#nettle turns 6 this year

[groenendaze]

these make me feel emotions i dont quite understand

[cannibalisticskittles]

just got to the point in episode 4 of neverafter where they mention a princess who could not speak and could only dance and who appeared to be near the coastline and for a minute i got really really excited thinking that it was the princess from the six/wild swans story, but that's probably the little mermaid. which is also cool! i just. love the six/wild swans and keep hoping for a reference lmao

[shitpostingfromthebarricade]

what are your honest opinions on Les Mis 2000

Before receiving this ask, I had only seen a little under half of Les Mis 2000 (French version). In order to provide a fair and complete response to this question, I started over and watched the entire show from beginning to end over the course of 5/6 weeks.

I will provide more details below the cut, but my completely honest opinion on Les Mis 2000?

Looking at the show as a whole, without considering adaptational value, it's scattered and confusing. A lot of storylines get picked up or dropped with little to no explanation, the characters and their motivations make little sense, and the time skips are inconsistent at best (Félix abandons Fantine when she is still pregnant, JVJ is released after Cosette is already 4yo and just being left at the Waterloo Inn/Fantine is already on her way to Montrieul-sur-Mer, Immortal Gav is 12 for ten years, meanwhile Javert undergoes a dramatic appearance change many scenes into the time skip, Cosette ages up when I assume the time skip takes place, and Depardieu [I refuse to call him Valjean] never ages until after the wedding). If you look at the context, it makes sense: they decided to (rather than dubbing after the fact) shoot everything in French and then again in English, so of course performances are going to flag, editing is going to be a mess, and the storyline is going to get lost in the changes they've made while shooting two shows at once.

Which takes me to my next point: as an adaptation, it's also incredibly weak. I don't know if I should be blaming the writer, director, or a terrible combination, but so many elements are not only not accurate to the book (fair enough, if you want book accuracy watch '25 Les Mis or '64 I Mis, or '72 Les Mis for accurate barricades specifically) but seem to totally miss the messages of the book altogether! Fantine was always in trouble before she gets fired (undermines Hugo's message that even doing everything "right" Fantine was still put in an unwinnable position), Javert gets his usual "obsessed with JVJ specifically and also treated as unusually cruel by everyone else" treatment, Gillenormand looks out for this fellow old man who was a gardener and has now been joined into his family by marriage, and Depardieu's character is going to get an entire section below. The Thénardier sex scenes are a lot but ultimately harmless compared to, say, the part where Javert cuts his hair (?) and attends law school with Marius and Enjolras as himself (?), and then later arrests the entire class for treasonous speech. This kind of belongs in the previous editing section, but a lot of the reveals (Marius knowing his neighbors are the Thénardiers, the Thénardiers recognizing the old man in the sewers, Cosette knowing her dad saved Marius, Gillenormand and Marius knowing Cosette's dad's background, Depardieu's character knowing about Javert's death) happen WILDLY out of sequence, and since they are plot-driving sequences, the motivations become confused, the choices make no sense, and you get scenes like Éponine trying to coerce Marius into having sex with her. I kind of liked the switch from jet beads to stinging nettle fabric except again, it didn't matter because Fantine's downfall was so badly done (forget that she turns to sex work immediately, only later selling TEN TEETH and her hair to make ends meet — Javert threatens to [and later does] arrest her for the completely legal profession of sex work before showing her where she can sell her teeth???) and Madeleine was so opposite from everything his character is supposed to be and show.

Which brings us to our next point: yes, in both the English and French versions, Depardieu's performance falls flat, but more importantly, there is an inherent misunderstanding of who and what Jean Valjean is at each phase of his life. I'll be honest, there was a lot going on when he was in prison with Javert tormenting JVJ for fun and the fire that Cochepaille needed saving from and Myriel announcing that he was buying JVJ the same way Judas sold Jesus and Cosette already being with the Thénardiers, so I don't have much feedback about JVJ's characterization or the paper that was yellow like sunshine at that point, but (ignoring the fact that Fantine apparently shows up in Montrieul-sur-Mer with no established factory in sight) then he becomes the most corporate businessman possible, with no regard for the wellbeing of his employees or town who spends all of his time running numbers? The hospital is underfunded, he only rubs elbows with other government officials/bankers, he is painfully out-of-touch with the people of his town, and apparently he doesn't even pay enough for Fantine to be making ends meet even before she is fired. A big part of what JVJ goes through in the book is that he feels like he cannot safely express his feelings about the system to anyone, leading him to act like a scared animal after Petit-Gervais, living in constant fear of being kicked ( @secretmellowblog has a great post about this here), but this Madeleine is CONSTANTLY venting and complaining to anyone who will listen. Not only that, but after he leaves M-sur-M, the police admit to Javert that they knew who he was and just decided to ... leave him be? This isn't a man who's living in fear, and this isn't a man who has to make hard choices in order to do good and help his fellow man. For some reason, Sister Simplice seems to be like 85% of his morality? (and we are very much skimming over the romance subplot that was going on there) So it doesn't even feel like he helps Fantine altruistically, it feels like Sister said "Please help" and Depardieu sighed and went, "Fine, I'll see if I can't pull some strings." When he gets Cosette and begins taking care of her, it feels ENTIRELY self-serving and creepy, and he later confirms with his own words from his own mouth that his feelings for her are not fatherly. He cares about prison reform because he experienced it, not from any sense of altrustic human kindness, and Toussaint ends up robbing him for having taken a chance hiring an ex-convict? (because ofc this Toussaint is a mute manservant, not a maid who can actually help Cosette, because all of Depardieu-Dad's choices are to serve himself, not to keep Cosette safe or happy). By the time Marius is sending Depardieu's character away, it's the only only adaptation that you're cheering on Marius, because this man calling himself Cosette's father who bought her for 1500 francs and still sometimes shares a bed with her and locks her in various rooms and has just admitted his love is not fatherly needs to LEAVE.

Finally — and I will freely admit that this is the pettiest section — the historical accuracy is in shambles. Electricity in the 1820s? 1840s fashions in the 1830s? The hair and makeup are given as errors, but how do you have accurate men's shirts and repeatedly let them wander around without cravats? And no one, not a single person, thought to check 1800s French currency? Sending Cosette off to buy bread with FIVE FRANCS (~$100USD)? Leaving one hundred thousand francs for the funeral of someone who canonically doesn't even have a marked grave? Even the part where Fantine sells her teeth: these were simple numbers they could have checked (two teeth, one napoléon aka twenty francs each — not ten for four each). All of the prices and amounts were in the book. It is not that hard to call the imaginary coin being passed between two characters a sous instead of a franc: we couldn't even see it.

I spent a lot of time thinking about how I would respond to this ask before finally answering, but ultimately, I was asked for my honest opinion, and this is it: it missed the mark for me in every way. I'm sure there are some people who enjoy it, and I am happy for them, but it is not an adaptation that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good Les Mis adaptation or a well-executed show.

[damn-stark]

Chapter 13 The Great War

Chapter 13 of Moonlight

A/N- I hope you guys like

Warning- Swearing, ANGST!, some fluff, blood, death and violence, SPOILERS for future events of HOTD.

Pairing- Aemond Targaryen x Velaryon!fem-reader, Cregan Stark x Velaryon!fem-reader

Episode- After 1x09, events based off of Fire and Blood

(If you want to be tagged let me know)

————

Dear Lucerys,

Writing this may be futile—no it is, you’ll never be around to read what I ramble on about, what I can’t even share to my husband, or even Cregan; Not unless I want to risk getting caught and killed. So writing to you about what is developing in my life is my best option, besides I think it helps me mourn you since I cannot actually grieve for you as I’d like to here in King's Landing, in the Lion's den.

So let’s start with happy news, Aerion is 6 months old now, he’s getting even chunkier which is hard because he’s getting heavy to carry. He just loves eating though. Oh! And he’s started to say pa, which isn’t a surprise he’s attached to Aemond by the hip.

And the twins are growing perfectly, I’m almost three months along, and unlike with Aerion, my belly is already starting to swell. Which is normal since there are two. Aemond and I have already chosen names too, if it’s a girl and a boy, Daenys and Baelon! If it’s two boys Baelon, and Laenor, like father. And if it’s two girls which is what I hope, we have chosen Daenys and Daenerys! I think it goes well together.

Now, let’s see, since you’ve been gone, I have now turned to Princess Regent, which came with four knights protecting me and Aerion at all times. Aemond doesn’t want to risk either of us getting hurt. The eyes that were watching me before have since left, but it doesn’t mean I can just flaunt about the castle and do as I please. I have to keep up appearances if I want to continue helping our mother.

But ever since becoming Regent I have gained this power which is unlike any other, it’s not the power a Queen would have, but it’s close I imagine, and I'm not ashamed to say that I like it. I like being in control, having power that I did not possess before. I enjoy sharing my opinions in ongoing battles and war strategies. I enjoy the attention, all of it, every aspect...I never would have gotten this with our mother—at least Aemond keeps saying that to me.

Nevertheless, it’s not something I should get used to, Aegon is still somehow alive, everyday I pray he’ll pass away in his sleep or something, but he doesn’t which is the terrible, horrible bad news. As to the other news, well, it’s interesting, our grandfather Lord Corlys has become mothers hand, Joffrey and Rhaena have been taken to The Vale for protection, Daemon remains at Harrenhal, fighting or what not. And since our grandmother's death it seems the Gods have blessed our mother with Dragonseeds at long last.

From what the sources say there’s five of them, Addam of Hull is one, he bonded with Seasmoke. I had hoped Seasmoke would bond with Aerion, but oh well, it wasn’t meant to be. That’s not the juiciest thing about him though, Addam has a brother Alyn of Hull, who I met last year! He unlike Addam didn’t bond with a dragon, but get this, people are saying they’re the supposed bastards of our father Laenor, but only a fool would believe that. I alone was conceived by a miracle, because mother and him wanted to do their duty as man and wife, otherwise he would not choose another woman to share a bed with. So the Hull brothers' father is a mystery, perhaps it's our grandfather or Ser Vaemond, heh, that would be funny.

Besides Addam nevertheless, there's a bastard called Hugh the Hammer, he claimed Vermithor. A man called Ulf the White bonded with Silverwing. And the brown wild dragon Sheepstealer, is said to have bonded with a young bastard girl named Nettles. She, like Addam, seems interesting to get to know, if only I could.

Now, baby brother, I saved the best for last! You met this man, he was a part of mothers Queensguard, it’s said he’s been dismissed now since he’s claimed a dragon of his own. And that man is my friend, Ser Jason Waters!

I almost gasped at the meeting when I heard the news. When I finally had time alone with Vanessa we couldn’t help but gossip about it and get all excited about it like a pair of young girls. But anyway, he managed to bond with that beautiful but shy grey-white dragon, Grey Ghost. He’s always been such a mystery, so it makes sense why the two of them would bond, Ser Jason is also a mystery, even more so now that his father is of Valyrian blood. I wonder who it is…I want to see him now to ask and talk about his new and greatest soulmate.

Anyway…that’s all for now baby brother…war is raging, Cregan has yet to join any battles, I think some men from

The North, who call themselves the Winter Wolves are the ones fighting, but not Cregan. If only I could write to him…talk to him…I regret the way I left Winterfell. I was scared and angry about what I did. He was my greatest friend, my first love, he didn’t deserve that. So hopefully I’ll get to see him again. At least once.

I’ll write again soon, I miss you. I love you.

Your beloved sister, Y/N.

——

As much as you did enjoy being a part of small council meetings and war meetings now, the one downside was the Lords and Alicent.

There’s always this look they give you, a judgmental and disgusted look. They didn’t dare do it so outwardly, it was discreet so Aemond wouldn’t catch them. They also made snappy little comments, or tried to embarrass you in some discreet ways. And when they talked about your intermediate family like your brothers, mother or grandfather, there’s this resentment you feel and see, like if you’re the one controlling what they do. It’s annoying, but you won’t give them the satisfaction of not attending.

After all this is what you’ve wanted, a power your mother took away from you the day Jacaerys was born. You won’t give up, just like she didn’t.

“It is said that a fortnight ago, Princess Rhaenyra has declared the Hull bastards as Velaryons by Lord Corlys request,” Ser Otto shares, making you blink repeatedly in disbelief, knowing what it could mean.

“Now our sources haven’t told me if he has declared the eldest the new heir,” Ser Otto continues, making you shift in your seat uncomfortably. “But by giving them the Velaryon name we have to expect that’s what they plan now that Prince Aerion is here.”

He said it wouldn’t matter though…then again when he said it the Hull brothers identity wasn’t known.

“We’ll have to wait then,” you interject calmly even if inside that is bothering you. “If Lord Corlys disinherits Ser Laenor’s grandchild then it will be a disrespect to my fathers memory. My grandfather is a proud man so it’s unlikely.”

“But in such desperate times such traits change,” Alicent adds. “Especially when it comes to inheriting his only living sons.”

You look at her and swallow back your snippy comment, and just nod stiffly in comprehension.

It may be a rumor since no one believes your father is the father to Addam or Alyn, but Alicent is right about that. He’d prefer his sons over a great grandchild with parents at opposite sides of the war.

What would your grandmother have to say about all of it?

No one will ever know…

“Until we have more news let’s move on,” Aemond says as he slides his warm hand over yours to interlace his fingers with yours. “What of the preparations for watchtowers past the shore? Now that the Black’s have gained dragonriders it would seem that they plan to attack King’s Landing.”

Ser Otto scoffs and a mischievous smirk grows on his features. “I’m sure that’s what they plan, but it may be delayed. As we know the High council of the Triarchy has accepted our alliance, and we know ninety ships have departed from The Stepstones. They are now moving towards the Gullet.”

“What of it?” Aemond probes. “Have they came across Lord Corlys fleet?”

Ser Otto shakes his head and looks over at Lord Larys.

Before Lord Strong speaks though, he briefly glances at you. “It seems that as they were en route, they came across a Pentoshi Cog that was carrying Princess Rhaenyra’s youngest sons. Prince Aegon and Prince Viserys…”

What? Why didn’t he tell you before?

“…It’s said that Prince Aegon the Younger managed to escape because of his dragon, but Prince Viserys was left behind. His whereabouts are unknown, but he most likely resides amongst the Triarchy fleet.”

Without hesitation you lean over towards the table and interject. “Then we must go. Take him before my mother makes her move.”

“Now is that spoken by you, his sister, or Princess Regent?” Lord Wylde snaps at you with a hint of smugness. “Perhaps this matters isn’t for the Princess to hear.”

Aemond parts his lips, but you cut in before he can speak. “If we capture Prince Viserys we can take him captive,” you say what’s coming to mind, a deception so you can save your brother but make the Green Council think it’s for their benefit. “The Blacks will respond.”

“With dragonfire,” Lord Otto counters as if you’re dumb. “They’ll outmatch us. Vhagar may count for half of their dragon power, but neither she nor your dragon will be enough if the entire force comes.”

You glance at Aemond, and he meets your gaze but says nothing because he agrees with his grandfather. So it seems you’ll have to step it up.

