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undertheorangetree · 2 months

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How to Improve HOTD S2

This is truly just me feeling frustrated with the second season and screaming into the void. Feel free to ignore it I wrote it at 10pm in a hater spiral and probably have some information wrong

1. Shift away from the Alicent vs Rhaenyra thing and highlight Aegon vs Rhaenyra. It would be hard when zero relationship had been established in season 1 but after Jaehaerys’s murder it would have been SOOO easy to shift the focus of Team Green on to Aegon and make him really want to take Nyra down.

2. Speaking of Nyra I’m begging them to give her some agency. Her son was MURDERED. She spent TEN DAYS SEARCHING FOR HIS BODY. She should’ve been ready and raring to go to war at the end of episode one!! She should be doing everything she can to destroy those who took her baby boy from her!! Instead they had her crying about going to war and no one taking her seriously for 5 episodes. Let her be morally grey I’m begging you she is not a saint nor should she be

3. Introduce Ulf and Hugh WHEN they claimed their dragons. No one cares about their lives yet. Regular viewers don’t know who they are. They can talk backstory once you’ve shown why they’re important

4. While we’re introducing characters GIVE US SOME TIME WITH DAERON. Non book readers have no idea who he is. Establishing his place in Oldtown, the fact that he has a dragon, the dichotomy between himself and his brothers all would have been GREAT to see before they started throwing his name around.

5. More screentime for the younger generation! Helaena lost so much of her arc due to them removing her fall into madness (which I’m not mad at btw) but showing her grief would’ve still been nice. Baela is ride or die for house targaryen and that’s about all we’ve seen from her, plz give my girl some agency. Rhaena is angry about being cast aside and that’s got so much meat for character motivations but EVEN THE WRITERS ARE IGNORING HER AND GIVING HER ONE 30 SECOND SCENE EVERY OTHER EPISODE. Jace is also being done dirty, they should be establishing reasons why we should care about him and why he’s such a good heir before the battle of the gullet (which in an ideal world would’ve been where we ended season 2 but).

6. ENOUGH WITH THE HARRENHAL ARC!! The first few scenes were fine but now it’s just repetitive. Daemon wanting to be king in his own right came out of nowhere and will have zero consequences when we all know Nyra is just going to take him back when he’s done pouting. He’s literally just wandering around Harrenhal like a freak. That arc needed 3 episodes at the absolute max to establish the castle and Alys and the river lords and then he should’ve come back. I hate him but they’re wasting his character.

7. Aemond turning into a super villain?? After we established he regretted what he did to Luke?? Trying to take out his own brother for power is fine and I support you if that’s what you want king but maybe give us some more context other than “brother bullies you in front of his friends”?? Maybe my sister was just mean but that’s an average sibling experience as far as I’m concerned. It would have made more sense with the characterization they had already given him if Aemond had been given no choice but to burn Aegon in order to save him and take out Rhaneys and Meleys. The 180 into anime villain felt way too abrupt (like dany going mad sorry)

8. Alicent and Cole………… as much as I fly the Alicent is gay flag it could’ve made sense if they didn’t just immediately beat us over the head with it. We were immediately thrown in the deep end of them having a sexual relationship with zero context other than “everything you feel for me… as your queen” PERHAPS GIVE US SOMETHING MORE. I actually would have loved Alicent reclaiming her sexuality after 20+ years of having to fuck her rotting old husband but they went about it the wrong way.

9. Speaking of Alicent, I feel like they truly do not know what to do with Alicent. They took away every ounce of agency she could have had in order to make her a victim and now they don’t have anything for her to do. They just keep taking everything from her in a way that just shoves her character in a box while also trying to maintain her as one of the main characters?? It’s just all very odd to me

10. In that same vein, I feel like they don’t really know what to do with ANYONE honestly. Game of Thrones also had a big cast following multiple locations but somehow juggling between them all felt much cleaner than it does here. It’s as if they lose track of their characters and forget about them so they throw in a quick 30 second scene to be like “btw they’re still here!!”

11. I need more character interactions. Aegon/Helaena. Daemon with his children. Just people you expect to have some kind of relationship. I don’t think any of those characters have ever actually had a significant interaction with each other which feels absolutely WILD to me but

12. STOP WITH THE TEAMS!!! STOP IT!!! There is no good guy and bad guy here and there shouldn’t be. It’s a monarchy, a whole ass empire that has its roots in an even worse empire. None of the Targaryens are good. They aren’t gods. Rhaenyra has been completely screwed over due to the patriarchy but being a victim doesn’t make you a good person. She’s still sacrificing the country for her birthright. Let her be evil, morally grey, ANYTHING is better than her pushing against common sense in order to seem like a good guy. Aegon and co as well shouldn’t be portrayed entirely of super villains and victims. They’ve also done a shitty thing but at the very least give us some nuance no one is entirely good or bad.

13. This is nitpicky so it’s at the end but it’s called house of the DRAGON. I wanna see more rider/dragon interaction. I shouldn’t be introduced to a dragon the same episode it’s maimed (Sunfyre). You shouldn’t be telling me one of the main characters has a dragon when we haven’t so much as heard her speak about it (Dreamfyre). If a bond is so important between a dragon and it’s rider I want to see that bond

• IN THAY SAME VEIN why was vermithor letting nyra and daemon get all up in his grill?? They’re bonded dragonriders they’ve got their bestie, he doesn’t. Shouldn’t he have lit them up for that?? What makes them so special?? He’s barbecuing Targaryen bastards left and right but these two get a pass?? Why??

And now for some general overall complaints🫶🏼

1. Fix your pacing I’m begging you. They could have made 8 episodes work if they had let us move through the plots faster but instead there’s so much dead air. After Jaehaerys was killed we should’ve been FLYING through plot points. Two child murders are enough to declare a war started, but we still hadn’t seen any battle until episode 4 and then it stalled out again. Harrenhal doesn’t need this much screentime. You don’t need to hint at Rhaena claiming Sheepstealer for 3+ episodes. We don’t need to hum and ha about going to war for 4 episodes. There should be fewer long shots of the actors faces simply reacting and more SPEAKING. More PLOT. MORE OF ANYTHING TO MOVE THE STORY FORWARD

2. Stop repeating information. Characters constantly beat you over the head with the same information over and over again. One character will tell a person something then a second character tells that same person almost the exact same thing an episode later it’s like no one proofread the script.

3. Why are you having your actors use giant words in order to sound more period accurate?? You don’t need to repeat lickspittle every five seconds. You don’t need to use gainsay or comportment. I promise your audience knows it’s a medieval setting, put the thesaurus down you sound like an idiot

4. It’s almost totally inaccessible for non book readers. I watch with my mom and sister, neither of whom have done any research about ASOIAF but have seen GOT, and I’m constantly explaining shit to them. The showrunners rely too much on people having read them that they don’t explain anything. I know Helaena has a dragon, but they don’t because NO ONE HAS MENTIONED IT BEFORE!! BY THE SECOND SEASON!!

5. This is just a me thing but I would’ve LOVED more regional costuming. We got a hint of it with Sabitha Frey wearing a headpiece when treating with Jace and I love the idea of each region having their own specific fashion trends. The costumes are fine, some are even great, but most are lacklustre and feel too fantasy to me. I’m a history girly I want to see more hoods and headpieces and different shapes in the dresses etc etc.

Despite all this there are still some great scenes!! Aspects of this season were awesome and I think the first two episodes in particular were really strong, there is just so much lost potential this season and it has been really disappointing. I’m still gonna be sat for the finale this week but I hope that they really up their game in season three

#hotd #anti hotd #technically #but not really??#idk I still enjoy the concept

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burst-of-iridescent · 7 months

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atla live action thoughts: episodes 3 & 4

SPOILERS AHEAD

tw: opinions

things i liked:

jet, you beautiful, beautiful man. had me twirling my hair and kicking my feet fr i NEED this show to get a season 2 just so i can see more of him in the ba sing se arc please netflix

but looks aside, sebastian amoruso DELIVERED on the performance. the softness, the vulnerability, the charm, the intelligence, yet also the ruthlessness beneath it all? KILLED IT.

the moment between him and katara where he tells her to remember her mother as she was alive and not just her death was absolutely lovely. “remember the sunrise” made me very emotional

on that note, can’t believe jetara fake marriage is canon now lmao

i am SO here for desi omashu. i love the vibe and aesthetic of the city and again the visuals are STUNNING. live action repping the south asians better than the original ever did i’ll be honest

shameless fan service but “MY CABBAGES” being so fucking dramatic had me dying

of all the things i expected from the atla live action, secret tunnel and omashu being lesbians wasn’t even on the list but i’m not mad. hilarious that they turned the cave of two lovers into the cave of two platonic siblings though

jet, omashu and northern air temple arcs actually meshed together better than i thought. the NAT episode never sat well with me in the original so i’m glad they moved them to omashu instead.

the freedom fighters were RIGHT OUT OF THE ANIMATION. casting directors absolutely killed

love that they showed resistance movements within the fire nation and azula being part of rooting them out. it’s a nice nod to the deserter, since i’m guessing they’re not including that episode

really glad to see that the atla live action is following the tradition of having weirdly unnecessary zutara crumbs in every iteration of the story because what in the om shanti om was that zutara scarf moment. 10/10 no notes

having one of the earthbenders transporting iroh be angry over losing a loved one because of iroh’s siege of ba sing se was a really great change. i’ve always thought the original glossed over the true extent of the damage iroh did, so having him come face to face with what he’d done in the past was a great way to add some complexity

“how dare you beat up that child!” everyone go home seeing zuko being beat up by a random old lady is the highlight of this series. really love that they were just running around throwing things at each other that was major book 1 zuko/aang fight energy lmao

SECRET TUNNELLLLLLLL

leaves from the vine instrumental was 100% to inflict emotional damage and it fucking worked. the scene between zuko and iroh at lu ten’s funeral was so beautiful & then to have it flipped around at the end when iroh says “everything i need is on this boat”… fuck you for this netflix i didn’t need these tears today

things i disliked/am conflicted about:

not a fan of what they’re doing with katara’s character. they’re toning down a lot of her rage and fierceness, and boiling her down to “trauma over mother’s death.” in the original katara didn’t freeze jet and splash water at him because he tried to fight her, she did it because she was hurt and pissed off! there’s no way animated katara would’ve just run away from jet without sending a water whip at his face first. i’m concerned for how the pakku fight is gonna go tbh

bumi my guy, what did they do to you 💀 this series seems hellbent on having everyone remind aang that he ran away which doesn’t work when a) you already changed aang actively running away to him just going off for a break and b) you’ve made that point! the original omashu episode was about bumi teaching aang to look at the world differently, here it just weirdly feels as though he’s punishing aang by venting all his anger and despair on him?? that’s NOT what animated bumi was like & they didn’t even have the two of them go sliding down the delivery system in the flashbacks so adding it in at the end felt very out of nowhere. they didn’t even genuinely seem to be FRIENDS

having aang immediately figure out it was bumi was… sigh. can we please not do the thing where characters already know everything it’s giving me trauma flashbacks to the percy jackson show

jet’s plan feels more reasonable here than it did in the original. i get they’re trying to show that he didn’t care about the collateral damage to innocent people and that’s bad, but idk him wiping out an entire town unilaterally felt more extreme than a few bombings.

heavily dislike what they’ve done with zhao. i know they’re trying to show him clawing his way to power but that’s more of a long feng move than a ZHAO move. it’s important that zhao always holds more power than zuko and that he has an overinflated sense of ego from the start for him to fulfil his narrative purpose of serving as a warning to zuko of what he might become.

i like seeing mailee but why are they in this show? it feels as though they’re cardboard cutouts there for fan service instead of being actual characters

overall i liked these episodes better than the previous two & i do enjoy how action-packed and visually pleasing the show has been so far.

overall rating: 8/10 for episode 3, 7/10 for episode 4

#atla live action #zutara #i put these two episodes together since they felt like a two parter #also yes i gave into the urge to binge

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kepnerandavery · 5 months

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My favourite quotes from It's In His Kiss..

1. “Gareth considered saying, “Sir.” He considered saying, “My lord.” He even considered uttering the word, “Father,” but in the end he just slouched against the doorjamb and started to whistle.”

What a cutie 🥰🤣

2. “She smiled, clearly despite herself, but he counted that as a success. The day he couldn’t make a woman smile was the day he ought to just give up on life and move to the Outer Hebrides.”

Haha, he’s so infuriating 😂

3. “Bah. I’m merely old enough to get away with speaking my mind. You’ll enjoy it when you’re my age, I promise.” “I enjoy it now,” Hyacinth said.”

The day that I’ll be able to emulate the confidence that Hyacinth possesses will be the day that I will have won at life 👸

4. “He was a puzzle. And Hyacinth hated puzzles. Well, no, in truth she loved them. Provided, of course, that she solved them.”

So, in other words, she's already into him? 😂

5. “I love all my children, but you…” She looked up, her eyes catching Hyacinth’s. “You saved me.”

This entire scene was so so beautiful 😭😭

6. “He was down to one person now. Just his grandmother. Just one person he could honestly say he loved. And loved him in return.”

I can’t 💔

7. “He shivered. The thought of Hyacinth Bridgerton as his lifelong companion…He stopped for a moment, blinking in surprise. Well, it wasn’t horrible, actually, but at the same time, it did leave a man feeling very, very uneasy.”

Haha. I love that he's so scared of her. In his defense, he should be a little alert around her 😂

8. “Wasn’t it,” she asked, her words coming out on a sigh, “just a little bit wonderful?” He looked down at her, and maybe it was the moonlight, or maybe just her wishful imagination, but she thought she saw something flash in his eyes. Something soft, something just a little bit indulgent. “A little bit,” he said. “But just a little bit.”

