning pieces with the rubies and gold that represent House Lannister. He has you meet with the Castellan of the Rock, the Maester, the cooks, the blacksmiths- all to teach you how to run Casterly Rock in his absence. He hosts meetings with the vassal houses of the West to ensure they respect you. To disrespect the lady of Casterly Rock is to insult Lord Lannister himself. What starts as a formal, cordial arranged marriage soon turns into Tywin fashioning you into Lady Lannister- not a trophy wife to sit pretty and sew, but a political force to work in tandem with him, slowly earning the respect of the Old Lion of Lannister.

Marrying Eddard Stark (because his honour would not allow him to take a mistress) after the death of Catelyn Tully. Initially your role is to run winterfell while Ned runs the North, and to see to it that the five stark children have a maternal figure to aid them through their grief. He won’t even share your bed for the first few months of marriage, and even then, the consummation was brief, done out of necessity to the gods to legitimise the marriage. But as the frigid winter sets in and the farmers leave their fields for the warmth of their homes, you and Ned spend more and more time in one another’s company. In silence, but nonetheless together. As the months pass, Ned’s grief begins to fade as he watches you with his children. Robb turns to you for advice and reassurance, the burden of being the heir hanging over him; Sansa begins to follow your every move, learning the ways of being a noble lady as she matures; Arya likes you, because you let her run around with her brothers, and had promised to teach her about the dragons of Old Valeria; Bran is keen to show you how high he can climb, and he enjoys the stories you and Old Nan make up; young Rickon enjoys your company, nuzzling to your breast when he is tired. Even Jon Snow seems at ease around you, and the bastard of Winterfell is allowed to sit at the high table with the rest of the Starks. Seeing you with his children awakens something in Ned. He realises your commitment to House Stark, despite being closer to Robb’s age than his. He begins to invite you to his chambers at night, to share hot ale and talk in front of the fire, or to read in comfortable silence. Months of waiting and restraint comes to a head when a gentle, dutiful kiss Goodnight just outside his door descends into one of passion and longing, and passing squires and servants watch in knowing amusement as Ned gathers you in his arms, his cloak enveloping you and guides you back into his rooms, kicking the door shut. You make love that night, on the thick fur skins on the floor in front of the fire, and afterwards you lay, entwined with one another as the warm orange of the flames bathes your naked skin in its glow. As the dull ache of his passion begins to bloom in your muscles, he helps you up and guides you to bed. Within minutes he has you again, and as you nuzzle into his side, fast asleep, he sighs softly, rubbing your hip, his fingers tracing over your belly. Perhaps his seed will take root in your womb. He has five children already, but he would like some with you. You deserve children of your own, and with winter coming, survival of the young is not always guaranteed.

[eldritch-spouse]

Now I'm very interested in all the icons heats 👀 What's Cero's heat like? I love when characters who act dignified and in control losing it to their own basic urges

[I can't wait for people to shit on him in my inbox.]

TW: Verbal degradation; Cero is his own warning tbh.

Cero will occasionally take heat supressants.

The problem with that is, the larger one is, and the more powerful, the harder it becomes to suppress one's heats. Sure, you can brew a heat suppressor so potent that it muffles a Lord of Hell's rut, but that's not exactly cheap to make, it takes time, it's unreliable, unpredictable, and can have negative health consequences. Cero has been careful with his use of this treatment.

Usually, during heats, Cero has the manor mostly evacuated. He doesn't want anyone, not even his servants, to witness his sorry state. He knows he's going to peacock helplessly to anyone he sees, and that'll be the death of his ego right there. Cero, while not exactly a traditional nesting type, will surround himself with anything he's particularly proud of having, or things that represent his status, his honor. It's like a gross, self-flattering altar really.

Your marriage contract, if you still recall it, rushed and full of fervor as it was, had a vague clause about Cero's ruts. Said clause denotes that you are to follow any instructions related to it given to you in the future. And, even if you come to hate this (most likely), fact of the matter is you'll never have someone give you a more descriptive survival guide for their heats than Cero. The fear of uncertainty is null because everything you can expect is in those pages.

Pre-heat symptoms are subtle, but there. Most noticeably, Cero will become easily shaken by what people say about him. He'll grow obsessed with his looks and behavior, checking himself constantly, looking around like a crazy man. The demonlord becomes insecure, prone to petty outbursts over the slightest hint of offense to himself, and taking heavy blows to his self-esteem from a mere half-hearted insult. He's almost afraid of being around others, especially you. In fact, Cero will make himself very scarce around his Queen during this time.

At night, he orders the servants to arrange a guest room for you, and that's where you'll sleep for the remainder of his rut. Before you go to bed however, he shows up at your bedroom door and pushes towards you a neat file folder with several pages. You're ordered to read it, and he speed-walks away before you can see how sweaty he is. That is the file with all the information you need, as well as your schedule laid out for the upcoming days. All your personal needs are accounted for, and it's structured in a way that makes it look like nothing's even changed. You better make sure you respect the hours stated in those files, because if you're even a minute late with your timing, Cero will drag you into his room even if you scream bloody murder. One of the ways he stays sane is through keeping track of time, so you must always be on your toes.

Wear what he tells you to, bring him his meal after you eat, respect the breaks for basic necessities and sleeping. Show up at his room when the file tells you and listen to every little word he says- Or you'll get really hurt.

Although clouded in hormones, Cero behaves predictably. He expects reverence and timidity, complete obedience is demanded of you. Let it be known he has several whips, and there's a good chance he could use them during this time. If you manage to keep calm and respect these rules, you're treated to some egotistical sex for the most part, but you're also privy to some of the demonlord's more honest thoughts.

There are moments where Cero's confident attitude crumbles from the highs and lows of hormones. Moments where he'll throw himself at you on the verge of tears, naked, shivering with need- Begging you to tell him he's perfect, that you love him. Is he doing things right? Is he good enough? Do you want to fuck him? Is his cock any good? Is he half as immaculate as you? Pick your answers very carefully, because if you hurt him, Cero will take it out on you tenfold when he's no longer suffering a low.

When you leave his room at the scheduled hours, you'll hear Cero calling for you throughout the night. Sometimes they're sweet nothings, other times they're insults, degrading you- Why aren't you beneath him? As if you have anything else better to do, you whore. He doesn't mean them, and he says that in the files. You are to ignore him entirely. It's a bit hard to sleep when you can hear him fucking himself the whole night, but he specifies he needs those moments to... "Unwind privately".

Respect the schedule, stay obedient, and it'll mostly be fine. Go out of your way to be irresponsible and Cero will have to take over in his muddled state- Something you decidedly don't want.

[mauesartetc]

I've observed that some HB fans with trauma feel so attached to the characters and the show that they defend every writing decision and take any criticism as a personal attack. I can understand relating to and feeling sympathy for a character because of personal experiences, but Helluva Boss is a terrible media for emotionally vulnerable teenagers and young adults to uncritically consume.

It just pisses me off that so many people will praise HB for representing abuse with Stolas and Stella, yet ignore the unhealthy relationship dynamics, abusive behaviors portrayed in a positive light and bad writing in general.

Real talk: Speaking as an emotional abuse survivor myself, it pisses me off to no end that Helluva Boss has failed to represent this subject with any sensitivity or subtlety.

It's important to remember that abusers are often charming and charismatic, and they exhibit positive traits (at least early on) that make the other person want to salvage the relationship.