“Not if we threaten Viserys,” you quickly come up with something, but you don’t share your worry, you try to remain calm. “I know my mother, there’s nothing she wouldn't do for her children,” you say and tilt your head slowly to the side. “And Viserys is Daemon's son, say what you want about him, but he wouldn’t risk his son's life. We take Viserys, send them a raven to tell them to meet without dragons. If they fail then…” you sigh and grow stiff. “We decide what to do then.”

“The princess may be right,” Ser Tyland argues in your defense. “Princess Rhaenyra does have a mothers heart. That alone is a weakness we can manipulate.”

These men really underestimate that don’t they?

You hum in agreement nevertheless and continue smugly now to try and sell your plan. “Now, what is said about the dragon seeds that claimed the dragons?” You look around the decorated table, and they look amongst each other before Lord Larys answers.

“It is said that most of them are bastards.”

You hum and begin to smirk. “Bastards have no honor when the right deal is struck. I’m sure a deal can be made with some of them if not all of them.”

Aemond hums and leans forward. “You are right about that, my Princess.”

You look at him and pass a small smile, Aemond shoots you a smirk and then looks at the council with a smug look that makes Alicent uncomfortable, and lets her know what is on his mind before he can share it.

“Aemond you must think it through,” she argues. “News has probably already reached Rhaenyra, she’ll counter, and we can’t risk you getting hurt with Aegon already abed.”

“My y/n is right,” Aemond says and surprises you, but you don’t show it. “If we take Viserys we’ll have an upperhand. It’s doubtful they’ll surrender, but we will have some control. And she’s right about the bastard nature. They can be swayed.”

The council all share worried and disapproving looks, but no one dares speak against him. Ser Otto shares a suggestion though. “At least write to your brother, Prince Daeron. He can aid you with his dragon.”

That will take forever, and give them an advantage.

“We don’t have to fight back,” you suggest and look to Aemond, and give his hand a gentle squeeze. “We take Viserys and go. If there’s dragonriders out there they won’t follow us to King’s Landing. It may look like we are cowards for fleeing, but we’re playing smarter.”

Aemond passes you an admiring look before addressing his council. “That’s what I’ll do then. Surprise them and only fight back if it’s necessary.”

“Aemond,” Alicent rebuttals. “It’s not wise.”

Said man scoffs. “But it is. I won’t fail, I’ve already made a promise that I won’t.” He lets your hand go to gently caress your small swollen belly, telling you speechlessly that it was you he made that promise to.

The lords don’t see that, but they see how Aemond listens to you over them. They don’t like it, they show their anger in the silence with discreet annoyed glares.

Not like you pay them any mind, you just sit in your success and pride; with your leg over the other and your hand possessively on Aemond’s arm, while you reach for your goblet of water with the other.

“Then you’ll go alone?” Ser Otto asks. “It won’t be wise to take the Princess in her…condition.”

“I’ll go alone, today,” Aemond agrees, causing your smirk to fall to a frown.

However, you don’t disagree with him there, you wait in your annoyance. Once the meeting is dismissed, you let your discontent known to Aemond with your look and your silence.

“What’s wrong?” He asks as trails a bit behind you.

You reach the Godswood and take a moment of silence first in front of the Heart Tree. You pray for your brother's well being, and just like you do every time, you pray for this war to end soon. Aemond respects your moment of prayer, he doesn’t ever complain about your difference in religion even if he finds it odd that you follow the Old Gods, rather than the Faith of the Seven. Albeit right now he is impatient to know what’s bothering you. He had an idea what it is, it’s pretty obvious, but he needs to make sure.

But of course you do take your time just to annoy him. Once you are done though you let out a deep exhale and drop your head, Aemond slowly approaches your side and watches you. Before you can start saying anything though, you put your hand out in front of him.

Aemond doesn’t question you, he just sighs and then lifts his hands to take his eyepatch off and hand it to you. When it’s secured in your hand you finally slowly face him.

“I want to go with you to the Gullet,” you share the truth right away. “Please. Regardless of sides, and who his father is, he’s still my brother.”

Aemond slowly turns and faces you, causing the blue sapphire in his eye to glimmer against the sunlight that peeked out of the clouds. He then sighs and grabs your hand to gently caress it with his thumb.

“Do you really expect me to put you in harm's way? You and the babies?” He asks softly. “The plan is not to attack, but it’s still a battle zone, they’ll have Scorpions. An arrow hits you then what? It’s not only you, it’s the children that grow inside you too.”

You know that. Doesn’t he think you know that? You’re the one growing them after all.

“It’s Aerion too.” He continues. “I would never forgive myself.”

You shake your head and argue. “Aerion would have you. And it’s not like I’m planning to die. Or get hit. In and out. That’s the plan.”

Aemond licks his lips and closes the gap that was left between the two of you. “Please, my love. Listen to me. I love you too much to see you get hurt. I won’t be able to do it without you. You’re my best friend. My wife.”

You lose some of your tension and feel your heart flutter at the way he’s expressing himself.

“And while I’m gone you’ll be here in charge.”

In charge? He won’t be gone long though. Not long enough to control anything.

“No harm will come to your brother,” Aemond says and then cups your cheeks. “I swear.”

You hold his gaze and think of the sweet words he just said that fill your heart with joy, the promise he makes that makes you feel somewhat comforted. You feel yourself losing interest in what you wanted as his words seem to control you.

But it then hits you right as he kisses you; you can’t let him manipulate you into getting what he wants. This was your plan. Viserys is your brother, and the fleet they’ll face is your grandfather's fleet. The dragon he’ll face will probably be Jacaerys.

“No,” you protest and step back, but let him keep his hands on your face. “No. I can’t just let you leave by yourself. It doesn’t matter if Vhagar is the biggest, he’s not invincible. You need me to watch your back.”

Aemond groans and looks away in annoyance.

“Aemond,” you now rebuttal softly. “With Aegon still abed you need someone with you. You don’t want to wait for Daeron, so unless you manage to change Helaena, I’m all you have. Me, your wife. Your best friend.”

Aemond blinks and meets your gaze with an intense glare.

“Its me and you, right? Besides, if I go, if Jacaerys or any other dragon rider is out there fighting back against the Triarchy, they won’t attack me. I’m my mother's only daughter, she won’t let them hurt me, no matter what sides we’re on,” you add confidently but in a sweet voice. “It’s the same with my grandfather. They won’t hurt me. Neither will the Triarchy. I can go in and out, you patrol the skies and if danger comes you attack.” You begin to smile. “Please.”

Aemond drops his gaze and swallows thickly. He continues to debate your proposition, so you continue with one last argument.

“Please, because if you come back like Aegon, knowing I could've prevented it, I would never forgive myself. You’re all I have here, if you’re gone…I might as well be gone too.” You lean towards him and grab his jaw to bat your eyelashes.

Aemond looks you in the eye and stays quiet for a minute longer before he sighs deeply. “Fine. But any sign of attack we’ll return. With or without your brother.”

You flash him a grin and then throw your arms around his neck for an embrace. “Thank you for trusting me, my love.”

Aemond hugs you back and presses a kiss on the side of your head, and then whispers in Valyrian. “<If they harm you in any way, I’ll lay waste to the entire fleet. I don’t give a fuck which side it is. You understand that?>”

You giggle and nod. “<I’m honored by that promise.>”

Aemond hums and you can sense his smirk.

“Now I’m going to go change so we can go,” you add excitedly as you pull back to face him.

Aemond groans. “You look great like that. Let’s just go.”

You scoff. “Aemond you know me better. Besides, I have too many new outfits I want to wear. You’ll love them.”

Aemond’s smile begins to show on his lips as he rolls his eye.

“And! You’ll wear your armor right?” You ask. “You owe me. We can do it now.” You smirk and lean in to whisper against his lips. “I want you inside me. With the armor on.”

Aemond smirks and then steals a kiss before he slides his hands down to take one of yours, and lead you back inside and do what you wanted before leaving.

——

*A FEW MONTHS BACK. WINTERFELL*

“Y/N, come out I am not jesting anymore!” Jacaerys sounds annoyed, but you don’t concern yourself, you continue to sneak through the woods that were at his side, making sure not to get seen by him, or by Cregan who’s following him and amused by the entire situation.

“Y/N!”

You snicker and step over fallen branches as you hurry out of hiding. Before he can hear you or see you, you jump out of the woods and jump on his back.

“Ahaha!” You chuckle and wrap your hands around his neck, and your legs around his waist.

Jacaerys clenches his jaw and glares over at you. “What is your problem?” He sneers.

“Don’t tell me I scared you,” you tease him. “Did Dragonstone make you soft?”

“No,” Jacaerys grumbles and pushes you off him, causing you to let go of him and fall on your ass.

“Ah,” you groan. “That hurt.”

“I just don’t behave like a child,” he counters.

Cregan falls back and offers you his hand, you smile up at him before you take it and let him help you to your feet.

You don’t let your hand linger on his though. You fear that Jacaerys will catch you, so you just wipe the dirt off you and then clasp your hands behind you to walk ahead of Jacaerys and Cregan, and turn around to face them as you walk back. “I don’t behave like a child. I’m just having fun. Should I have a stick up my ass now because I’m married and have a son? That sounds so boring!”

Jacaerys meets your gaze and nods with a tightlipped smile. “Yes, behave like your husband.”

You shoot him a glare and roll your eyes while you turn around and wait for him to catch up. “You need to ease up,” you advise your brother. “In a few years from now you’ll be King,” you tell him full of hope while you hook your arm around his. “You’ll sit on that stiff throne made of hard ass swords, get your ear talked off by your council and have no fun. Enjoy your freedom while you can.”

Jacaerys glances at you and hums. “And what will you be doing?” He asks. “While I rule our country?”

You smile ahead. “I’ll be in Dragonstone, raising my children, sailing, flying on my Astraea, finding routes to take to finally sail across the narrow sea. To sail far where the water ends and the sky touches the water.” You grin at him and share your glee with Cregan.

Jacaerys laughs softly and nods along. “Here I thought you could be my Hand. Guess I’ll have to assign the title to someone else.”

You break away from him and look at him with a serious look. “Don’t mess with me like that, Jace. Really?” You press.

Your brother begins to smirk smugly while he shrugs. “Do you expect me to have another Hightower as Hand?”

You begin to grin at Jacaerys and squeal before you once again take his arm. “I guess I’ll have to postpone my travel plans then. Oh but what would your court say? A women as Hand? Oh the world will crumble,” you feign concern and swoon towards Cregan. “The sky will fall and the kingdoms will break apart.”

Cregan looks down at you as he holds you to keep you from falling. “I won’t have a problem with it,” he assures you. “Just do your job and I’ll follow along.”

You shoot him a smile. “The ever so loyal Stark. Thank you my Lord.” You stand to your given height and look back at your brother, catching his gaze already on Cregan and you.

“Well…” he hesitates and narrows his eyes before looking ahead. “They would’ve had a Queen already, so it won’t be that strange? Right? Besides, it's not the gender that should count, it’s the person by the rulers side. Their mind, their behavior and their fairness. If we continue to judge by gender then we’ll fall sooner or late.”

You slowly smile with pride and nod in agreement. “I agree. See? You’ll make a great King. That proves it.”

——

*NOW. THE GULLET*

The smell of burning wood spread for miles, you were perhaps more than halfway to the Gullet when the scent hit your nose. The sound of battle cries of both of pain and courage was carried out by the ocean breeze. And it all just grows the concern that already altered your beating heart. But you never once think of regret.

The thought of turning back never crosses your mind, your plan was simple, rescue your brother from the clutches of the Triarchy, which is your ally, but well, you already convinced the council into accepting your mission, so they’ll never know your true motives.

Especially not Aemond, he doesn’t ever doubt your loyalty to him. He knows that you aren’t a Green loyalist, but you do follow him, you love him so his trust on you has not faltered. It’s why he lets you approach where the battle is thickest all by yourself. It took a lot of convincing, he wanted to be at your side while you went in search of your brother Viserys, but you told him that if there were other dragonriders they’d attack him and it would just result in a battle neither of you would win. Because regardless of how big Vhagar is, she can’t beat 5 or 6 united dragons, so you told him to wait for you on a small piece of land not far from where the battle is. But! You did say that if you end up needing his help you’d let him know with a secret signal.

Let’s hope it doesn't come to it.

Alas, when you finally begin to see the battling ships, you see the disaster the Triarchy created upon Driftmark, you see your grandfather's fleet fighting back. Your grandfather's fleet outnumbers the Triarchy, but they also fight back fiercely which is admirable all things considered.

It’s also good that they’re fighting back hard because it means they’re all distracted, making it somewhat easier to go fetch Viserys. Where would they keep him though?

Not in the center of it all, that’s too risky. The front of the fleet is scattered, burning and mixed with Velaryon ships, so he wouldn’t be there. Perhaps in the end? It would make for an easy escape.

Yes, that's where you’ll go first.

Wait? Why aren't there dragons fighting back too? Your mother wouldn't have let a fleet come try to rescue Viserys all by themselves, she’d send her dragonriders, right? So where are they?

You squint your eyes and try to look through the thick and dark clouds of smoke that pollute the air, but you don’t hear wings flapping, or—

And then there it is, past the clouds of smoke can be heard a loud furious shriek from a dragon. It’s loud and sharp, booming, but it seems to be only one.

Can it be Jacaerys? He must be fighting too. Hm.

No matter how much you long to see your brother though, you have to take advantage of the fact that there's only one dragon. So without another second to spare, you descend from high in the sky and target the end of the Triarchy, while they fight back against their enemy fleet.

As you get closer the smell of salt and smoke mixes in your nose, causing your stomach to get all queasy. But you try your best to ignore that and keep your mind focused.

Nevertheless, just as you fly down and get closer to the water, suddenly an arrow comes whizzing at you and manages to hit Astraea on the shoulder just a few inches from where your saddle is. Almost as if the arrow was pointed at you and not her directly. What the hell?!

Astraea shrieks out in pain and she wobbles, making you grip onto the saddle's handles before you snap your head to where it came from. That’s when you see that it had come from a Scorpion on the Triarchy ship. People that are meant to be your allies!

What the hell?!

And since you are close to ships, you see a man behind the Scorpion. He looks distressed, so maybe it was an accident. Or not and they tried to kill you!

But you can’t fight back, you have to stay focused. Even if your poor girl is hurt.

“<Astraea,” you address your dragon softly and with concern. “Stay focused. Keep flying. We won’t stay long. Stay focused…>” you trail off however when you spot Vermax in the water slowly sinking further and further. You were so focused on your one mission, you didn’t bother to try and look for the dragon that had shrieked before. You should have though because it was Vermax, Jacaerys dragon. Vermax is the one getting swallowed by the sea as he fights back against it. And if he’s in the water…Jacaerys?!

Without a second thought you change courses and have Astraea make a sharp turn towards Vermax. She flies as quickly as she can with an arrow still embedded in her. She doesn’t cry though, she keeps going and doesn’t get hit this time by your own allies. And when you do get close to Vermax you gasp and feel yourself fill with horror as you see your little brother, Jacaerys in the water, gripping onto a wreckage trying his best to stay afloat while arrows stabbed his body.

“No, no, no,” you mutter and quickly let go of your handles to hastily take off the buckles that keep you restrained to your saddle.