Aww, look at him, pretending that he didn't find the idea of breaking and entering his father's house super thrilling 😂

9. “I would give the world to have one more person for whom I would lay down my life,” he said. And then Hyacinth realized that some things did come in a flash. And there were some things one simply knew without possessing the ability to explain them. Because in that moment she knew that she was going to marry this man. No one else would do.”

Gareth is a pretty flawed character, but the fact that he's able to remain loving and loyal to his grandmother, and was willing to let more people into his life even after being so wronged by his father is so mature of him 🥺

10. “This is a wonderful day,” Anthony was muttering to himself. “A wonderful day.” He looked up sharply at Gareth. “You don’t have sisters, do you?” “None,” Gareth confirmed. “I am in possession of four,” Anthony said, tossing back at least a third of the contents of his glass. “Four. And now they’re all off my hands. I’m done,” he said, looking as if he might break into a jig at any moment. “I’m free.”

Bahahaha. Leave it to Anthony Bridgerton to make a cameo in a book and instantly make it a hundred times better 😂

11. “If you marry my sister, you will have all of us.” Gareth tried to speak, but he had no voice. He had no words. There were no words for what was rushing through him. “For better or for worse,” the viscount continued, with a light, self-mocking chuckle. “And I assure you, you will very often wish that Hyacinth were a foundling, left on a doorstep with not a relation to her name.”

This entire exchange is one of the best in the whole series. Anthony is equally elated and surprised at this situation. Yet, he can't bring himself to interrogate Gareth. And he really wants to scare him off, but he knows that he shouldn’t because he needs to get Hyacinth married off to someone. But he can’t just smile and give his blessing either. So instead, he’s doing it all at the same time 🤣🤣

12. “I’ll talk to my mother,” she promised. “If I’m sufficiently annoying, I’m sure I can get the engagement period cut in half.” “It makes me wonder,” he said. “As your future husband, should I be concerned by your use of the phrase if I’m sufficiently annoying?” “Not if you accede to all of my wishes.” “A sentence that concerns me even more,” he murmured.”

Welcome to the rest of your life, Gareth 😂

13. “You’re a bit far afield.” “I like to stop by and inspect my inheritance every now and then,” Gareth said, his smile terribly bland. “Just to make sure you haven’t burned the place down.”

Hahaha. I felt like a proud mother whenever he mocked his father 😂

14. “Well, I suppose if I could walk all over you, you wouldn’t be worth marrying.” He threw back his head and laughed. “You’re going to be a fine wife, Hyacinth Bridgerton,”

Awww 🥰🥰

15. “You’re going to be my grandmother,” she said, leaning down and giving her a kiss on the cheek. She’d never assumed such familiarity before, but somehow it felt right. “You silly child,” Lady Danbury said, brushing at her eyes as Hyacinth walked to the door. “In my heart, I’ve been your grandmother for years. I’ve just been waiting for you to make it official.”

Lady Danbury is the best. I love her so much 😢

16. “No one said we had to spend every waking moment together,” he said, “but at the end of the day”—he leaned down and kissed each of her eyebrows, in turn—“and most of the time during, there is no one I would rather see, no one whose voice I would rather hear, and no one whose mind I would rather explore.”

Cuteee ❤️

17. “Oh, please. Please. As a wedding gift to me.” “No,” he said. “I understand your reluctance—” “No,” he repeated, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach. The sinking feeling that he was going to relent. “No, I don’t think you do.”

He literally won’t be able to deny her anything. And the fact that he doesn't even want to makes it so much better 😂

18. “I want to sigh to my friends about how managing you are, all the while secretly knowing I am the luckiest man in town.”

Awwww 🥰 He's the first and only human that enjoys being managed by her 😂

#hyacinth bridgerton #gareth st clair #its in his kiss #hyareth #gareth x hyacinth #bridgerton #favourite bridgerton quotes #also found this in my drafts and had to post

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lovelyladyabsinthewrites · 8 months

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From the Ashes Pt. 35

Pairing(s): Pairing(s): Rhaegar Targaryen x Lannister!Reader, one-sided!Jaime Lannister x Lannister!Reader, Jaime Lannister x Cersei Lannister

Warnings: slow burn fic, changing povs, MC POV, long chapter ahead

Words: 6023

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 3.5 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29 Part 30 Part 31 Part 32 Part 33 Part 34

Book Two of Dārilaros hen ōrbar se perzys (Heir of Ash and Fire)

Panting and reeling away from her personal brazier, Alizah closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Her face was still warm from the gentle licks the fire gave her as she had been staring deep into its flames. She had to know of any situations that might follow them to Asshai. Especially with confronting the darkins in their own realm. Alizah had never anticipated seeing a screeching dragon in her visions. So clear, the dragon had emerged from an egg that was being held by (y/n). Soaring through the rippling orange and yellow before growing ever larger and landing next to its mistress.

Alizah pulled up a chair and mulls over what she had just seen and the true meaning behind it. If only she was able to write down what she saw like many of the other red priestesses. Alas her blind eyes would merely be able to make scribbles. The only time she ever saw clearly was looking into the heat of the things, the soul of a being. She knew it would be wise to tell High Priest Benerro, after all she was his shining star in the whole temple and was heavily relied on. That’s how the temple knew (y/n) was in Volon Therys. And it was the vision of a box being delivered by a stranger that tied into the scenes she had seen at that moment.

When Ser Barristan Selmy had arrived on the doorsteps with a dark wood box under his arm, she had seen the warmth emanating from inside. It was a sleeping warmth that she had nearly waved off for it was a faint flicker. A box from Thalina.

“Did she actually succeed?” Alizah thought out loud to just herself. Thalina’s talent in reading the flames had been growing steadily before her departure to Westeros. Helped by Alizah and Melisandre, there were high hopes for her but only a handful of people knew of Thalina’s ultimate fate. Thalina had seen her own end but had just laughed it off. She never did like being serious. The air around her was always jubilant and Thalina had always been a smiling fool. That was the impression she left on everyone in the temple.

“I’m sorry. . .” Alizah whispered behind her hand after Thalina had told her how her life would end.

Thalina merely cocked her head to one side, her long braids shifting ever so slightly. “For what?”

“That you will not live a long life. That you will die in Westeros. . .”

Her laugh had surprised Alizah and Melisandre who had also been present. There in that solemn council room sat the senior red priest members Hayri and Iomhar, as they were the ones to be in attendance when the High Priest was unable to physically be there. “Ah, I’m not too worried about that. I’m more so concerned about getting all of my tasks done before that happens. If I can accomplish all that I have set forth in front of me, then I can die happily.”

“You shouldn’t be so callous when talking about your own death.” Iomhar growled but it didn’t dampen her smile. “The temple has so few people who can read the flames as well as you three can. To lose one would be a setback.”

Hayri, although perturbed by the revelations, shakes his head at his younger companion. “Settle down, Iomhar. Thalina is thinking about the bigger picture. We won’t need any more readers if she procures Azor Ahai reborn.”

Thalina beamed and nodded enthusiastically. “Exactly! If I’m able to get her here. . . Then I would have done my job. But there is also one more thing I aim to do.”

“And what is that?”

“Why, bring back dragons of course!”

Bring back dragons. . .

It was too crazy a thought, that’s what everyone was thinking at the time. Melisandre was the only one who didn’t think it quite as crazy. She had said it was exactly what Azor Ahai reborn would need to truly make a stand. Alizah had never thought that Thalina would actually succeed in procuring a dragon egg.

“You were always a crazy girl.” Her voice was sad as she thought back on the girl who was the same age as her yet already gone from this plain of existence. Everything Thalina did, she did fearlessly. An admirable quality. “Guess I’ll have to be the same. You have left her in my care. I will see to it that your visions come true, Thalina.”

Also important in the back of her mind was making sure that Rhiannon would be guided in the right path. That didn’t appear to be a problem. Rhiannon had immediately attached herself to (y/n) and (y/n) to her

They filled the empty spot in which Thalina’s death had left them.

A festive atmosphere had claimed Volantis, especially around the Red Temple; the hub of the ceremony. None of the jovial air reached you though. Thinking of being in front of so many people still made you nervous. All eyes would be on you. You hadn’t felt such trepidation since your wedding. There would be more people at your ceremony and certain expectations had already been set for you. You wouldn’t become Princess (y/n) Targaryen, no, you would be crowned as Azor Ahai reborn; the champion of R’hllor and the ender of the long night.

Your ceremonial headdress solemnly sat on its pillow. Tyrion had playfully tried it on and nearly toppled over, not used to such an accessory. While the robes had once belonged to Azor Ahai, the headdress was completely new, made specifically for you and this occasion. Inanna and another young temple girl named Farah were helping you get dressed, slipping your arm through the gilded sleeves. They chatted excitedly as they did so, apparently the temple was making this a very big deal. After all, their savior had finally been reincarnated and walking on the earth among them. The people of Volantis were already crowding near the bridge to get a sneak peek of the set up. Servants were setting up a pyre right outside the doors of the temple. A special feast was being prepared as well.

While Rhiannon positioned a gold armor breastplate in front of your chest, you examine your painted hands which Siofra had done for you. The dye was a dark brown and in intricate designs. You were worried about smudging it but tall Siofra merely laughed and told you it would not be an issue. The only thing that would wash away the ink would be hot water and soap.

Personally you didn’t think that it was an appropriate time to have your ceremony, but High Priest Benerro along with his council of priests insisted the people of Volantis see the face of Azor Ahai reborn before you left for Asshai.And most importantly to witness Lightbringer with their own eyes. You were nervous, what if you weren’t able to conjure up the flames when the time came? You had still been unable to call upon it freely, not since your fight with Inniros. Without its holy flames, Lightbringer was just like any other sword.

Farah helps Rhiannon by tightening the armor’s straps behind you. When her warm eyes flick up to your face, Rhiannon frowns. “Are you okay? You don’t look too well.”

Inanna pops up, having been helping Tyrion with his own outfit. Even Tyrion looks up with concern. “Perhaps I should get nuha kosh something to eat?”

Tyrion shakes his head. “Get her some tea. You don’t want her to develop an upset stomach and throw up during her ceremony.”

She smiles sweetly, making Tyrion’s cheeks turn a vibrant pink. “Ah, that’s a better idea! Good thinking Lord Tyrion.”

In the corner of your room, lounging at your round table was Jaime and Inniros being briefed on their roles by Alizah and Melisandre. Behind Inniros was Sirvart leaning against the wall but with a cautious eye on the darkin, her whip at the ready. The red priest Kafele, a man in his middle age, was in attendance as well to decorate Jaime’s own hands with the same dye Siofra had used on you. Initially he had grimaced when the older man had walked up to him with it and outright refusing. Tyrion told him to suck it up and to add salt to his wound had Kafele paint his own hands. Jaime, not being one to be outshined, relented.

Inanna goes to the packed table and pours you a cup of tea that would calm you. Carefully you take it from her small dark hands and thank her. A chair is also brought over to you so you could sit down and relax for a moment. Rhiannon helped you sit, holding your robes in such a way where they wouldn’t get stuck under you. “I’m fine. I’m just worried about using Lightbringer in front of all those people. I haven’t been able to summon the flames.”

“When the time is right, you will.” Melisandre says, although it didn’t necessarily make you feel any better. All you could do was blindly trust in her cryptic words.

“Maybe you just need to stab Inniros’ shadow again.” Jaime grins and teasingly looks at the bored darkin.

Inniros doesn’t blink an eye at Jaime’s remark, merely shrugging. “You can try.”

You shake your head. “No, I don’t think that’s necessary.”

Rhiannon hums thoughtfully, sitting at your feet and resting her head against your knees. “What emotions were you feeling when you first summoned Lightbringer’s flames?”

Thinking back to that day, you grow silent and close your eyes. You attempted to put yourself back there in your mind. You remember seeing Jaime, held down by Inniros’ shadow and about to be killed. Rage had filled you. Unadulterated rage ran through your veins and the urge to protect your older brother. Such an intense feeling was something you had never felt. Sorrow was nothing new to you. Even growing up with your cruel sister and distant father, you hadn’t felt resentment, only sadness that they didn’t love you or even care for you. Rage and anger was something entirely new to you.

You look at Jaime who wasn’t particularly paying attention until the red priest puts down his brush and turns around in his seat to face you. Kafele had the starting of wrinkles around his dark eyes and a peppered beard that covered his lower face. The top of his head was bald and shining. “Maybe you should call upon whatever you were feeling during that experience.”

“I’m not particularly angry about anything though. . .” You whisper against the rim of your cup.

“You have plenty to be angry about though!” chirps your little brother as he climbs atop of your bed, his red robes drag behind him. “Just think about all the things Cersei and father have done to you! And King Aerys!”

“I’m guessing you’re not used to feeling such a toxic feeling.” Alizah gently smiles.

“Obviously. Don’t you remember how she looked the first time we met her?” Sirvart speaks up from her place. “She didn’t even look like she could harm a fly. So sweet and wide eyed. Like a rabbit.”

Thinking for a moment, Jaime leans in his chair. “Well Cersei did use to call you a mouse.”

Clapping her hands, Sirvart nods. “That sounds more accurate!”

Blushing at their description of you, you still doubted that you could come up with such an intense rush again. It had nearly consumed you and. . . and something seemed to wake up inside of you. A feral beast that had been sleeping for so long. Just thinking about it made your heart pick up pace.

Rhiannon’s upside down face calms you back down and forces you to put on a wavering smile.

“It’s not the end of everything if you can’t do it yet.” Alizah’s words do happen to give you peace of mind. You trusted her word. “Of course Benerro will want you to show off, an actual testament that you are indeed Azor Ahai reborn. You’re still getting used to fighting with it. The two of you need to know eachother better. You and Lightbringer. It may be a sword, but it’s an extension of yourself and of the power of R’hllor.”

