#Jenny Stead

[robynsassenmyview]

Little house in the garden

"Little house in the garden", a review of 'The Promise' directed by Sylvaine Strike, at the Market Theatre until 5 November 2023.

WHERE there’s a will, there’s a will: From left Anton (Rob Van Vuuren), Salome (Chuma Sopotela), Tannie Marina (Cintaine Schutte), the lawyer Cherise Coutts (Kate Normington) and Astrid (Jenny Stead). Photograph by Claude Barnardo, courtesy The Market Theatre. TAKE THE GENRE of the South African farm novel, throw it in the air with all its idiosyncrasies and hypocrisies, violence and violation,…

[annamatix]

episode 1 of the jenny-anna taylor jurdan collab series YIPPEE (that's a mouthful we'll need to find a better name)

@viivdle did cardan's pov in two parts (linked at the bottom of this post) and i did jude's here

today’s topic: dancing with our hands tied (jurdan’s version)

“i, i loved you in secret” = jude didn’t tell a single soul that she had feelings for cardan

“first sight, yeah we love without reason” = after their first kiss she was super confused and didn’t understand why she was growing feeling for him, hence the ‘without reason’

“oh, 25 years old” = they weren’t 25, but they were very young so this could mean how literally the fate of the land fae was thrust into the hands of ‘kids’ (18?? 19??)

“oh, how were you to know, my love had been frozen. deep blue but you painted me golden” = in tcp jude clearly states that she is not interested in marrying or has feelings for anyone, but cardan kickstarted those feelings, clearly

“oh, and you held me close” = she was around cardan a lot, he kept her close to stead as seneschal and whatnot

“i could’ve spent forever with your hands in my pockets” = this could refer to the way cardan was slowly becoming more spy-like, learning from the roach (‘hands in my pockets’ = him stealing stuff, like her heart)

“picture of your face in an invisible locket” = 1) this is elfhame, so invisible lockets are totally normal, and 2) this could also mean how cardan was always on jude’s mind, like when he turned into a serpent she still imagined him sitting there, giving her pointers in his own sarcastic way

“you said there was nothing in the world that could stop it, i had a bad feeling” = the way when jude was seneschal, cardan would always say things like ‘what a shame not one of them knows who their real ruler is’ and jude always feeling like this power could slip out of her grasp soon

“and darling, you had turned my bed into a sacred oasis” = smirk (sorry) basically this could be about when jude and cardan did something together and agreed on it, it was a rare moment, making it 'sacred'

“people starting talking putting us through our paces” = there’s lots of whispering in courts like elfhame’s and jurdan was definitely affected by them

“i knew there was no one in the world who could take it, i had a bad feeling” = jude crowned cardan against his will, and she had to bear so many responsibilities, so again she felt like the power could fall from her anytime soon

“but we were dancing, dancing with our hands tied, hands tied” = even though she was seneschal, jude felt powerless in many ways, frustrated that she couldn’t control cardan, hence the ‘hands tied’

“yeah we were dancing, like it was the first time, first time” = jude and cardan kept repressing their feelings for each other, and then whenever they felt something/did something, they were always surprised (‘like it was the first time’ = signaling even though they did it before, they were still shocked, like the first time they did it)

(skipping the rest of the chorus, it’s basically a repeat)

“i, i loved you in spite of, deep fears that the world would divide us” = painfully obvious, a mortal and a faerie?? jude duarte and the beloved high king of elfhame?? not even in your wildest dreams, right?

“so baby can we dance, through an avalanche” = jurdan has been through a LOT together, this somewhat symbolizes that

“and say, say that we got it, i’m a mess but i'm the mess that you wanted” = do i even have to say it? jude i-poison-myself-every-day-and-made-a-deal-with-prince-dain-who-made-me-stab-clean-through-my-hand-plus-i-did-a-shit-ton-of-other-insane-things duarte, and cardan is head over heels for this woman

“oh, cause it’s gravity, keeping you with me” = its so hard to keep cardan under her thumb, and also unbelievable he would do it on his own accord. this could also work romantically, its crazy to her that cardan actually loves her

(skipping the chorus cuz i already did it above)

“i’d kiss you as the lights went out, swaying as the room burned down. i’d hold you as the water rushes in, if i could dance with you again” = symbolizes the time when cardan was a serpent, jude didn’t care which type of cardan he would be, what would happen, or anything else, she just wanted him next to her again. girlie was highkey desperate

(the rest of the song is basically the chorus)

wow thank you for reading until here *bows*

sorry if its shallow jenny is the better analyzer between us two 🙏

cardan's pov part 1

cardan's pov part 2

[zahri-melitor]

Newish Comics:

Taking a break from ploughing through Santa appearances for the week’s comics.

Batman & Robin #3: ahahahaha “dedicated instructors who showed me the deep knowledge of the world”.

Damian. Sweetheart. You were TEN. I have no doubt you learnt a lot of complex things but also firstly you didn’t synthesise everything and secondly you simply didn’t have the TIME to learn ‘everything’.

That done, Bruce please explain socialisation and ‘working on a civilian cover’ to Damian, so he will go to school. Remember civilian covers? And secret identities?

Ooh Man-Bats! (I’m sorry, I’m here in this book for the Bruce and Damian moments, but I don’t actually mind the concept of Shush and White Rabbit? I like that White Rabbit is leaning into the Japanese aesthetics that Damian uses for his art)

Outsiders #1: I hate to say it, but my back is already up. Luke Fox, describing Kate Kane's background as "we both trained under one of the most brilliant tactical minds to ever exist" - are we talking about Jacob Kane? Because I wouldn't call him that. And I wouldn't say that Kate trained under Bruce Wayne.

Also the wig? That was originally Jacob's choice and to help with concealing her identity. If Kate actually had issues with it she would have ditched it years ago.

Not knowing fundamental basics like this about Kate is worrying me (unless there's been some retcon I haven't read yet?)

On the other hand... JENNY SPARKS SIGHTING!!! (Well, her skeleton. Apparently) JENNY MY SWEETHEART.

...I'm going to give this a go, since it's Kate and since it's MY FAVOURITE JENNY. I'm being cautious though.

Speed Force #1: oh this however is just fun vibes. I think it's our new light-hearted Flash book, with Si Spurrier doing more complex things over in Flash proper.

The Vigil #6: Ram V landed this. I still feel like all of the characters are specific commentary on other DC characters, but watching the team pull together and Castle explain what had been missed was very satisfying in that ‘heist film’ sort of scene where they flip the board and suddenly reveal what was going on.

Wesley Dodds: The Sandman #2: as this is the first Rossmo title I've seriously read, I am appreciating his art and I think getting used to it on a title where I don't have strong feelings about the characters involved will stand me in good stead.

World's Finest: Teen Titans #5: I’ve got to say, I love that the cover is a scene only tangentially related to the plot. Classic silver age vibes. This scene does not occur.