A dragon call breaks in the sky, and when you glance up you spot Vhagar. Aemond must’ve heard Astraea’s cry and came without waiting.

He doesn’t descend though, he sees that you aren’t getting attacked so he stays in the sky, good. Even if he did descend, it wouldn’t matter, you stay focused on Jacaerys, and when you’re released from your restraints you swing your leg over the saddle, and wait. When Astraea is low enough to skim over the water, you slide down using the rope ladders you use to climb to your saddle.

In the distance Myrmen walked to the edge of their ships and pointed their crossbows at Jacaerys, but Astraea knew your intentions, she felt your protectiveness over your brother and snapped her head to the side to bath the men on fire.

When you finally reach where Jacaerys is, you reach the end of the ladders and Astraea keeps herself afloat to let you help your brother. “Jacaerys!” You call out in a quivering voice.

Said man was already looking at you with disbelief and anger. “You…you shouldn’t be here,” you hear your brother tell you.

You shake your head and reach your hand out. “Shut up and take my hand, help me help you up. If I let go of the rope I’ll fall too.”

Jacaerys swallows thickly and hesitates.

“Jacaerys!” You insist louder.

Said man holds your gaze for a second before he reaches out and grabs ahold of your hand. “Good, good,” you assure him while you dig your fingers in his arm and pull up with all your strength. Jacaerys also does as you ask and uses what strength he can muster to pull himself out of the water.

It’s while you’re both attempting to get him out that Astraea rises up just a bit, pulling Jacaerys out and causing him to quickly use his other hand to grip onto the rope ladder.

“Yes, good,” you whisper and don’t let go of him, but drop your eyes on the arrow that stuck out between his ribs and made him bleed. You then search for more and see another arrow embedded just under his rib cage. Gods….

“You’ll be okay,” you comfort him as you see his face full of strain from the pain.

Astraea wastes no time and doesn’t need to be told, she begins to fly towards shore.

“I’ll help you,” you keep telling Jacaerys. “I’ll help you.”

“What are you doing here?” He asks weakly.

You glance down at him and meet his droopy gaze. “I…came to help Viserys,” you let him know since no one can hear you from where you are. “Just don’t tell the Green council, I tricked them,” you laugh nervously.

“No,” Jacaerys argues, “I mean…it’s dangerous for you and the babe.”

He’s injured but he’s still worried about you and your unborn child—children.

“Babies,” you correct him sweetly. “I’m having twins.”

Jacearys musters a weak smile. “Mother will be happy to hear.”

“Will she?” You ask.

Your brother nods. “You’re her golden child after all. She still loves you.”

Tears finally escape out of your eyes and your smile begins to wobble. You don’t say anything though because Astraea then lands on shore, so you quickly dismount her and help Jacaerys down.

The moment he’s laid down on the sand you tear off the bottom half of the red gown you wear under your chest armor to keep warm, exposing the shiny black armor you wear on your legs. You then proceed to pull the arrows off Jacaerys and wrap the red cloth around him tightly to stop the bleeding.

“You're still with me, yes?” You ask your brother since he was too quiet.

“Yes,” he mumbles.

You hum and before you can finish wrapping the cloth Jacaerys grabs your hand and pulls you towards him. “Swear to me…swear you’ll keep helping mother.”

You blink repeatedly in disbelief and refuse to agree to anything while he lay bleeding out. This is not the end. No. You don’t accept it. You already lost Lucerys, you can’t lose Jacaerys too

“Just hold still,” you argue and move back to keep doing what you were doing.

However, he pulls you back towards him and presses sharply. “Swear to me. Please, sister. She’ll need you, swear to me you’ll help get to her throne.”

Fresh tears cloud your eyes and this time you can’t refuse. You nod softly. “I swear,” you assure your brother as more blood keeps coming out of his wounds. “I’ll keep helping her. We’ll do it together.”

Jacaerys lips tug upwards just slightly, but he doesn’t nod, he changes the subject. “Mother never gave up on you. As everyone else thought you had betrayed her, she and I never did. When she got that secret note from you she smiled for the first time since she lost Lucerys.”

You shake your head. “I never stopped believing in her,” you explain. “She’s my Queen. My mother. You’re my family, I could never betray her or you. I love you.”

Jacaerys scoffs softly but groans in pain too, and the grip he has around your hand tightens. “I love you too, y/n,” his voice quivers.

Tears stream out of your eyes as you know what’s coming, even with all your denial, a part of you prepares for what’s coming.

“Don’t leave me,” Jacaerys pleads as his eyes soften. “I don’t want to be alone.”

You shake your head rapidly and shift to cradle him on your lap. “I’ll stay here,” you assure him in a shaky voice. “I always will, I won’t let go. I just…hope you can forgive me. If I was here in the first place you would be unharmed. You-you—”

Jacaerys shakes his head. “Don’t apologize. You learned from your mistakes, all you can do now is just do the best you can from your situation. Hm?”

You nod in agreement. “When did you get so wise, huh?” You laugh softly.

Jacaerys grins softly. “I always have been….” He trials off and then glances at the sky. “I’ll see you again, you know?” He whispers and meets your gaze. “Where the water ends, and the sky touches the water.”

You giggle at his saying he took from you, and assure him with a nod. “We will,” you interject and cup his hand. “We’ll fly on our dragons alongside mother. We’ll talk and laugh with our brothers. We’ll go hunting, and stargaze around the campfire as we tell scary stories, even if Lucerys sucks at telling them. We’ll be together, always and forever.”

Jacaerys parts his lips, but a single breath comes out. His eyes then roll back and his body stiffens, meaning only one thing. Yet you can’t accept it. You don’t want to lose another brother.

“Jacaerys?” You call out hopefully. “Brother?”

Jacaerys doesn’t move, his faint smile stays on his face but he doesn’t respond.

“Jace?” You mewl. “Jacaerys?!” You press your forehead against his and begin to sob. “Please….please…Jace.” You sob louder and softly rock his body as you continue to cradle him, as you protect him in your arms as the battle rages on around you.

Astraea was injured, hurting, but she coos and manages to walk to you to wrap herself around you to comfort you as you grieved your little brother. A brother you couldn’t save. Astraea hears your heartbroken cries, she feels your agony and cries out to the sky. She sings a mournful song that is all too quickly cut off by the sound of flapping wings descending to the ground near you. Thinking it’s Aemond, you lift your head.

However, the dragon you see across the shore isn’t green and enormous, this dragon is a beautiful and pale grey-white dragon. And unmounting him is Ser Jason.

He may be a friend, but you’re still cautious, Astraea still curls herself tighter around you and snaps at him since she doesn’t know him. You proceed to lay Jacaerys down to slowly stand up as you pull your bow out, and point an arrow at him.

Ser Jason sees your defensive stance and comes to stop where Astraea has her head, and slowly raises his hands to show he means no harm. “I came as a friend,” he breaks the tense silence.

You curl your lip to a scowl and glance up at the sky, catching four dragons now, and Vhagar and Aemond not over you. He must’ve gone back to the piece of land.

“A friend?” You ask and sniffle. “If you are. Tell me where Viserys might be. You must know.”

Ser Jason draws out a deep breath and slowly begins to frown. “Viserys is…lost at Sea…”

Your aim falters at the sound.

“The ship carrying him sent demands, but the Queen was told soon after that the ship then went missing,” he adds.

Even more heartbreak shatters your heart, but you make sure not to cry in front of him. You lower your bow and arrow and glance at Jacaerys lifeless body.

“Take him home,” you tell Ser Jason softly. “When he’s on the pyre please put a winter rose to rest on him, so it’s like I can be there with him.” You meet the knight's blue eyes with sadness, and slowly let your face soften. “And,” you add but walk towards him now whilst you take off the ring that held the peach-orange pearl he had given you. “Give this to my mother. Tell her I want it back when I join her side again. Will you?”

Ser Jason meets you halfway and doesn’t hesitate to agree. “Of course, I will.”

The moment you secure the ring on his palm you walk back towards the rope ladder hanging on Astraea. “When I see you again, I want that answer,” you tell him softly. “I mean you have a dragon now.”

Ser Jason scoffs softly but nods. “I will. Be careful, Princess.”

You shoot him a sad smile and finally turn around when you reach the rope ladders, to mount Astraea. When you’re secured on the saddle you first let out a deep exhale, and then wipe your face, unknowingly wiping Jacaerys blood all over, even on your silver-white roots. After that Astraea stomps forward and ascends to the sky where the sound of battle grows quiet, and the sight shrinks.

Soon Vhagar and Aemond come to sight, but you don’t land, you wait for them in the sky, and once they’ve joined your side, Aemond sees the wound on Astraea. He meets your gaze with concern, but you assure him with a soft look before you lead the way home.

Yet, thoughts run in your head while Astraea flies away. Your brother's death head plays on a loop in your mind, his blood stains your hands and his last words echo over and over, making you cry after you promised you wouldn’t show your grief in front of Aemond or any other Green member.

“I’ll see you again, you know?” Jacaerys voice echoes in your mind, a painful reminder of the brother you loved but couldn’t save. A heartbreaking reminder of another brother you loved lost because of the Greens. The last brother that knew you, that you knew, that was like your friend; the other two are young, you don’t share the same bond with them like you do with Jacaerys and Lucerys—no like you did, they’re both gone now.

They’re gone…because of them….

They want you to play? You’ll play their stupid game.

Now in your grief, anger grows fiercely. Your frown grows to a scowl, and your grief stricken look burns away and gets replaced by fiery.

Jacaerys and Lucerys made your heart. Your heart was made of your brothers, the Greens snatched them away and took your heart along with them.

You’ll show them just how mean you can be without a heart to hold you back.

So before you can get further away, you tilt your handles to the side. And of course without hesitation, even wounded, Astraea turns around rapidly and flies back towards the Triarchy fleet.

Aemond doesn’t miss your sudden action and follows you.

When you’re on top of the Triarchy again, the other dragonriders instantly drift all their attention towards you, thinking you came back to fight with your allies. However, you push your handles down, and Astraea shoots down at a quick speed.

The Myrmen look at you two with confusion, not knowing what you intend to do since you’re going at them very fast. So just as Astraea gets close to the ships, you let out a pained and angry cry, and Astraea shoots out fire and shows the Myrmen your intentions by burning them and their ships.

Just before Astraea can hit anything, she swoops up and grabs a Scorpion with her claws and crushes it. The man that was assigned to it gets crushed too without remorse. The other men, the ones fighting, are left not knowing what to do, fight back against you, or run now that it turns to six against all their remaining ships. They had their orders when it came to you, but Vhagar now also circles the area.

As you kept bathing their ships and the men on fire albeit, the choice is clear, escape.

Not like you let them, when you see the Myrmen in the water trying to swim away, you have Astraea fly low and tilt to her side. You unbuckle only a few restraints to be able to stand up as you get out your bow to shoot arrows at the men in the water. Astraea catches some with her jaw and burns them alive. Neither of you let anyone escape.

The other dragonriders don’t fight you, nor do they attempt to fight Aemond and Vhagar since they see them fight this battle with you.

The only reason he did it though was because he followed you, he didn’t question your actions right there and then, and he most definitely didn’t want anyone to harm you either. He saw brave men aim the scorpions at you and he had Vhagar burn or crush them. He didn’t bathe the triarchy with fire in the same way you did though.

You burned them all. Every last Triarchy ship that had remained was nothing but wreckage or ash that sunk in the water. The sailors who tried to flee got met with arrows, just like they did with Jacaerys. When there was nothing left of them on the sea you left back to King’s Landing with Aemond flying at your side probably furious about what you did.

Not like you care. When you arrive outside the Red Keep, you climb down Astraea, but stop inches from where her wound is.

She had taken the arrow off by herself, now all there was is a fresh wound. “<Oh my sweet girl,” you tell Astraea while you caress her. “You’ll be okay. You’ll heal in no time.>”

Astraea cranes her neck, and then leans her head towards you and coos.

“<You did great,>” you tell her as you hug her jaw. When you pull back Aemond’s feet finally hit the ground, so you finish dismounting your dragon.

And the moment your own feet hit the ground Aemond comes storming at you, he grabs your arm and turns you around to make you face him. Yet he doesn’t show much anger. It’s confusion mostly.

“What did you do?” He demands to know.

You don’t hold back, you rebuttal. “They hit Astraea, so I fought back,” you tell only a very small portion of your true reasons. “Look at how close that arrow came to me.”

Aemond sighs deeply before he drifts his eye to the wound on Astraea’s shoulder that was under your saddle.

“I almost died,” you tell him and grab his arms. “Not because of enemy fire but because of our own allies. Of course I had to fight back, I had to teach them their lesson.”

Aemond shakes his head and slowly meets your gaze. “It was an accident. They probably didn’t mean to hit Astraea.”

You scoff. “No. It was no accident,” you snap back venomously. “I was trying to find Viserys in the back of the line, the other dragonriders hadn’t arrived yet, they pointed at me. They tried to kill me. What? is that okay?”

“No!” Aemond quickly rebuttals. “I just cant believe they’d be that—”

“Stupid?” You finish for him. “Yes, well they’re Ser Otto's allies, there’s a reason he’s not Hand anymore.”

Aemond squints, but he doesn’t respond back in his grandfather's defense, there's a faint smirk instead. He doesn’t argue anymore either, his face softens, and he slides his hands down to take yours to turn them and see the blood that stained them.

“Not mine,” you assure him.

Aemond studies the blood before he looks at the blood on your face and wipes it off with his cloak.

“Jacaerys…is dead,” you share in a deadpanned voice so as to not show him your true emotions. To show him you're committed to him and only him. “Viserys was lost at sea too. I’m sorry.”

Aemond holds your gaze for a moment, he tries to search for the grief you must feel, but no matter how hard he stares you hide it well. He doesn’t know whether to be worried about it or proud?

He’ll have to investigate later. Now though he cups your face and shakes his head. “Don’t apologize I would’ve done the same,” he says. “I'm happy you're unharmed.”

You frown deeper and drop your gaze. “You're not angry at me? For what I did?” You ask sweetly.

Aemond tilts your head up and doesn’t hesitate to respond genuinely. “No. Don’t you think I would have stopped you if I was?” He smirks. “You did amazing out there. I couldn't help but sit back and watch you burn it all.” He follows by stealing a kiss from you that you deepen.

A passionate moment passes before you pull back and press your forehead against his.

“<You never fail to impress me, my love,>” he murmurs against your lips in High Valyrian. “<I love you. I never want to be parted from you. We are meant to be together, we were meant to burn together. Forever.>”

You grin softly and caress his cheek. You mirror him with ease. “<Now and forever.>” You then proceed to embrace him, and he hugs you back tightly.

You love him. You do. It’s some sick and twisted curse how much you love this man you’re meant to hate, this man on opposite sides of the war, but…that doesn’t mean you won’t crush his brother Aegon, and the rest of The Greens from the inside.

.

.

.

.

A/N- Alicent and Otto are afraid of how obsessed Aemond is with y/n…should’ve thought of that before they married them.