You had never really thought about it like that. If only you knew more about the actual Azor Ahai and how he had done all the things that was expected of him. True, the temple put you through lessons on their faith and history, never on a personal level. You had learned hymns and the many trials that Azor Ahai went through to forge Lightbringer. Definitely nothing you had to do. He had labored thirty days and thirty nights to forge the sword. Even then it broke had he had to repeat his actions again. And then again. Someone made your Lightbringer. Maybe it was because you didn’t put in your blood, sweat and tears into the steel? There was no personal connection.

Finishing up your tea, Rhiannon stood and took it from your waiting hand. She lingers before whispering for just your ears to hear “Don’t worry. Thalina had faith in you. Have faith in Thalina too.”

The first true smile you felt in the entire day warmed you from the inside. You couldn’t worry about it. Worrying now would do nothing for you in the long run. When the moment came, well, then you would deal with it. Thalina had gotten you this far and she hadn’t been wrong yet.

You nod and catch Jaime’s gaze. Hardly ever having his emotions on his sleeves, you saw evident worry in the depths of his eyes. The two of you had gone through so much. You had spent more time with him in Essos than you ever had growing up in Casterly Rock. Growing to know each other like the back of your hands you knew Jaime was concerned with all this fanfare and the pressure it was putting on you. He kept his thoughts to himself and merely pressed his lips together, returning his attention to the artful details being painted onto his hands and running up to his elbow. The dye was meant for warriors afterall. Sirvart was displaying her own designs as her arms were folded, obediently observing the darkin.

Going back to preparing the boys, Melisandre finishes with her words directed to Inniros. “I know you boys will be on your best behavior today. It will be the most important day of your lives. The world will know that (y/n) is Azor Ahai reborn.”

For the first time, Inniros showed interest. “The whole world?”

Melisandre nods, narrowing her eyes at him in suspicion. “Of course.”

“Even all the way to Westeros?”

Rhiannon caught on fast and a new sense of dread made her clutch her skirts. “The king will know she’s alive then. And. . . your sister will know where you are.”

Had she told you that a few months ago, most likely you would have been stricken with the same fear. You felt nothing though. If all of Westeros knew you were alive, Rhaegar would know too. Hope sprung up immediately and you couldn’t stop your smile from widening. “I’m not scared of Cersei. Or of Aerys.”

Melisandre smiled at you with great pride and even Sirvart smirked. The female Fiery Hand chuckles. “You certainly have grown since your days stumbling in Volon Therys.”

On your night stand was the box which the ancient dragon egg had been hiding. You get up from your seat and wander over to it, making sure your back concealed what you were looking at. But Tyrion knew as he craned his neck slightly on your bed. With the hope bubbling in you, touching the rough scales of the egg seemed to amplify that light feeling that tickled your chest. Rhaegar will know you’re alive. Hopefully once he knew maybe he would come for you once the war was over. Better yet, you hoped he would wait for your eventual return. You would always return to him. Now it felt like a closer reality.

Gentle footsteps fall behind you and in one fluid motion, you hide your opal and turn around. Alizah is standing in front of you, that permanent gentle smile. “Nuha kosh, may I have a private word with you in the antechamber?”

“Of course.” Picking up the skirts of your robes as not to get the hem dirty, you walk over to her.

“You as well, Rhiannon.” She addresses Rhiannon who had been polishing your ceremonial headwear. Slightly confused as to her summons, Rhiannon steadily joins you over to the door that leads to the antechamber. The walls are curved making the room a circular shape with a royal blue rug on the floor. A stout, round coffee table was in the center, surrounded by dark orange cushions. Other multi-colored pillows were present for added comfort.

Rhiannon made herself comfortable, laying on her side across the cushions. Honestly it was unladylike since she was in a dress, but that’s what you liked about Rhiannon. She was so comfortable with herself.

Without any assistance, Alizah sits down on the plush ground and looks up at you. Her smile widens at your expression. “Don’t look so worried. I was merely wanting to discuss the matter of that box that was so kindly delivered by Barristan Selmy.”

You had been waiting for one of the Red Temple clergy to ask you about it and you knew it lay heavy on their minds. If it was from Thalina that meant it was something of great importance. The question was on their tongues but they were willing to wait until you were ready to tell them.

Nodding, you decide that you trust Alizah enough to tell her the truth about what Thalina had sent you and the darkin confirming it’s true nature.

None of what you told her seemed to surprise the red priestess one bit. “And Rhiannon, you were the one who solved the puzzle to break open the box. How clever of your older sister. She planned out everything thus far and the events have been executed precisely. (y/n), Rhiannon, Thalina had another goal besides bringing the two of you together. Something else she had foreseen in the flames and that was bringing back dragons.”

That made Rhiannon sit up, her brows scrunched. “Bring back dragons? Thalina saw that actually happening?”

She nods and glances at you. “(y/n) is the key to everything. That is why I’m not too concerned if you can’t summon the fire of Lightbringer. Because during the ceremony you will take that egg and hatch it in front of all to see.”

You gawked at her before laughing nervously. When Alizah didn’t say she was kidding, you stopped and became anxious once more. “I think it would be more simple to try and get Lightbringer’s flames to surface. But, dragons Alizah. . . Dragons haven’t been seen for a century. Even Aerys couldn’t resurrect the last surviving dragon eggs. And now you truly expect me to do the impossible.”

“Thalina didn’t think it too impossible.” Alizah replies but pats the spot next to her for you to sit. “Relax. I have a plan set up. I’ve seen in my own visions a great pyre in which you sit in the center with your dragon egg.”

“She’ll burn!” Rhiannon exclaimed, looking panicked at the mere thought.

You were about to agree with her but then a faint memory arises; you laying down on the cushioned grass, still smelling of smoke while Jaime told you of the events that had previously taken place. You were still weak and slightly ill but you could never forget Jaime telling you how despite your room being up in flames, they didn’t touch you. Even as the fire consumed your bed and the corpse of Thalina. You had remained in one piece with no burn marks.

Alizah seemed to read your thoughts with her vacant, dark eyes. “Fire will not harm you. Not R’hllor’s champion.”

Rhiannon didn’t like it though, her fingers curling into her palm as she rocked on her heels. “We can’t risk it. . . If fire does harm her-”

“That’s the thing about faith. Sometimes you have to squash down your worries and blindly hope that things will work out. When you have a higher power to trust in, anything may be possible.”

“Sure, blindly believe. But what if your theory proves to be wrong? I’m not-” You noticed Rhiannon’s eyes begin to shine with the threat of tears that she tried to brusquely wipe away. “-I’m not losing another sister.”

Ever so slowly your own vision became hazy as your own tears became obstructive. Not even Cersei had claimed you with such pride and worry as her sister. Yet here Rhiannon was, calling you her sister. A lump developed in your throat as you try not to cry. They wouldn’t obey you and tears soon trickled down your cheek. It was too sweet and too heartbreaking.

“You told me to believe in Thalina, Rhiannon.” You took a deep breath and dabbed at your eyes with the sleeve of your robes. “To have faith in her. I’m scared too, but Thalina has yet to be wrong. If she saw that I was the one to bring back dragons, then I must be. Right? And If Alizah sees me not succumbing to the fire, then all I can do is try and live up to her vision.”

Pursed lips, Rhiannon’s shoulder trembled a little bit as her mind spiraled with all of the negative outcomes that could happen.

“In order to even hope to have the courage to go through with this, I need you by my side.” If Rhiannon wasn’t there with you to transfer her endless supply of bravery, you knew you would crumble on the spot.

“You shouldn’t let your fear show, Viserys is like an animal. He can smell fear.” Thalina had told you one day after he had threatened you. You had witnessed first hand the cruelty of Viserys after he had taken a blade and cut off Thalina’s beautiful braids. That incident had made you steer clear of the young Targaryen prince. He had the same malicious tendencies as Cersei.

“But he scares me.” You whimpered.

Thalina laughs. “That little squid? Trust me, he is nothing to fear. He’s just a bully. You just have to show him that you aren’t going to put up with his attitude.”

“I can’t do that. He’s a prince of the Seven Kingdoms. If I do something to displease him, he’ll tell the king.”

Moving a piece of your dirty blonde hair behind your ear, Thalina hums. “But you are Rhaegar’s future bride. One day you will be queen. That trumps being a prince. Viserys will be second in line for the throne until you produce an heir. Then he will be obsolete.”

When Viserys had cut off her hair, Thalina was livid and had grabbed the prince to promptly spank him on his rear. The horror you felt watching it. You had been sure that there would be terrible repercussions from her actions. You had tried to get Thalina to run away, worried that there would be guards showing up at any moment to execute her. But there was none. Only the matronly septa who turned her head, pretending not to see anything. Viserys had run howling to Queen Rhaella but received another reprimand from his mother.

You always wished you could be fearless like Thalina. Being next to her, you could feel her courage seep into you for as long as Thalina was by your side. When she was around you weren’t afraid of Viserys but Viserys was afraid of Thalina.

“I no longer have Thalina in my life. I need you Rhiannon.”

Gulping down her emotions, Rhiannon wipes her face. She was trying her best to put on a tough facade. Helplessly she looks at you with red rimmed eyes and determination.

“Then it shall be done, mandia(sister).”

A weight was lifted off of you. Now you could confidently ask Alizah “What do you need me to do?”

“Promise me one thing.” Jaime had one hand on the handle of the temple’s front door. A giant of a structure that led out to the crowd you could hear waiting with anticipation to see you.

Rhiannon on your left and Tyrion accompanying you on your right, you glance at your older brother.He didn’t look straight at you, choosing to keep his gaze focused forward.

Your entourage that trailed behind you stood silently.

Your left hand held your large opal while the other kept a steady grip on Lightbringer’s pommel. “What’s that?”

“Please don’t burn to a crisp.”

“Jaime!” Rhiannon remarks in a sharp tone before shaking her head with exasperation.

Actually you quite appreciated Jaime’s lighthearted attempt at diffusing your nerves that were already at a debilitating amount. “Hah, yeah, I’ll try.”

“You know what I mean.” He takes a deep breath.

“Do you not think I can do it?”

“Absolutely not.” Finally turning in him, you take all of Jaime in. The scar under his dancing green eyes. His long braid he had incorporated into his hair, casually resting on his shoulder. He wore armor over his ceremonial garb with vambraces that shimmered gold. Rubies and topaz decorated the rimmed arc “I would be a fool if I thought you couldn’t do this. I witnessed the most impossible things. Well, nothing seems impossible when you’re concerned. I know you can do this. Just. . . I’m still going to worry about you and feel like this could go terribly. And Tyrion, you look completely calm.”

“I believe in her too.” Tyrion smiles up at you, his long, curly hair framing his large forehead.

A knock from the outside was your signal to begin your descent to the circular plateau that led out to the plaza market of Volantis.

“The priests are ready for you, nuha kosh.” Melisandre instructed you, her hands folded in front of her and head held high.

Show time.

The booming voice of High Priest Benerro penetrated the door, a stream of words in Valyrian that were deaf on your ears as you tried to keep your composure. Heavily concentrated on your breathing, you stare as the doors slowly open; the other had been pulled open by Iyan. Bright, blinding sunlight makes your eyes squint up. You held the egg closer to your side, mentally trying to reach out to the warmth inside. That soothing closeness that reassured you.

Hanging tapestries that blew in the partial breeze portrayed the Red Temple’s burning heart against scarlet fabric. In the vestibule, the bridge was blocked off by Fiery Hands that held their weapons at the ready. People nearly spilled over them but you knew it would take a lot more to get past your guards. They clamoured on tip toes to try and be the one to catch the first glimpse of Azor Ahai.

The heat from the pyre in the center could be felt from miles away. There was no way you could get past the loud pounding of your heart in your ears to listen to the High Priest’s introduction. At a slow pace, you step forward until the sunlight fully reveals you for all to see. Vibrations from their cries of jubilation shook you to your core and you nearly lost the will to move forward had Rhiannon not given you an encouraging nudge.

Go on (y/n). You can do this. Even if every inch of me is trembling. . .

Summoning strength from your tightly clutched dragon egg you stiffly continue your walk until you are right next to Benerro. He had his arms out, welcoming the world to you.

“Chin up, (y/n).” Joanna smiled patiently, her index finger coaxing your chin up so that your eyes met hers. “There we go. That’s much better. Let everyone see your face.”

Remembering her words, you hesitantly raise your gaze up, your crown pulling you up. His tattooed face breaks out in a smile despite his mouth appearing to actually lack lips, the sun beating down on his bald head. Under the light of day, his pale face almost looked skeletal. You always thought he was a little ominous looking, but he had always been good to you so brushed off his horrendous appearance.

“Se dārilaros bona iksin kivio. Ōñosmaghare's āeksio se Rullor's kosh. Kessa mazilībagon se path va perzys se udrāzma iā azantyr naejot pryjagon se azantyr hen tolie. Rytsas se kosh qilōni kessa iōragon against sȳndror ,(y/n) Targārien. Azōr Ahaī sigligon! (The princess that was promised. Lightbringer's master and R'hllor's champion. She will set the path on fire and command an army to destroy the forces of the Others. Welcome the champion who will stand against darkness ,(y/n) Targaryen. Azor Ahai reborn!)” His thin and feeble stature betrayed his loud booming voice that reached even those who were looking out their balconies and windows. The city streets were completely covered in civilians. Not even when you married Rhaegar at the sept had there been so many people. They moved like a wave vibrating with energy enough to overwhelm you. You stood tall though and took a deep breath.