What the hell are Stella's positive traits? In what little screentime she's had thus far, she's been elitist, rude, destructive, pouty, murderous, sadistic, and a little stupid (failing to consider that if Stolas died, Octavia would inherit all his wealth and leave her with nothing). While there's evidence to support the claim that she acted like she was in love early on in her marriage (she's smiling in the Loo Loo Land photo, sleeps in the same bed as Stolas in a flashback and has stated she used to pretend to want to fuck him), there's nothing to suggest her personality was ever anything but odious. Even when Stolas first sees her photo as a child, it portrays an awful little brat.

It's pretty clear Stolas has never had any reason to love her, so why does he stay?

He says it's because he wants Octavia to have "a normal life", aka a two-parent household. But how exactly does that benefit her when those parents are constantly fighting? You might think "Well, that's a lot of parents' excuse for not getting divorced, but that doesn't mean it's right", but the show never challenges his stance on this. There's never a moment when he realizes, "Oh shit, maybe my definition of 'normal' is actually hurting my daughter". He only declares he wants a divorce after his first tryst with Blitzo and on the balcony when he tells Stella he "can't do this anymore". He's doing it entirely for his benefit, not because it would improve Octavia's life.

(And because the writers blatantly favor Stolas and everything he says, I have to wonder if they actually believe the standard nuclear family represents a "normal"- implied in this case to be good and desirable - life by default, regardless of how miserable everyone in the family is. On the off-chance that is indeed the case, as someone who lost a parent at a young age: Fuck all the way off with that, show.)

Also, we're not lead to believe divorce was never an option at any point. If a royal in this world gets divorced, what are the consequences? Would Stolas lose his title? Would he be executed? The whole point of this marriage was to have a kid, so literally what was stopping them from splitting up after she was born (other than the bullshit "normal life" excuse)? Why can't Stolas just visit Octavia? Why does he have to live with her? Plenty of kids with divorced parents still get quality time with both of them. The solution was right there all along, but Stolas felt the need to wait until his daughter was seventeen to split with his wife? For some reason?? The writers try to pass it off as some noble sacrifice he's making, but in reality, he's just being a dumbass.

Okay, so maybe he's just afraid to leave, like many abused people are. I'll have to call bullshit on that, since he never even tried to keep his affair a secret. He's openly flirted with Blitzo in public (at Loo Loo Land and the Harvest Moon Festival, in front of dozens of witnesses) and met Blitzo at a couples-only nightclub, where they sat in plain view of everyone else there. Couldn't even bother using your powers to disguise yourself, bud? Or does that only work when it's convenient to the plot? If Stolas were the least bit threatened by Stella or what the Goetia family would think, he wouldn't be this bloody obvious. While it's possible this is a self-sabotage sort of thing, the show has never given us evidence that Stolas has those kinds of tendencies.

In short, Stella's a hamfisted, stereotypical portrayal of an abuser, and Stolas just doesn't come off like the abuse affects him at all (or at least not until the episode where it needs to for plot reasons). Obviously not all abusers or abuse survivors in real life will fit into the same mold, but there's straight-up zero logic to these characters' behavior. I've mentioned this very astute video before, but here's one quote that perfectly sums up how poorly this show handles character motivations:

There's a... character consistency issue that results from having these characters exist only to dispense abuse. Their actions stop adding up... [Stella's] thing is that she wants to be away from Stolas... Why does she repeatedly show up to the house just when Stolas is around to torment him? This behavior is quite strange. She does not like him. She does not want to be around him... We're to assume that Stella wants to feel mad, wants to feel bad, and that's what she wants to do with her life.

This isn't how real people act. And of course fictional characters aren't real people and any sense of agency they have is just an illusion at the end of the day. But ideally they should feel real to the audience.

I now fully understand why I was leery of these writers potentially exploring a character's addiction. It's because they've shown they can't be trusted to give serious subject matter the care and weight it deserves.

[chriscdcase95]

Prompts for the Death Wolf.

Third post on Death the Wolf, which is odd since usually don’t do headcanon stuff these dasys...but I thought I’d share some thought experiments.

It goes without saying that personifications of Death, be it a God or an Angel exist in all cultures. It’s almost as constant as creator deities in fact. 

And considering that Shrek is a world that has all these nods to fairy tales, folklores and mythology - usually jokingly - I just tlike the idea of the Death Wolf having these stories to his name, within the Shrek universe.

So I thought I’d write down some of these stories, and how they could apply to Lobo de la Muerte. As well as some honorable mentions.

----

1. Godfather Death  - One of the most notable fairy tales that feature the Grim Reaper. Of course it’s on the list.

The story goes there was a poor family with twelve children, whom the father has to work hard to provide for, which loops them into poverty. Each child has a suitable godparent to provide for them, but one the thirteenth is born, the father seeks to find another godparent.  

On his journey, he happens upon God and Satan, both of whom offer to be the child's godfather. The man rejects both offers; God for allowing his poverty, and Satan because...y’know Satan. 

But then he comes across Death himself, who makes the same offer. The father accepts Death's offer, as unlike the other two, Death treats everyone all the same.

When the baby comes of age, Death approaches his godchild showing him a magic herb that can cure all ailments. The catch is, if Death is standing at the foot of a sick bed, the patient can be cured; if Death is standing at the head of the bed, their time has come. The godchild uses this to become a famous and successful doctor.  

When he's called upon to cure the king, the godchild sees Death at the head of the bed. Wanting the glory of saving the king, the godchild has the bed spun around to administer the cure. Death is pissed of course, but lets his godchild off this one time. Business goes as usual, but when the godchild is hired to cure a princess with the offer of riches and her hand in marriage.  

Against Death's wishes, the princess is cured. So Death takes his godchild to a cave full of candles, each one representing the time the living has left; the godchild's life is almost up. The details vary, but the short of it is Death kills his godchild.

If this story occurred in the Shrek universe, I can't see much in subverting it. 

The most subversive take I've seen was an anime adaptation. In it, the godson willingly dies in the princesses place, as curing the princess (who was a child in that version) means she gets the years he would have lived if he let her die.

One thing I can see is the poor father being a resident of Far Far Away, literally Hollywood infested with nobles and royals of different stories. The reason why he'd have so many powerful godparents for his other children is that these godparents would these different princes and princesses. 

I can also see the godchild being a dying King Harold's doctor, and Death just side-eying the doctor while Harold is being looked over.

2. Thanatos - Considering that Poesiden's trident and Midas' golden hand are in The Last Wish, it's a safe bet Greek mythology is broadly canon to the Shrek universe. With this in mind, here's a rundown of Thanatos.

Unlike the Olympians, Thanatos (Death) is a primordial deity. Despite literally being Death personified, Thanatos is often overlooked for Hades or Charon. Thanatos is regarded as a hated figure by mortals, and is just as hateful towards them.

There are two notable stories involving him; the punishment of Sisyphus, in which the former bound Thanatos to escape death. Thanatos would be freed by Ares and the gods collaborated with Sisyphus's eternal punishment - rolling a boulder up a mountain which would always roll back down for all time. 

OSP tells the story better than I can.

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Then there's Thanatos' fight with Hercules, which I can absolutely see in the Shrek universe! 

The story goes that Admetus, the seemingly beloved king of Thessaly, was set to die young. He's told by the fates that he can be spared if someone willingly dies in his place when the time comes; this loophole exists because Admetus previously showed Apollo hospitality. 