Tagged- @namelesslosers @stargaryenx @chainsawsangel @lauftivy @winxschester @cloudroomblog @llarue @padsdarlg @sofietargaryen @gracielikegrapes @dreaming-of-the-reality @itzelpeyton @patdsinner33 @mrsdominickstark @elaena-aerrin @todoroki-slut

[horizon-verizon]

While B&C is objectively horrifying, I’ve honestly never once felt any emotion when reading it… but Aerea’s death, oh my god, I was completely engrossed and taken back by the hideous, stomach-turning and repugnant description of her death.

👀

Aerea had to have had those fireworms crawl through her still-living body for days. Aerea's death was much more detailed, a lot more gory, and connects to one overarching and critical element, or "layer", of the ASoIaF series: the Targs' legacy with their dragons and the effect of the Valyrian's imperialism over Essos. Aerea's death brought a sense of doom because it alerted us and Jaehaerys of the Targs' vulnerability to forces that their own ancestors probably caused. And the account is very reliable, more so than most F&B accounts and certainly so for the Dance portion of the book. Its relater, Septon Barth, he's the one who tried to treat Aerea. And of all the "Faith-aligned professionals" we ever encountered in this world, he was the most dedicated to impartial study of the people and things around him. (Sincere about it, too, even though he does also factor in a few societal lens...because he still lives in Westeros and is still a septon.) So you know he was writing what he saw impartially.

Why do the Targs' relationship with their dragons & past AND their dragons' future matter? We (should) know and have read ASoIaF and read about Daenerys, how she becomes the Queen that she is meant to be to save the world. We have learned that something can hurt a dragon. We need dragons//fire for the Long Night & protect humanity. The Targs' assimilation into the Andal-FM pre-Conquest culture and subsequent refusal to better & truly incorporate their women into their politics--or just think outside of their own immediate needs for power, even with some being genuinely better people and leaders--have lead up to their own loss of said dragons, then their usurpation. It's a lead up to Daenerys in-world and re-contextualizes her role for the Long Night to come.

*However, reminder, yes the Targs' Conquest and reign still greatly reduced the thousands of years of constant warfare b/t the non Valyrian Westerosi former kingdoms. Two things, true at once.*

Whereas with Jaehaerys, the death served this one story to illustrate how far a specific group of people will go to destroy the other or get the other back for perceived/real wrongs done. Jaehaerys became a victim of a blood feud & another motive to keep that particular blood feud going. It's not even the first death, but a response to another's death done by the greens (Aemond), who decided to usurp the king-chosen heir, a woman, for their own ambitions. He is part of a succession of a drama. And while his 6 fingers generate some curiosity and inquiry as to what effects the magical connection to dragons have on disabilities/congenital conditions being more reduced--which Idk about, since the Westerosi have been marrying their cousins for centuries and most of the nobles we see aren't fugly nor have many congenital conditions to rival the Hapsburgs--this doesn't serve or inform us on the bigger story. Sad and tragic, but in terms of the scales of consequences, it had a simpler effect.

Ironically, he has less narrative importance than Nettles or Mysaria, whom some Rhaenyra & black stans try to argue was "just a plot device" 🙄 to use against Rhaenyra. Both within and out of Fire & Blood. Then there's the business of green stans being so overwrought & talkative over his death than the:

sack of Bitterbridge & rapes/murders (of refugees, of children, septas, old people, etc.)

sack of of Tumbleton & rapes/murders

Dalton Greyjoy's raping women and killing innocent peasants,

etc.

It is perhaps all of these that make Aerea's death seem both more harrowing and "important" than Jaehaerys'. Aerea's death is more shrouded in mystery, Jaehaerys' is not. Her death has a larger narrative purpose compared to his.

[bohemian-nights]

Even in the book it’s clear that the relationship between Rhaenyra and Daemon isn’t healthy (in fact you can make the argument that no romantic relationship depicted in any of George R.R. Martin’s work is completely healthy) and isn’t something anyone should strive for.

So when I first watched the show and saw the romantic twist they put on Rhaenyra and Daemon I was confused (as someone who read the book first HOTD is to me what the Percy Jackson movies are to that fandom, enjoyable but differing vastly from the source material) and not going to lie intrigued.

But then as the episodes went on I developed a very big love-hate relationship with Daemon. Episodes 6-7 pissed me off 🫠 Hooking up with anyone at the funeral of your wife isn’t cool (also Harwin who was Rhaenyra’s lover for ten years who she had three children with just died) I mean I get that everyone grieves in different ways but the fact that he slept with Rhaenyra especially when I know how he treated Laena (and his daughters to some extent) 🥴🙄

I would also like to say that I don’t play around with domestic violence (fictional and in the real world) so Daemon choking Rhaenyra really turned me off his character. It also felt like another moment in HOTD to showcase brutal violence against women.

There are a handful of potentially healthy romantic relationships(Rhaena and Garmund might have actually had a happy marriage), but yeah if someone is using Dumbnyra as an example of one 🫠

To me, the show never framed their relationship in a romantic context. I mean Rhaenyra is underage when we first meet her, she looks super young next to her overly grown uncle, and the necklace he gives her could constitute as grooming.

I think people got confused with the “switch up” because they are the only “shippable couple”(I say this term loosely because shippable to this fandom equals too white people who breathe near each other hence why we have the clusterf*ck that is lucemond) on the show so far. If the red flags didn’t ring for people in episode one they should’ve rung by episode four when he abandoned her in the brothel. People seemed to ignore this because she’s 18, but abandoning someone in a dangerous place they aren’t familiar with no matter their age is really scary

This is going to be a very controversial take(I’m not a person who gets off on seeing domestic violence), but it seems like the choking scene was necessary since people thought Dumbnyra was supposed to be a romantic couple 🤷🏽‍♀️

Daemon from day one was a crazy a**hole who hardly cared about anyone. He does have redeeming qualities in the book(notably how is with Laena and Nettles, which they better not screw over because Ryan Condal himself has said the man is a gray character and she’s his only light now), but so far they’ve cut those parts out and turned him into a man obsessed with his brother.

Rhaenyra, as are all the other women in his life, is a causality of his obsession. People wanted her to be his exception, but she was never framed in that way. In fact, she’s one of his first “victims.”

Daemon has not changed fundamentally since episode one. So it makes sense why he’d violently snap at her too. Out of all the violent scenes directed at women in the past season, the choking scene makes the most sense to me.

Like I said above, I hope we do see him change(and yes I’ll be biased and say I want him to change for Nettles like he did in the books) because he is supposed to be a morally gray character, but Rhaenyra is not part of the lighter side of him.

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

God's Judgments on the Nations

1 Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it. 2 For the indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath utterly destroyed them, he hath delivered them to the slaughter. 3 Their slain also shall be cast out, and their stink shall come up out of their carcases, and the mountains shall be melted with their blood. 4 And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree. 5 For my sword shall be bathed in heaven: behold, it shall come down upon Idumea, and upon the people of my curse, to judgment. 6 The sword of the Lord is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams: for the Lord hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea. 7 And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness. 8 For it is the day of the Lord’s vengeance, and the year of recompences for the controversy of Zion. 9 And the streams thereof shall be turned into pitch, and the dust thereof into brimstone, and the land thereof shall become burning pitch. 10 It shall not be quenched night nor day; the smoke thereof shall go up for ever: from generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it for ever and ever.

11 But the cormorant and the bittern shall possess it; the owl also and the raven shall dwell in it: and he shall stretch out upon it the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness. 12 They shall call the nobles thereof to the kingdom, but none shall be there, and all her princes shall be nothing. 13 And thorns shall come up in her palaces, nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof: and it shall be an habitation of dragons, and a court for owls. 14 The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to his fellow; the screech owl also shall rest there, and find for herself a place of rest. 15 There shall the great owl make her nest, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow: there shall the vultures also be gathered, every one with her mate.

16 Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them. 17 And he hath cast the lot for them, and his hand hath divided it unto them by line: they shall possess it for ever, from generation to generation shall they dwell therein. — Isaiah 34 | Authorized King James Version (AKJV) The Holy Bible: Authorized King James Version; Cambridge University Press, the Crown’s patentee in the UK. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 6:13; Numbers 23:22; Deuteronomy 14:13; Deuteronomy 29:23; Deuteronomy 32:1; Deuteronomy 32:41-42; 2 Samuel 1:22; 2 Kings 21:13; 1 Chronicles 1:44; Job 39:9; Psalm 11:6; Psalm 44:19; Isaiah 1:20; Isaiah 1:31; Isaiah 10:4-5; Isaiah 13:5-6; Isaiah 13:21-22; Isaiah 14:19; Isaiah 14:31; Isaiah 17:13-14; Isaiah 24:6; Isaiah 35:4; Isaiah 40:23; Isaiah 41:11-12; Isaiah 59:5; Jeremiah 13:25; Jeremiah 50:39; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:25; Revelation 14:11; Revelation 18:2; Revelation 19:2

[noirshadow]

Only in Dreams - Ch 10

AO3 - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Aleksander POV

——

“What is it?” He called out annoyed. He had just gotten back from the War Room and just wanted a second of peace. A second to organize himself, collect his thoughts. Just a damned second to himself. A second where he wasn’t needed. Truth be told, he also just hated unscheduled interruptions of any kind. 

It was one of Baghra’s helper boys. He could never get the names straight, they changed over so often. This one was Levi maybe? Or was it Leo? “Sir, she’s asked for you,” Levi or Leo said timidly, the words barely spoken above a whisper. 

Aleksander sighed, easing himself out of the armchair he had only just literally sunk into, the seat barely warmed with his burdened body. The old woman had become daring now. She thought he had gone soft now, since Alina, and was at her beck and call. She was no longer terrified of him as she had been. He furrowed his brow. He supposed it wasn’t entirely a bad thing. Maybe it was a sign of repair. Of their relationship on the mend towards how it had been — in his youth. But still, she should know to remember her place. 

“I’m coming,” he replied, not bothering to hide the hint of disdain in his tone. “Run along and I’ll be right there.” 

The boy did not have to be told twice. Like a gust of wind, he was out of the room. Taking one sip of the bracing amber liquid he had poured himself only minutes before, Aleksander left it wistfully on the table and strode off toward the hut. He had seen Alina’s shut door on his way and had hesitated, wanting to knock but thought better of it. He’d check on her after. 

“Well, what is it?” He announced exasperatedly as he burst through the door without a knock. He leaned on the doorjamb, hoping to hint to Baghra that he wasn’t intending to stay long. 

The wizened old crone was in her usual armchair, completely unfazed by his dramatic entrance. The well-trained boy was already back, hard at work steeping some nettle infusion and was pouring a cup out for her. She raised her eyebrows at the tone. 

Without the girl here you’ve certainly returned to your old horrible self, my son.”

He waved his hand airily, the casual demeanor not reflecting his icy words in which each syllable cut like glass. “I don’t know what you mean but I’m merely stating I’m not just here to cater to your every whim. As you recall, I am in charge and you being here, living as you please is based on my continued generosity. That being said, there have been some developments and we are heading out tomorrow to meet the Apparat. As you can imagine, I have better things to do with my time. If you have something to say, spit it out.” 

Baghra remained unperturbed, her wrinkled face impassive as always. “Such hospitable behavior. Before you go tomorrow, I thought I’d give you some additional information. To help you. Out of the kindness of my heart. If you don’t want it, that’s fine by me,” spat Baghra, her words equally lethal, poisoned barbs sent pointedly toward him. The boy bowed himself out, clearly desperate to leave this soon boiling conflict. In his mind, Aleksander scoffed at the boy’s timidness. This was nothing. A friendly chat, even — standard for the two of them.

Aleksander forced himself not to roll his eyes as he sighed. In a way, her sharp volley back diffused the tension. It was always hard not to revert back to some semblance of a rebellious youth whenever he was talking to his mother. Let alone the years of stifling her when he ruled as the Darkling. The chair scraped against the rough-hewn floor as he pulled one out to sit down. His fingers steepled as his elbows rested on the chair arms, he gestured for her to continue with the most artificial look of grace and patience pasted across his face. As much of a concession as he could make. 

“Ukrast. If you are intending to use it, there is something you must know…” 

“Yes, yes, I know. It is dangerous and could turn me back into the power-hungry villain of before if I don’t be careful…” Aleksander interrupted, annoyed and impatient. If she had called him here to reiterate this, then it was a waste of both their time.  

“Not that,” Baghra interrupted right back. “I don’t care if you become soulless. I have already lived with that for hundreds of years. But one part of the Liber Pruina that I didn’t mention in front of the girl is that unchecked, ukrast can kill you.” 

Despite his best efforts to conceal it, Aleksander inhaled sharply but let the witch continue. 

“It is true that a Shadow Summoner’s shadows are where the core of their power lies, but there is a price for its usage. As it pulls the power from the other person, it also gets used up. There is balance in everything. As you pull someone’s power, you must give the same amount, as payment. It is not just like normal usage where your power is like a battery. In this case, when you over-exert, but it will never be replaced. If you were to use it and not be extremely cautious, the shadows could wholly drain from you and you will die. As you should be more than aware from merzost, this kind of dark magic always comes at a steep price.”

Aleksander let that sink in. Absorbed it. He should have known there would be a cost. There always was, wasn’t there. 

His instinct was to retort with some acidic comment but then he realized that Baghra had not only decided to share this important detail with him but had also purposely waited to speak to him alone. Without Alina. Because of that, he calmed down. He even felt a little something like gratitude toward his mother for sparing him that stress. Alina would undoubtedly reject the idea if his life was on the line and he knew he could never say no to her. He would always prefer anything else, even a danger to a plan, to any pain for his dear milaya.

Baghra was studying his face, no doubt already trying to read his thoughts. He had learned years ago to evade and conceal. Outwardly giving nothing away — face passive and unmoving — Aleksander replied. “Well, I’ll just have to be careful then. Without the Amplifier, the Apparat only has a tiny bit of power. I should hope it wouldn’t take much to steal that away.” 

“Many before you have underestimated dark magic. It is almost sentient. Once you activate it, it may not necessarily listen to you. Your shadows are obedient, yes, but under the influence of ukrast, it is hard to say what will occur. I found another mention of it later on in the Liber Pruina and how it is more uncontrollable and unwieldy since you are using it to take away. Even with the merzost, you were still building something. However perverse and unnatural, the Fold was your creation. Your power was building something. This is entirely different. It requires a true sacrifice of power.” 

Her black eyes shone almost pure black as Baghra warned, forcing through her point to him. Aleksander had only seen her like this a few times. It was real — it wasn’t a scare tactic. And maybe it was from his extended time on earth but he was no longer afraid for his life. No, he certainly didn’t want to die but the long years had hardened him, had drove out any childish fear of death. 

“I will keep that in mind, mother.” A pregnant pause. He had surmised it, but he needed to confirm. “And I am guessing from this covert meeting that you haven’t mentioned it to Alina? It is wise - it would only worry her. Perhaps, she would try to talk me out of it but this is our only plan at the moment.” 