You knew Benerro wanted you to say a speech. Actions were louder than words though and you passed by him, down the small flight of stairs, Rhiannon falling beside you easily without a word. The red priests that were gathered along the sides murmured nervously, unsure of what you were about to do.

Closer to the fire until even the crowd started to voice their worry. From your periphery you noticed an older priest pull at the arm of a Fiery Hand who merely shook their head, having been given strict instructions from Weles not to interfere.

Face to face with the inferno, tongues of flames whipped out at you. While the heat was indeed intense, it wasn’t so bad as to deter you. No, a comfort of sorts beckoned you closer.

Before you stepped a foot any further, you shed yourself of your gaudy garlands and ancient robes that would be quickly engulfed in flames. Even the spiked crown made of precious gold. Everything that could be potentially destroyed were discarded, leaving you in a short sleeved, white dress made of soft cotton. It had taken so long to put on you yet mere seconds to take off. You unsheath Lightbringer and pierce an opening into the tall flames. The closer you were to the fire, the safer you felt. Worried shouts from the audience were suddenly becoming a mere muffle. Your hearing was overcome with the crackling of wood as the flames appeared to be parting just for you. Making a way to the heart of the pyre. Enclosing you in like a fairy nestled inside of a flower, you stare all around you.

Cozy was the first word that came to you. Flames did indeed start eating at your dress. If this did indeed work, then that meant you would be naked in front of possibly thousands of people. A self conscious thought you couldn’t help but think about as you saw your naked skin become visible.

You look down at the egg you were holding, your sword hand trembling a little as you held the blade up. Alright. . . If there’s still life in you, please, please let this be enough heat for you.

Cradling it closer against your chest, you carefully rest your chip atop of it’s soft teardrop shape. “It’s just us in here. It’s okay.” You squeezed your eyes shut and prayed. They were ancient prayers that Melisandre had told you of in a language that you had never heard before. She said they would help to stoke the flames if the heat needed to be increased. You muttered them quickly and with fervor. Within seconds you felt the temperature rise abruptly and it even made you begin to sweat. Slowly you brought your sword arm down and to your delight, Lightbringer’s own steel was swept up in it’s own flames. They didn’t tarnish your blade and you felt the same swirl of familiarity surge through you. You smiled wide and continued your chanting.

In your arms you felt a heartbeat and around you the flames began to depict figures. One looked like your regal mother, prim and proper smiling at you. The other was Thalina.

The figure of a man you didn't know manifested, tall and burly with long hair that whipped in the flickering flames. Features of his face were obscured and unclear, but you saw his cheeky smile.

The cracking of the shell as you felt the egg begin to budge.

Your orange blanket of safety began to dance erratically.

Pure joy had you crying when you saw a piece of the shell pop off.

An eager mouth poking out.

You became part of the pure warmth of the fire. Twining arms came out to hold you and you swore you could hear your mother's voice whisper in your ear.

The structure around the pyre began to crumble under the pressure of the rising flames as they seemed to reach for the sky.

Many people had begun to disperse, fearful of what would happen.

Jaime was starting to feel light headed, not realizing that he hadn’t been breathing since (y/n) stepped into the fire. His eyes were starting to burn and the smoke was almost unbearable.

The red priests and priestesses were not as concerned. They had been chanting louder and louder. Picking up tempo, Jaime noticed the flames begin to creep down. Intervention of the darkin brought the fire down immensely before his shadows completely snuffed it out, creeping back to their caverns and crevices. Jaime had never thought that the darkin would be able to use his shadow magic against the fire. It was bright after all and the light of it could have eaten his pathetic shadows.

“Have you not heard of that saying, Jaime?” Inniros, seeming to read his mind, glared at him with his only eye. Looking at him made Jaime feel sick. He was unnatural. “The brightest lights cast the darkest shadows.”

Did everyone in the continent have to speak in that annoying, mystical manner? It annoyed him to no end that everything just had to be so vague with them.

With the flames having all but disappeared, he could see his sister and finally he allowed himself to start breathing again. Good, she was okay. Still standing with Lightbringer’s flames still burning despite her clothes having been burned off leaving her in her own skin. Her once long hair had been diminished to the length of her jawline and was patchy but even so she seemed alright.

Nothing could have prepared him for the wriggling creature in (y/n)’s ash covered arms. The creature that mewled pathetically to everyone's great shock as some red priests even jumped back when they heard the abnormal sound.

He knew this had been Alizah’s plan. They had informed everyone before making the descent to the ceremony what was to be expected leaving no time for Jaime to interject. He had to go along with whatever she told him.

Still. . . Jaime could only stare and smile like a maniac.

Of course she did it.

What was left of the crowd were starting to lean in, finding it hard to believe their own vision. Then there was a cheer from the congregation of Red Temple priests. Cheers grew to a deafening roar. Those who had run away at the sight of the towering inferno soon came back hesitantly at the cries of disbelief that were emerging.

The small dragon in (y/n)’s arms stretched its wings, the scales sparkling in different flecks of green, blue, yellow, and pink. Its small shriek could still be heard over the clamour.

Taglist:

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@domoron

@yentroucnagol

@enchantingcupcakecollectionfan

@bregarc

#reader insert #reader insert fanfiction #game of thrones fanfiction #game of thrones fanfic #asoiaf fanfiction #game of thrones #asoiaf fanfic #asoiaf fandom #a song of ice and fire fanfiction #a song of ice and fire fanfic #game of thrones x reader #game of thrones reader insert #asoiaf reader insert #asoiaf fic #a song of ice and fire x you #a song of ice and fire x reader

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rynnthefangirl · 2 months

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So… looks like Battle of the Gullet is on the edge of happening. What do we think they are gonna do about the Aegon the Younger age issue? We already have him and Stormcloud both too small for their battle escape as established in the current timeline. If Tyland’s fleet intersects them, then there is no in universe ambiguity with which to age them up and hand wave away a vague time lapse.

Option 1: They do it anyway, and hope nobody cares. There doesn’t need to be too much of an age increase. The actors they used in season 2 will probably be old enough by the time of filming, and if they recast they can always recast someone slightly older. I think 6 or so would be enough. Stormcloud would need to be bigger too, but again you can probably do that and just let the inconsistency stand (my ideal option, though I unfortunately don’t think they will go this route).

Option 2: Another, more likely one, is rewriting the scene to remove Aegon’s agency. Instead of him escaping on Stormcloud, he may be rescued by the Dragonseeds. This should be an easy enough rewrite, and you can still have Viserys lost in the chaos if he and Aegon get separated. Stormcloud could die just in the general battle. Obviously I dislike this option, as it erases a very very key moment in Aegon’s book arc, a formative experience that (along with Rhaenrya’s murder) is a driving factor of his depression and trauma. Specifically his self blame and survivors guilt. It also erases one of the most heartbreaking dragon deaths. Baby Stormcloud dying will be sad no matter what, but carrying Aegon all the way back to Dragonstone while shot full of arrows because he refuses to fall until his rider is safe… you cannot top that.

Option 3: Enact some sort of delay in the Battle of the Gullet in the in universe timeline. I am not sure how this would be done. Rhaenyra is about to take kings landing, and I’m not sure it makes sense for her to still send her sons to Pentos once the city is secure. Though with the Gullet by Dragonstone, they could also be attacked when heading to Kings Landing. Perhaps they stay at another port for a while, or are called back for the Vale once word comes of Rhaenrya taking the city. Meanwhile Tyland’s ships are taking time to prepare an attack plan. Even a small ambiguity in the timeline can be used to sneak in a couple years age up. We also do need more time for Jace’s character arc to be complete, before the Gullet happens.

Option 4: Aegon’s role in the Gullet could be substituted with Joffrey, who is already old enough. However, I hate this option more than any other. It is absolutely nothing against Joffrey, but I don’t want any of Aegon III’s few moments given up to another character. It feels insulting if they clearly are willing and capable of doing the scene, and simply chose not to do it with the future king for whom the event is a cornerstone of their character. I’d rather them simply not do it at all, as in Option 2.

Honestly if they give the Battle of the Gullet plot point to Joffrey, and the Rhaenyra’s death plot point to Alicent, I think I would actually lose my mind. Like I would be done. I have a very very high tolerance of changes to the source material because I view HOTD as it’s own separate canon, but giving away the backstory of my #1 favorite Targaryen (and if I’m being totally honest, ASOIAF character, minor as he may be) to other characters will be my line. I can’t do that. One event would be bad enough, but both of them??? Nah.

On a side note: I find it very interesting that with Tyland bringing the fleet from Essos, he will be responsible for both of the two major traumatizing moments of Aegon the Younger’s childhood. I like that change, adds more poignancy to Aegon’s eventual forgiveness of him.

#aegon iii targaryen #viserys ii targaryen #hotd s2 #tyland lannister

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bbcphile · 3 months

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Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers (except me because obvs I have done it). Spread the self-love ❤

Thanks for the ask, @thesilversun! 😀

Since the ask said written, not “are writing,” I’m not including my current MLC longfic (as yet unnamed), but otherwise it would absolutely be on this list. It’s 58k and not yet halfway through (facepalm), and I’m really looking forward to finishing it and sharing it. So, for MLC folks, sorry there’s only one MLC fic here!

1. What’s Sealed Away (Mysterious Lotus Casebook, Dihua)

I really enjoyed figuring out how a-Fei’s amnesia works based on the details the show gives us and the things it’s oddly silent about, and reverse engineering based on how he acts towards LLH what his experience of amnesia might be like. (Also, as someone who has unfortunately had experience with amnesia, I feel like most examples of the amnesia trope really punt on the many different kinds of memory and how amnesia can mean you lose some but not all, and the wild things that happen when there are contradictions between them.) I’m also really proud of the ways I tried to convey the meanings behind LLH’s reactions even when DFS as the POV character had no way to fully interpret them because of all the missing context. It was a fun writing challenge.

2. Nunc Atque Semper (Horatio Hornblower, Maria/Horatio Hornblower, past Archie Kennedy/Horatio Hornblower; the only Dead Kennedy Universe fic I will ever write)

I can’t even read fics where Archie dies without being an emotional mess for days, so I was not ever expecting to write one. But 1. I got a prompt for it, and 2. It was a chance to hold Horatio accountable for the ways he treats Maria in the series while also being sympathetic to him for his overwhelming grief and being married to someone he doesn’t love; and 3. I love incorporating literary allusions into my work, and Archie’s canonical love of Shakespeare meant that I could have a central part of the fic be Maria essentially trying to do literary analysis to figure out what Archie and Horatio were to each other. I very much broke my own heart with this fic and I’m still proud of it.

3. Harboured and Encompassed (Horatio Hornblower modernAU (libraryAU + actor!Archie), Archie/Horatio; Archie/Horatio/Will pre-slash; 148,000 words)

I am still so incredibly proud of how I adapted the characters and events (with aspects of some of the books thrown in) to a modern setting while staying true to who they are. These characters will always have a very very special place in my heart, as will the special combo of humor, fluff, and heart-rending angst that having a character like Archie at the center of it enabled (I miss writing him so much sometimes). I love the whole series, too, but this is definitely the core of it.

4. Turning Over the Sands of Time (Horatio Hornblower, Archie/Horatio)

I still don’t understand why this one has so few kudos when I think it’s some of my best writing. Maybe the subject matter is too bleak/violent? (Mind the tags if you read it!) I really love writing missing scene fics and character studies, and the moments from the show that bookend this fic break my heart every time and make me fall in love with Archie all over again, respectively, and I wanted to delve into the hellscape of Archie’s mind in those moments and show how, even when he is in emotional agony and dealing with flashbacks, he is still compassionate and caring and trying with what little agency he has to make sure no one ever suffers as he did, or at least, if they are forced to, that no one has to suffer alone. (Also, a horribly depressed and triggered Archie means a very poetic Archie, which means I got to write lines like “The actors had changed, but the play had not” and “a rotting weed by any name would smell as fetid” and “Dying might be a price worth paying if it could but purchase that.” Have I mentioned I miss writing Archie?)

5. Taking Hands Against a Sea of Troubles (Horatio Hornblower, Archie/Horatio)

TW: suicide mention

The first time I saw a delirious Archie quote Anthony and Cleopatra during his suicide attempt and the play-illiterate Horatio has no idea what he’s saying, I knew I wanted to write the a scene where they see the play together years later in Drury Lane and Horatio finally understands the context. And I knew the scene in the theater box would need so much non-verbal communication and would need to be so comparatively subtle–because of the semi-public nature of the theatre box and the very real danger they would face if Horatio actually comforted Archie more overtly–so I waited a few years after having the idea until I was able to execute it the way I wanted to. I really love fics that deal just as much (if not more) in what’s unsaid than what’s said–for all that I love deep dives into character psychology–and I’m so glad I was able to finally write this.

Thanks again for the ask!

#about me #ask meme #writing #mysterious lotus casebook #Horatio Hornblower #Archie Kennedy

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pompoison · 2 years

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Trigun Stampede Finale - Episode 12 Thoughts from Pom

0) Knives likes cowboys. His gap moe just keeps getting better. What a dork? I love him?

1) Meryl’s character growth has been super fulfilling to watch. I love how she stopped Knives’ plan to kill everyone by taking those steps to reach Vash. She did something so dangerous, risking an agonizing death at Millions Knives’ hands to save everyone, instead of freezing in terror like a lot of people would have done in that situation! I respect her SO MUCH.

2) Knives’ roar of outrage when he tries to kill Meryl. It really is always a brunette getting between him and Vash isn’t it? Junya Ikeda acted his heart out and it was amazing to hear how incensed Knives was while also hearing the panic of losing Vash in his voice too. I feared for Meryl as much as I felt heartbroken for Knives.