Wally! Love your snark, kid.

Garth! Surfing on/in Wally’s speed wake!

Also Dick finally decided reveal his ID.

Warlord #26: this week in Travis Morgan's adventures... DEIMOS IS BACK! Hello, Deimos! Planning to slink around evilly, are you?

Excitingly, Travis gets to fight a two-headed snake necked dragon this issue. Unfortunately this does not result in any bondage. Missed opportunity there, Grell!

This issue we are in a hidden maze temple, where they have to break apart an amulet and fit the pieces into rock niches to illuminate the way via the light bouncing. It is a VERY gaming dungeon sort of plot. However as each piece is fitted, a vision occurs. Travis is directed in how this works by a talking parrot. (A normal one, not an anthropomorphic one)

Travis sees visions of Tara but she's blaming him for betraying her, and given she was staring into a river and sighing over how much she loved and missed him last issue I think we can safely say this is a false vision. (All the visions say nasty things that mostly are guilt nightmares)

Once the maze is complete, Travis is offered the chance to gain his 'heart's desire' by stepping into the light (which has been causing all the terrible visions)

And Travis' wants to start over...so he gets transported back in time (to what looks like Neanderthal times but this IS Skartaris, it could just be last Tuesday)

[july-19th-club]

READ IN 2023

TOTAL LIST LENGTH: 532 BOOKS LONG (jesus)

NUMBER OF BOOKS READ:  52, but like 18 of them were Animorphs books

The dates are from when I started the book to when I finished it, so sometimes there’s a considerable gap if I picked the book up, took a break, and put it back down again. Sometimes the gap is two or three years. Don’t worry about it.

TITLES & DATES:

Last Smile in Sunder City (Sunder City #1) – Luke Arnold (July 2020 – BREAK – February 2023)

Practical Magic – Alice Hoffman (reread; September 2022 – January 2023)

The Farm – Joanne Ramos (December 2022 – January 2023)

Leech – Hiron Ennes (December 2022 – January 2023)

Late Eclipses, October Daye #4 – Seanan McGuire (December 2022 – February 2023)

Close Range – Annie Proulx (reread; January)

A Head Full of Ghosts – Paul Tremblay (January)

The Pallbearer’s Club – Paul Tremblay (January)

“Red Ballooning,” short story – Aimee Pogson (reread; January)

The Visitor, Animorphs #2 – K. A. Applegate – (January)

The Encounter, Animorphs #3 – K. A. Applegate – (January)

The Message, Animorphs #4 – K. A. Applegate – (January)

The Predator, Animorphs #5 – K. A. Applegate – (January)

The Capture, Animorphs #6 – K. A. Applegate – (January)

The Stranger, Animorphs #7 – K. A. Applegate – (January)

The Andalite’s Gift, Animorphs #7.5 – K. A. Applegate – (January)

The Alien, Animorphs #8 – K. A. Applegate – (February)

The Secret, Animorphs #9 – K. A. Applegate – (February)

The Android, Animorphs #10 – K. A. Applegate – (February)

The Forgotten, Animorphs #11 – K. A. Applegate – (February – March)

The Reaction, Animorphs #12 – K. A. Applegate – (March)

Dark Places – Gillian Flynn (January – March)

Gather the Daughters – Jennie Melamed (January – February)

The Woman in the Wall – Patrice Kindl (reread; February)

“Through This House,” October Daye short story – Seanan McGuire (February)

The Dream House – Carmen Maria Machado (February – March)

Bunny – Mona Awad (February – March)

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead – Tom Stoppard (March 23)

Let The Lord Sort Them: The Rise and Fall of the Death Penalty – Maurice Chammah (March – April)

Murder on the Orient Express – Agatha Christie (March – April)

Feast Your Eyes – Myla Goldberg (March – May; skimmed to finish)

One Salt Sea, October Daye #5 – Seanan McGuire (March – December)

When You Reach Me – Rebecca Stead (reread; April)

The Twyford Code – Janice Hallett – DNF April

Screams From the Dark: 29 Tales of Monsters and the Monstrous – ed. Ellen Datlow (April – June)

Sex Cult Nun – Faith Jones (April – July)

Some Desperate Glory – Emily Tesh (April – July)

American History – Alexandra Petrie (June)

The Andalite Chronicles, Animorphs #12.5 – K. A. Applegate – (June)

The Change, Animorphs #13 – K. A. Applegate – (June)

The Unknown, Animorphs #14 – K. A. Applegate – (June)

The Escape, Animorphs #15 – K. A. Applegate – (June)

The Warning, Animorphs #16 – K. A. Applegate – (June)

The Underground, Animorphs #17 – K. A. Applegate – (June)

The Emperor of All Maladies – Siddhartha Mukherjee (June – August)

Let Me Tell You: New Stories, Essays, and Other Writings – Shirley Jackson (July)

The Well of Sacrifice – Chris Eboch (July – August)

Plato & A Platypus Walk Into A Bar: Understanding Philosophy Through Jokes – Thomas Cathcart & Daniel Klein (July – August)

Babel – R. F. Kuang (July – October)

Boredom, Death Note #1 -Tsugumi Ohba/Takeshi Obata (reread; August)

Confluence, Death Note #2 – Tsugumi Ohba/Takeshi Obata (reread; September)

Hard Run, Death Note #3 – Tsugumi Ohba/Takeshi Obata (reread; October)

I Sing the Body Electric – Ray Bradbury – DNF October

Nickel & Dimed: On Not Getting By in America – Barbara Ehrenreich (October – December)

i actually can't find the ask game i thought i'd had last year and i might have just made that up in my head but if you want my opinion on any of these books please throw it in the ask box and i will do my best to answer :D

[horizon-verizon]

TG loves to criticize Aegon's prophecy, because they say that it only feeds that Targaryens think they have a divine right to rule, if I remember it was GRRM who put this in the series, so if the author put it it's because he must be saying yes… They have some divine right to rule

*EDITED POST* (5/8/24 -- included list of non Andal-considered incest and how the Doctrine was for Jaehaerys & Alysanne to marry/the dynasty to follow a Valyrian custom, not for blood purity, since blood purity rules you cannot marry to "muddy" the lineage)

I don't think it's "divine right to rule" so much as they were necessary for all humans to survive this magical catastrophe. "Divine right" means that the gods allowed or created you to rule either in their stead or to uphold the "land's" values so no one but a royal (sometimes not even then, just the monarch) can legitimately argue or seriously question them. that they can't be held accountable by any "earthly" authority: peasants, aristocrats, the Pope sometimes, etc. It's an argument many absolute rulers like the French kings of the 17th-18th century, Henry VIII, James I/VI, etc. used to justify why they should rule. An argument that they developed from the already present belief that God afforded "earthly" power to kings and spiritual power to the Pope/Church.