Taking a sip of the hot tea, Baghra exhaled slowly — entirely relaxed and unfazed, her eyes having faded back to the stormy grey that he had inherited. “She is wiser than you give her credit for. She has somehow managed to change your previously immovable heart. She also has much more strength than you think. I’ve trained with her and our sessions on control have gone better than expected. She is quick study and determined. She learns easily from her mistakes. She is also humble and hungry to succeed. I don’t think I can necessarily say the same about you, except maybe when you were very young. You’d be wise to treat her like a real partner. She is not the same girl you brought back from Keramzin.”

Her words jolted Aleksander like a surge of electricity. Before, he had always treated Alina like the child he saw her as. He knew she was powerful — that was why he had identified and chosen her to begin with. But from the start, she had always been a means to an end. The end. The power he needed. Yet somehow now, it was a completely different situation. Alina had not only her own grand power but two amplifiers and had proven herself in a fight. And the new stakes she had created had taken him fully by surprise. Now, his protectiveness was for an entirely reason all together. She was still an asset, but a very different kind — a precious treasure. The nagging, incessant need to protect her was now a constant lingering being within himself with a mind of its own. 

He was so used to minding himself and himself alone. How long had it been since he took care of, let alone care for someone else? But Baghra was wrong. He couldn’t tell her. After everything that had happened, after Nikolai, there was no way that she would risk his life. And despite this shake-up to his life, he was still himself. The guy who would always put the mission first. Yes, there was the additional emotion of Alina in his life, but that’s precisely why he wouldn’t tell her. He would stoically bear this himself. Handle it himself unaffectedly with no emotion to color the decisions that had to be made. 

“I know that. But this is something else. It is a means to an end, Mother.” The emphasis on the last word was dripping with sarcasm. The rebellious teenage Aleksander bubbling to the surface replacing his normal calm exterior. “With everything that has happened, Alina would worry too much. We all know her emotion and compassion for others is a weakness that our enemies will not hesitate to exploit. The Apparat has been given too much leeway as is. We can afford this risk — I can. Not everyone who has tried has been as strong as me either.” 

“I guess your mind is made up. I brought you here to warn you. I’ve done my part. What happens next is your choice. You’re a grown man. You have never listened to me anyway so I didn’t expect you to listen to me now. But the warning is there. I’ve done what I can. You seem to be different — for the better at that — and I don’t want this thing to set you back.”

The chair scrapped as Aleksander pushed it out and approached the armchair by the fire. His mother flinched involuntarily, the scars of his old behaviors not yet faded from her memory. More softly than he had spoken to her in years, he started. “I can do this. I can do both. I can handle the ukrast and protect Alina at the same time.” 

His hand reached out as if to touch her. A muscle memory of old, but he resisted it. 

Baghra met his gaze. “Gone are the days where I can command you. And you have operated on your own for a long time. But just know that it can be a strength too. Compassion and people around you can strengthen you — can give you something to fight for. Don’t forget that.” 

Nodding, Aleksander turned to leave. Baghra inhaled as if about to say something else. His head shifted toward the side, back toward her. “On a related note, you cannot underestimate Lilit. She may seem to be the pawn of the Apparat but she, no doubt, has her own agenda. She is a Morozova, after all. The Apparat’s power is nothing compared to hers. In dealing with the Apparat, do not forget the true threat.”

The old woman turned back to the fire, stoking the flames as some herbal concoction boiled above it. He clearly was dismissed — she was done with him. Her warnings had been harsh but layered deep within them, there was a thin layer of love or something like it that hadn’t been seen in years. He expected it was because of Alina, and his recent “change” that she was doing this and he was grateful. He wanted to reply, to recognize it but he still couldn’t bring himself to verbalize something that. Instead, he left it like that.  

Wordlessly, he gave a nod of acknowledgement before heading out of the stuffy cottage. In the fresh air, Aleksander inhaled deeply, able to think clearly now with enough oxygen. The Apparat undermined everything he had been building and that he was continuing to build with Alina. He would not lose that now. He would do everything he could to preserve this life. Keep her safe. Even at his own expense. Some things were worth it. 

[skullcapgirl6]

Todays Trip via the 6 steps:

I decided to go on trip with the 6 herbs today. It started with motherwort in my garden. It felt as though she was giving me a hug goodbye and letting me know I was going somewhere new where I will 'sleep soundly'.

Then I went to the park near my house and sat with Elder. I forgot to take a picture when I was with her but that's the point. This picture is a symbol of her: The Gateway Guardian. Again, it was a feeling of safety and being held. She said I'm going somewhere 'safe and sound'. Her flowers were just about to bloom, and she said when they do, I'll be able to see it more clearly. The park was beechpark though, I wreckon where I'm going is by the beach.

Then I got to my favourite cafe to get a matcha n a cake. This was the message of today.

Then I ate my pistachio cake in what I call the valley of hawthorn and nettles. It's my favourite place to eat. The hawthorn and nettles got me super fired up about where I'm to go next, which is a secret.

Then I gathered 7 stalks of yarrow to do my yarrow divination dream. 7 because it's the number of Libra which is the sign of partnership, co-operation and balance. I'm using a handknitted sock given to me by a friend that was given to her by her grandmother in the czech republic, she gave it to me in 2019 in a place where I made a special wish one night and afterwards the wind started blowing magically, it's connected to the story.

I'm aware that it's supposed to be done on may day but this is my ovulation closest to may day this year and I have a feeling that this is the right time to do it. I'm gonna test it now and then do it again on may day. I've been working with yarrow for over a year and have had multiple dreams throughout my time with her and things happen during the day but it was all part of me working through stuff with her and now I'm ready for my dream. I had to prepare first.

Then I lay in a circle of cowslips. Deeply relaxed. Noticed how the sky was really grey compared to the sunny day yesterday. Started a poem called 'cowslip on a grey day' and the sun decided to come out through the grey clouds.

Things that came up when sitting with cowslip:

What would I be doing if I wasn't always trying to figure everything out?

How can my anxious attachment turn into secure attachment?

Relaxation.

I feel this is something cowslip does: she gives you a sense of secure attachment. I feel so deeply connected to myself with cowslip, it's literally the bullseye because I have a very vivid memory from childhood of just sitting in the garden staring at cowslip and when I sit with cowslip I'm just brought back to this moment of quiet when no one was annoying me and I'm just purely myself, which is: alone, in nature.

[my-name-is-mine-to-know]

Hello. Your turn. Tell me a story. Anything. Fiction. Non fiction. Whimsical. Literally anything. Just tell me. Also, you’re awesome, have an absolutely fantastic day.

Okay so firstly I would like to sincerely apologize for just how long it took me to answer this; I don't even know how long it was but I know that it was too much time. Like, I probably got this a year ago at least. Man. Anyway, here's the story! It might be a bit rough but it was fun to write so here ya' go:

Maybe flower picking… wasn’t the best idea.

Jess had thought it would be fun and productive: he liked botany but hadn’t familiarized himself with the local flora, and handpicked/arranged flowers would be much more meaningful than a box of over-sweet chocolates from Walmart. He loved Emmy and wanted to show it.

He’d even prepared for less-than-desirable scenarios! He made sure to learn all that his girlfriend was allergic to, and had memorized any and all potentially problematic plants that might grow in his climate (looking at you, wood nettle).

Jess had departed for the forest around 6:00 AM, and was planning to go back home around 2:00 PM. He’d packed a lunch of a sandwich and some snacks including grapes and trail-mix. He wore his good hiking boots and a waterproof windbreaker in case of rain. The news had said there was a 30% chance, and, while it was currently sunny and clear, one could never be too careful. It was shaping up to be a nice day.

If only reality revolved around him. Then, it might have abided by his request for a peaceful and pleasant trip.

Reality did not, in fact, revolve around Jess.

Reality, at least for that day, had decided to revolve around one bunny in particular, and to grant said bunny’s wishes of grandeur, which happened to include tormenting Jess at every chance it got.

It was adorable and unassuming at first, bumping its forehead on his boot while he was resting on a rock, eating his grapes. Jess knew, of course, to never feed wildlife, but really, it was so fluffy and harmless. What could one grape do?

Let this be a lesson to all those reading: NEVER tempt the fates by asking such an arrogant, unnecessary, and open-ended question. They will always hear your taunts, cackle with glee at the prospect of a new victim, and proceed to fuck up the rest of your day, week, or even life, depending on just how stupid your question was.

Case in point: the bunny would not. Stop. Following him.

At first, it had been cute, but now it was getting really annoying. It kept bumping into Jess asking for food. Then it graduated to running in front of him blocking his path. Then it figured out what flowers he was after and proceeded to go chomp/stomp on then whenever he spotted a sprout, and he was pretty sure some of them, bunnies shouldn’t eat!

All of these problems were small and could be easily solved by just going faster, but he didn’t want to go faster. Jess had wanted to have fun exploring the forest and picking flowers. That’s all he’d wanted when he came.

Now, he very much wanted to pick up a certain bunny and chuck it into a clearing so perfect it would never leave. The other option was to drop-kick it into a river and watch scream and die, which would be far more cathartic, but would also be sad. He didn’t want to live with blood on his hands. Or water and bunny fur.

The third option, of course, would be to ignore the bunny entirely and hope it would give up eventually. Due to the distinct lack of heavenly clearings in the area, it would have to do.

————

Well.

It’s been three hours.

The bunny has not left Jess’s side for even a minute. Going to the bathroom had been incredibly uncomfortable.

He gave up.

He wasn't getting any good flowers except for the three he'd gotten before encountering the bunny, he was tired, it was not rainy and was in fact very hot so his water was running low, and writing a nice little note and buying some chocolate was looking infinitely more appealing by the second.

Jess decided to simply leave the forest. The bunny could follow if it wanted, but Jess would just keep going until the bunny realized how far it was from home and desisted or was locked outside of his house forever. Jess didn't care which.

He walked along the river to the edge of the forest, he trudged through the clearing between the edge of town and the forest, he got onto the sidewalk and followed it until he got to the crosswalk, he timed it with the cars so that he would get across it safely, if tightly, and-

A squeal. A very loud squeal. A screech, even. Of pain, specifically. Followed by a crunch.

Jess turned sharply at the noise, looking to see what it was...

There was a red smudge on the road interspersed with bits of white fluff and pink meat.

Oh... oh no... oh dear, that was-

Jess gagged and brought a hand up to his mouth to stop himself from vomiting all over the road and hurried to the sidewalk before he got run over. After that, he walked home quickly and silently, barely seeing the road in front of him.

Once he got home, he looked at the three flowers in his hand, now crumpled by his anxiety and shock, and thunked his head on the wall, resigned to chocolate.

[libidomechanica]

“Her camouflage stranger to”

A sonnet sequence

               1

When, or virtue and still his to weep are two of you young Corinth, which waves of life to speak silent my looks, she shining day, as we water. But God’s word from thee praising, where a prey, and me. Her camouflage stranger to say, to see, reach other’d up wither went, here are justice eulogies; then sheepe, is night. Amid those who had of the were they faith, my ears, was the world while perfection content, good old grim borne of moss smuggles so euill of dried in great pleasure to mine. Unto the great dances of uncomplain’s heads cut of the girls were his hatching through nettled might, more bright remorse?

               2

That amazed and pale were turned beloved tracassert, o carefull verse. Tasting good night of mangling plump, my heart of Ettrickets and half my tongue some iouisaunce. In the pricket? The language who his between then image to dwelling all-clare these brilliam with template sometime all on my train; for the coward. And council, breathings aspires, opens next Friday! Well by the wildly-wanton-wise. Thus, imprison-yard, the sank sadness. And the for they swelleth wrought waits on its defiance made of mortal has been the hounds brown a chilling in the Eternal, baser thou but a sight.

               3

—Oh Thou years, when it like there’s they never colonnade. Fond embrace with naked not you still this. Had I not could ape thou wage, like pale to the made in bubble’s tale had never them never in? Quietly, disrobed in here away again. But the lample beautiful seldom she knew as he heavy shade vnder for these route, nothing in the circumscribed; found a kiss.—That is to her; and a sleep, the guaranted on my loved her new. They answer’d, no long simple beach perpetrate and enchably the bastions—these braided a whirring in the sea glass is master, hack in the Unapparents, when the shroud as false of the layen bank of Black of kirtless face when the hunger-pinch. With prove: the milk and herse, the endures did it carefull the falling talk of light, musing Chloris part; such time in her was armed Ostleress those circle, has twa space I can it thrice sparity!

               4

Oh if only what scarlet paine, she half be disguise, tho’ daily prophesying must soft sky, the tushes, as done. Yet not, grand warm approved the strangeness lov’d of chronicle of the long the does th’ fire green knotted sound to wound of hueless and spoke to play. You never lord Henry was vacant, if it’s noon, for shun and there divine Musæus sing shall Stella meets, you—tell you first off, all we? And year, my home well to lamp of earring To-day, where woman-conquers wrack to my chere. And life, since, and swear sweet, soother companions, betwixt the chilling sport: though nettled in the rain, poor Man.

               5

Half-strictly he low which can aged soft suffering in thee stormy angel of her, thick which else presence it is the pain; dimme and stomach, I know than next to be laigh doth graft of giant land—what is gate repose, if men—youth the pear waxeth some have did not tell me, I see! And basket west, that matter fits hell, and cries, nought I; by no face where thing holes. I’m wish’d; other, them clusterity, had toilet I looked are as that some small drench’d, she flowers are round, and list, I could be buxom host to toy; that it last lips, signet gemme of thyself my spies the land—what none thoughts, as light we are all their virtue yielding an even them; an’ she sentry: riding eyes, for young lay the soil, robert Burns: wha wad led days head, and sing; long sleep has with slips we might place is the heartbreak her be remaine rest, procession-wise. But when set the odour’d at might you may you; when happy omen!

               6

And would matter, and Preachine. Ah wrestled: Ah, Lycius! Runs its puddled hath doth upon youthful, surely kisses: but to hacknells he space saint which was a Dogges hence of a cry Kill, as I guard as his holy sing day, and would for since, here of other since almost which, liquid, glories, lest where and full of the Foxes the full-born she strictest such a thou shalt beware, then the lady. Crab apple, but that he while hear, blushes locks: there. Some love what there is mutiny each their college from the moaning’s nest, Swift aid my circle and talking prey, and the day by then we are full verse.

               7

Like to the Creature: there as the web of book I am shapes of night. Alien tearest, burning to gaze on thy grief to the hill of it? I’ver against all these he was sense from me, as the best city shouldst the dust opened amaze on its into warm wet golden have close, drank his parent gross the point d’appui is full marketh: she her night footing woman’s pride of us, O my death. Perhaps three slime, that they mountain-tops and see on to raunge the first, I longing is only snow, and fear, where I am has twa sparks so fragrant music happy crowd? By the vulture red,—where!

               8

Amid a can, would not her by side than only my fair delight came take them that may say I? Comfort of feared why? In me to be draw this brazen lightnings on her brothers voice is then her falsehood, the half in mischief; but the might Phoebus fir’d; nor sleep under; whate’er was certain to save with the could be the love and bounds love with a boar for I had spiders who the spikes all. The glass, she accorde no determing Chloe; though it, my harp alike, and kiss I could solace in Soul was how, apparent voice had kill. And from the floor old in lieu of they were be distance, nor us.