3) That scene with Vash awakening to save Meryl was some good food. Actually shivered when he thanked her as he stepped back into the fray to face Knives. The sound design, animation and voice acting of this show is perfectly crafted to give you a rattling experience.

4) I am a Stampede undercut Vash appreciator, but I love Vash’s new look in this episode. The reveal when it finally settles into that shape is once again a testament to the love poured into this show. His antennae are prominent, his forehead is cute, and I’m overjoyed that this iconic look could be given to him without sacrificing his undercut. It’s aesthetically pleasing. I hope that they keep this look for Vash.

5) Knives is beautiful. What right did Orange have giving Knives the prettiest face on this show?

6) Vash’s wing is monstrous to behold. The exact moment when it unfurls during his fall from the tower is HAUNTING ME.

7) The way the flying fight scene perspective makes you feel Vash’s gunshots as if he’s shooting AT YOU when he’s shooting at Nai. Ow. Sexy but ow.

8) Nico picking up Meryl and booking it will live rent free in my head forever too. Take her and run. Pocket wife. Zoom.

9) Unhinged freak thoughts incoming! I thought I was scared of Vash’s forehead but I was actually just scared of the nape of his neck being stiff with hair gel. I have a thing about the back of the neck. It’s gotta be bare so it can be stroked with light malice and gripped with violent force. Vash’s forehead is for kissing and smacking and flicking things at (Everything I want Nico and Meryl to do). Vash’s NAPE is for sucking biting & pinching (Everything I want Knives to do). It’s good Vash’s underside is shaved because the back of his buzzed neck is ero, and because the bottom half of his skull is slightly bristly, a superior texture. If Knives wants to grab him by the neck he can feel the warmth of Vash’s skin and pulse under his palm. If he wants to hold Vash by his hair he can grab a fistful from the top of his head. It’s perfect for my deranged imagination.

10) Kisses Vash’s forehead. Kisses it so much.

11) Vash bit Knives’ hand like an incensed dog and looked adorable doing it.

12) Millions “Hysterically appalled by my Eve’s savior complex” Knives

13) I was on Knives’ side when he said, in breathless horror, “After more than a century, that’s the best answer you could come up with?!” Seriously, Vash, that was such a lackluster response! I don’t care if you got shot fifteen times by the JuLai police, when you fly into the stratosphere with your brother who is in love with you you have a serious heart to heart with him! Jerk! /kidding

14) Knives finally realizing Vash is lost to him forever in that scene haunts me. He’s devastated. I picked the right antagonist to stan. This hurts so much.

15) Knives being the powerless one, having Vash wrenched away from him again and again, even though he promises to keep fighting for him is what gets me. Stampede is relentless about confronting you, the audience, with the fact that Knives is an EXTREMELY romantic character. Knives is SO WEIRD— he has these violent murderous methods, and yet he also represents this ideal paradigm of undying love. He’s not just a yandere. His heart was BROKEN this ep. He was squashed. The irony that the guy who hates all of humanity experiences so much humanity is buckwild. Knives is a romantic character even if some audiences find it repellant to ship him with Vash. His love for Vash is as unhesitant as it is unhealthy, to dramatic effect. The more Knives and Vash push against each other’s ideals, the tighter those ideals coil.

16) Those were the most beautiful dying words I’ve ever heard, thanks Knives I’m sobbing. You still do everything for that impossible “Us,” even after everything. Even after Vash has chosen humans over you every time. I love this sad lovesick plant.

17) Knives always keeps his promises to Vash. No, I haven’t read Trimax yet, but I know we haven’t seen the last of him.

18) The way Vash screams “Nai!” and sobbing Nai’s name while falling back to Earth can become my new ring tone! Congratulations to Yoshitsugu Matsuoka for bringing such a heartwrenching performance to Trigun Stampede Vash. ;-; </3 I love hearing his uniquely soft voice.

19) Stampede Eriks my beloved. Brokenly playing piano because it’s his last connection to Nai. He thinks he’s killed Nai and all the plants in addition to destroying JuLai. My depressed, remorseful baby oh my god.

20) Season 2 confirmed! 🎉 THANK YOU SO MUCH STUDIO ORANGE AND CONGRATULATIONS!💕🍊

Extra Thoughts!

21) Honestly, I feel relieved that Season 2 is a ways off in the future. It gives me time to thoroughly enjoy the massive amount of beautiful fanart and fanfic that’s been created. I was kind of just shoving it all in my mouth before and I want to savor it with a calmer frame of mind.

22) From my perspective as a fan creator who also makes original comics the pause period gives me a sense of breathing room to digest what I felt from this show and make the best possible fan creations about it. All my fanart so far has been made in a rush of passion. That’s fun and exciting, but without reflection, it lacks focus. I look forward to reading Trimax and fully learning all of the story. Also looking forward to do solo and collaborative zines, among other future Trigun fan projects!

23) I’ll admit that Stampede was my introduction to becoming a fan of Trigun, and yet, I feel safe and understood by Studio Orange’s retelling in a way I can’t articulate or justify. “They Get It” has no business coming from my mouth, but it is the way I feel, for some reason. How did they do that? It must be magic. Thank you Orange! Because of Stampede, I fell in love with all of Trigun. Met some really cool people, too. ;-; A

#Trigun stampede #Trigun stampede episode 12 spoilers #KV #Plancest #Nickmeryl #Studio Orange #Millions Knives #Trigun Knives #Trigun Vash #Vash the Stampede #some suggestive content in this (it’s warned for)#Meryl Stryfe #Trigun Stampede Thoughts #Text Post

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darkpoisonouslove · 1 year

Note

I’m a couple of days late, but if you still want to play the unwritten/unpublished ask game (I apologize in advance for how badly I’ve been keeping track of your wips), here you go :D

4. Is there anything in the fic you're unsure about including? -CoL trying to have one normal breakfast

5. Is there any scene you're excited about writing? -CoL trying to have one normal breakfast

9. Is there anything in the fic you're not so excited about writing? -Fallen Love

10. If unpublished, can you show a sneak peek of what you've written? -your choice :)

11. Is there any scene you can't wait for people to react to when reading? Why? -the series rewrite

13. Is there any unwritten/unpublished fics you haven't mentioned you're gonna do?

14. Is there any unwritten/unpublished fics you planned on doing, but now you're feeling like you're gonna scrap those ideas?

15. Do you have any unwritten scene that you think about a lot? -Smolder universe

I have been in the trenches battling sleep deprivation the last few days and I haven't had time to get to the ask game so you're just in time! (It's okay; there's like 2 WiPs that currently exist in my mind and everything else has been put on the back burner so... I've not been very good at keeping with them myself. 😅 😂)

4. Is there anything in the fic you're unsure about including? -CoL trying to have one normal breakfast

Honestly, this is still such a fragmented idea that everything is up in the air. Like, what is the plot? Who knows? Certainly not me. I haven't really gotten past chapter 1 and that feels like it needs more, actually, than what I already have.

5. Is there any scene you're excited about writing? -CoL trying to have one normal breakfast

You're not going to believe how long it took me to realize that the scenes I'm thinking of are actually from the Griffin being reluctant allies with the Company fic. So, um, you're getting bonus content, I guess, because now I need to talk about them.

Those would be Griffin and Valtor's first meeting after she's accepted to switch sides. I can just feel the tension between them. The rage that Valtor won't know whether to direct at Griffin for letting Faragonda take her away from him and then even agreeing to work with her and the rest of the clowns in the Company or at himself for not preventing this, for not preventing them from capturing her and for not killing Faragonda in the first place. And, of course, Griffin would be a mirror reflection of that.

Then there's the whatever scenes I'm going to include of other Coven members trying to take Griffin's place as Valtor's partner and Griffin being intensely jealous while Valtor is fucking done with both the Coven members and her (but mostly with the Coven members; he actually likes the fact that she's jealous; he can use this!). I am including this for the comedy AND drama. As a treat.

And the one scene that I'm most looking forward to is when Valtor will decide that "You know what? Fuck it!" It doesn't matter why she joined the Company or that she did at all since she's clearly still totally obsessed with him. They can sneak away to make out during battles, it's totally fine, exciting even! 😂 To say that Griffin's onboard would be an understatement. The Ancestral Witches and the Company are going to go out of their minds, though.

Okay, back to the breakfast fic, something that I'm really looking forward to is the talk that's mostly between Griffin and Oritel about expectations - how everyone expects the worst from Griffin no matter what and how Oritel is held to impossible standards of perfection. I feel that they are finally going to reach a place of understanding no matter how painful the journey there (and actually, the more painful, the better in my book). I can't say that I'm looking forward to having to carefully write Oritel, though. And treat him with respect on top of that? Who has heard of such ridiculous notions! XD

9. Is there anything in the fic you're not so excited about writing? -Fallen Love

You mean besides this fucking sex scene that has been stalling me for the past 3 months? I'm not ecstatic about the scenes where I'll have to deal with a lot of characters simply due to the fact that royal guards and Specialist raids exist. I've managed to circumvent that in the scenes with Erendor and the visit to CT but, god, the sequences in the Solarian palace and the Fortress of Light where the Council is seated will fucking kill me, I can already tell. Why do I have to deal with the fact that these important people will have guards protecting them at all times? This is cruelty specifically designed to torture me. I might just fuck around and find a way around those as well but I'm afraid the Specialist raid I've planned will have to happen the way it is now. Somebody save me! 😭😭😭😭😭

10. If unpublished, can you show a sneak peek of what you've written? -your choice :)

Feast your eyes on the evil itself (aka the smut part of the chapter - cause that's all I've managed to work on):

Valtor was of the same opinion. He held her so close that every movement of their chests engraved their shape into the other. Feeling her body molding itself to his and his – to hers was addictive. They had always been one in mind and magic. To become one in flesh as well would be the only sane course of action, yet, she fought him. Giving the impression that she could succeed in bringing a single shred of space between them only made him cling to her tighter – hands digging in her hips and teeth – in her lips. He wouldn’t let oxygen itself touch her. She was all his.

She’d missed him. Sorely. Hopelessly. Her want came in cutting shards, each coalescing into a furious, crippling rush of magic hollowing out her bones when it couldn’t spill fast enough through her skin. It pooled behind her eyes, into the hollow of her throat, the valley between her breasts, her lower belly – everywhere. Burrowed in every cell to reach him from there when his hot breath seeped inside her, filled her, spread through her like a claim to her soul.

The flow erupting from her conquered the air itself, lured it into her every cell through her pores. Her lungs expanded with his scent; her power wrapped Valtor, too, to do the same for him, to keep him in the reach of her lips and make anything outside their bodies irrelevant.

Valtor’s laughter flooded her mouth, startling. Having forgotten the taste of it, she was forced to retreat, to gulp it down between ragged breaths to avoid drowning in it. Her skin tingled from his roaming touch, his palm trailing down her spine from between her shoulder blades and his nails in the back of her thigh. Her eyes opened to a sight she’d dreaded and craved, a sight seared in her mind from the first time she’d met him.

He was luminous with triumph, the glow surrounding him half-magic, half-pride. In her embrace he was a flame nestled to her chest – forbidden heat choosing not to burn her, allowing her caress to make her reel from the contact. In his arms she was floating, weightless, untouched by the jagged edges of the fractured metal in their feet.

She’d only ever needed her armor for the space between them, for the divide that made his victory her loss and her victory – unthinkable as much as it was a necessity. She had chosen her side, left him behind, and doing everything right meant never having to suffer his success again, nor his presence. With her place by his side forsaken, the call of his living, breathing magic had cut through her with the need to drink it in. Instead, there had been only bitterness, the knowledge that every inch she’d gained on him, he would reclaim twice as viciously next time while she’d be stranded opposite of him again, made to bear the lure of him–triumphant and dazzling–from a distance. All enjoyment she could have found in winning had been locked behind his teeth, kept from her like his lips, his kiss. She’d only had her pyrrhic victories and the knowledge that he was robbed of that much, without her. Often not even that, without him.

11. Is there any scene you can't wait for people to react to when reading? Why? -the series rewrite

I have a ton of scenes that I can't stop thinking about and wishing to see people's reactions to so, naturally, now I cannot come up with anything.

Okay, you know what I'm gonna do? Rumplestiltskin my way through this (😘) aka exploit loop holes. The scene that I am looking forward to getting people's reactions to is in the "movie" after season 5 and it's the reveal of Kalshara's motivations. She's the villain of the canonical season 7 and she used to be a fairy in Alfea - and Faragonda's roommate - until she used wild magic (that corrupts everything it touches) and turned herself into a shapeshifter. I have kept that but the reason why she did all that was because she wanted to join and become the fourth member of the Champions of Alfea:

From left to right those are Farcelia of the Wind, Ress of the Flame and Chevonne of the Water, who were summoned by the Legendarium in season 6 (which is just as nonsensical as everything else in that season).

In my rewrite they are the three strongest fairies of Alfea that ever lived. They were so powerful that they created the Wild Lands, which are full of Wild Magic. That is all kept a secret, though, because imagine the backlash Alfea would face if people learned their most famous fairies created a force that can destroy the whole Magic Dimension. Kalshara wants to be their missing Earth element and she's trying to spread Wild Magic through the rest of the Dimension. Of course, the plan includes fucking over Faragonda one more time just like in the good old days and destroying Alfea as well as CT and RF.

13. Is there any unwritten/unpublished fics you haven't mentioned you're gonna do?

Other than the ton of Erendor x Samara fics that haunt my dreams and may or may not see the light of day? I have stuff that I haven't announced on the blog but I feel like I've told you pretty much everything. The Scream AU, the mind sharing, the one based around the necklace from your story...