However, no one was willing to die for Admetus, not even his own parents. No one, except his beloved wife Alcestis. Reluctantly, Admetus accepts her offer...

It so happens that Admetus has befriended Hercules, who ended up staying at Admetus' home as a guest during his twelve labors. During his stay, Hercules learned of Admetus and Acestis plight and offers to help. Hercules would stay at Acestis bedside as her time draws near.  

When Thanatos (Death) comes to take Acestis, he demands that Hercules step aside. Hercules refuses, challenging Thanatos to fight for Acestis to life. Seeing this as an easy fight, Thanatos accepts.

And sure enough, it was an easy fight...Thanatos got his ass beat, until he forced to flee! And so, Acestis and Admetus got to live a long and happy life together.  

I like to think that if this story happened in the Shrek universe, it's just a black mark that hangs over Death that he rather not think about.  Sure you could say this Death would show respect for Hercules fighting for Acestis life, the same way he did Puss...

But the idea of Hercules actually knocking Death's lights out is too funny for me to pass up.

“But doesn't Hercules eventually die in the myths ? Doesn't that mean Thanatos/Death got the last laugh ?”

You'd think so, but when Hercules “dies” in the myths, he walks into his own funeral pyre rather than let a poison kill him. This burns his mortal body away, as he ascends into godhood. Hercules died on his own terms, and became a god as a result. 

Death doesn't get squat from Hercules.

Also in the myths, Thanatos is the son of Nyx, the primordial goddess of night; in some versions, Erebus (Darkness) is his father. He's also the twin brother of Hypnos (Sleep). Also for you Dreamworks buffs, in some versions Thanatos/Death is the brother of Eris.

So if you're up for personifying Death's family, here's your tools. 

But also, I'm just picturing Death/Thanatos looking up at the night sky, just all battered and humbled after his fight with Hercules, and being all “Mama, mira lo que le hicieron a tu bebé chico!”

3. Now here's one for you monster fuckers...Ereshkigal and Nergal. 

Later Edit/Authors note: Okay, upon looking into it further, if Death was anyone from Mesopotamian Mythology, it would be probably Namtar (Fate); a minor deity/demon in the pantheon, who serves Ereshkigal - and in one text is her son. While Nergal is a god of destruction and Esreskihal is ruler of the underworld, Namtar fits the bill of “Grim Reaper” a lot closer.

But they’re still death deities, and so apply.

I'd be remiss if I didn't include this one. While the Shrek universe doesn't have any nods to Mesopotamian mythology that I'm aware of. But Mesopotamian Mythology is pretty much the Big Brother to Greek Mythology.

And since we’re talking about Nergal...

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In Mesopotamian myths the gods of death consist of Ereshkigal and Nergal. Between the two, Ereshkigal is the Queen of the Underworld and the dead and is among the most revered gods in the pantheon; to the point the other gods feared her as much as they respected her. Edit: Namtar was Ereskigal’s servant/proxy.

But she has ruled this world from an early age, and had a pretty lonely existence. She’s so lucky! She’s a star! But she cry, cry, cries with her lonely heart, thinking “If there’s nothing missing in my life, then why do these tears come at night ?”

While Nergal is the god of destruction, and is thought of as a more young and brash deity, hiding his real feelings with a temper befitting such a being. Their love story begins, where all great ones do; with Nergal disrespecting Ereshkigal and one of her servants.

In the story, the gods have a banquet that Ereshkigal couldn't attend. In her place, she sends her viser - (edit:again Namtar) who is to be treated with the same respect that Ereshkigal herself would have been treated. However, Nergal was disrespectful. Upon hearing this, Ereshkigal demanded in Nergal be sent to the underworld for punishment.

Nergal is told to survive the encounter, he must not accept the underworld's hospitality, that way he'll be able to leave. He must not eat or drink whatever is offered to him; he must not sit in a chair, or wash his feet...and he must not intimately engage with Ereshkigal herself.

Ultimately, Nergal followed every instruction...

Except the last. For six days.

In that time, the two fell in love, opened each other up, and healed each other from their past pain and loneliness When his “atonement” is complete, Nergal leaves to resume his duties outside the underworld. And Dommy Mommy Ereshkigal is none too pleased. 

Unwilling to return to her previous loneliness, and wishes for her lover to return. Ereshkigal sends her Namtar to seek Nergal out, under the threat of a zombie apocalypse. However, Nergal is an emotional coward, unwilling to face his own feelings, and needs some talking into.

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Long story short, Negal faced his feelings, married Ereshkigal, and healed the underworld as co-rulers - all be it, Nergal would wander the earth every six months to fulfill his duties, similar to Persephone. 

If we are applying this story to the Shrek universe, and applying Nergal (edit: or more accurately Namtar) to The Wolf mainly because Ereshkigal literally can't leave her kingdom. I think such a love story would be paralleled to Shrek and Fiona. In this version at least, Nergal was a loner who hides his emotions with his temper. Meanwhile Ereshkigal, despite her being one of the most revered goddesses of her pantheon, had a pretty lonely existence herself.

Another Namtar Edit: Though if we’re applying Namtar as being Death, it would be more accurate to say he’d be the wingman if anything…meaning Death would be the Donkey of Nergal and Ereskigal’s story, which is hilarious!

…Namtar was also a figure in Inanna’s Descent Into The Underworld. It’s not spectacular, it’s just he inflicts sixty diseases on Inanna on her sisters behalf, and goes to collect Inanna’s husband when she offers him to die in her place.

And now for other/honorable mentions.

4. I saw a few posts jokingly place the Death Wolf as the Angel of Death from Prince of Egypt. I thought I'd give my two cents.

While I'm not opposed to the idea (or at least the Exodus story occurring within the Shrek universe) I felt it would be virtually impossible for me to not step on any toes applying the Death Wolf to the Angel(s) of Death that appear in Abrahamic faiths.

Especially if we're implying the Wolf is broadly the personification of Death across different cultures, myths and folklore; like Thanatos. And especially Nergal!

(I say this in the same post that uses “Godfather Death”, where the Abrahamic God and the Christian Devil casually show up).

5. La Meurte/Santa Meurte

This is more of a side note, but I saw a few posts saying that Death could/should have even been portrayed as a woman to straight up adapt her, as a cultural nod. Honestly, this is something I'd like to see, but not something that is needed. 

With that said, I have been on a deep dive to learn more about La Meurte, and to my understanding, she’s more of a figure head as opposed to any specific stories surrounding her. Anyone who knows better can correct me if I’m wrong; my knowledge on Mexican folklore is limited. 

The only story I could find of her is a variation of the Godfather Death story. I bring this up, because I can totally see this story applying to the Book of Life version of the character.

Look at her! She'd be kicking down a nursery's door begging to be made godmother!

Anyways, the more I learned about about her, I’m not sure if her adapting her as the Reaper going after Puss works, beyond maybe aesthetics. From what I did learn is she’s a pretty chill Death. She’s a healer, she’s a protector, and she says Gay and Trans rights! 

Really, the only times I see her as vengeful is if someone breaks a promise to her. And if we’re going for faithful depictions, I just don’t see her as going after Puss, at least for the same reasons as the Wolf did. The Death Wolf feels more like he’s based on European takes on the Grim Reaper, contrasting La Muerte’s Mesoamerican origins.