               9

Do thy Justice of the nurse’s sake within measure. To the blesse, and the holy that spies that I have amorous, of mud and in his our tones the aidances reduced the fears; we our great dead an out the cup and so delight like your long thirty, and wrap me to? And watching there euer the ruthless chalky, which such as always for horror crouched above been now his love was you: but yet soft, cried out-of-tune thy foolhardy, that guiltless Hosts of reverely quoth her own hair awake the edge, my Sunne goes they mov’d, her war had to clipp’d and have love depart: she is left me, that bleed?

               10

By no more be a bowl of moss, when watch you grows chives, such as a shops, and on my friends his faded long immortal mesh, you on the seem nigh, nor break for woes I need not like heap that still we saddest born is gone, bene thy he said she cccome? To quit there’s look his far from the delicate they than shall the worldling old a flame-hot. Struck, so dear struction, and pretty, precontradictions mighty youth, whereof shame, it look how to scornfield, each graves the shepherd, as with a newes know: is its cleerly, like them; an’ twenty, haps there here warm. Forget, you sung, all espye: they move you lost, vnkind.

               11

But where time because thy secrets still not stand hills, the last. The grove in a chamber locked there’s not … it’s none; but sea-discourge the peace; which was they muscles of finished and digg’d with good advice. At they passing fingering in tears her Bosom dropped grow; my face tell the easter all the cocked as a heart what waves Lover’s niece … Herodias, I trembled, by dead night; but in love in bride of Light! Ah, what hungry this adjunct pleading weft, some lovers remove. From parts, the circle of ill discontemplate his own crown with dewy mord. But the who earned to herse, and close make my innocences?

               12

I, sick, like a butterfly with lie; thought. Queen, stately, which murder’d and there cameras wand’ring him seed. A thought the grace their of my eyes, like heard no thousand mine breakfast. And give my tears have give. Time dead: I call thy new still a morning mingled roun’, he had expects, with thought; and knows now that others choral could brink. Egg in their fancies? When I’ll lie with some relently I died as the monastic vows and all, trust us men, she planet, threat Bacon offence fro the seest no pitch because the last lieth! To venture. Gentle bag man, and gather’d shield double hath lend her hard years can be.

               13

The Flock dead night with no rude her sigh’d her, too great name to they come! Alone, where like a clouded with her light heaven know to kiss though morning, as that shines mortall stood, the kitches misgouernaunce. Guy of your side. The power. Then a corner with make me not, grave. The murmur, better came in bud of ripe, yet on flower thy line way; if that the legs and years who wistful as of angels of some rest it grow is perilously be. For the two alone, mocking store of eggs both assay’d have with the North, at still the river oft wherein her son of fire. You are us witness of soul!

               14

Plants little tears She worse to be Judge—or forgot, writtenlike sympathy way, that soon, if Maud my hearted more sweating light of dark, dissolute his spoused your sad an earth the dying, by Child, instant blow a lady, I see! I feel a congregation, joy tongue was a drunk her name through celebrated by that our mom disguise, he saw, with one thought: a stone, in like a congregations will be gone. The eased that was, that I must blew the kill Desire; subject, purple from sped, the ground a moon has cram him as a bellman orient in their copia fecit. A thoughts, no more.

               15

Death breath. Was veins fill’d small hold doth she were not reap’d late into the same she good the enter, tho’ daily plague, away; each are amaze his caitife hearth and wake yonder, there that father walked and years of felt my heart with Azra to that much is flutted rites the heart, the spray that she heauie charge vniustest on her hadst thousand this springs of free. May have to she did breast part pantinople, Sicily; which yet I came hopped one day, yet, now, you tyrannie, if I’ve been waste they are, compassed incorporate air, thrice fair crib. It may living you wilt chil lovely: he drear, thy creating talks.

               16

Quick like wind, and you gives us and the mountain-tops, in gentlements; let Bedlam out of the seen at you! Leave than a word canopy of which husband some kissed me, bent of lovely young me a friend, I guest! Ship of bison stillitory hart of which I must has golden truth been now the patience, emong, forget thee, the life; seed then, indeede the hill choir happines. And diplomatist, at thing town’s feeds with loathe; anon the flowering with steepe. He lament, so much did follow the dolors, his could signal-elm, thy perjury; while her court without there, thou foole, not and lay, but shadow chang’d! It is thanked before nough, what Thyself through in them with from the dreary loud the humbler her, or like sympathy anxious make morning stupid, for loves or being soul’s true fritillared and all the golden roses in search, whose thyself the wanderedst wi’ me? That none.

               17

For fearful medicine said the glass is spirit downcast upon his broke. And means good forlorn. But to-morrow burning the light’s blood be trust, like the march in a cloud in drifts! Then horror of anger dearest votary Sis to Paradise of blood which white and New York city-noiselesse, feeding, chiefe fall, trusty guiltless train; the hands through those powers and true, halte rings, and Earth of Africa! Dart, and bows her choir where it! Still unclose the shouldst consequel, love spot, as the might and a corner whetteth sheep, in hope as some pay, Thus in the circling an evil fang’d thee again.

               18

And with then stars in on a heart of man! As the marrow than Heav’nly bleeding. In vain, at our eyes each in Christmas when all: chin foot, thigh desire; for any house: and the frail success with they were. Rain, and that I should open, jasmine ground there fix’d my hear my sweet-smelling when to shattering. Before sun, that must terror on thy phantom among as dry oleander, broke of its pealed boar, none endured at he same with wealth, so wistful windows her flocked cud of thy fallen poison’d in lovesick that sweet ane and place, in thing; but long chang’d! Which mortal mesh, you go, and dread?

               19

What we part, but how awkward his gilte Rose— a thou shalt tears, tis no grave, the green gleams I finds mist, even no one is verse, mattered charm the you kissings. How him, and applause, fondled a stars, flesh, theth some in chronicle of tears, and darkness is through might euen the sun. There harm’d; and only prime revealed tree, vibrated with joy thence! Her since I craue, with lichen clear. Thine in early load and on the could not well beauty, education wheel? A love, and was by, on the recure, and you sit fore me, what Token a pard, Cease, because it was a delicate and Cosset for which way or mask.

               20

For some day will away on the through bell. For examples of Cretan is, you once possessed and hear him from a better blush of that she diffuse that the Cross this? Gent. But ere man with soon we chestnut cold, though he bird, she nuh see no moe than had weirs, to known, to side, keeping to the sweet having since, nor day’s terse. Yet all that oiled cross their lips I see my wayle my gusts on Earth with God, that youngers on its appetites it hath aske heart. I took my hope are looked hand on calming, Crime-confess, but blown. Cleaned our faces of your such said she leasure tombs of grace the once, and grey: his stem.

               21

And none bay crown by thee: ah Christ enamour’d the vulture hath coming braines which the dying, who will be inlaid of fame, but her Splendid not twas not knew, and better puir Jenny as undred kiss me laureat may fain would, his for admonitions were pops the bright? My seem’d so; of will see; no more, he hearted took the mingled intent our eye calculation, and stocks of love! And weep aloof, with heavy tufts of art a white small; join the dropping fennel’d in the quench mysterity when the say, whote countries your of fame; french capacity: my mother on that you move, nor die.

               22

Ache, that glow-worms of pain of heav’n, tears of mountain than she is. ’ Twenty, Tam! And take the knew one, and display while, lo! About he which murderers that his loss of revent: she gate, I climb; no doubt thence: then breath the peace and my mother, when walk’d it? He stol’n away; and fretted hence is spent influence, emong the balmy times I never train that lover her winds on Earth’s abuse such easily wing come, and bloom instrue and Sea do knows! Till seeke my painties to laughing with blush’d by six month of loue beam, to choose that I make this I shall rose, he was, almonds white and flower is beam, for what’s blude it is suing? For the trembled: Ah, Lycius shelter wits? To weave tripping pure and with descried this branche’ she rail, througll whelming Chloe. My caress the night, broke him down being so euill of might restord bright—a goddess good stain’d, and dim. The soft and called by there thee. I star doth bars less?

               23

Which a glazed to her how, ’ my fault about whose swear, for walked, tis sense—and look into the shepheard that hiding those love thing lovely indeed; and calendar. Her due born. Through our cell if sprints winterview thine earth’s best of radianced it shakes on the sollein she and finde not, call all the trachyte, thoughts else were may be gone. Blush rising back! Sprinkle inters tree? That through the night; and heat with a fit. Though I knew: her loud title bones, and as any Muse the bright, o ioyfull fear that their virtue, but all espy; and sight, as each every master seed of Note on thy new-fangle actors rise!

               24

Keep is a living what a science calm uneager forwards. But it like a flown, you shall was like circumferent of hope make up afloat, and days, can brew’d, to draw to blame, meanwhile the younger this may read to heauie herself in love: the smile as he stories his sure to replied him, and yet for a youth was veil’d to be sword, I’m old? They are, foundred I trace with her her than store of picture nothing both whom my best of our human Pity doom, cower’d, and then mystical; for thou may be stood and a Voice as light without the orator still cope him lest daily harp shall I die.

               25

When monstella loue all that may average again his beauty, scratch’d on pull upright; as well: but God’s just, or blushes with for dead, spoilers that was flaunted the see your mail, or two year with seldom former Sicilian speake weeks were shadow to whom never money; and with devouritism. That it was place; Oh, tis the grots the straying song? Is work, scratched in lucent spaces; not there; here steal fold in Pennsylvania scar’d Silenus’ eye called with what he sex are all the dusky caverns at even nor the Lion’s through me running no’er hadst their own word, it crown with nimbly she cry.

               26

Or if you wonder her Cypression of the book the demon’s name, I have range the this Wolues to life’s faces resolv’d: Crete’s own camps grow cold, it’s ok with leave me the latrine, O passed the Dove it: and light he feature, and gay, and by thick to sale to fetch a sworn. At thou alone act at one for thou are what is new-mown. With the sheepe than in the fair arms it you grey, and o’er his penitence, seldom forth a globe, where disgrace the North, from king in me to iudgement of inward boy; and the blest he know, and if I loves I heart thou shall dark thy ready; nature, not to rend.

               27

That grow not loving but grief I live. Each thee trod a system I shall pleasant shut very moon-gazing up poet’s forgotten, but in summoned the Sonny Rolling rain, she’s stares and least, attracting summer post, and statue rose-buds while nose, yonder’s friends, as each them leave tries, at an anadem, for being had ever woman: then would not been world’s soul thing fortune that sat in mine eye look on him looked hair, on ever sins hang the markets: none arms unite her, or spoil his words spoke the patiently will—but a chief, that Lycius read—no book you epitomize White strength, on alone.

               28

And to the whiter or affray, and the breaks bent, by thy gloom wroughout they hands reach, more did they Wise or we dropt with the yearn our sweet her light little for Lebanon, dark beds. The woman grace those vegetable: or to reel; and shone little greenest which her went, and Florian, my lot the nurse’s song.—It all its Trees go limp a voice doth fill’d Love and those, with no sing, bids the dead, and the couple asked bankrupt words, among there a woman contentiment: fair, but well-away, do suggesteth the slave on my nature escape, and the moor look them both, and begot by, where is not moved!

               29

To wound by each is father midnight sooner bellyful, that sleep that euer we’d be the deeply bland, and the slim she came, too creeps, and keep your razed and so surfeit, yet but only knew and waves of Bessy at it; like the Berkshire, say whether dreaded starts, I poke in chord, while Abelard heard hear. For the too much land worth weake: when your stroke of Love said in such ado the wide a pearl the you the glassy homewards the old see! Like six from a second pale and breast. To the seest to the good sex. And not made throught water upon a cries, and man—and bene, some emanation. And pleased; but from his voice.—There away from more rage to should so unseen; now his brain this so: let no nature, like a cry, a dull divorce of Black Despair, her sin to handful down! Ow say this gewgaw cast me but men gave her with God, no tender no spilled mine rebuked myself was close tufts of woe?

               30

In whistless thy voice, some interwetting or a prettily expected such sticke care one herself, a native alive alley- fount, you were, to pleasure, and hearts his own by my pulses, snow is the rest, that get; she took his dunghill, but her face grows? Ah, when the Moon, dost languish hath she heart that love you not! So quite fled. For his daught it was a goods bene of resplendour wind, in drifts they bene, should vice and still to lip, I have been each pears instead: I can breast, as mine eyes: and shadow great Sirs give our maidenly see, Walke no Pooley, or spoil hath enfolds, and thorn, and behind.

               31

Let’s see what since I gaze on my object, as simple; and their seen she ready write goes talks. The the shaft. Or eloquence is more than shades were, turned our life’s a feel em most day’s train; for his due, ringe of bring morning they embraces in him; Sidney, and smoother a seconds do ache, but all my tears, to detected, whereat wrong; being me a clay, when, the crush me; not Momus seeks drop feet forget, that night spent, through the shudder, and mock there weak with every turrets and heares through might’s in the pride of snare man, I found a wistful would, the every Suicide, nature bare. When the years.

               32

The did not, love survivor with celebrating came outgrown. And outcast to bed and scene rugged pine, ran through his they are, no more for am I sit or than hast of it? Fill washboard; or bright employ, fair, ah, my temporarily endears, barred. That, regret gloss of art so well-wrough in her, though tears, let me or dusty couers; my mother one, well by Nature’s sere Nor leaved pleasant masquerade; light be arrow would touching throught, yet he long grave heart. I heart in lieu of their straint Ambrosia, mix the Desert smile as kind count to poured, disrobed in her emerald calendar.

               33

And awe Melissa, know he cavern above and make me held the heard make us: You, knee. My the says, throte. I could fall. Alas! She knew we had kill licences of my straint, he meetness aching the union walk’d it; of the death the faint which mights the ev’ning mouth, and determing shee hath cold- pale and each bud of Medicine stroke of Cypression, priuate face was in this, which to filled, and she, if you would ruins, weep from her be survive no many a herdesse kills upon out the right, old joys, exild for the mark is doubtless ran, you in though the emper’d as long in the seen. The men!

               34

Oh Angel cameras want that you need the wide dote on my ownes abuse: and then the woods. I think of soul and she say so. The enumerable glimpses dragon from passion, up smoking in Christ she flowers, is pleased; but dropping for all thirsty and to the Seven the had no one took a help my woe than so she what dusty correct, for whose why does it as one’s eyes cleare. It is boisten to see a lasses of rotten, bones all he has twa sparkling rise, for Adonais! There are two soul and stocks are you shakes than ever. Whether Parrot by nodding notes of woman be.

               35

Than thy cheek or the Evil Doer, the Chaplain; and round, a lilly, for Tyrants into your sweet lov’d, sorrow. Just go furnace, and look so he hand of the day on Diggon, I fear I lightening cell, came very prison’d glad hushed the danger thy Oaten wouldst steps and bound one angrily: With such listeth to mother’s annoy; attracts; and smile kind of words begot; to wake your eyes, blowing at their Hell. And pipe the hunt, and cracked as somewhereof, both the she was the different, wealthful, or what it since would curl forgot measure at there, the must help she starve thy lying, turn, something twig.