The Targs are humans with strong ties to magic (thematically AND physically) and the ability to ride dragons, but having magic and being religious are not always mutually inclusive. Jaehaerys uses the cultural element of the Faith, the extant Andal aristocratic idea of a ruler's divinity to justify his family's rule/his marriage to Alysanne and make enemies of the state anyone who opposes him/the marriage/the dynasty because the Targs were still seen as just as subject to the Andal- descendants' interpretations of divinity, incest, etc. And he made sure that dragonriding was the indicator of divinity or that the gods sought to make the Targs "worthy" to lead through them being "bestowed" these powerful beasts. It tries to legitimize dragon riding through a different interpretation of an already present religious/institutional principle/arguing religion and the gods' allowing them to rule AND justifies his marriage to Alysanne (love and personal aspect), secures the Targs' continuing to follow their own Valyrian customs just as Northmen do theirs and Andals do theirs--those customs, that like Andal/FM customs, allow incest for power consolidation (politics), as all aristocratic marriage customs have done in both fiction and real life.

The Doctrine never forbade the "mixing" of blood (which is actually blood purist), Targs marrying/having sex with those outside of their own family, etc. The Targs often did marry "out", or those who didn't marry a sibling/uncle-aunt:

Rhaena and Androw Farman (m)/Elissa Farman (s/l/i)

Aenys and Alyssa Velaryon

Maegor and 5 of his wives, the first being a Hightower

Aemon the Prince and Jocelyn Baratheon

Daella and Rodrick Arryn

Viserra and Theomore Manderly (engaged to be)

Viserys I and Aemma Arryn

Rhaneyra and Laenor

Rhaenyra and Harwin (s/l/i)

Daemon and Rhea Royce

Daemon and Laena Velaryon

Baela and Alyn Velaryon

Rhaena and Corbray/that Hightower

Maekar I and Dyanna Dayne

Rhaegar and Elia/Lyanna

Aerys I and Aelinor Penrose

Daemon Blackfyre and Rohanne of Tyroseh

Aegon III and Jaehaera

Aegon III and Daenaera Velaryon

Aegon IV and his various mistresses (s/l/i)

Elaena and all her 3 husbands (m); plus her affair with Alyn Velaryon (s/l/i)

Daeron II and Mariah Martell

Daenerys [II] and Maron Martell

Aegon V and Betha Blackwood

Rhaelle and Ormund Baratheon

Duncan and Jenny of Oldstones

Duncan and Kiera of Tyrosh

Valarr and Kiera of Tyrosh

Rhaegal and Alys Arryn

Magic and religious ties to it or priests (esp for the god R'hollor) using magic is the done-deal fact in the ASoIaF universe, but there is a skepticism of religion generated from several events in both the main series, and the accompanying works (Fire and Blood and Egg-Dunk's series) where people go through or witness atrocities and they look kinda askance at their gods. Or they doubt their ability to rise to whatever occasion that they think or were told to do in the name of /supported by whatever god(s). We the readers are meant to realize and be skeptical of religion's influence, not believe the Targs morally or ethically deserve the throne IN GENERAL, or to lead just because they had dragons.

In other words, let's be careful about how we characterize the Targs' rule. Yes, people who say they were colonizers or imperialists in Westeros are dumb. Yes, those who argue that the Targs are worse than other Westerosi nobles/former kingdoms/are in some sort of class struggle with literally every lord in Westeros in various periods are not working with a full basket of white matter. Yes, most green stans are totally in denial and refuse to learn how to read. However, the large point behind our criticizing these arguments is to show how ubiquitous power-seeking is for aristocrats of any and all lineages/backgrounds.

[whatthefusco]

Finally finished playing through Dragon Age Inquisition again so that I could play Trespasser for the first time, and I have some (objectively correct) thoughts. I'm going to ramble a lot here, but click below for a 300,000 word essay on why I'm gonna crack Solas's head like an egg and make a dreadwolf omelette.

People have spoken at length about how the roles of Inquisitor and Herald of Andraste require your main character to put aside everything they were before, appearing as a symbol while the person is forgotten. It's a theme throughout the game, most explicitly called out in Jaws of Hakkon. But I'm going to broaden that thought and talk about the concept of masks and how that applies to our companions (and ultimately Solas).

Sera is a Red Jenny. She is very much her own person with a very vibrant and wacky personality, but like the Inquisitor she dons this alter ego to do good in the world. The little people need to feel there is someone is looking out for them, so she disappears into the collective role of Red Jenny to help the common folk help themselves (and provide the occasional ass kicking when it's required). Sera gives up a piece of her identity to help people.

Iron Bull is a spy for the Qunari and tells you that immediately, effectively claiming that he isn't going to bother with wearing a mask here - you get to see the "real" Iron Bull immediately. But he is very clever, and keeps his true loyalties close to his chest, which ultimately leads to him either betraying you or not at a pivotal moment. He admits that he submitted himself to a Qunari reeducation camp, burying his own identity deeper to better be of service to them. Bull intentionally buries himself to better fulfill his role in Qunari society (and to better help the Inquisition, if you earn his loyalty).

Dorian is asked by his family to wear a mask - to do a political marriage and have children for the purpose of Tevinter's weird magister breeding values and hereditary political power- and rejects it. His sexuality keeps him from fitting into the ideals of Tevinter society, but he won't compromise his identity for an unjust purpose. Instead he walks away and finds his acceptance in the Inquisition. When his father dies he returns to Tevinter, never hiding who he is, and uses his political power to fight for a more just Tevinter. Dorian rejects a convenient mask and puts himself in danger for what is right.

If Sera's mask is closest to the Inquisitor's, then Blackwall's is closest to Solas's. Blackwall is ashamed of his past - the actions he took hurt people, and he believes his true identity of Thom Rainer to be beyond redemption. When the real Blackwall died, Thom took up that mantle - a mask to hide himself from the world, but also to live up to the ideals of the Wardens: duty and self-sacrifice for the greater good. He donned this role selfishly, but as he tries to embody these ideals and put his past behind him he genuinely grows as a person. When one man is about to be executed in his stead, Blackwall gives up the mask immediately. He stops the execution and reveals his true self to be judged for his crimes, believing he will be executed himself. Blackwall drops his mask for the life of one relatively-innocent man.

But Solas.

Solas has two masks, in a sense. His ancient mask of the Dreadwolf, covering the actions he took in the distant past, and his modern mask of a simple apostate seeking to aid the Inquisition.

Creating the Veil destroyed ancient elven society. He retreats from the world and goes into a deep sleep for millenia, studying the world through dreams. Eventually he wakes up, decides "no this all sucks, there's no hope here, I'm going to bring down the fade amd destroy all civilization as it exists now in an attempt to soft-reboot to the world of 2000 years ago", and starts scheming. All of this is prior to Inquisition. Before he ever meets the Inquisitor, he's actively working to blow up the world and start over. Cool.