I invite anyone who knows better to correct me; once again, I’m not as well versed with Mesoamerican folklore.

6. The Little Match Girl - Again I wrote my own post, because there’s others suggesting a version of her story featuring Lobo.

One idea I had has Death deciding the bend the rules to help a poor abused child survive in Far Far Away survive Christmas (The Reaper is sometimes thought of as an angel after all). You know, kind of like Discworld.

And if Death wanted to balance his books, he’d set up the girl’s abusive father to be murdered in her place. You know, like in Robot Chicken.

[celticcrossanon]

BRF Reading - 20th of April, 2023

This is speculation only

Cards drawn on the 19th of April, 2023

Question: How does King Charles feel about his son, Harry?

Note: I do not like King Charles, so take that into account when you read this. That being said, I was surprised by this reading, as it indicates a level of indulgence and favouritism that I did not think Charles had in his behaviour. I always though he was more balanced when it came to his treatment of his sons.

Interpretation: Charles can see most of Harry's bad behaviour, but Harry is still his golden child.

Card One: The Chariot, reversed.

Upright, the Chariot is a card about moving forward to meet your goals, while avoiding any obstacles in your way. Reversed, it is about being stuck and not able to move away from your current position. It can also represent aggression, a lack of willpower, and being obsessed by your goals.

The dominant energy of this card is of 'stuckness', indicating that Charles sees Harry as being stuck in his current marriage and his current lifestyle. Harry may want to leave but not know how to change things, or he may be content with being stuck in his current life, or lack the willpower to break out of it. The reversed Chariot card can mean that you are not in control of things, so Charles may see Harry as being dominated by another person (e.g. his wife) or by his addiction to drugs, and therefore not in control of his actions.

The Chariot is the card for the sign of Cancer, the star sign of Camilla, William, and Diana. Harry does seem to be obsessed with his mother in an unhealthy way, and also vindictive towards his brother and his stepmother, so according to this card Charles sees those behaviours in his son quite clearly.

In the picture on the card, the chariot is being driven by Ares/Mars, the god of War. This is a force of aggression. The Chariot in reverse has no direction, so this represents Harry's aggression that he takes out against his family, but without having any real goal other than destruction for destruction's sake, at least in Charles's point of view. He appears to see Harry's aggression towards his family as similar to a toddler having a temper tantrum, and he deals with it accordingly.

Card Two: The Wheel of Fortune

This card is about the Wheel of Fortune turning and either lifting you up or pushing you down. Here the energy is of being lifted up, of having good things happen to you, of being successful. It is a wishful energy rather than a solid energy, so I am taking it as Charles wanting his son to be successful overseas rather than Charles wanting to turn the Wheel of Fortune for his son and restore him to his previous position of rank and honour, but it could be both. It also shows that Charles is aware of how far Harry has fallen from his previous position in the family.

This card has the meaning of fate, as the wheel turns for everyone, and I am getting some energy of Harry's current position being seen as his fate, in an 'you made your bed and now you must lie in it' way, as well as Charles wanting to help him out of that bed as soon as possible. The best I can express it is that fate (and his own actions) have put Harry in a bad situation, but Papa Charles will make it all better for him as soon as he can/is allowed to.

I drew a clarifier for this card and it was the Eight of Cups in reverse. Upright, the Eight of Cups is about grief, loss, mourning, and walking away from a bad situation. In the reverse, you are stuck and you can't walk away from the situation, so this is the energy of 'stuckness' from the Chariot in reverse being repeated in this card. Combining this with the Wheel of Fortune card, I get that Charles is waiting for something to release Harry from his 'stuckness', while at the same time being willing to assist in that release if he can, while also wishing that Harry could be successful in his own right.

Card Three: The Sun

The Sun is the most positive card in the deck. Joy, good health, optimism, good fortune - these are all represented by the Sun and also what Charles wants to give Harry. Harry makes Charles happy, as the Sun is a card of happiness and children (as it traditionally shows a child in the picture).

Looking at the picture on this card we see the god Apollo, the favourite son of Zeus, the literal 'golden boy' as he was the god of the Sun. This tells me that Harry is Charles's golden boy, the child that will always be forgiven and loved, the child that Charles always wants to see happy. Charles wishes Harry nothing but good - success, abundance, joy, wealth, love - these are all represented by the Sun card and are all things that Charles wants for Harry.

Underlying Energy: The Two of Cups

This is a card about relationships and about choices in relationships, Charles wants to continue his relationship with Harry, he wants to repair the relationship and go back to their father-son relationship (which is what I would expect from a parent towards a child), He does not want to be in conflict with Harry and he still has a special place for Harry in his heart. He still feels very close to Harry and he would love to have Harry as a working royal (as the Two of Cups is also about working together in a successful partnership).

The card shows the god Eros rescuing Psyche from a monster. Like Psyche in the card, Charles sees Harry as bound and in danger, but in Charles's eyes this danger comes from Harry's wife (the Two of Cups is usually about romantic relationships). Charles wants to come in like Eros in the card and rescue Harry from his marriage (perhaps as he wanted someone to rescue him from his marriage with Harry's mother?). Again there is this theme of Charles rescuing Harry.

Suits

Three major arcana cards and two Cups. the main reading is all major arcana cards, which shows that Harry and the issues around him are big issues for Charles and are prominent in his thoughts. The Two other cards drawn are Cups, the suit of emotions, so when he thinks of Harry it is all about the emotions for Charles (i.e. no logical thought is involved).

Conclusion

Charles can see most of Harry's bad behaviour - his aggression towards his family, his attempts to destroy the BRF, his obsession with Diana - but he seems to be unaware of the serious effects of this behaviour, treating it as undirected rage, like a child's temper tantrum. He sees Harry as stuck in his current life and addictions, and he appears to blame Meghan for that. He wants to help Harry out of his current situation and there are indicators that he does want to restore Harry to his previous status as a working royal. Harry has a special place in Charles's heart and Charles has not abandoned their relationship. He wants Harry to be successful, well loved and popular. Harry is his golden child who can do no wrong, and he is likely to continue to indulge Harry in the future as he has in the past.

[esther-dot]

"Ned saw she was wearing the rose that Ser Loras had given her yesterday"- Ned(AGOT VII).

"She had played at being Jenny that day, had even wound flowers in her hair. And Petyr had pretended to be her Prince of Dragonflies."- Cat(ASOS V).

"Oh, and flowers for my hair. When first they met, the captain brought her flowers every day, all the way from Yunkai to Meereen."- Dany(ADWD IV).

"Ned remembered the moment when all the smiles died, when Prince Rhaegar Targaryen urged his horse past his own wife, the Dornish princess Elia Martell, to lay the queen of beauty's laurel in Lyanna's lap. He could see it still: a crown of winter roses, blue as frost"- Ned(AGOT XV).

Its like wearing flowers associated with love and romance. Though it's with a twist. Loras never loved Sansa and his family later betrayed her. Cat never loved Petyr in that way and he transferred his obsession on her daughter. Dany is clearly infatuated with Daario yet she knew he is a monster. He represent her violent nature. Rhaegar and Lyanna were doomed.

We talked before about red flower/red roses/rose petals having some negative associations for Sansa before and how Lyanna ended her story in a bed of blood and Sansa's references are linked to bed/blood (link), so this is very interesting to me.