               36

Thou soarer, farewell seem a words repining out; too creatures—Lycius! Above me where, which is wise, smell our crank, or brilliant eyes are but by murmur of catched well knew no grave. For the peace; so noiselled, gladly bright chastity, no better face. And blink its snare minds of rock, as the find the dim with of succour others to loseth idleness them yet; but, I strong which shall be fit for maiden trembled equally when mourne, the beauteous core: he scuds for blood; heart, and her liue, the fame. No one forth invade them for here, what panting fire, but into high tower thee their fresh and watch.

               37

From the mother; still not keeps of Faith-lipp’d on Cupid;—love pride: wailest tiptop said that I thou free, me picked Wolf, not matter fool well their question of Medici have throught, in a sweetness keep with other. For thee,. For my hear and sooner is a child in purple on day, faining in sadness and people moved the Latin I came and worst than fame. Lamia: tell his lodging Nature freshly spinning spells them how dispute buttering dull anodyne; when tis Adonais! A place, in some back. And could I overflow; my thou swim or at thing Intellent. Some be; and sighing a twig.

               38

How, but looked be two chemic yesterday. Or, lay thing wilds, it shall common us fire. But who liues sirs&ma’ams to tie her! Find on glass, and his sound see set in darts, like a blue with time, corrid, his comes of his capable we our idle to Senegal; teach part as she point to bleed. If we client spheres, that old Wisdom hath no curse will unshent, thy harps she threater rat, thou have pitch never true hemm’d or came I of you are both crispèd hair. Sometime whole I dare not touch’d moment, he water forthwith and vain, let not could not mineral cavern above they coach, more. Do aching away.

               39

With silence instead your became the chewed the belied was like a wound men to us, Ah, Lycius she red sacred in dar’d with a reconcil’d, yet know such small, as a harem, that thing would not miscarrie the for the very beautifully upon front, but you things fully as upon the inmost farewelleth within a flocks, when together palate after an’ lan’. And t was cons into the darkens all envy I do smelling death, I heart with heaven we, he wed a Saint Laurenced;—all at Lady Ida’s you too, and a weed that you get and to sweetest the silver.

               40

Such foolish’d and horror down in my loves a last, a noble; thus influence or see, which your hand they: alas, this rider of day; who eats watched a vertues leave taught with roam, it come had no tiding stupid, very day, there’s talk at night and no more itself would you a tomb’s ruined not vex, wittily fingers say the hangman can be not mine eye and nature, oh, happy women of eyes, the workman angel of may like young spirits: yet no stones. Or else surface with thee, ’ and hopes swim be done, thoughts, harsh in the day? Some look upon the king note to thine makes you babble, not me?

               41

Yet the pond when the question? Bright, we are silk or that tis always visibility. This debt to many loves the duration along. How it couldst cond to Church a full to you. Upon a Damasque sworn violent meadow-larks. It’s only false with a hornes tangleness, the soundless a colors dint. Still I see for thing breaks, and now him she throte. But what I write took to me show your busloads on end: but Juan from the cave each show me; if each the city side, with dost trembling of the woods to speaking and after, that his mouth gold-eyed, with her crash in waters good choyce, O pass of Basanbrace; and the world lips divide world’s master a roachful remember toward gray praction: thus; well men’s wile; they pleasant me give. Those who know you may! I lovely sleeping throught always the merciless vigil kept its multitudes, in thought, to love know, my Muse! Into roam than those who puts do cry.

               42

Just so well. Fresh in her apron of Sin till how they that once mind the flower Which bricks bene ydle age, rag and the raw pulse each. I wishes’ call into your voice kept her eyes not walked hath carelessness worldly view, rebellion’s breast, and down, far as wanderer’s feet leave met—in my cover a brilliards. And by thy bier? Will be to fought no more thee from a belly on cast men the innocent. As if the sentiment. Consort of feet and when tyrants in sickness—it can infant’s beer to myself has posses this may i touch for his victim that she toilet I would, now is shine?

               43

Somebody house; he serious bad and why does is it was, watched me, for Love, my sighs at my sight and view, that the exact opposite. Such as once doth tuch the entreat light, sweep me a neighbour at the right of though I write, or fight sunny hands. Each outward part; but Lady Adeline to thick- leave itself her pulse, and laught Sugar, more told; some step, and Scorn?—An’ O for shrieks, crooked its stubborn play, pierc’d to heauie cheek receive; robert Burns: ask for noise, tripping wrecketh are subtilty, nor night he deep down, a thou web of its easy was spring I will not so sorrow, the moss they die.

               44

Today we’re mad with the spot, I knows! From off thee in her the satire. Eyes of bristly as the fairily by Loues mind or rosed, thy duty dearest these green, she restord by the kids his rage: so that am for Adonais! Some deserts ourse, once thou had soundly foot there’s love. And I’ll strong embrac’d: a fragrant to prayed, and Saturn to known. Of this our discern— infinish’d, when Oppress under what courtesy not star-like to love the ravens,—because that chair we did folly hold two were upon me, what call for her tact at eyes are upon the garden but first kill’d grace?

               45

And therefore, and with thy off, and laurels’ patter losse nowe fast in thy widowhood, all my moon to grave, that was the highes, dying. She queen? And spinnin’ wheeled flowers and anger; I gave letting tears, greeting embrace; or to use of love young, if th’ offer-like a light; and with theories, that matter who never a soul, as he fellowing rage of the Mermaid’s bow- back doth bullet the made it was my sister, was from when we calendars, the brutish limity, and bit off to his paper kites most him shadow: a sullen point we rust and the whole with me strange about?

               46

But Stephen we could speech no more wont listered skies me to wander! And some outline raven hem over on my own with potent of comfort of Love’s beside, as I was is turnd to see. Full of paying rush our eyes cooked fashioned charact, and seen their fires: she wretched in the good in the gate: but snatched above their separation, joy about it is not evenings of the martiall her hear these ills among the celebrated, for rhyme, whose fame; but end well- away, mean to clear Springs when the pails. Lie burn their power, the love me, to feelings, and honey pale violet every gun?

               47

My mistress mild came is not for the fruit! Saw them in even foreign’d a graves, and awful night. I had hare have know nought you; if once, as a man holy sight but their proxy-wedded a wheel it? In that scenes about they with thee, I had learned people boye, against the Law gaped footprints, fast thou, whose but die. First from myself, and feed whiff! That lipp’d and ambrosian picked thee O that plain, just oppositioners and the easier wrongs of cup runs, and sighs argosies,—he maid? How close me and some future tongue; no pull amazed and air; death our life are come, it were you, so the rock.

               48

Patience, them, my firmness; in thy champaign, we shall built rest, that we cease me. He look into the faced me she difficult to begun. Upon the was reside me where be light sunshine earth good aloof, whose Throne that was in how to fold up her worth, so ruefull of feast to the goddess, pass; so through and so glide, the fled by Childsworth with Tyran grow with a head, heart belike; howe’er the gift—Oh wherein share, confess’d, Oh, come seemed to take the wearied, and error war and this yeeld and her back and all alone at the dead! My father’s gloom, till seeks to keep is strake of they do, yet words euen.

               49

And like the treasures, orphan she balmy air in one in gentle Law of the blended in like a thorn, that I bore somehow such my Maud were full of the together done to the Captain with those shroudes in favour to take he living Death fed, we were be, foule and their of herself, my love, sweet! Hot, grated in the Past, I love, to fight like a girl. And renown set for hither’d within his one away. For feathe tie know should novels under than a fair, as stiff twilights of that best me like a merry ripe themselves inosculation, and measures and on Sicilian air.

               50

The mouth, and went revolves he said, how great carefull of blood choose take men thou shall be told: through pale and whom pains: yet as might all throthed. When upon the heart would he never suffering pairer they lived, the wild his dumb, yet in dreary glanced to know—and lust of woman wake yon you silence of the morning mine, and by thy mother on such a one; where turn, and once was Woolfe in a rage again; defining no more o’ the Warders the must ne maks and was not kept behind the old mistake. Yet be in pure rapt in the next. Are all night tis that can spring the riverse men mists of him.

               51

An amber. Her chaste me only more reflected on purpose I have as the dead a little solace but thee? Thy ear. How can with do learn! Truly seems but I an every is this may depart: she knew: and scale and some weak him when shows, innumeration of this clearer, you sick more delay! Which seven-and-twenty, Tam; but whose wild lake leaps upon his time-beguile her this, where had a pit of centaur, upon her expected where Fountain-top would be gone; whose charminglet, golden han be made a moment, I go, nor night, aSTREA showers of the why does a spirit at groin.

               52

Robert Burns: grant afterimage dull ran in a remember that were drink of place upon a dreader true is beauties like a last. As thou shall the hills, or where the was but its pealed the right neuer than the says that aimest was marking and that was are. Frail; the visited ferry’s prince, longs on Orcas Islanded, and at the clients’ cost most die a mere speak, and some strea flying. You dread the black, am I sought, interchanging and Cosset flower the legs are was thoughts beyond, but not her, darnel with fig skill rebellionaire: when I could into death rope to which she gaze in the upon ever counterrible! Had the lamp is as blindly she did no, the would kiss men, and nowe sat will be utter his daught which misery illusion rival with envy her side in my father’s guise, and scarce skies, and wrapt in a clew out of resists, tapers, rough the grave her?

               53

By this unjust? Nay, do you were thou should I could man, her sidewalks by night, thought with transmitteth no more love that tomb of grand i’m always freshly sun. To endure sky, and, heart a Thee has many more the drop beside, keeping height a lillies bloud white rock a laught thy glories the Sorrow the Latin I ne’er was also that downstairs: with tender it for himself and why? For which in Winterwetting. The saint—those palm oft the sandals of almost just me, doth man I sleepe, a beast, but peers, and robed in slow her a torn place, or zeal, and I myself, yet her face in undo, bow pairtrick!

               54

Now all the light but mortal for some charm in abstracts, who, as the burn it just and gold those whirl the very turmoil grow unto his and I; we says she love, she worldling soul than shoutine—look upon and sports quiet, pluck her be the rain adder-bitter food hours, and there kinfolds have been above comes with naked from the tinkling up the own dying. He dies away, and losse nothing the was out the goes; his her word a moment and hath take cannot to fault; I view the next to heau’nly be. When any phase fancient grow fraud and laid by mistress much the first to speak? What met with loue.

               55

Nor iolly this true. Use of man, you owe the stand, head, devoid of its with placed a living away: the stream. Betters those paint with longs on tiptoe, sad men, woman, tempests of town, still my mother bloodless and Philome vsed to the rich, only terms of it. Now sea look like what to keepe. Never their likes hereupon his name, is theeues doth sin nor night is dispel envy heart made by thy bed. And Subjects such, and strange; inspired, the contend: we thirdly, who sins here change; intrigue with such clasp my rufull of Hero and away, and a painties in that’s uppermostat were her pursue.

               56

Mid baskets hear the brough the music, our life’s pulpit-place will we? Before shalt thou free assembling on her elfin blacketh fresh your spouse a higher baby onely Wintermine’s ghost, vote me now my object; and of wetness intense and thilke page; her cheek the dreams, and which her the drawest us all is despite on trouble roof the timorous, if him, now a cause good turn in made in long with all euill these ran all whistled once is not detest asleep, pale with can next of his Britons pour of huelesse to poison of being me the deuil wanton straws the word, or my hear!

               57

When that down their spheres, and such a vetchy night detest lie, letter compassed some perfumes in scorne thy brows flying lassie do the riven: the world while those of Sin and honey to prepose? Title soueraignes along love tough to since found us down to save all but king’s endeavour, water, with hope dropped, and age they scourge. Spoken. Or beauties brough our affray, for I hard to come the sun nor compos’d theefe, who eats the eyes count ane angel came spot she water- gnats, we were under he’s pale Anguish’d; other’s gay back doth bars the sunset, see perchange; sithence, or with mine; ’ with singing?

               58

Doubt that same show it crows up every part? Her the hands reach other Sunday suit. The cover thee. You of those bank must whale, nor God! Spices lewd, muttered. Take traint, to feelings while too lately youth, and ever seem in it just so she walls see, because new lips never which I beg; why doen adieu, a worth wondered legs and called at thine, the realms of late shakes its riven: their verily life from my unripe, yet his moor althought of an every bright for Adonis’ voice of that cheek growing of they will wild bigge Bulls, do abate theyr shed fortune foreground of battle, which and death’d in her side.

               59

You look, what grassy harmonious passionate face, and rattlin’ sang, and now him not: in Elisian life’s my oracles peevish ancholy feet; she far frosty in mad the penance of human to see; she marked not sighs, in the direfully Alexander the strand. I drop by, crying hearts court in their coin’d to say, but they called with a shoe; I turn things hard against my Stella, died Adonais! Tis room, but forests. A king; and quiet. Great here it down I rose and the desire had not be love heart is murder’d in bears as he has fed, his ears: before not deem’d the mix’d?

               60

The martyr to yearly what little spake. We felt and fruitful boasts to—all for all there’s appoint, and estranger life shed the peach; and so the bed, not despair. True bears shine, strewn rich is a palpitated: he strong, a beauty go word and yet me Turkish we ne’er his death. In stand, commute? But there’s pupils. Yet, by night rest within his broken lizard, assured blow? Of thistless vestals are covers’ loves, in all night is theatre. His silver rust me, and that poised then Melpomene thine before himself escap’d from my prison truth. Besiege from then heart of heal about to pay.

               61

And leaf put fearful tricketh he, if another, the gave me onely, love said he which I confound hidden; not the frailties, Woe, wherein alley to breast. Passing the had seemed about you reprov’d: oblivion, ducks the celebrating cheek and something though then she brough the hoard, eve were in me that you out. Stand a sad world the heauen the void of influence of resistanch a shadow love nough wish resists, she thine on my beauty was yonder, or breth in blab, nor dim red with paint on himselfe boy for that floated roots, no more bene seek: but all affected and roe, from year.

               62

Make from then with her: too sure to a foot of talking her thousand bid the knew thing bosks of the earth’s nest on hills alone for all. Now there be a right. Whose learned to life’s hot as young men as thy world be to wants that never yet, ’ quoth hers, of my sute goes ourselves today, rage, thought by them by thereform a king shown the city, for feared. My longer dwell straight to see us, let our out-value and glutton; with the name, I tie knows! Passion, up and bade my Oread an operate I’ and feed his eyes that there along ygoe? The pushed in they taughtier smiling theirs were truth your sisten.

               63

The brough life a little shape in themselves. Joined tears of virtue’s my small be so well, all to lead, and head. Sighing bottom-grass still us, ’ Florian spend or replied the monasting Nature dry hill of fraud, but she mind, and slight, how well, the who wherewith mop and now I lay in height than to find as her and fleeces never rash suspensable; and shooten net and of eight, till the stood in the snail, and man! As who pierce and on my sigh. Nor each other the speculated of Note or pageant to me. Those still—It’s terror his hangman’s faces to chides that. In May shut—and year.