The dream-inspired fic, kind of. I have mentioned this but I have not said what exactly it is. It's another Valtor wins the war AU (If I had a nickel for every time I wrote that concept, I'd have two nickels which isn't much but it's weird that it happened twice; can you tell I was having some kind of moment in April and May (even if I myself am not sure what kind of moment it was)?) but the key thing about this one is that he's found himself another partner to take Griffin's place, someone from the Coven. And well, Griffin has to deal with those feelings as well as everything else that's going on. But whatever direction you think this is going in, you're probably wrong.

There's also one other AU. I'm not even sure what kind of AU it is exactly. The prompt that it came from was for a superhero x supervillain but I have no idea what is happening with the fic. But it's basically "Griffin goes back to Valtor (after she'd joined the Company) for the sole purpose of distracting him". And what do you know? It works! ...at least somewhat.

14. Is there any unwritten/unpublished fics you planned on doing, but now you're feeling like you're gonna scrap those ideas?

There was something but I really can't remember which one it was. Usually, when I don't like an idea, it's not the idea itself; it's just the execution or the direction in which it's going. In those cases I just save it to rework it later (which is about 60% of all of my ideas).

15. Do you have any unwritten scene that you think about a lot? -Smolder universe

Yes! The entirety of chapter 2 because it instantly dives into the progressing Griffin x Marion relationship. Now Marion is doing so well with moving on from the pain of Oritel's death; it's actually her mother's constant nagging that's the biggest obstacle between her and Griffin (but they are handling that as well). But this whole relationship with Griffin is so much self-exploration for her and so different from everything in her life up to now. She's kind of scared that she'll realize at some point that she is still the same old Marion and she will always be, which will inevitably pull her away from Griffin. It's not so much that she's afraid of digging herself out of the grave she's been sharing with Oritel as much as it is that she'll realize she's drowning in her grief again and isn't able to let go despite how good she feels with Griffin. I really want to get her to a place where she can be happy and not be freaking out for 2 seconds. Fortunately, Griffin is helping.

#winx club #my wips #griffin x valtor #snippet #fanfic snippet #excerpt #wc rewrite #smolder #ask #her-majesty-wears-jeans #col trying to have one normal breakfast #reluctant allies au #fallen love

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joshuahyslop · 9 months

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BOOKS

The last 10 books I’ve read:

1. Death In Her Hands - Ottessa Moshfegh I really enjoyed this book. Previously I’d only ever read a collection of her short stories and they were incredibly dark and depressing. This one is more of a mystery. It feels a little bit like watching an A24 movie. I kind of wish the ending had gone a different way, but it was enjoyable and very well written.

2. Stoner - John Williams I’d read another book by Williams a while back and hadn’t been particularly blown away but this book was recommended to me by multiple people over the last few weeks and then I saw it as a “staff pick” at my local used bookstore, so I went for it. It’s a lovely book, but I’m not sure the description on the cover, “The best novel you’ve never read” was really accurate. Good book. Not great.

3. The Creative Act: A Way of Being - Rick Rubin I’m having a bit of a tough time with this one. I like Rick Rubins work. I’m not sure how to feel about the man himself. He has a bit of a cult following and he’s really taken on this sort of guru-like persona over the past few years. This book is full of some really helpful and insightful ideas and ways of looking at art and creativity in general. But I can’t help feel it’s a little self-indulgent. Each chapter is, at most, 5 pages long, usually less, and there are blank pages between each chapter. A lot of paper could’ve been saved with this one. Still, you can’t argue with Rubin’s track record and the breadcrumbs he’s scattering here are absolutely worth picking up - I just don’t think there needs to be quite as much space between them.

4. Yellowface - R. F. Kuang My wife read this for her bookclub and recommended I check it out. She read it in a day so I figured I could put my very tall stack of books to read on hold for a minute. I read it in two sittings. It’s a very quick and easy read but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good book. It’s written by a woman of colour from a white woman’s perspective. I won’t give anything away but it was very well done. It’s part thriller, part comedy, part drama, all the while dealing with creative liberty, plagiarism, and racism. I really enjoyed this one.

5. American Buffalo - David Mamet Every once in a while I get really into reading plays. I think there’s always been a part of me that wanted to be an actor but I was always way too insecure. I love going to live theatre and I try to pay attention to the scene as much as I can - even if I’ll never take the stage. This is a great play. The whole thing takes place in one room. It’s gritty and funny and brutal. Although I’ve read a lot about him I’d never actually read a play by David Mamet. He’s not for everyone, but I loved it. If you’re into plays and have any to recommend, send them my way.

6. The Missionary Position - Christopher Hitchens This is a quick read but definitely a worthwhile one. For one thing, I love reading Hitchens for his incredible ability to wonderfully articulate himself. For another, I love reading Hitchens because, to him, there is nothing sacred. Despite having what seems like a rather provocative title, this is a very grim and sober look at the life of Mother Theresa. Hitchens noted several instances of seeming hypocrisy and political opportunism in her religious life and decided to take a closer look, judging her reputation by her actions and words and not the other way around. I grew up admiring Mother Theresa - even when her journals full of doubts were published, I was encouraged by my church to continue believing because, "Even Mother Theresa doubts!". It wasn't until I went to India and volunteered at The Missionaries of Charity that things began to unravel for me. There was little to no medical care being extended to these kids and several passed away in the few days I was there. It was heartbreaking and confusing and it took a long time for me to begin to understand it. This little book helped.

7. The Caretaker - Harold Pinter Another play. I've never read anything by Pinter before but I've heard his name many times. I didn't particularly enjoy reading this play. It's kind of confusing and pretty uneventful. But once I'd finished reading it I looked it up on YouTube and saw a young Colin Firth performing one of the monologues from it and it was amazing. I'll be keeping my eye out to see this one live.

8. The Love Poems - Harold Norse A short while ago I was consumed (and not for the first time) by Bukowski's poetry. I couldn't stop reading it. I bought book after book and would go home and immediately dive in. Somewhere in all my reading I noticed he'd mentioned Harold Norse as one of the best poets to ever live. Being a massive fan of Bukowski's I decided it would be wise to read what inspired someone who’s inspired me. I'm not really sure what I was expecting, and - to be fair, I've only read this one collection (which, I should mention was SO generously gifted to me by a friend after I posted that I was looking for some of Norse's work) and in it's very title it suggests romance, but it wasn't this. It's very sexual and very confusing. Harold Norse was an openly gay man at a time when it was not openly accepted to be so. For that reason I found his writing brave as it deals mainly with issues of homosexuality. But, overall, I wasn't moved in the same way as I've been while reading Bukowski's. I have another book of his (which was also a gift from the same friend) so, we’ll see.

9. Why Grow Up? - Susan Neiman A small book but a lengthy read. It's been a while since I've jumped into the world of Philosophy. It's one I've always felt drawn to but then almost immediately overwhelmed by whenever I've dipped my toe. This was no exception. It's an unflinching look at ageing physically, emotionally and mentally and societies/politics role in either encouraging or discouraging growth and maturity in these areas. I enjoyed it and now I've got lots to think about.

10. Dangling in the Tournefortia - Charles Bukowski What can I say? I wasn't even looking for another book of his poems, a friend gifted it to me and I dove straight in. This particular book was released in 1981. It's not my favourite era of Bukowski's. He's no longer down and out, he's no longer hungry. He's living well and has a bit of a name for himself. Still, there are gems here. He wrestles with those very issues, he still has words in his soul. It's inspiring but in a different way. I'm glad I read it and I'm thankful for the gift from my friend, but I'm also glad that this wasn't my introduction to his work. I don't think this would've hooked me the way his early work did.

more soon, -joshua

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prismaticpichu · 2 years

Text

Tag 9 people you want to get to know better!

Thank you so much @altocat for including me!!! Plz plz go drop your dinner and check out her blog! There is SO much effort and heart poured into everything she writes—stories or asks. They’re really gems!

Now, let’s see how these questions fare against my stunningly metaphysical intellect *plops laptop in water to see if it floats*

Three (Friend)Ships

Soooo I actually don’t dabble with romance *dives behind a couch.* It’s never been my jam. My jelly tho? That would be the interactions between characters and exploring how deep their bonds go! The words “best friend” send me to another world <3

1 ~ Zack Fair & Sephiroth (FF7) If you know me, even just the most microscopic tad, then you prolly know these two have organized the Louisiana Purchase on my heart. They are BEANS! I love them SO MUCH!!!! Adorable polarity aside, I’m just absolutely infatuated with the story these two share. I will always imagine their mutual tie to Angeal being what draws them together, able to empathize with each other’s grief in a way nobody else can. They need each other: Zack needs someone to look after him, protecting his enthusiasm, and Seph needs someone to mend his trust… and make him smile <3 <3 They become inseparable, all that bitterness Banora and Modeoheim stirred faded into nothingness. Come Nibelheim, and those books and mumsy have nothing on these two. Sephiroth already has too much to cherish to throw it all away <3 Poor mumsy. Can’t brainwash someone who’s gotta pupper who loves him more than you :3c

2 ~ Hiccup & Toothless (HTTYD) There is NO animal-human friendship that beats this one. Nope, nope! Sorry! Vetoing that thought (pssst your opinions are wonderful and valid). I think what makes these two SO powerful to me is that Toothless is never treated as a pet; he is Hiccup’s bestest friend and they are equals. They love each other to death and would do anything to protect the other <3 Seeing their bond evolve and the parallels unfolding between them is magical. I don’t think there will ever be a scene that tops Hiccup and Toothless walking towards the door, Toothless with his prosthetic tail and Hiccup mirroring that with his leg. It is godly <3 (I’m also always using these two as springboards for my writing. Small details like Zack always referring to Seph as “bud” are plucked right from here!)

3 ~ Mikey & Leatherhead (TMNT) Their friendship begins with Mikey spoon-feeding soup to the adorable, scaly bean, who’s plopped right on his bottom. The frequency of the SQUEAL I made. This is just one of the healthiest, most wholesome friendships to ever exist and I will love them forever!!! Mikey has unwavering trust in him from the moment they meet, helps him gain control of his rage, and offers his teddy bear for emotional support <3 Nothing but not judging a book by its cover and earning a true blue buddy as a result.

First (friend)ship: Hmmm… ig any two smash bros characters I visualized having a movie night lmao! l got my hands on a controller when I was 4. The first character dynamic I fell in love with tho was prolly Ash & Pikachu!

Last song: Hailee Steinfeld/DNCE, Rock Bottom

Last movie: Malignant & Ferdinand (watched back to back for some genius reason. The shift in tone was like being slapped with a trout)

Currently reading: The Catcher in the Rye

Currently watching: Inside Job (I’m verrry slow and hardy watch anything shdhdh. I suck)

Currently consuming: Nada! Already brushed my teeth and that’s my personal moral

Currently craving: Anything because I brushed my teeth and I’m hungry. Maybe like a mozzarella stick or something

Passing along to @zimithrus1 @polaris-talks-fandom @aerislei! I knowwww that’s not 9- I passed kindergarten by a hair- but most of my mutuals have already done this lmao! For those who did fall into my lasso, no pressure at all, and plz only hop in if you’re comfortable! I know how annoying tags can be if you’re not into them.

Plz tho, if you see this and want to join in, you are welcomed to with open arms! Share your wonderful, weird and beautiful tastes with the world!

#thingy #tags #the ship of friendship #sephiroth #zack fair #toothless #hiccup #leatherhead #mikey tmnt #my beans

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vsnotresponding · 1 year

Text

untitled project playlists masterpost part 2

by yours truly

reminder that this has big spoilers for the plot of UP (if you care)

first post here

and the playlists: (for more info on how they are organized check the first post)

untitled project

up: book 1

up: book 2 & 3

up: book 4

up: book 5

today is book 4 and book 5's turn. enjoy this very long post:

(also tw for suicide)

BOOK 4

book 4 is where the main story is: lyric dying and ely bringing him back, first without him realizing, and later with him fully knowing he's being brought back

Church - Fall Out Boy

it’s all about the vibe. every verse is associated with one character:

Take the pain Make it billboard big Then swallow it for me Time capsule for the future Trust me, that's what I will be Oh, the things that you do In the name of what you love You are doomed but just enough You are doomed but just enough

lyric and akira <3

And if death is the last appointment Then we're all just sitting in the waiting room (Mr. Stump?) I am just a human trying to avoid my certain doom

ely and hannah <3

This Is War - Thirty Seconds to Mars

more vibes. could work as an opening ngl. every single line is for a character and i’m living for it.

A warning to the people The good and the evil This is war To the soldier, the civilian The martyr, the victim

guess who’s who (the Warning is also someone)

A warning to the prophet The liar, the honest This is war

i like this a lot for hannah (and akira) because kira values truth a lot and hannah lies often, but in a very concrete part of the story, hannah’s the one telling the truth and akira’s the one lying (also hannah is a prophet)

To the leader, the pariah The victor, the messiah This is wa-a-ar yeah

ely and lyric core <3

The fight is done, the war is won Lift your hands toward the sun

funny because the Big Battle happens at the same time as a sun eclipse

Blossoms - The Amazing Devil

last vibe song before we get to the plot

And for a time there is timelessness Endless furore To the dark I said pour and forgot to say when And the words that you wrote Come back blacker than smoke: "I'm so sorry, I've done it again"

ely and the first lost soul

And I breathe in the air And say "Yeah, well I'm sorry too"

lyric!!