So he can't open his orb and hands it off to Corypheus, knowing that it'll explode and assuming Corypheus will be disintegrated (as opposed to respawning via the Blight). So we get a fun little terrorist attack of convenience to kick off Solas's modern rap sheet, and once again Solas nearly dooms the world by assuming he understood everything (is Solas named the Elven word for pride? Or perhaps is the Elven word for pride based on his true name?).

Solas pivots and joins the Inquisition, correctly assuming Corypheus will be after the Inquisitor. He puts on his apostate mask and gets to advising. He has so many opportunities to bring the mask down, but every single time he chooses to keep it.

He has the chance to help the Inquisition prepare for Corypheus prior to the destruction of Haven, but instead he clings to this mask.

Through Tevinter time travel shenanigans he learns the potential consequences of the Inquisition's failure, but instead of providing much needed intel he clings to this mask.

When the Wardens are planning to march an army of demons into the Deep Roads and kill the Old Gods before they can be blighted, he gets pissed. "There's no telling what that would do" he says, actively scheming to break the world a third time despite being 0 for 2 on overly-clever plans. Once again he tells the Inquisitor nothing and clings to his mask.

At the Well of Mythal, in his supposed area of expertise, he is tightlipped and argumentative the whole time. Yes we need the well. No Morrigan should not have it. No I will absolutely not take it, do not ask again. The Inquisitor drinking from the well seems to be the best choice, but he'll yell at you for it anyway because the man is a control freak. Will he tell you any of the deeply relevant information he has? No, he's just an apostate scholar, what are you talking about.

The Inquisitor can make choice after choice to improve the world. Help the mages. Help the city elves. Make a knowing sacrifice at the well to learn more about ancient elven history and share it with your people. And Solas will simply nod and smile or frown and scold and none of it actually matters to him because he's still going to blow up the world. Just beat Corypheus and get him his orb back already, don't you realize everything you build is doomed?

And at the end of all this, all these calculated lies and missed opportunities to come clean and shape the existing world, he leaves. You spend two more years fixing the world without him, and the Inquisition doesn't really suffer for it considering he was sandbagging you the whole time anyway.

Then he shows up for 2 minutes to monologue at you while you're incapable of fighting him.

Don't worry, it's definitely going to work this time. There's almost a 0% chance some new guy comes in and drops a stone pillar on the ritual, it's fine. The world will be good now, I swear.

Redemption is for people who care. It's for people who are trying. Feeling bad about your previous decisions doesn't factor in if you keep making the same selfish, prideful choices at every opportunity.

You do all that and then have the gall to say you're going to tear the world down? You don't get redemption, you get *hunted*.

[renee-writer]

A Rescue Chapter 31

AO3

“I am glad you two worked everything out,” Colum’s voice draws their attention to the doorway where he stands, “truly. Now we need to be about preparing for Randall.”

 

His name sent a shiver up Claire ‘s spine that Jamie felt under his hand. He hugs her a second more, offering the reassurance of his body.

 

“Aye. What is the plan?” Lallybroch is his home but his uncles work in security. He is happy to leave her keep to them right now.

 

“We will place the lasses in center of the house, as if there is a storm coming…”

 

“Accurate.” Claire says. Jamie nods in agreement.

 

“Aye. We have rang the police. They haven’t the manpower to keep an eye on the bastard. Told me that if he shows up and starts something to let them know,” all three roll their eyes at these, “just so. So it is up to us, eh. We are calling in some of our lads to guard the lane. We will have someone at each entry point.”

 

“So your lads will stop him were he to try to get by then?”

 

He studies her, knowing neither of them will like the answer, “Nae lass. We want him to make it here.”

 

“Why!” He studies his nephew knowing if he weren’t so wrapped up in the lass, he would know.

 

“Jamie, we wish him stopped, not just today, eh, but long term? The best way to accomplish that is by allowing him to attempt to break in knowing,” he is quick to add, “ that he won’t  succeed. We will be here to stop him and,” a severe look to his nephew  “hold him for the police.”

 

“Aye. Get it,” He turns to Claire, still clinging to his arm, “I swear you will be safe. You will stay with mam and Jenny while we deal with him.”

 

“Alright,” she takes a steading breath and turns and face Colum, “Thank you. Please be safe, keep him safe.”

 

He smiles. “You have my world lass.”

 

“Come Claire,” Jamie leads her to the inner hallway where Jenny and Ellen wait with Dougal. He places her beside  his mam, who immediately placed her arm around her, “Alright, where do you need me?” He asks his uncles.

[redrose-arrow]

Hi I know that this may be stupid but can you write some headcanons about Halt and Pauline ? I really don’t see much about them and I think they’re really cute. I know that you’re probably really busy right now but if you find some time maybe you could do something like that?

dear dear anon-

please don't apologise for requesting Halt and Pauline headcanons. they're amazing and underrated and thinking they're cute is not stupid.

non-verbal communication??? they have invented it

Pauline always >>makes<< Halt speak in entire sentences when the two of them are together. unless she can tell he's upset - then she doesn't comment on his grammatically incorrect and very short sentences.

after Duncan's coronation, he couldn't afford visiting Araluen's allies, it being a post-war time and all that. so Pauline toured in his stead. upon arrival in Clonmel, during the welcoming dinner, she heard the story of the Crown-Prince dying a little under two years ago. she immediately knew.

Halt told Pauline roughly five years after being stationed in Redmont. Caitlyn's death was the reason why.

Halt actually proposed to Pauline shortly after Gilan graduated, but Pauline could tell that he wasn't ready yet. she said no, and honestly, Halt was thankful. he wasn't ready yet, but thought it had been what she wanted.

Halt actually had Will take one or two lessons with Pauline, because although he'll never admit it, he knows he's not the best teacher for anything related to diplomacy.

when Will was growing up, Halt and Pauline would occassionally spend their coffee breaks watching the wards play.

they're not particularly affectionate in public. nor when they're with friends, to be honest.

from the start, Arald took a habit in sending the two of them away for particularly complex matters. Halt's practicality and directness, together with Pauline's wit and diplomatic knives, was a great combination to get painful matters sorted out. and if it just so happened to bring the two of them closer together, well, then that would just be an added bonus, would it not?

early in their (platonic) relationship, before Halt had learned to communicate properly and before Pauline had gotten to know Halt's way of communications, they would occassionally get in pretty big fights.

they resolve their fights mostly by having dinner quietly, and letting conversation slowly spark up again, then talk about what went wrong.

despite his complaints before the wedding, during the wedding Halt realised how many people were there that did care about him. suddenly, a big group of people didn't seem so bad anymore.