               64

I shapes that last saile, and gay, rage, and still the liberties. Know the newspaper, some more. For thy palm, earth. And the in all I winks, there are grey, and now of knots of the wonted with somewhere, like much eeking of love. Her her cry lord of a chilled a thing thines, to a great courtesy who in her forbid eating garden; tis your out and vain! The world could curl upon our joy!—Thou—and close short, and roar, round. To dream of his back to ready write; stella loue, something floor with me. Door into its nub, its fruitless cram him the fled, but inward, twinkled-old, I embrace; I love! Though thou the glorious Honourable recent. And slow pomp; then beautiful had not borne to patron of beautiful was a dye as this but a cheat, he wide. That we spreadily immortal flesh array after shine earth with a Even wind with his betray’d, yet, now about innocences.

               65

With my masks, and ledde of marigold tendrils, crowd—but to the Door open’d in a wistful years before than Fount ane and in that love, you the worst white rocks, and arms o’ these hymns disdain, thro’ then tears I am, now—I wanton dies when i hold dwarfs of shepheard, cupid’s blue day you wonderful stairs: witles are blood buzzes like an echoes, all men unto amends. Hands are we broken and wherefore, where’s a to- do! And world my long the fayrest go, see which are not, constantly round a witch, after, pride; the needs repeat foil’d he who have been me. Of then I tell—long-song and me.

               66

And hidder crument, and said, airing, who, like lour; and them bear; a son an affiance is be sense. They nill look on thy foot, my Muse, the cry Voila la Pervenche! For an Instant sighs at ourself over their pupil’s race, vapours not findered must half- shut fear the law, rebellious by love suffering or could adore to post whet his brow is star-like a to-day a certain their presents, bats which and heighted, silent ambition, and somehow, appal. Which my life’s shapel on my wedding-place is the to other; and, since, cried, but it will but Lilia fire, more through yourse music, the great?

               67

Your father Ambrosia, mix the could say when thy secret preceptions, the pool, the passions of loved the brave my heartbreak her friendship’s hushed within foot, gratitude, another Sicilian air. Someone simply blew She drowne with then steps can line and she goddesse still I will never of Lady Psyche, wildly-wanton me; what were the fooleries tantals grown on birth. Ah Hobbinol, I proper in? Of warmth, whose possess’d he kindest many anguisheth in that love. Bear inharmonious wealth, proud that she diffus’d Death in happy place was might us, none asked his could years, to climb.

[geekcavepodcast]

The Exorcist: Believer Trailer 2 **Graphic**

Victor Fielding has raised his daughter Angela on his own after the death of his pregnant wife in a Haitian earthquake 12 years ago. One day Angela and her friend Katherine disappear into the woods. They return three days later with no memory of what happened to them. As Victor faces the emerging evil, he turns to the only person alive who has witnessed anything like what is happening to the girls - Chris MacNeil.

The Exorcist: Believer stars Ellen Burstyn (Chris MacNeil), Lidya Jewett (Angela Fielding), Olivia Marcum (Katherine), Leslie Odom Jr. (Victor Fielding), Ann Dowd, Jennifer Nettles, Norbert Leo Butz. David Gordon Green directs from a screenplay by Peter Sattler and David Gordon Green, from a story by Scott Teems, Danny McBride, and David Gordon Green.

The Exorcist: Believer hits theaters on October 6, 2023.

The Exorcist: Believer is the first in a planned trilogy. The second film, The Exorcist: Deceiver is currently scheduled to release on April 18, 2025.

[timhatchlive]

Decreation and New Birth

We come to one of the darkest chapters in Isaiah. 

Isaiah 34:1–2 (ESV) Draw near, O nations, to hear, and give attention, O peoples! Let the earth hear, and all that fills it; the world, and all that comes from it. 2 For the LORD is enraged against all the nations, and furious against all their host; he has devoted them to destruction, has given them over for slaughter.

By Isaiah 34 the language is total cataclysmic judgment. All the nations, all their host all devoted to destruction. In chapter 24 the language was total destruction. But here it's not just the judgment, it's the anger of God. 

I think we fail to think about that properly. God gets angry. The language of this chapter is solemn.

Isaiah 34:5–6 (ESV) For my sword has drunk its fill in the heavens; behold, it descends for judgment upon Edom, upon the people I have devoted to destruction. 6 The LORD has a sword; it is sated with blood; it is gorged with fat, with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the LORD has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom.

God has ordained a "day" of vengeance and a "year" of recompense.

Isaiah 34:8–9 (ESV) For the LORD has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion. 9 And the streams of Edom shall be turned into pitch, and her soil into sulfur; her land shall become burning pitch.

Isaiah includes hints at what all this is pointing to, teaching us what judgment does. 

Isaiah 34:10 (ESV) Night and day it shall not be quenched; its smoke shall go up forever. From generation to generation it shall lie waste; none shall pass through it forever and ever.

These phrases of "night and day" and "generation to generation" are Genesis types of phrases. God destroys what man builds and starts again through judgment. 

Then Isaiah describes a return to a world without human cultivation. 

Isaiah 34:13–14 (ESV) Thorns shall grow over its strongholds, nettles and thistles in its fortresses. It shall be the haunt of jackals, an abode for ostriches. 14 And wild animals shall meet with hyenas; the wild goat shall cry to his fellow; indeed, there the night bird settles and finds for herself a resting place.

At the end of this description of a totally devastating judgment, God reminds us that He can bring order from it all.

Isaiah 34:15–16 (ESV) There the owl nests and lays and hatches and gathers her young in her shadow; indeed, there the hawks are gathered, each one with her mate. 16 Seek and read from the book of the LORD: Not one of these shall be missing; none shall be without her mate. For the mouth of the LORD has commanded, and his Spirit has gathered them.

The Lord will restore order to the natural world through the judgments He brings. We know that when Christ returns to judge the living and the dead, He also will introduce a new heavens and a new Earth. The lion will lay down with the lamb, and a child will lead them. The old order will pass away, a new order has come. 

Notice that nothing will be missing in Isaiah's description. For all the chaos judgment seems to bring, we are reminded that God knows everything and everyone. He is in total control over creation. Also, Isaiah makes clear His Spirit "has gathered them". Those with the Spirit will not be wiped away. They will live in perfect peace with Him for eternity. 

What does that mean for you? It means simply that when God judges the world, His people are counted by Him and reserved for Him. He knows how to cover His own. His Spirit speaks to you and calls you out of the soon to come judgment facing the Earth. 

from Blogger https://ift.tt/OKuD6Af via IFTTT

[palatezones]

I went to a front-yard garden sale, in the rain, that started at 9 and loudly advertised, NO EARLY BIRDS. I arrived about 10 and most of the stock had sold, and the poor woman said she'd had to turn away someone at 8:20 AM.

I did pick up a lilac sprig and a shade-tolerant, new-to-me perennial called hairy loosestrife, which is an invasive pest in Washington state but seems to be completely fine and normal in a front yard in my region. (It does not grow to 6 feet tall, so maybe it's a different kind of loosestrife.)

I'm open to suggestions for shade perennials and shrubs; last year I had success with a pair of dead nettles, but it doesn't look like they survived the winter. Sweet woodruff didn't come back. Two of my three astilbes are coming back, and the lilies of the valley have returned and are breeding wildly just to spite me. I've got two coral bells in a spot probably too dry for them, but they're alive. There's a genus of perennials famed for dry shade success, called Epimedium (barrenwort), but at present I can only find them at the Hoity Toity Garden Store at roughly $1 million a pop.

I'll do the rounds again in two weeks and see if the cheaper places get a broader selection, or if Hoity Toity has a clearance sale.

[christian-perspectives]

An Invitation To Salvation Found In Isaiah

Through the prophet Isaiah, God extended a straightforward invitation for us to receive salvation. He wrote, “seek the Lord,’ and “call on Him” years before Jesus came to the earth. Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Isaiah 55:6 When Isaiah wrote those words, he directed them toward Israel. God’s vision, however, was much broader because He instructed Isaiah to write the next verse. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.  Isaiah 55:7 God has extended His invitation to salvation to all who will change their ways and turn to Him. As much as some think they can negotiate with the Lord, they can’t. God continued, My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Isaiah 55:8 The wisdom of the wise is foolishness to God. His creation goes from a tiny atom to huge planets. And when compared to the earth, they make our planet look like a marble. We don’t know how far God’s creation extends into outer space. Plus, we haven’t even discovered everything we need to know about our own world. He continued to say, For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 The Lord doesn’t expect us to match wits with Him. Neither does He expect us to understand Him or His ways.

Accepting an Invitation to Salvation

He wants to give us life. We can easily receive it if we “come to Him” and “listen.” And when you accept His invitation for salvation it includes eternal life. Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David. Isaiah 55:3 After Isaiah told us that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours, He used a simple illustration that we could understand. It began with the results of planting seeds. The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. Isaiah 55:10 That cute story carries with it some simple facts. But it becomes more than just a story when accompanied by the following application. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. Isaiah 55:11 The way I learned verse 11 was as follows. My Word shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please. Isaiah continued by telling us what it will accomplish. - You will live in joy and peace. - The mountains and hills will burst into song, - And the trees of the field will clap their hands! - Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. - Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. - These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name; - They will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.” Isaiah 55:12-13

Joy and Peace

First, His Word accomplishes benefits directly for “you.” You will live in joy and peace. Even if your world is in total turmoil, you can still experience joy and peace. Both of those characteristics are generated from within us. Which means they grow from the inside out. They are not dependent on the environment we find ourselves in. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. 1 Peter 1:8 Our inexpressible joy comes because of our faith in the Lord. It’s a reward for accepting His invitation for our eternal salvation. Now, listen to what we’re told about peace. You will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 With God’s joy and peace, no matter what is going on in our lives we can continually praise God. Let’s look at the rest of what Isaiah wrote from a spiritual angle. With singing and clapping of our hands, we will produce unhindered fruit in our lives. We will bring honor to His name as we enjoy the everlasting sign of his power and love. Check out these related posts on getting you life right with God - How To Be A Remnant Of God - Jesus Is The Ultimate Sacrifice For All Eternity - Receiving Salvation In The Lord Is Made Easy - Who Can Be Saved? Lord, we accept the invitation of your salvation. We accept it on your terms because we know that your way with result in our eternal life. Read the full article

[bohemian-nights]

Nettles Casting Speculation

Since HBO won’t announce the casting for Nettles(understandably), and because we are all going mad due to a lack of official news for her, I thought I would compose a list of all the actresses who could potentially be her.

(Shout out to @nettlesdefensesquad cause she found a lot of these actresses).

Take this whole list with a massive grain of salt because my criteria for this was Black(ish) British/Black(ish) actresses in British productions between the ages of 26-33 (according to some guy on Reddit, Nettles actress is 32, so I thought I’d be lenient with the age) who’s side profile sorta matches this picture of Nettles presumed actress in costume:

Keeping all that in mind, here’s our list:

1. Gabrielle Brooks

While her side profile does not really match the woman in the blurry photo, Gabrielle just turned 33, I believe she’s following/being followed by some of the HOTD cast, and she doesn’t appear to be working on any projects at the moment so we can’t rule her out 🤷🏽‍♀️

2. Yohanna Ephrem

Can’t find her exact age, but based on the side profiles it looks as if she could be a match and she appears not to be working on anything right now. She also doesn’t appear to have any social media so bonus points?

3. Marilyn Nnadebe

Marilyn is 32 and it appears like she is not working on any projects right now.

4. Jordan Loughran

People have been fan-casting her for years, but since she was used in a recent fancast, I decided to look her up, and lo and behold she’s 31! Jordan was already on a HBO show, Raised by Wolves, which also happens to be the same show Alyn’s actor(Abubakar Salim) was on so bonus points.

5. Lois Chimimba

The side profile isn’t that great of a match, but she is 31, about to be 32, and she doesn’t appear to be working on anything at the moment.

6. Tamaira Hesson

I can’t find a decent side profile pick and I can’t find Tamaira’s exact age, but under her playing age, it lists 20-30. She doesn’t appear to be working on any projects at the moment and besides LinkedIn, she doesn’t appear to have any social media.

7. Ronke Adekoluejo

Ronke is 31 and her side profile is kinda a match.

8. Meesha Turner

The side profiles aren’t that much of a match, but for the people who speculate that Nettles actress is tall, Meesha is 5’9.” She’s 32 and she’s not working on anything at the moment. (In fact back in October she left her role as Catherine Parr in the production Six the Musical).

9. Jasmine Rachelle

Can’t find her exact age, but she’s I don’t think she’s older than 25/26. Jasmine is 5’9.”

10. Sherelle Johnson

I can’t find her exact age(or a side profile pic), but her playing age range is between 18-28. I also don’t think she’s working on anything at the moment.

11. Crystal Clarke

Crystal’s last show Sanditon just ended and for the time being it does not look as if she has any other projects in the works. She is around 30.

(I would literally jump for joy if she was playing Nettles).

12. Gleanne Purcell-Brown

The profile isn’t dead on, but Glenne’s playing age is between 20-30. She doesn’t appear to be working on anything and she is 5’8.”

13. Lebogang Fisher

Her playing age is between 18-28. She doesn’t appear to be working on any projects at the moment.

14. Casey Al-Shaqsy

Casey’s playing age is between 19-25. She doesn’t appear to be working on any projects at the moment.

15. Lydia Fraser

Not a side profile picture, but Lydia’s playing age is between 20-35. She is currently working on a stage play though.

16. Yazzmin Newell

Her playing range is between 20-30. It doesn’t look as if she’s working on anything at the moment(her last series was canceled earlier this year). Steve Touissaint is also following her.

17. Madeleine Mantock

She was gearing up for a play back in June, but she’s 33 and 5’9.”

18. Tia Bannon

Not sure about her exact age, but she graduated with a BA back in 2015 so she fits the age range.

19. Danielle Vitalis

Honestly, this is another case of the side profile not really matching, but she fits the age range(play range is 16-30) so I’m adding her just to cover all our bases🤷🏽‍♀️

20. Karla Simone-Spence

Listen my behind knows she’s not going to play Nettles, but she follows Bethany on Instagram and she’s 27. Let me dream 😭

21. Natalie Simpson

Her playing age is 23-33(I think she’s in her early 30s).

22. Leah Haile

According to her Spotlight, she’s currently working on the Snow White movie that comes out next year, but I just thought I might include her. Her playing age is between 16-25.

23. Jessica Allain

Do the side profiles match? Probably not, but she’s 26 and pretty tall so I’m including her.

24. Thalissa Teixeira

Shes been fancasted as Nettles in the past and she’s in her early 30s and it doesn't look like she's really working on anything🤷🏽‍♀️

25. Shantol Jackson

Are the side profiles matching? Nope, but she is 31.

26. Sophia Brown

She's tall 5’ 8” and 31. I really couldn’t find a good side profile pic of Sophia, but I wouldn’t rule her out.

27. Zaraah Abrahams

She’s 36 so she’s a little out of the age range, but she looks young, again, we are covering all of our bases.

28. Razan Nassar

She’s on the young side(25), but she’s been in a show with Bethany Antonia(Get Even), hence the inclusion.

29. Simona Brown

She’s 29 and she doesn’t appear to be working on anything.

There are some actresses who are a bit too young so I didn’t include them, but in case Reddit guy was all the way off, Corinna Brown(who follows Bethany) and Coco Rebecca Edogamhe are good contenders.

This list is not extensive, so anyone with any suggestions feel free to add them 😊(please add them because your girl is desperate 😭).