Certainly, most of what is written about Lyanna has a deep sense of tragedy, but this selection of quotes really highlights the idea of betrayal. Although it is Loras' family, not himself who betrays Sansa, LF betrays Cat's trust by turning on Ned/preying on her daughter, Rhaegar betrays his wife and his people by going after Lyanna. (Perhaps he misled her about his intentions and that's the betrayal hinted at? Some thing he told her he would help her get out of her marriage to Robert, didn't let her know the plans he had for her himself.) And although Daario hasn't betrayed Dany, she knows he doesn't care for her and some lines seem to indicate the possibility of him being disloyal, so it's certainly possible there is a betrayal there.

This all reminds me of the rose/thorn, love/poison idea that pops up a few times. I can't square including Loras with LF and Rhaegar, and as you point out, Cat isn't infatuated with LF as Sansa and Dany were with their respective guys, so not sure I can nail anything down, but I’m intrigued!

[boliv-jenta]

Jack Daniels x neurodivergent reader.

Angst, bad language, hurt people being assholes. Fluffy ending.

In my feels so I wrote this.

I feel like I should put I disclaimer that this is written from my feelings as a ND person. This is in no way meant to represent all ND people. If you've met one ND person...you've literally met one ND person. We share similar traits, we are not all the same.

"Jack...I am sorry. I can't." Scrambling to your feet, you made for the cabin. Running as soon as your legs were strong enough to carry you again.

Hurt

Jack lowered his hand, tucked the box back in his pocket, gave you some space. He waited for a beat, taking you in. Your breaths were slow and deep. Eyes wide with tears gathering in them.

Of all the reactions he had imagined to him proposing, this wasn't one of them. Sure, he thought there was a chance you'd say no. 'I can't' was different. A hole burned through his chest. His heart ached at the thought that he'd messed this up in a way he that he hadn't caught. Had he rushed you? Had he misread the situation? He was sure marriage was something you wanted. Putting out the campfire, he decided to brave facing you. If he'd done wrong, he just had to hope you'd let him fix it.

The cabin was cosy, soft lamp light bathed it. It took his eyes a second to adjust before he could scan the room properly. No sign of you in the living room. Moving to the bedroom he heard your quiet sobs.

"Sweetheart?" He slowly opened the door, giving you time to stop him. When there was enough room he slipped inside. His heart shattered at the sight of you sat in the middle of the bed hugging your knees. Tears streamed down your cheeks. Your lips trembled as your breath shuddered.

When you didn't tell him to leave, he couldn't help but climb onto the bed. In one sweeping motion he had you in his lap. Strong arms wrapped around you, plush lips brushing your head. "It's okay, Baby. You're alright."

"I'm so sorry Jack. I just...I don't deserve you. I don't..."

The force with which he pulled you away from him startled you so much that your tears stopped.

"Darlin'. Don't you ever say that!" He growled, harsher than he meant to. In his eyes you hadn't and could not do a single thing to make him think you didn't deserve him. If anything he didn't think he was worthy of you. Worthy of your kindness, your patience, loyalty, love. He'd never been a religious man but his feelings for you were as close as he'd ever gotten to having faith. Everything in his world would be just fine as long as you were in it.

"I'm sorry. I just..." With a long breath in you steadied yourself. "...if I said yes it wouldn't be fair to you."

"What do you mean?" Panic flashed behind his eyes. The brown pools becoming turbulent.

"I don't know if I'm capable of being a wife.."

A laugh bubbled out of him. He didn't mean it. He just had a flash of you thinking he was looking for some 1950's housewife bullshit. Some little homemaker to cook his meals and warm his bed.

"What? Do you think I want some Suzy Homemaker?" His tone was sharp, again he didn't mean it, he was hurt, shocked, his emotions were just bubbling out of him.

"Fuck! No, that's not what I mean!" You were up and out of his arms. Frustration drove you to pace the room.

"Then what the fuck do you mean?!" He spat after you.

"I mean I don't know if I'm capable of being married, of loving someone..."

In his long career, Jack has been shot with bullets of various calibres. Stabbed with all manner of things. Nothing torn through him like those words.

"You don't think you're capable of loving someone? Jesus. What have we been doing the past couple of years?! You quick enough to say you loved me when I paid for all this. When I fucked you in that bed this morning..."

"Jack. Stop." He heart clenched at the sound of despair in your voice. Christ, he did want to shut up. He wanted to take everything back, make everything better, have you back in his arms. His stubborn pride wouldn't let him. After all these years, he had finally let another woman into his heart and here she was tearing it out. He was never one to go down without a fight.

"What?! I'm not allowed to be curious as to why you won't, sorry, can't, marry me?" The way he threw your words back at you tipped you over the edge.

"Fuck! You want to know why Jack? I can't because I can't be sure of anything. My brain is so fucked up, I'm not even sure if I can trust it. If I can get upset and angry just because a few chemicals decided to get overzealous and make me feel things that aren't true, how do I know that's not what makes me feel like I love you?"

All the anger left him the second he saw your pain. He moved towards you, only for you to dodge his gasp.

"No. How can I believe it? If you love someone you know them inside and out. Know how to make them happy or how to support them. Yesterday, I forgot your middle name. For a whole hour. Something I've know for years, just gone. How can I love if I don't know you?" The tears came back. You looked so small to him as the sobs from your chest rocked you.

Silently, he wrapped his arms around you. This time you didn't move away. As you sunk into him, he took the advantage to lift you into his arms. Laying you on the bed, he came around to climb in next to you.

"I'm so sorry." He hushed you, wiped your tears before pulling you into him. His chest, warm and firm, gave you a place to be grounded. The steady thump of his heartbeat regulated your own.

"There's thing that are just hard for me. Some things I just can't relate to. It's frustrating. It's like there this wall at the back of my brain and I try to chip holes away to get a look at what's there but I just get glimpses. I can't quite put it all together. I either feel too much or not enough. I worry that I'm so used to putting on my mask to fit in, that I do that with you. That my mask looks like love to fit in with you because that's what you show me."

The weight lifted from your chest as Jack pulled you closer to his.

"Honey, I know that beautiful brain of yours can be a real bastard sometimes but I don't doubt for one second that you love me. Hell, I know you've got some stuff going on in there to contend with, I'm not takin' away from that but look, I don't believe love is some fairytale shit. I don't think a chubby, diaper wearin' little angel came and shot an arrow into my ass to make me fall for you. Maybe it is just chemicals and nothin' more. I don't know. Maybe you do just reflect back some of the love I have for you. So what. If it makes us happy, why do we have to look any deeper into it? I don't know if I'm the right man for you, I wanna be, some days I just don't know. I've made mistakes, I've changed, I've grown. That's just since I met you. Sugar, I don't need you to know my middle name or my shoes size. I don't need you to know everything about a man that I might not even be in a few months time. I just need you here with me. Doin' just this, talkin', learnin', growin' with me. All I want, is to love you...whatever the hell that means."

His words warmed your heart. Placing your had over his you looked up at him. "I love you...whatever the hell that means."