Pauline offered to go with the Special Task Force to Clonmel. she didn't think Halt would agree to it (he didn't), but she just wanted to let him know she knew how difficult it was for him (Halt knew).

Pauline, like Will, knows about the clippers, but, like Will, doesn't burst the bubble of lies.

they have dinner once every two weeks at Jenny's restaurant, sometimes with Will and Alyss.

wherever his job takes him, Halt will always return with a notebook for Pauline. he took up the habit after she debriefed him from a mission early on after the first war against Morgarath and mentioned how she somehow never had enough paper for her notes.

whenever he has a meeting with Halt and Pauline, Arald always feels a little left out. he just doesn't quite know what they're communicating about (because he knows how well they can communicate non-verbally).

no one knows (and no one shall know, if it's up to Halt), but Halt has done Pauline's hair for formal occassions once or twice.

[batlleonafc]

They didn't really take Alexia's captaincy. She wasn't available to play any of the matches since she was injured so others stepped up to be the 3 captains in her stead. Vilda did, however, remove Irene and Jenni as captains. They actually played friendlies this year as individual players, not captains.

Don't be surprised if Alexia gets her captaincy back, as this will be the first time she's back since her Euros injury.

Alexia always was the third captain, so I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't get it back🤷🏼‍♀️ time will tell

[artistrichardhfay]

Article: "The Darker Side of Fairy Lore"

Many people today think of fairies as rainbow-winged pixies prancing about in a sylvan wonderland. However, traditional tales about the denizens of the fairy realm spoke of beings and practices that were far from benign. In the minds and hearts of country folk across Europe, fairies posed a real and dangerous threat to life and well-being.

Although many fairies held an ambivalent attitude towards mortals, some maintained an undying hatred of all humankind. The Scottish called the various types of malevolent fairy the Unseelie Court. This unsavoury collection of malignant entities contained the evil trooping fairies known as the Host or Sluagh, as well as a variety of solitary miscreants.

The unsanctified dead banded together during the darkest hours of the night in the roving host known as the Sluagh. These wretches flew in clouds above the Earth and captured unprotected mortals. Those unlucky enough to fall into their clutches would be dragged along, beaten, and made to fling paralysing elf-shot at cattle and other humans.

Shod in heavy iron boots, Redcap haunted ruined peel towers on the Scottish Border. This fiery-eyed goblin carried a pikestaff in his left hand and periodically re-dyed his crimson hat in human blood. Impervious to ordinary weapons, this vicious fiend could only be routed by Holy Scripture or the sight of a cross.

Duergars, the black dwarfs of northern England, hated mankind with a bitter passion. These taciturn beings clad in lambskin coats, moleskin trousers, and moss caps would use illusion to fool any unwary traveller into taking a fatal misstep. Only those wise in their ways could avoid the wrath of the duergars.

Female beings of a decidedly malicious nature lurked beneath the waters of various English rivers. Peg Powler resided in the Tees, while Jenny Greenteeth inhabited Lancashire streams. Grindylow and Nelly Long-Arms were similar water-demons found in other waterways across the English landscape. All delighted in drowning and even devouring naughty children who strayed too close to the water’s edge.

Monstrous trolls troubled the people of western Scandinavia. These hirsute beasts dwelt in mountain caves and preyed upon humans. They were only seen during the hours between dusk and dawn, for the light of the sun would turn then to stone.

Underground spirits known as kobolds plagued German mines. They harassed miners as they worked, frustrating human attempts to find precious metals by stealing tools, meals, and water, and replacing silver ore with that of nickel or arsenical cobalt. However, there were times when kobolds could be unexpectedly helpful.

Bogies, bogles, and bug-a-boos delighted in causing mischief. Some merely played annoying pranks, while others attempted to inflict grievous harm through their malicious tricks. Many, such as the Hedely Kow, possessed the ability to change shape. This trait was often used to torment unsuspecting mortals.

Even those fairies with a kindlier disposition towards humanity still posed a hazard to mankind. Beneficial brownies could become troublesome boggarts if their work was taken for granted by ungrateful farmers. Prying into the secrets of the fair folk was dangerous business, often rewarded with bruises, blights, blindness, or other ills. A mortal partaking of fairy food while visiting their enchanted realm risked eternal entrapment. The fair folk were also responsible for a variety of thefts, including the theft of mortal children.

A coveted child, especially one that lacked the protection provided by Holy charms or cold iron, was at risk of being whisked away by the fay. A changeling would be left in the babe’s stead. This replacement may have been a wooden stock imbued with fairy glamour to look alive, a deformed fairy child abandoned by its own mother, or a cantankerous senile fairy disguised as a youngster. In any case, the changeling drained away all of the good fortune of the human household until it was driven from the home, usually through the use of fire or heat. Then the mortal child would be returned unharmed.

Any encounter with the fair folk, “good” or “bad”, could be perilous, given their alien morality and emotions. Mortals had to tread with care through a countryside inhabited by a wide variety of potentially dangerous beings. Those that ignored the proper respect toward the “good neighbours”, or who didn’t protect themselves from their powers, faced possible injury or death. Humans that sought to learn fairy secrets faced savage retribution. Perhaps the best advice regarding the fay came from the Fairy Queen herself, in what she told William Butler Yeats:

“Be careful, and do not seek to know too much about us”.

Further Reading

An Encyclopedia of Fairies, Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies, and Other Supernatural Creatures by Katharine Briggs.

Faeries by Brian Froud and Alan Lee.

A Field Guide to Irish Fairies by Bob Curran.

The Celtic Twilight by W. B. Yeats.

(Originally published in Doorways Magazine, Killer Holiday Issue, Issue 4, January 2008.)

[rainsmediaradio]

Blackpink - Tally Lyrics

Blackpink - Tally Lyrics Chorus: Rose I say "fuck it" when I feel it 'Cause no one's keeping tally I do what I want with who I like I ain't gon' conceal it While you talking all that shit I'll be getting mine, getting mine Verse 1: Lisa Don't apologize for my behavior If you're offended, I don't care Staring at me 'stead of staring in the mirror Little weird how Pre-Chorus: Jisoo Everybody tells me to play nice Everybody judge, but looking twice But my body don't belong to, nah-uh-uh, none of them though And I'm not gonna change 'cause you say so Chorus: Jennie & Rose I say "fuck it" when I feel it 'Cause no one's keeping tally I do what I want with who I like I ain't gon' conceal it While you talking all that shit I'll be getting mine, getting mine Yeah, I say "fuck it" when I feel it 'Cause no one's keeping tally I do what I want with who I like And I ain't gon' conceal it I'll just do it like the boys say I'm getting mine, getting mine Verse 2: Lisa Told me to play it cool I break the rules, I'm breaking hearts in two Warned me to make the rules Or play the fool, it ain't that hard to choose Take apart the dos and don'ts And lose the won'ts, I'm getting mine Mines is mine, yours is mine This is mine, get in line Verse 3: Jennie Sometimes, I like to go play dirty Just like all of the fuck boys do That's my choice and there's no one I'm hurting And that's not girly Pre-Chorus: Rose Everybody tells me to play nice Everybody judge, but looking twice But my body don't belong to, nah-uh-uh, none of them though And I'm not gonna change 'cause you say so Chorus: Jisoo & Lisa I say "fuck it" when I feel it 'Cause no one's keeping tally I do what I want with who I like I ain't gon' conceal it While you talking all that shit I'll be getting mine, getting mine Yeah, I say "fuck it" when I feel it 'Cause no one's keeping tally I do what I want with who I like And I ain't gon' conceal it I'll just do it like the boys say I'm getting mine, getting mine Outro: Jennie & Rose (Yeah, I say "fuck it" when I feel it) (And I ain't gon' conceal it) Read the full article