And I stare at the soldiers before me All my blossoms that have waited to fall And I walk x4 Knowing every last one of them is painted in light As I make myself acquainted with the saint of never getting it right

“the saint of never getting it right” auch

Where Is Your Rider - The Oh Hellos

a classic. to me. this is actually the name of a whole ass scene! lyric gets injured in a battle and later finds sorrow in a cave (a raven led him there). the rider he’s asking for is The Death Prince aka Ely. the song goes from this scene to later on with lyric being crowned as the messiah (his soldiers see him with sorrow and realize that oh fuck yeah this man,,, this man is the messiah)

Was it you 'mid the fire and the ember? Were you there to bedevil and beguile?

lyric why are you so obsessed with ely /j

He has thrown down the cavalry as gravel sinks And as the stone founders underneath the sundered sea of red and reed The shadow of Hades is fading For he has cast down Leviathan, the tyrant, and the horse and rider

the Priest praising lyric

Torches - The Oh Hellos

iteration montage!! summing up the plot until iteration 8

I got a venom like a snake running out of my mouth (running out of my mouth, running out of my mouth) It's got you burning at the stake Innocent or not, you're not a bet I care to take

lyric refusing to face ely <3

Over and over, again We keep that old wheel turning

basically the plot

it’s their song your honor <3

Holy Water - Zayde Wolf

akira and lyric’s song cheers but not really because akira dies here. doomed soldier he is. (hey now watch him die like 5 times. fun fact that’s one away from half all the iterations)

I know it's been a mad day Living on the edge The world is tearing at the seams, yeah

the kids (<- actually adults but they are kids. to me) are stressed because hey we are kinda losing this war

Hit me like a bad dream Drifting in my head I wonder if the nightmare's true But you know I like the madness Playing with the fire And living with the monsters, too, yeah, yeah

lyric waking up after getting himself killed on purpose after ely doesn’t save akira when he dies (is it a nightmare, is it a memory?). he’s playing with fire (aka ely’s powers are not unlimited, they can’t keep bringing him back forever) and living with the monsters (to him that’s ely)

L.V.S - Shayfer James

akira’s dead. lyric’s pov. i do not tear up at all with this song.

Upon this Autumn morn' Your laughter lingers on Where ever you have gone I'll see ya there

Oh gentle guardian Oh perfect paladin Cheeks of of a cheshire grin And wisdom warm

akira has to die. that’s his doom. protecting lyric to the end.

Elsa's Song - The Amazing Devil

surprise akira’s pov after dying (not actually canon per se because he doesn’t turn into a lost soul BUT he does haunt lyric).

You will scream "I won’t forget you" But I’ll cover my cold ears It cannot be a lie If no-one hears

lyric refuses to deal with akira’s death (first reseting the timeline, and after deciding to just forget, but that’s in book 5)

I’ll scream, but you won’t hear "Forget me not"

I knew you would forget forget-me-nots

No Children - The Mountain Goats

another ely and lyric their song <3 lyric absolutely hating on ely, trying to kill them multiple times even if they can’t die. my man is raging at god and that’s so valid of him.

And I hope we hang on past the last exit I hope it's already too late

my man is sabotaging the future of humanity because he’s pissed

I am drowning There is no sign of land You are coming down with me Hand in unlovable hand And I hope you die I hope we both die

Godspeed - Shayfer James

meanwhile ely is being a little shit. another their song <3

You’ve got some nerve to be coming around with that smile on your face And your feet on the ground

lyric

I used to be someone that you could believe But it’s been a while, been a while

ely

Good luck, godspeed, I know I’ll see you again

ely always wishes lyric good luck after talking to him (he needs it to be fair)

Justice - Dirt Poor Robins

welcome to the Hate Ely Club what can we get you. both lyric and the first lost soul want justice from ely.

Such was assigned as my fate Faithfully I would prepare my works To prove God's wrath was undeserved

first line is lyric, second is fls

They stole my soul, these wanton thieves

literally. anyways.

Passerine - The Oh Hellos

some actual ely pov

My palms and fingers still reek of gasoline

ely goes over the battlefield after a battle to let the souls to rest (and burn the bodies with the actual people in charge of that)

You were the song that I'd always sing You were the light that the fire would bring But I can't shake this feeling that I was only Pushing the spear into your side again And again and again

ely loves humanity (and lyric. on their own eternal being sorta way) and they know they are hurting him but still, they need to keep bringing him back (again and again and again)

Goodbye - Bo Burnham

the final battle song. lyric says goodbye to hannah and then the battle. he thinks about his last conversation with ely:

Hey, here's a fun idea How about I sit on the couch And I watch you next time?

he’d like to see ely suffering like he has

So this is how it ends

the eclipse is happening, the fls is there, and lyric knows he’ll die today

Am I going crazy? Would I еven know? Am I right back where I startеd fourteen years ago?

and then there’s ely, realizing that the fls is them. well, not them, but the soul of who they where, of that little girl. and the little girl is out for flood. theirs, and lyric’s

lyric gets the fls, and dies. but then.

Oh, shit You're really joking at a time like this?

ely. brings. him. back. one. last. time.

sucks to be you man, you are now immortal

Have A Seat Misery - Shayfer James

ely realizing who the first lost soul is extended edition part 1, facing their mortal enemy. finally.

And in a way, I am happy to say That you’ve never been gone

We’ve got damage to do And I know you’ll need smoke in your chest

Pale White Horse - The Oh Hellos

ely realizing who the first lost soul is extended edition part 2.

But the sight held me fixed Like a bayonet against my throat

It was the raging storm Of a foreign war And a face I'd seen before

it’s your face bestie <3

We Could Burn It All Down - Zayde Wolf

the first lost soul rights. her song. let her speak. kind of a flashback

Truth be told I'm standing in a shadow This unknown I'm feeling like a scarecrow

getting separated from ely’s soul

Do you hear my heart? Are you really listening? Do you feel my hand Or am I just a vision?

reaching out with no answer

We could burn it all down Watch it fall apart now Look at who we are now

rage, rage against the dying of the light

Hello My Old Heart - The Oh Hellos

the fls is defeated, or more like it, she gets to finally rest in peace (because ely lets her)

Hello, my old heart How have you been? Are you still there inside my chest?

Hello, my old heart It's been so long Since I've given you away

But you'll never find the answers Until you set your old heart free

ely can’t truly be eternal until they fully accept the whole of their existence, and that includes their mortal life and what it represents for them

BOOK 5

so remember when ely brought lyric back? yeah this is the aftermath

When It's All Done - Side Saddle

ely and lyric song <3. vibe song and summary of the plot - ish.

I've been carrying this weight around Answer come to the light, to the sound The obvious truth Is more than you can chew

You wish me unwell You damned me to hell

(ely to lyric. lyric to ely)

And when it's all done You will know why I did what I did

I know that you're scared 'Cause you can't see what's after this

Far From Home - Sam Tinnesz

lyric depressed arc. also the fucking raven’s there.

The air is cold The night is long I feel like I might fade into the dawn Fade until I'm gone

being immortal when you were born mortal is hard. lyric is refusing to remember his mortal life and also he’s not acknowledging his immortal one

If you get to me too late Just know that I tried

he burns akira’s grave, and distances himself from hannah. in summary: he’s not coping

So far from home Not where I belong I'm so far from home

Ship In A Bottle - fin

they make lyric a ruler and he half deals with it.

Sailing on a ship in a bottle Anchor all your thoughts to the bottom Pulling ropes and pulling your head back To see what is breaking the foremast You set sail alone, there is no crew No one on the deck who can help you This is all your own battle to win This is your ship, and you are the captain

the ship is his immortality <- stating the obvious

I feel scared and I'm starting to sink And I only sink deeper the deeper I think

he has nightmares of the battles he died in.

There are red spots under your eyes From when you cry into the sky Ocean waters rising above your neck (ocean waters) You feel the glass start to crack

also he misses hannah’s death. he can’t even remember when was the last time they talk to each other (she tried but he refused to)

he’s a mess

New River - The Oh Hellos

until he finds some purpose. he’s not fit as a ruler, he never was, he never should have been one to start with.

And though the eons may pass as slow as the sands of an hourglass Every grain that we've counted claims that even the mountains can change

so he gets orphans, and trains them, teaches them about time and Sorrow. they need to know how their world works, how time works, for them to rule good (and avoid time to break again). they live, and rule, and die. again. and again. and again.

Well, it'll rain for forty days and nights, and nothing you do can slow the rising tides But the river takes her shape from every tempest she abides And like her, you'll be made new again

and so he understands why ely did what they did

Notos - The Oh Hellos

lyric follows the raven to where ely is.

There's a wind arising with the ire of Venus Tugging at the surface of the seas between us And it's catalyzing with a breath of calefaction A thunderous disturbance, and for every action, a reaction

he understands now that ely just didn’t want to be alone. their actions are still selfish but he understands them. they start traveling together with no set course.

But the water's rising (quicker than light and sound) From the seas within me (coming up from the ground) And I try to fight it (cumulonimbus clouds) But I drain completely (cover the sun and drown it out)

but lyric still has nightmares because he refuses to deal with his trauma

Ashes - The Longest Johns

ely realizes lyric hasn’t dealt with it all properly. so they confront him

Watch that old fire as it flickers and dies That once blessed the household and lit up our lives It shone for the friends and the clinking of glasses I'll tend to the flame; you can worship the ashes

they tell him about hannah’s life, about akira’s

Now show me a man that can meet all his needs For what we need most now is unity's seed: A common old song for all creeds and all classes I'll tend to the flame; you can worship the ashes

and about his own

“i tend to the flames you can worship the ashes” = i keep their memory alive you can drown in your sorrow about their deaths

the last verse is lyric struggling, not knowing how he’s supposed to deal with this

Oh, What A Life - American Authors

immediate follow up to the last song.

There was snow, there was snow Stretched for miles and more Where we buried, where we buried our souls

ely talks about their eternal life

But now I look upon a field with bodies stretched out and I feel nothing But something's burning in my soul I let it lose control and I'm in Oh God, I've sinned

how it got hard to see all that death and destruction

But I tried so hard, and we tried so hard And it's a long long road, that you told me so Yeah, I tried so hard, to forget where we are

and how they dealt with it thinking of their past child self

slowly but surely lyric starts telling some of his own, and eventually they ask ely to go back to where he was raised.

Green Grass - Cosmo Sheldrake

lyric finally mourns the song <3 they take a young tree that’s started to grow at hannah’s plaque and plant it outside, beside it lyric rebuilds akira’s grave. im not crying

Stand in the shade of me Things are now made of me The weather vane will say It smells like rain today

Don't say goodbye to me Describe the skies to me And when the sky falls, mark my words We'll catch a mocking bird

Hieroglyphs - The Oh Hellos

Ely Teaches Lyric About Eternity And Immortality the song. basically the neverending battle between who they were in their mortal life and who they are now

Well, even the great celestial hieroglyphs Are bodies of dust illuminated, and if The heavens can be both sacred and dust Oh, maybe so can the rest of us

Cause I've seen the line of ocean and shore The tumbling tide of water and soil And I've seen the day's fading begin The gradient wake of the sun that spins

Soap - The Oh Hellos

they are friends now (lyric’s pov)

But I swear with all your burnt bridges You can leech what’s caustic and find A rudimentary lye Some kinda miraculous bind

I think that you’re worth keeping around I think you’re worth holding onto

Creature w/ Orchestra - half alive

ely tells lyric their backstory

Look inside of me and see that I am not afraid To walk inside the void like a kid inside a cave Discovering the patterns of my soul and where it's placed I've been mapping many caverns but it still feels like a maze

ely still struggles with the scope of their eternity

I am creation, both haunted and holy

but trusts in that they chose correctly

Hidden in the space between The hero and the enemy

O Sleeper - The Oh Hellos

they travel together around the world meeting people just vibing being besties

The clouds overhead open up For the wicked and just all the same And lay low the hills, so to fill Every valley below to the brim

(also the beginning is lyric developing a soft spot for ely after really getting to know them)

This Is Love - The Hunts

their relationship is messy your honor and i do ship them even though it’s not exactly canon

This is love, this is war This is not about revenge or what I felt before This is love, this is more This is sail across the sea And cry out to the shore This is love

As The World Caves In - Sarah Cothran

the end (neutral) sorrow needs to fade for another cycle to begin and so must they.

And set our grief aside The papers say it's doomsday The button has been pressed We're gonna nuke each other up, boys 'Til old Satan stands impressed

#tw suicide #vsnr up lore #*the* up playlist post(s)#up spoilers #these posts will basically tell the whole ass plot of up huh #well most of it

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dailycass-cain · 2 years

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Thoughts on DCeased: War of the Undead Gods #4

DCeased: War of the Undead Gods #4 has the Cass back at last (she last showed up in #1). So I get to talk about this series again.

I have to say other than ONE subplot not getting teased in this series so far (where is my Talia/Steph finale dagnabit from DCeased: Hope at World’s End), I am enjoying the utter unpredictability this finale has gotten. You have this large intergalactic army taking out worlds and spreading the Anti-Life virus.

The heroes of Earths 1 & 2 attend a galaxy meeting on what to do with the anti-life army destroying life around the universe. The Guardians of Oa solution is well... even in another universe the blue guys are such goddamn dicks (what happened to you Ganthet? You used to be the cool chill Guardian).

I mean you could explain it away given Ares is to blame for “heightening” everyone’s aggression (seriously is he also the god of trolling? besides wars).

Whatever is the case, I like that instantly a certain group of heroes (including a certain someone) raise their voice to this stupid plan of the Guardian’s.

I just love the pose here given to Cass along with just the lightning being held. If anything, I'd kill for a story of Mary showing Cass how to better use these powers. The reverse of DC Unkillables of Cass/Shiva teaching her to fight.

Speaking of DC of Hope At World’s End I feel like this universe needs one more series AKIN to it but this time focusing on the bits between the Unkillables, Dead Planet, and events prior to this one. There's still so much to mine in material in between these stories.