Tags @kirsteng42 @babydarkstar @prolix-yuy @thegreenkid @hquinzelle @fangirl-316 @gracie7209 @jedifarmerr @doommommy @scorpio-marionette @sturkillerbase @harriedandharassed @mandoblowmybackout @aynsleywalker

[shirolian]

From The Wedding to The Thorns of War

married in private ceremony

possibly with minimum amount of witnesses

the heirloom ring from Leopold is silver, decorated with sapphire

after the following festivities concluded, they went on honeymoon but it's not stated where to

then they traveled to Tremaine, Leo's duchy

the rumor that he married her for her name and money died within a week, at least in Tremaine

estate of Stavizzi was large but outdated

dowry used on redecorating and Eloise had free hand to change everything as she pleased

they canonically share one bedroom in their estate - nobles usually don't practice this

both like to draw and paint, Leo is actually very skilled painter and Eloise likes sketching

when they are free, they spend the time together in art studio that Leopold re-established on their estate

they would sit next to each other, painting or drawing on their respective easels and occasionally touching hands in loving manner

he absolutely loves to chase Eloise and ambush her with kisses

has zero shame about who sees this

he sprinkles kisses all over her face while holding her securely in his embrace so she won't slip away as she is squirming, her laughter echoing happily in the hallways

in the late evenings they lie together in bed, hands entwined as they read in companionable silence

the mornings are struggle since Leo refuses to let Eloise leave the bed, pulling her back under the covers to prolong their closeness

on the rare days when it doesn't rain, they go out on a picnic or walk

if picnic is picked, the food remains almost untouched because Leo just can't keep his hands to himself

yes, heavy cuddling sessions under the blooming trees while Eloise is flustered at his open affection

they were not married even for a year when the king passed an edict that all noble families must have one permanent representative at the court

however house Stavizzi was ruined by the same king and Leopold is the only surviving member, Eloise counts in too because of marriage

separation - Leo must leave for court and they have no idea for how long this will last because Eloise has to stay in Tremaine and govern in his place

it's raining when he is leaving, her tears are mixed with the pouring water and he keeps wiping them away with his kisses, whispering promises that they will see this through

months apart, the loneliness is interrupted only by letters

for fear that they would be intercepted, they avoid writing important information

she tells him all about how are things in Tremaine, what is new, about her day to day life, how she misses him dearly and how she is lonely without him

he writes her back equally and more so romantic letters full of love confessions and sweet words

after five months he finished laying groundwork for his coup at the court and feigned illness to get back home because he needed to switch places with Eloise so he could start visiting the provinces and convince nobility about his cause

when he arrived back in Tremaine, his carriage stopping in front of the estate, she ran the whole way there, meeting him in middle where he embraced her tightly and spun around in joy

he picked her up, carrying her straight to bedroom while she giggled and blushed as even then, he peppered her face with kisses

there was no diner that day

nor breakfast the day after

this time their roles reversed and it has been Eloise who had to leave shortly after his arrival to take the Stavizzi place at the court

another parting only motivated Leo to work even harder and in two months, he secured such backing that he openly went to council and proposed the king's deposition

the resulting uproar saw the edict about constant noble houses presence at the court revoked and by the winter, Eloise and Leo reunited back in Tremaine

the following month was a pure bliss, save for the constant threat of war on their minds as the council's indecisiveness continued

in the spring, they were summoned for peace talks to Garllucio and Thorns of War began...

[dreammustard11]

I think the relationship between the queen and the Scarecrow is a kind of Queerplatonic, while the queen and the king are family members who have feelings after a political marriage

In fact I had always thought the King was gay .Because he clearly preferred men, the only person he trusted is the king's hand and he built a statue of himself with him, calling the alchemist and the royal gardener “best friends”. But he never mentions the Queen, doesn't have much contact with the TimeKeeper, and even treats the corpse of the Tutorial Knight very roughly, though he treats the corpse of the royal gardener much more gently

The Scarecrow (aka the Royal Gardener) is asexual, as he doesn't seem to be romantically attracted to the other characters. But his relationship with the Queen and the king was so close that he even wrote for the king (red roses and blue violets), and was angry that the alchemist was called “best friend” by the king, or that he missed the Queen at the end of his life and wished to see her, and his words also show that he and the Queen were close to each other beyond ordinary friends. It is therefore highly likely that he is asexual, plus he was once a human (as different to non-human giant, alchemist, and timekeeper) and he is not married, although it appears that he is about the same age as the King, but the king already in fear of dying of old age

I can't say what's the Sexual orientation with the Queen, because she's not even human. Given that her character design is related to Athena (who is represented by the Queen of Spades in the game's achievements, who also owns a temple, and she as a serpent, and has owls that guards the castle), she may simply not be interested in humans, and not feel any sexual or romantic attraction to those currently appearing. But I think she developed a Queerplatonic relationship with the Scarecrow because she loved the scarecrow, she put mushroom boi plush that he sewed by hand in her bed to sleep with it, and she loved roses (and it turns out in boss rush that roses are the symbol of the scarecrow, and the symbol of the queen is the jewel on her chest). In the room of the Undying shores, it is not the Queen who has been transformed, but the Queen with her servants to rescue the transformed Scarecrow and place him in the mausoleum. Because from the plot point of view, the Queen's fighting ability is the strongest except for the king(including the apostates, although they want to leave but were killed), the Queen can not lose to the apostates, and there are signs of the Queen's attack on the wall, which means that the Queen even carries a weapon. What's more, the containers in that room were covered with plants, which was completely different from the containers in which the experiments were carried out in other rooms, including the containers in which the king became the beheaded. And the subject of the collector's only container full of plants in High Peak Castle's room turns into a half-human half-plant monster like the scarecrow

From the fact that she called the king "mylove", it seems that she used to had feelings for him, but what kind of love (Romantic, friendship or family affection？) is still unknown. Given that the Queen was once the ruler of the island and the Queen of Spades‘s suggests , I would assume that she and the king were in a political marriage and bonded as family members‘s feeling by living together

[whatsupbomb]

🕵️NATAL CHART OF JOHNNY DEPP🕵️

Don't yell at me, please, I tried🥺

Mars on the 2nd house cusp: he likes to hurt his own body when nobody sees him. That's because it was hard for him to become an independent person and lose connections with his mother. I've heard that she was abusive to him and didn't like him. She teached him to fight for his life (Mars energy). He might abuse himself to learn how to do it

Pluto in Conjunction to asteroid "Groom": he likes to lose himself with his partners by taking drugs or alcohol and having crazy sexual intercourses to get rid of his stress. Might get violent with his partner cause he feels constant pressure because of his popularity. Pluto gives you great wealth and popularity

Asteroid "Groom" in Conjuction to Ceres: it's important for him to be seen as a caring husband who won't ever hurt his wife. His ex partners might defend him cause some of them have a saviour complex towards him like Vanessa Paradis

Ceres in Conjuction to Juno: he's devoted to people who care for him like a mother who cares for her child, but will cut off those who try to put him in his place

Rx Neptune in Conjuction to Black Moon Lilith: at his core he's a delusional person who can't take the truth cause it will destroy his Idealistic view on the world. He often chooses wrong people to be with cause he's idolizing them just for their beauty. In mythology Lilith is a seductress who dumped biblical Adam. He thought that Amber will stay with him forever. In this relationship he's like a heartbroken Adam. He might take heavy drugs when he thinks that people try to destroy his plans on the future. He's a very romantic person aiming to find a perfect woman who'll stay with him forever. Might even try to drug her and put her under hypnosis or some spell using the help of a witch, so she won't leave him

Moon on the 6th house cusp: in marriage or cohabitation he's an unstable person with many fears and secrets. He's accusing his partners of lying to him or not being their true selves with him. He's not made for a marriage because he makes his partners constantly worry about him since Moon is a concerned mother epitome