[blooddrivesource]

[booksnotbombs]

August Wrap Up 2021

I read some really good books last month! Enjoy!

The Galaxy, and the Ground Within - Becky Chambers - I just love everything she writes! An amazing end to an amazing series *heart eyes*

The Bookshop on the Corner - Jenny Colgan - books, a (former) librarian, a bookshop bus and Scotland! What does a girl need more in a book?!

The List of Things That Will Not Change - Rebecca Stead

Heartstopper: Volume 1 - Alice Oseman - this made my heart cry and feel very gay feelings *happy sobs* Thank you booklr for gushing over this book so I finally bought it!

Later - Stephen King

What if? - Randall Munroe - Hilarious science book

Project Z (Quotum #1) - Marloes Morshuis - this is a dutch YA read but it had splendid worldbuilding and if you can you should really give this book (translated or not) a try!

[fangirlshrewt97]

Watermelon Crush(er)

Hey guys, this one is...I’ll be honest it is absolutely ridiculous, but I saw a video on Youtube and had to write this. Did not have a choice. It is a little bit crack, and it is a modern AU just because I could not figure out how the hell this would come up in the canon timeline. 

I hope you guys like it? And, um, a little sorry in case this just turns out to be dumb?

Oh and I apologize if all the endearments I used ended up being Tamil, I didn’t know which were the Telugu equivalents...

///

"Anna! Anna! Anna!" Malli shouted as she raced through their front door to the back garden where Sita and Jenny were having tea with Bheem.

Bheem threw his arms out to catch Malli as she nearly tripped over the door ledge, the bulging bag in her hand sending her forward. She started patting his arms excitedly, eyes alight even as she struggled to catch her breath.

Bheem laughed, steading her to her feet before switching places with her, leaving her sitting in his chair, and him kneeling in front of her. "Breathe Malli, calm down first."

Malli gulped in a large breath and closed her eyes, getting herself under control. She was still vibrating with excitement. 

Sita and Jenny exchanged confused but amused looks over her head.

"Alright, now what is it?" Bheem asked kindly.

The bag the girl had been carrying was sitting slack on her lap, and had fallen open to show two large watermelons.

Malli beamed at him and pulled out her phone. "Anna! You have to see this video! It is the coolest thing ever!"

Bheem winced, he was not a big fan of technology, and all his friends teased him about it, but Ram was just as bad, and they had spent many nights chatting about the confusing state of social media. At least Malli was usually nice about it, and to be fair she had shown him plenty of really cool videos. And had a huge batch of baby animal videos that nearly convinced Bheem to open an account.

Indulging her, Bheem crouched over her shoulder where she had pulled up the video. Sita and Jenny had also leaned in to be able to see her screen. Malli grinned at them before pressing play.

In it, a really muscled woman, clearly a body builder, was standing in shorts and a sports bra, flexing her muscles. Bheem thought he heard Sita gulp, but fought the urge to tease her. Malli was too young to be subjected to that type of talk. 

On screen, the woman proceeded to sit on the floor with a plastic sheet beneath her, legs straight in front of her. Her thighs were massive, and Bheem nodded, impressed. The lady accepted a watermelon from someone off screen.

"What is she going to do?" Bheem asked confused, but Malli shushed him.

Raising an arm up in surrender, Bheem continued watching.

The woman positioned the watermelon between her thighs, crossed her ankles, and leaned back. Then she squeezed. Now it was Jenny's turn to choke on a cough as the woman's leg muscles clearly clenched. After a minute, the fruit cracked, and when she lifted her hips, the innards gushed to the floor. 

Bheem's mouth dropped open, stunned. When he glanced at the girls, both had faint blushes on their cheeks.

Clearing his throat, he jostled his shoulder against Jenny's, sending her stumbling into Sita. He ran a hand over his hair. "That was impressive."

"Wasn't it?!" Malli exclaimed, delighted. She swiveled her head to look at the two older women who just nodded, unable to maintain eye contact with her. "Anna, you have to try it too!"

Bheem coughed, already shaking his head as Jenny and Sita whipped their heads in his direction. A mischievous grin took over their faces that could only spell trouble for Bheem.

"Malli, that is a great idea!" Jenny exclaimed. 

Traitor. Bheem made sure he told her so with his eyes. Jenny just smirked at him.

Sita went to pick up Malli's bag, and brought out the watermelon. "And you even brought the fruit."

Malli nodded her head. "I asked Amma if I could take it for Anna, and she said ok."

Sita stifled her laughter. "I think your mom probably assumed you'd be giving it to them to eat, not crush."

Bheem swatted at her before looking apologetically at Malli. "Kanna, I don't know about this...."

But Malli gave him her biggest pout. "Anna please! You have such strong legs! You can do it!"

"That's not-"

"Yes Bheem, the strongest legs! You'll not deny this beautiful little girl now will you?" Jenny interrupted, throwing her arms around Malli's shoulders. Bheem glared at her, but Jenny just smiled brightly as him. 

Sita was shaking behind her as she tried to keep from laughing. 

Faced with all three of their expectant faces, Bheem crumpled.

"Fine."

Damn it.

He really needed to learn how to say 'no'.

Malli squealed with excitement, clapping her hands. "Anna, go change into some shorts or something, and then we can do it here in the grass so the clean up won't be a problem."

Sita pinched her cheek. "Such a smart little girl."

Glaring at the younger woman, Bheem moved to go to his room. He didn't have shorts of his own, but Ram had a few old ones he rarely used anymore.

Snagging them, he quickly changed into the shorts and a sleeveless inner shirt. By the time he made it back to the garden, the girls had moved the table and chairs out of the way, and Malli was walking about the small space with her phone.

"Malli, what are you doing?"

"Trying to find the spot with the best lighting." the girl explained, tongue sticking out. "Here Anna! Come sit here."

He walked to the spot, before glancing at her. "Why does the lighting matter?"

"Because then only the video will look nice Anna!"