Like how's Punished Jimmy Olsen now seeing Superman as is? Is he still moody? Is he wearing all-black and inner monologuing still? Rose raising her/Jason’s kid? Damian/Cass being the only Bats left (unless Steph is alive via Laz Pit). Harley/Ivy? Ace being the only speedster in the universe (though most save two are in the Speed Force). Speaking of the speedsters in the Speed Force: how are they? What about villains? I’d love to see the Cyborg Superman investigating the Anti-Life virus given his death wish agenda. What of a former Anti-Life possessed being? What’s it like to be in their heads? So many characters to see that still to be seen.

If there's any negative I can have for this particular series is just the sudden quickening in pace it takes with this issue. I feel like next issue bad stuff is gonna go down next issue and LOTS of faces we love are not gonna walk away.

Is this a red flag that Cass will die? Possibly. The whole "god" portion of Darkseid and the fact that Mary/Cass have the powers of the gods. Just makes me think they'll lose it and get ravaged or sacrifice play together.

But the red flag this issue for me is writer Tom Taylor spending time with Alfred and I just get the sense that the death flags are coming for Damian first. Just something about the way the scene is staged between him and Alfred.

It has that mood to me SOMEONE amongst these two isn't seeing the other again alive after this. Doesn’t help either that Alfred has a nightmare of Bruce, Tim, and Dick asking him, “WHY?! WHY DID YOU MURDER US?!” Revisiting that and the dialogue from this and later between Alfred/Damian just suggests to me something BAAAAD is gonna happen to Damian. That and one of the Earths is boned for sure.

But we’re another month away from #5. Until then, I will enjoy the awesome moments we got this issue with Cass. Like Cazzam doing this to Kilowog:

I mean just everything of Cazzam in general with this series leaves me all giddy and happy as heck. Because of that, I ain’t gonna spoil the remaining half of this book. I'm not going to spoil the later twists this issue takes. But gosh darn am I 😮at what occurs at the end. This is up there with Anti-Life Plastic Man of terrified. Even if said character hasn't DONE ANYTHING YET.

Overall, I still think DCeased is Tom Taylor's lengthy DC work. I enjoy his single issues of Injustice more, but from the beginning to currently? I'm still loving this series. I can't wait to see where this goes. Good or bad ending for all. I'm here for this ride.

But the added bonus of Cass being around thru this series helped even more of that enjoyment.

Now if you excuse the other half of me as I await #5...

#cassandra cain #dc comics #psuedofolio #did the glorious spoiler warning

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watertribe-enya · 2 years

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I posted 2,733 times in 2022

That's 618 more posts than 2021!

31 posts created (1%)

2,702 posts reblogged (99%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@chinchillasinunison

@blueeyeswhitegarden

@whetstonefires

@magical-awesome-kid

@forevergreenandblue

I tagged 754 of my posts in 2022

#pokemon - 176 posts

#the owl house - 116 posts

#submas - 97 posts

#toh - 76 posts

#legends arceus - 68 posts

#pokemon bw - 57 posts

#dracula - 53 posts

#jjba - 50 posts

#jojo's bizarre adventure - 42 posts

#sandman - 41 posts

Longest Tag: 136 characters

#even if she and like minded people decide to give their money away for charity or sth. that doesn't mean the rest of the super rich will

My Top Posts in 2022:

The Owl House S3 Countdown Day 8 - Family

“Son I’m naming you Philip Clawthorne-Wittebane, in honor of my little brother. Whom I miss everyday... I love you, Philip. I always will.”

How about we let Caleb have his little witch-human family, without knife related interferances from you know who. And lets throw in a Futurama reference for good measure. Maybe Philip can stumble into town later, but he doesn’t get to mess everything up this time. All he gets to do is maybe complain that the baby soiled his stupid pilgrim jacket when Caleb handed him over

@dragonflyable

97 notes - Posted October 9, 2022

“Some day you’ll thank me”

A whole lot of drama could have been avoided if Caleb just dragged Philip with him to the Demon Realm. Of course the little guy would be less than thrilled about living among demons, but it’s preferable to the alternative (and he doesn’t have to live with and become a crazy witch hunter)

156 notes - Posted November 6, 2022

The Owl House S3 Countdown Day 14 - Friendship

Collector: What are you doing?

Philip: I’m drawing...

Colector: Can you draw something for me? Can you draw me?!

Headcanon that the Collector nettled Philip with questions and art requests until he stopped drawing in the little guys presence (or stopped drawing altogether). Those were some long centuries...

@dragonflyable

159 notes - Posted October 14, 2022

The Owl House S3 Countdown Day 9 - Wickedness

“I feel powerful! So powerful that I know I can do it now! I can bring Caleb back to life!”

This is actually based on a scene in one of the old W.i.t.c.h. comics when Cornelia decided to revive her boyfriend Caleb (hah!) and she had this completely deranged look on her face. It just fit to well. I had to replace the flower she was holding with something though...so a piece of Palistromwood it is (which looks kinda dorky)

See the full post

237 notes - Posted October 10, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Lots of people make fun of Jonathan Harker for not recognizing what's up with Dracula, despite the warning signs...And I feel the need to point out that Neil Gaiman's "The Graveyard Book" had Silas, a character who:

• does not cast a reflection

• only eats one kind of ( unspecified) food

• is very pale, has razor sharp nails, makes people feel insecure/ troubled for no apparent reason

• sleeps through the day and only comes out after sunset

• is neither dead nor alive

• sleeps inside a trunk filled with earth

• crawls down walls head first

• can fly and is compared to a bat when doing so

• has some form of mind control powers

• is bothered/ weakened by sunlight in some form

And people to this day question what kind of being this man could possibly be. I somehow doubt you all would have done any better than Jonathan. Modern readers seem to be just as, if not more more oblivious than him if a story does not explicitly spell out that it's featuring a vampire.

17,185 notes - Posted May 8, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

#tumblr2022 #year in review #my 2022 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review #so I made my most popular post ever this year #thanks dracula daily and neil gaiman #also my most popular art...for owl house #for philip/belos of all characters #that wretched wet napkin of a man #but I'am not complaining

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moonstone27ls · 2 years

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Soooo.. question on Luz ...

Minor Owl House spoiler?... maybe I mean its not technically if you saw the first season. No I’m not referring to the leaked clips. More of the trailer....

....So from season one its obvious Luz blames herself... its a dumb question but I’m asking fans. Do you as fans blame Luz with Belos coming to power/origin, etc, etc....

I’m not gonna lie I’m a bit tired of Luz blaming herself. But before someone jumps on me. I wanna note I get why. She’s a kid, and second she’s going through a LOT of trauma. I know trauma doesn’t just go away after a 30 minute episode.

I just hope Luz will eventually come to terms with her trauma and I don’t wanna say get over it but you get the idea. Quit blaming herself.

Personally, I don’t blame her for anything thats happened. No there’s too many factors Luz doesn’t think(and I hope her friends or mom will make her realize). 1) Nobody including Eda’s family knew that Belos/Phillip were the same person. For all intents and purposes, they believed Phillip was a different person. Hence they didn’t know about what he had been planning. 2) They were technically time traveling, she nor Lilith knew or thought what their actions would have. 3) Even if Phillip didn’t have Luz’s help he had been looking for the Collector before they even entered the scene, that was literally how others “disappeared” around him. I think even if Luz and Lilith had done everything to avoid Philip and interfere, he would had looked for anyone to take the fall for those traps and such and gotten to the Collector one way or another. 4) Thats more of Phillip’s gaslighting to take the guilt of his own actions off her. 5) She’s literally a child, whether she wants to see it that way or not, nobody’s expecting her to be all knowing.

And as much as I know she’ll hate this... it had to come to it with the finale. Had Phillip not gotten that artifact, there’s no telling if King could had contacted/and gotten the Collector’s help to save them.

Do I think Luz gets herself into trouble though... uhh yeah. Now if this were the first season I’d say its because she’s so caught up in her fantasy/and dreaming of being a hero. But since season 2, we know its because she’s putting the weight of the world on her shoulders and she shouldn’t. But that doesn’t mean that motivation never got her in trouble.

She got caught and almost killed by Belos because I’m sorry if this sounds mean/negative because Luz thought she could fix it and make Phillip/Belos stop his genocidal path. Even before that she got herself and Eda caught because she had to pick a fight to try and “fix the problem”. Granted that was semi-staged by Raine and the others but thats not the point.

And I think thats probably gonna be a problem this upcoming season. I’m not blaming, I get the logic. She’s seen something thats WAYYY beyond even an adults’ comprehension. She’s gonna try and fix a problem she’s blaming on herself. Thats my fan theory anyway.

I also think as hard as this is to watch sometimes... this is probably part of Terrace’s plan. Luz’s character in the beginning was a child that lived in a literal fantasy world and wanted to be the hero. She was dreaming of having a story like the ones in her books and everything would be a fun dungeons/and dragons game. Her story is one of realizing the fantasy is has a darkside and actions have consequences. Or its maybe a mix of “be careful what you wish for” or that the real experience isn’t something you can handle.

#Owl House #The Owl House spoilers #Maybe?#More of thoughts or commentary

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biblelady · 7 months

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Hanging On By A Thread (Part 1)

Have you ever experienced something in life that was so bad you wanted to completely abandon your faith? I have quite a few times. I’m not ready to give the details of what lead me to that mental space, but I do want you to know, Reader, that you’re not alone in that regard.

I find a lot of comfort reading Job when things get particularly bleak. A lot of times we think bad things happen to us because we did something to deserve it or cause it, and while sometimes this may be the case, this isn’t always true. Job lost everything; he lost his family, his livestock, his house, and his health! All he had left was his life, and even that was hanging on by a thread, contingent on two things, either him taking his own life, or cursing God and dying that way, both which he remarkably refused to do.

In Job Chapter 1, we see that Job is described as a man “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” (Job 1:1). This is our first look into the life of Job, and it’s important to note how the story starts, that he did nothing wrong. What the man is about to experience is not a result of anything he has or hasn’t done; in spite of what his friends say, there is no secret evil he committed. However, it’s also not random chaos happening to him. While it wasn’t a punishment from God, it also wasn’t caused by God, but rather allowed by God. Let’s keep reading.

Back in those days a man’s wealth was seen in his possessions, but instead of yachts and mansions, it was livestock and servants! It says that Job had “seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and very many servants; so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east.” (Job 1:3). Even if these numbers are being exaggerated, the point of the matter is, Job was very wealthy and was at the very top of his world. Perhaps a modern example of his wealth would be someone like Jeff Bezos or Mark Zuckerberg. I will go so far to say though that that is where their similarities begin and end, because the more we learn about Job, not only was he wealthy, he was righteous and blameless in all that we did. I wouldn’t say the same about Mr. Jeffrey or Mr. Mark.

Another sign of wealth and prosperity was the number of children someone had. To be childless was considered a curse, and it says here that Job had ten children, seven sons and three daughters! (Job 1:2). For Job, though, his children were more than just a possession or a sign of his prosperity; to read the text in its entirety reveals that Job genuinely loved his children. According to verse 4, his sons would hold elaborate feasts in their homes and would "invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them" (Job 1:4). Once the feast days came to an end, verse five says "Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all" (Job 1:5). Job always did this (1:5), because he wanted to make sure his children were redeemed in case they "sinned, and cursed God in their hearts" (Job 1:5). The fact that the Bible makes it a point to mention this about Job's actions is a strong testament to his righteousness, but also his love for his children. As a matter of fact, later on in the book after Job lost everything, he laments his children; "O that I were as in the months of old...When the Almighty was still with me, when my children were around me" (Job 29:2, 5). These details in the text, which are easy to just gloss over at first glance, set Job apart from most people in this time because he clearly loved his kids and was always looking out for their best interest.

It wasn't just the people in his land that saw and respected what a righteous man he was. As a matter of fact, God took note of it too! Verse six changes the scene from earth to heaven. Here we are introduced to God and his angels. It appears that God is essentially "holding court;" "One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan (the Accuser) also came with them." (Job 1:6). Keep in mind that Satan is also called “the Accuser” in this story. God asks Satan where he came from, to which Satan replies, “from going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” (Job 1:7). God then asks Satan if he took note of Job; “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil.” (Job 1:8). This further drives home that Job was a good man who did nothing wrong. This part of the story always bothered me, as well, because it seems like God is unnecessarily challenging Satan, especially when we read Satan’s response. Satan says, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.” (Job 1:9, 10). Satan is winding up his reasoning to challenge God. Next he says, “But stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” (Job 1:11). Satan is basically saying, “Ok God, I see your Job, you say that he is righteous and good, sure, he is. But don’t you think it’s only because you have blessed him and he is so prosperous? I guarantee you that if you take all his prosperity away, he will not remain faithful to you!” God responds with, “Very well, all that he has is in your power; only do not stretch out your hand against him!” (Job 1:12).

After gaining God’s permission, Satan returns to the earth to reek havoc on everything Job has. First the Sabeans stole all of the oxen and donkeys and killed all the servants, except for one who was able to escape and tell Job what had happened. Next, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them" (Job 1:16). One man escaped to bring the news to Job, but before he had finished talking another messenger arrived with a worse message; "The Chaldeans formed three columns, made a raid on the camels and carried them off, and killed the servants..." (Job 1:17). Finally a messenger appears with the worst news of all; while Job's children were enjoying a feast at his eldest son's house, "a great wind came across the desert, struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are all dead..." (Job 1:19).

After receiving this news, Job began the process of grieving. It says he "tore his robe, shaved his head, and fell on the ground and worshiped." (Job 1:20). This is all he had to say after losing everything; "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21).

"In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing." (Job 1:22).

This concludes part 1. Part 2 will be arriving soon!

#book of job #kids #bible #god #faith

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