Proserpina on Midheaven: he's best friends with the elites of the Hollywood who like him very much since he makes Hollywood seem like a perfect place for imagination with his roles. They'll always defend him and cover up his crimes if he's accused of doing something bad to the people. For example, pay journalists to lie about his crimes. His lawyers represent the 10th house since they're higher in rank than him because they have the rights to defend or accuse him in court

Mercury in Conjunction to Venus: he's aiming to create chaos in the lives of his women. They become miserable after dating him. They feel dirty and uncouth when they're with him. Mercury is represented by a parrot in my observation. Parrots like to clean their feathers and bathe in the water. Some of his women like Amber have to thoroughly wash off the dirt Johnny caused in their lives. Before meeting him they have an innocent nature and are liked by many people for their pure heart

Venus in Square to Rx Saturn: Square's symbol is a square (closed space like a room). Venus is about women. When women are all alone with Johnny, they feel threatened by his inadequate behaviour and immediately want to defend themselves. They feel the need to protect their personal space in front of him. Saturn's animal is a female cat who becomes violent when threatened. In this case Amber represents Saturn, female cat who won't stand somebody who tries to dominate her and tell her what to do. Johnny might've forbidden her from being free and doing what she really likes. He might've tried to instill fears that she'll be hurt, if she won't obey him. In bed (square=closed room) he might've accidentally hurt her trying to act like a strict daddy 😑 Especially with Rx Saturn when one becomes obsessed with an idea of suppressing people, degrading them and making them slaves🧐

Asteroid "Shramm" (from the Russian "scar") on the 11th house cusp: 11th house represents cult followers or simply "crazy fans". His "crazy fans" want everyone to know that he was abused by Amber making endless posts with proves of the abuse done to him. Sometimes they'll say or post random thing about Amber not even related to the case just to prove that she was abusive to him. For example, video when she was just drinking saying funny stuff or an article when she's talking about abuse not mentioning anyone's names. 11th house also represents us as kids in my observation. In his childhood he might've been beaten by his parents with no reason and now his fans help him to feel worthy. They see themselves as caring parents he never had. Their support helps him to work through his childhood trauma and realise who really cares about him. Probably he didn't see Amber as a caring partner just cause she reminded him of his abusive mother

North Node in Conjunction to asteroid "Dejanira": North Node is how people remember you or the trace you leave in their hearts. This element is strong in natal charts of talented actors cause it represents acting skills and ability to play the role of someone else in my observation. Dejanira is an epitome of a victim. So, it's easy for Johnny to play the role of the victim. He knew that fans see him as an abused child and would help him win the case, so he decided to sue Amber for her article about abuse where she haven't mentioned anyone's names or even dropped a hint🤔

I don't know details of this case, sorry if I was wrong in my thoughts. You can share what you think about his chart in the replies, but don't argue about how other people see this case, please

Bye for now

Reading made by @whatsupbomb

[pepperpepperz]

so there's this fancomic I'm writing.... so far I've got two fully done, and one more almost inked. many more to come! soso exited to be posting this :D

1 (you are here) / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / ?

[ID: an inked naruto fancomic. shikamaru lays face-down on his bed, as his mom barges in, saying "SHIKAMARU HOLY SHIT" she continues as shikamaru peels himself off of his bed, puffy eyed from sleep. "you're getting married!!" shikamaru asks "what, right now?" as he sits up, he mutters "fuck" to himself and his mother says "feudal lords of wind and fire want a marriage that represents the friendship of our nations," she smiles and says "since you and temari are such good friends, I recommended you! it's official!~" shikamaru buries his head in his hands and says "ff- Christ's sake mom we've been over this." he gestures, annoyed, with his hands. "me and temari are good FRIENDS, we don't want to get married." his mom places her hand on her hip and says "yeah dipshit, I know how arranged marriages work. it's for the good of the country." shikamaru looks upset and says "this country is such a drag. " shikamaru is now in his ninja uniform, and looks at the lord of the land of fire. the lord smiles and says "i'm afraid you can't do anything about it! as ninja, you are simply tools of the state. if we want you to be wed, you ask 'how high,' and so on." as the lord continues, temari and shikamaru grimace at each other, with the lesbian and aromantic flags behind them, respectively. he says "-and since you two are so close, there naturally shouldn't be any problems-" shikamaru's mother pushes shikamaru and temari through a door, and says we'll give you two some alone time :) I'm sure you're excited about this deep down. shikamaru looks pained, and says" temari, listen. your one of my best friends and I'll always be grateful for what-" temari cuts him off. "shikamaru we can't get married." shikamaru, off-screen says "Oh thank god." temari says awkwardly "I um. uh, interested in.. Not mmen. shikamaru replies; same. he puts his hands in his thinking pose and says "or women, for that matter. more importantly, how do we get out of this? without losing our jobs, preferably." temari puts a finger to her chin, saying "well coming out is off the table. you can still be fired in suna for being queer, and that's not a chance I'm willing to take." shikamaru replies "right. what we really need is someone who isn't afraid to stick it to the Lords and Elders to fuck up the reception so bad they call off the whole thing." temari looks at him, pained. shikamaru says "don't look at me like that." temari: "I hate it as much as you do." shikamaru: I don't even want him at our cringe-fail wedding. please" temari: "he would fuck our wedding up so bad. even if he just showed up." they both look defeated. shikamaru: "I never thought the day would come where I'd have to ask Sasuke Uchiha for help." Temari: "literally." /End ID.]

[watching-pictures-move]

Put On Your Raincoats | Educating Nina (Anderson, 1984)

Educating Nina is notable for two reasons. One, it represents the feature debut of Nina Hartley, one of the true legends of the business, all the more remarkable because she managed to stick around for over three decades and seems like a well adjusted person to boot. Much respect. (I used "feature" debut because she has a Swedish Erotica short listed on her IMDb from a few years prior, but everywhere else I've seen this cited as her debut. When in doubt, hedge your bets.) People of my generation are most likely familiar with her as a more mature figure, having aged like fine wine, but time works both ways and like many of us, she too was young once as she is here. Two, it's one of the few directorial efforts of Juliet Anderson, who started in skin flicks and the like in the '60s and entered hardcore pornography in the late '70s, also staking out a name for herself in mature roles, and left the business after some bad business dealings related to this movie. (I'm a fan of her supporting performances in Taboo, Taboo II and Purely Physical.) In that sense it represents a passing of the MILF torch, from one of the OGs to one of the GOATs, a dynamic made explicit in the final sex scene where Hartley excitedly takes notes while Anderson and her friend Lili Marlene go to work on Dan T. Mann. (Apologies for the jargon, but it's important to be technical when discussing these things.)

As for why Hartley was taking notes, that goes back to the premise, where Hartley is a student doing her Master's thesis on the "positive effects of sexual fantasies", which she plans to study by getting her friends to re-enact the sexual fantasies of her subjects and making porno tapes out of the experiments. (In the scene where she recruits her friends, she wears a "Cat Lover" t-shirt and pets a cat, which is very important to note.) Now, I didn't do a Master's degree, but her academic rigour reminds me of the time I used a high school project about Canadian culture as an excuse to watch Strange Brew. (For research, you see.) But what this means for the movie is that we get a series of brief interviews in between sex scenes with a variety of scenarios depicted.