Bheem squawked. "I didn't say yes to any videos!"

Malli pouted at him again, looking at him with wide eyes.

Bheem cringed. He was so pathetic. "Fine. But do you need to post it?"

"Of course I do!" Malli said, stomping her foot for emphasis. "How else will people know how impressive my Anna is?"

Rubbing his hand over his face, he plopped down, resigned to his fate.

Until another voice joined them.

"What is going on here?" Ram leaned against the door to the back garden, looking over each of them with a bemused expression on his face. Bheem paled. Oh no.

”Are those my shorts Bheema?”

Sita and Jenny on the other hand looked delighted and grabbed a hold of each of his arms and dragged him towards Bheem so he was standing right behind Malli. "Perfect timing Ram! I am so happy you will get to see this in person."

Ram looked very confused and raised an eyebrow at Bheem who just managed to control his grimace. He tried to plead with Ram to leave but he doubted the girls would let him slip away.

"Ok Anna, here you go!" Malli said as she handed him the watermelon. It was larger than his head.

He sighed. This was not going to end well.

Avoiding eye contact with Ram, Bheem got into a comfortable position.

"Ready Anna?"

He nodded.

"And...action!"

He placed the watermelon between his thighs, sucking in a breath as the cool fruit touched his bare skin. He leaned back, planting both hands by his hips and crossed his ankles. Then he squeezed. 

He clenched his jaw as he increased the pressure, starting to feel the give. He grunted, lowering down to the ground once and repositioned the watermelon better. He got back in position and lifted his hips off the ground, teeth grinding as he squeezed harder. 

A small snap was the only warning he had before the whole fruit practically exploded in his lap.

Malli cheered even as he winced at the feel of fruit pulp sticking to his skin from where he sank to the ground.

"Ram!" Sita yelled, and Bheem whipped his head up. Ram was waving her away, but Bheem spotted a little bit of blood on his fingers. Yelling himself, Bheem scrambled up and rushed to Ram.

"What happened?!" Bheem cried out. He reached out to Ram, trying to grab him to see what was the problem, but Ram was refusing to look him in the eye. "Bangaram, let me see!"

Jenny rushed in from inside the house, and when had she gone in in the first place? Her hand was full of tissues, which she handed to Ram. 

Who shoved them over his nose.

Bheem calmed down a little. "Is that... did you get a nosebleed?"

Ram made a sound like a dying seal and ran into the house, leaving a very baffled Bheem behind.

There was a beat of silence as they stared at the swinging curtains left in Ram’s wake. 

Sita burst out laughing, tears streaming down her cheeks. Jenny followed close behind.

Traitors, both of them, Bheem was banning them from his house.

At least Malli looked as confused as Bheem.

"Anna, is Ram Anna ok?" she asked, voiced filled with concern.

"He's...he's fine Malli...don't worry...he just...just needs some time." Sita choked out in between her laughter.

Bheem went to pinch his nose before remembering the fruit pulp still sticking to half his body. He grimaced as the itchy stickiness started to make itself known.

"Malli, please clean up the watermelon? I need to go get cleaned up."

Jenny snickered. "You should ask Ram to help Bheem. Doesn't he love watermelon?"

Bheem scowled at her, trying to go find his lover to see what was his issue. He heard Malli asking Jenny what she meant. He snorted when Jenny stuttered.

Served them right.

See if he ever agreed to do anything like this again. Such a mess, he would need a good long shower. 

He paused, eyes going wide at the realization.

Oh.

Huh.

Maybe he would do a second demonstration. Just for Ram though.

After all, Malli had brought over two watermelons ... and it was bad to discard food.

Besides, watermelon was Ram's second favorite fruit. Bheem knew he'd not let it go to waste.

///

So....that was...something? What did you guys think?

Taglist:

@rambheem-is-real @budugu @bromance-minus-the-b @kafkaesquebestie @hissterical-nyaan @eremin0109 @obsessedtoafault @hufhkbgg @yehsahihai @rorapostsbl @bluesolace1 @fadedscarlets @alikokinav @chaotic-moonlight @rambheem @rambheemisgoated @jaganmaya @adikavy @burningsheepcrown @lovingperfectionwonderland @rosayounan @bromance-minus-the-b @iam-siriuslysher-lokid

I hope I got everyone tagged...

[vanderwoodlings]

my best friend: a blair/serena playlist (x)

Text version of the tracklist (and commentary) under the cut

1. “Butterflies,” Kacey Musgraves. I love this one as a sense of, like, what them together is—Now, you're lifting me up 'stead of holding me down/Stealing my heart 'stead of stealing my crown

1. “Butterflies,” Kacey Musgraves. I love this one as a sense of, like, what them together is—Now, you're lifting me up 'stead of holding me down/Stealing my heart 'stead of stealing my crown

2. “Cannonball,” Damien Rice. 'Cause it's not hard to fall/And I don't wanna scare her/It's not hard to fall/And I don't wanna lose. Flirting with your bestie,,,,

3. “I Was an Island,” John-Allison Weiss. Aaaaand we’re all the way back to being little kids—just, like, Blair especially doesn’t really let people other than Serena in, and we gotta speak to that

4. “I Think We’re Alone Now,” Tiffany. Children behave/That's what they say when we're together/And watch how you play/They don't understand

5. “Under Your Spell,” Desire. I was wondering… Do you know the difference between love and obsession? Pre-series entanglement vibes

6. “Complicated,” Avril Lavigne. Okay so yeah, obviously, there’s the sense of the Blair that no one else but Serena sees, but I think there’s also a level on which this speaks to pre-series Blair @ Serena, yk?

7. “Wonder,” Chey Rose. Sometimes I wonder/If I might love her/As more than a friend

8. “Jenny (I Wanna Ruin Our Friendship),” Studio Killers. I don't know how to say this/‘Cause you're really my dearest friend

9. “Nobody Knows Me At All,” The Weepies. Ah, what can you do? There's nobody like you. Nobody knows me at all. Thinking about Serena at boarding school, personally

10. “No One’s Gonna Love You,” Band of Horses. They’re so unhealthy at the start of the series I love it. We're reeling through an endless fall/We are the ever-living ghost of what once was/But no one is ever gonna love you more than I do/No one's gonna love you more than I do

11. “One Week,” Barenaked Ladies. Speaking of! The way Serena rolls with Blair’s anger at the start of season one feels so practiced, I think, for a lot of it—they have their rituals for when things fall apart. But it’ll still be two days ‘til I say I’m sorry

12. “I Don’t Smoke,” Mitski. Uh yeah that same thing but please remember. The kids aren’t alright

13. “I Will Follow You into the Dark,” Death Cab for Cutie. If there's no one beside you when your soul embarks/Then I'll follow you into the dark

14. “Landslide,” Fleetwood Mac. I’ve been afraid of changing/Because I built my life around you

15. “Jolene,” Dolly Parton. Hi Nate!!!