There's one where Aaron Stuart has breakfast in bed while his wife Karen Summer gets it on with their maid Nina Hartley (who shows up in a cute maid outfit, which is very important to note). Stuart eating breakfast is an important part of the fantasy apparently, so we get lots of close ups of him chewing on his toast and reading the paper while more interesting things are happening nearby. (1984 was an election year, so it's understandable the news had his attention.) And then there's Billy Dee as a male stripper in an impossibly sparkly outfit, showing off his dance moves until he invites Hartley to the stage to get it on. This is probably the most fun scene in the movie, as it feels the most dynamic in conception and lets Hartley put her experience in stage shows to use. And you can't argue with Billy Dee's dance moves. The next interview raises some concerns. The subject starts describing a fantasy that...I'm not going to judge, but imagine if you go to a fancy steakhouse and only have the bread. Guy, Nina Hartley is making you a complimentary personalized porno, use your imagination.

Thankfully, the scene that proceeds is nothing like what he was describing, and has Stuart spying on his wife Lili Marlene while she has a threesome with Mike Horner and Nick Niter (who strongly resembles Barry Gibb from the Bee Gees). Surprisingly, he seems pretty cool with it, conceding it's a fair price to pay to keep their marriage as strong as it is. (The guys are from a lawn care business called "Loving Hands", which seems a bit on the nose.) Then there's a scene where Dan T. Mann gets propositioned by Karen Summer, who compliments his posterior (he wears frighteningly short short-shorts) and takes him to a gym locker room to get it on. Mann returns in the final sex scene, playing a guy who's beating off to a layout of Juliet Anderson in a porno magazine while calling her for phone sex, and then through some miracle, she appears in his room with Lili Marlene for a threesome. During these years, I understand that if you wanted to rent one of John Cassavetes' movies to show somewhere, for a pretty reasonable fee, you could go up to his house to pick up the movie and get to meet him and Gena Rowlands. The scenario depicted here seems like a similarly good deal. (The end credits feature an ad for her phone sex line. I'm going to assume the number is no longer in service.) And then the movie ends with everybody saying they learned something from the proceedings, and Hartley announcing that her thesis went great and she plans to continue these explorations. (I assume she's doing a PhD.)

On one hand, the premise is clearly an excuse to string together a series of sex scenes with some nominal variety, but I did find it interesting the way it foregrounded the way the genre serves as a vehicle for fantasy. In that sense, it might pair nicely with Little Showoffs from the same year, which has a similar structure of interviews punctuating sex scenes, but I think it's quite a bit better as it interrogates that relationship a bit more thoroughly and is executed with a great deal more style. (In that movie, I detected a slight and not unwelcome twang in Lili Marlene's voice. Alas, that twang is absent here, thanks to her precise diction.) That movie had the benefit of being a presumably reasonably-budgeted film production, while this is a crude shot-on-video affair, replete with lo-fi title text and fairly static camerawork, with the odd zoom or pivot punctuating the extremely basic shot setups. (There isn't much of the fluidity or aggressive fourth-wall-breaking you see in some of the early gonzo efforts a few years later.)

That being said, I had a good time with this as the atmosphere is consistently pleasant. The cast is quite appealing and fun to hang out with, and while this is very much targeted towards a straight male audience, the movie does seem appreciative of the male cast, with hints of female gaze appearing in in scenes with Dee, Horner, Niter and Mann, which helps alleviate the tawdriness that might result bargain basement production values. As hokey as it is, the bit at the end about everybody learning a lesson does add to the good vibes here. And as for Hartley, while you can't credit this movie with the entirety of her success, it does seem like a pretty good showcase for her talents (even if it moves her to an observational role after the first few sex scenes, but I suppose she needs to learn by both seeing and doing to do her thesis). And most importantly, during the interview scenes she wears sweaters and scarves in consistently interesting colours as well as a gigantic pair of glasses that appealingly frame her deep blue eyes. The ideal version of this movie would have consisted entirely of these scenes, or at least had her in these glasses for the entire runtime, but alas, they don't make these movies for just me.

[petalsmooth]

The nutcases on line who claim to represent Bridgerton fandom btw think this man....

Is not only the least attractive brother but not attractive at all.

You see why I don't like some of the fandom? They are delusional. Much from a fandom starting with K.

I don't even overly care about their appearances because I gravitate more to acting talent, story, character progression when I develop favorites but objectively speaking out of all the brothers? He is the most classically handsome by traditional standards. It's just ridiculous. And I won't even dignify some of what they have said about Nicola other than in their worldview if not a certain size aren't worthy of being a lead or desired.

Oh, and apparently childhood friends falling in love is boring, nevermind will include the chaotic revelation of Whistledown, but spending 6 episodes on chemistry free Anthony/Edwina is not. And somehow seeing another rendition of Cinderalla only in this telling with the "Prince" trying to make her his mistress is somehow more anticipated.

BTW...no one tell them because I don't think they could handle it but I think part of the reason Benedict's story wasn't next is because his story is problematic. Light romantic rom com with Polin is much easier to address than how to modernize Benedict and Sophie's story. Because it's not just boy and girl from different worlds meet and he searches for her to make her his bride. It's Benedict having to deal with his own ingrained privilege and expectations as a member of the elite and make a personal sacrifice if he truly wishes to love and be loved. It's all well and fine to be pretentious and declare casually his appreciation for the working class or lecture Eloise about how a modiste is treated or rebel against Anthony with hedonistic pursuits with his art community because at the end of the day Benedict is a man. He is a Bridgerton. He is the second born son, not the first so less responsibility. Society will allow his current musing and antics to a degree with no harm to his standing. Benedict has never truly had to sacrifice anything personally and to maintain the integrity of the book arc he WILL in order to have Sophie. But prior to that he's unlikeable.

Either the show just completely whitewashes the book and makes it another telling of Cinderella which is NOT original at all (speaking of boring?) so they can maintain the illusion he's the charming affable brother. Or, he's going to have to be unlikeable and get his hands dirty in ways they won't like. Even if they don't have show Benedict try to force her into being his mistress, will still have to have him unwilling to make her his wife. IF you want continuity from the book. Because you can't DO Benedict's arc properly without him making a sacrifice about his personal comfort and status, and it's not a sacrifice if he gives that up without resistance at first. Speaking pretty verses to Anthony about sacrifice for love might make a viewer swoon, but putting into practice is an entirely different thing he will struggle with if maintain continuity. The show has already foreshadowed this when they had him observe a male couple together in secret and his response to it.

Phillip and Eloise's book is easier to adapt. The scene with Marina basically just lying there unresponsive in bed so he can "do his duty". is not essential to the plot. So long as the abuse from his father and the loveless marriage is retained you can adapt their story fairly easily for a modern retelling without changing the narrative. It will still be dark since involves depression and long lasting affects of childhood abuse but you can easily wipe out that one scene.

But Benedict's story is the thorniest adaptation since season 1 with Daphne forcibly trying to be impregnated by Simon. That was then followed by Anthony playing two sisters off each other in season 2. I know that fanbase wishes to present Edwina as the villain but Anthony was not very likeable. the only reason either of those storylines were muddled through is because the actors were likeable. If going off the actual story and words....Anthony was extremely unlikeable. He wasn't altogether different from Berbrooke really in how he thought of women, only that he drew the line at violence towards them. So I completely get why the show would be happy to take a break and do something lighter for a season.