16. “Breakeven,” The Script. What am I supposed to do when the best part of me was always you/And what am I supposed to say when I'm all choked up and you're ok?

17. “Bee-Sting,” The Wombats. You drive me crazier than a wingless bee/You drive me crazier than I wanna be/Put your best dress on, better make it black/I'm going out but I'm not coming back. Isn’t it fun when they drive each other tup the wall?

18. “R U Mine?” Arctic Monkeys. But have we fully considered they get under each other’s skin like that because they can’t communicate about their feelings? I go crazy 'cause here isn't where I wanna be/And satisfaction feels like a distant memory/And I can't help myself, all I/Wanna hear her say is "Are you mine?"

19. “The Anchor,” Bastille. Let the parties end when we lose our friends/'Cause you cut through all the noise/Let the years roll on 'till the static comes. They’re soulmates <3

20. “Poison & Wine,” The Civil Wars. You only know what I want you to/I know everything you don't want me to

21. “Easy Silence,” The Chicks. I do not know how this much country ended up on here. And I've got all the world to lose/But I just want to hold on to the/Easy silence that you make for me/It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me

22. “Rivers and Roads,” The Head and The Heart. Rivers and roads/Rivers and roads/Rivers ‘til I reach you

23. “Happy Together,” Gerard Way, Ray Toro. No matter how they toss the dice, it had to be/The only one for me is you, and you for me

24. “Who’d Have Known,” Lily Allen. And even though it's moving forward/There's just the right amount of awkward/And today you accidentally called me "Baby". Getting together era

25. “Kiss Goodnight,” I DONT KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME. I hope we kiss goodnight/It might just end my life

26. “Still Into You,” Paramore. Can't count the years on one hand/That we've been together/I need the other one to hold you/Make you feel, make you feel better

27. “Cecilia and the Satellite,” Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. I always love the sense that Serena is unable to be still, even when things are good. Don’t be afraid, Cecilia, I’m the satellite/And you’re the sky

28. “Such Great Heights,” The Postal Service. And I have to speculate/That God himself did make/Us into corresponding shapes/Like puzzle pieces from the clay

29. “Boxes,” The Goo Goo Dolls, acoustic version. You are the memory that won't ever lapse/When twenty-five years have suddenly passed/Wherever you take me, it's clear I will go/Your love's the one love that I need to know

30. “Beautiful Girls,” Sean Kingston. See: the end of 1.04

Bonus track: “Call Off Your Ghost,” Dessa. It’s very intensely them, but it doesn’t fit the ‘working out eventually’ vibe of this playlist

[renee-writer]

The Heart Don't Lie Chapter 20

AO3

“Not until you have confronted him.”

 

“Jamie, your hand…”

 

“Isn’t  going to get any more broken. I promise, if I punch him, I will do it with my right.”

 

She finds herself chuckling. Unimaginable in this situation. It is Jamie and their mutual confessions. That he loves her as she does him, that gives her the strength and good humor to deal with a cheating Frank.

 

“Alright.” Instead of the hospital, she drives towards the university where her husband is.

 

He never saw the ambush coming. That is how cocky he was. Even after being confronted by Fraser’s daughter, he doesn’t believe anything will happen.

 

So, he is sitting at his desk grading papers when the door opens and his wife and Fraser come in.

 

“I thank you to keep your hands off of my niece!”

 

He jumps to his feet. “ I don’t know what your daughter told you…”

 

“The truth, that is what she told me.”

 

His eyes turn to Claire. He sees anger and something else, relief he realizes.

 

“Is she the first?” Her arms cross and she glares at him.

 

“She isn’t anything.” Jamie starts forth until Claire’s hand stills him.

 

“He isn’t worth it.”

 

That is when Frank knows it is over. It isn’t just her words. It is the way her hand on his arm, relaxes him.

 

“She’s right. I would suggest that you don’t say that to my sister, her mam. No amount of restraint,” he turns and smiles at Claire, “will keep her from you were you to refer to Janet as nothing.”

 

“Agree,” Claire says, “you didn’t answer my question. Is Janet the first that you have been with?”

 

“This conversation is better had with just us.”

 

“I imagine you would think so but, you’re not making the rules. You know what, it doesn’t matter. It should, I guess but it doesn’t. We are done.  Willa finding you snogging Janet was just the final nail in this coffin.”

 

“Claire, I can change.”

 

“No, you can’t. We got together because I was to stubborn to fight for what I really wanted,” a quick look to Fraser, “it was inappropriate then. I being your student. I don’t  know why you married me. You should have just moved from student to student. That is what you really want, after all.”

 

“I wanted to settle down and have children.”

 

“When we couldn’t, is that when you started prowling again?”

 

He really wishes Fraser would leave. The man stands like a wall beside Claire, his eyes never leaving him. It is making him uneasy.

 

“I needed to know it wasn’t  me. If I could get anyone pregnant…”

 

She lets out a noise that has Fraser’s steely glance leaving him as he turns to her.  “Claire?”

 

She reaches for him, seeking comfort. He touches her arm, steading her. 

 

“I’m alright,” to him, back to Frank, “Thank God you are sterile. There would be how many little Frank’s running around, you utter fool!” her voice, so calm before, rises, “It isn’t just pregnancy, having unprotected sex could have given you something . Something you could pass on to me!”

 

“I was tested. I am no fool, Claire.”

 

“Debatable.” Fraser drily says.

 

“Indeed,” Claire agrees, “Do as you wish, Frank. I am done. Just stay away from Janet. I will move out. The flat was never my style, to begin with. As with most things in our sham of a marriage, that was all you,”  She starts to turn, “One other thing, I don’t care where you sleep tonight as long as it isn’t there.”

 

“You are welcome at Lallybroch, Claire.” He says before looking at Randall to see his reaction.

 

“Thank you, Jamie. That is sweet of you. I believe that is the perfect solution. Let Frank have his sad one room flat.”

 

They turn and start to walk out once more. This time Jamie turns back. “I shall try to keep Jenny’s rage on Janet but watch your back.” He has no intention of trying to stop her from whatever she has planned for him. In fact, he hopes she deals with him. But, he needn’t know that.

 

“Claire, we need to talk alone.”

 

“No Frank, I believe communication through our lawyers is best from now on.”

Frank sinks back into his chair when they leave, head in his hands. He has been cheating since their first year of marriage. She was just to busy with school and then her career to notice. That and obviously not over Fraser. Bloody Fraser and his child! Things could have continued on if it wasn’t for them.

 

As a tenured professor, his reputation is everything. A wife with her own professional career, it was perfect. One reason he chose her. Now it is all gone. Fraser is freed from his own shackles. Claire will choose him.

 

He slams his fist down on the desk in frustration.