#owl house don't fail me

[peculiarnation4u]

Why (i think) Huntlow confuses some people and myself (Very long post)

I don’t hate Huntlow, don’t even think it's bad. Felt the need to say that right off the bat for those of you who just saw the title and assumed the worst. So put your “Leave Huntlow alone!”, and “God I thought I was the only one who hated this ship” comments away, that’s not what this post is for. I made this to try to explain my complicated feelings towards this ship and how they came to be specifically why I feel the way I do. I also hope to shed some light as to why people may not be as fond of this ship as the other main two we have in the series. Now i only mean to give my thoughts, I can not speak for the bulk of the fandom and people who don’t like the ship, but maybe I can enlighten those who don't understand why the hate is here, and help the haters contain and focus the reasons they don’t like it outside of bias and petty ones. I'm also making this with the sole hope that'll i'll be proven wrong in For The Future and that my arguments will be invalidated (I don't believe you should ever hate a ship, just writing)

Huntlow, or Winter as some people call it which i refuse to do because like, winter is an already established word. Why would you name a ship after something that already exists and is used in daily conversation outside of the fandom? Isn't there a tumblr thread about why it’s a bad idea to name ships after already existing concepts.

Back to where I was, Huntlow is the ship between willow and hunter, established as canon in Labyrinth Runners. Despite that, the ship existed in the fandom prior to being confirmed and really started during the episode Any Sport In A Storm and fans of it only having to wait about a month till said confirmation. Unfortunately, it being confirmed somewhat divided a portion of the fandom with both sides being convinced they’re the minority. One of the main arguments against Huntlow was that it was rushed, which I don't actually agree with and will explain why later. Even so, it was still massively popular as Hunter’s only real understandable ship partner. With the four he had prior not really being well received by a majority of the fandom, Willow seemed like the best option handed to us on a silver platter and it wasn’t just a fanon ship either like most of them. That paired with the fandom eager to see Hunter get some sort of happiness and it not having any of the toxic tropes that usually come with teen mlw relationships in media it seemed like another hit from The Owl House relationship department and an obvious outcome. But was it?

Now like most of the fandom, I was right there watching all these episodes come out every week and the fan’s reactions to them as well as my own. I was personally really fond of Any Sport In A Storm as Willow, as well as Gus, was one of my favorite characters when the series started and I was happy that she finally got an episode or a moment to shine that didn’t feel overshadowed by Amity or Lumity. A little salty that it took being significant to Hunter for the fandom to finally give Gus and Willow the time of day but beggars can’t be choosers.

While watching the episode, one thing I and many others knew just from this episode alone was that the fandom was gonna start shipping Hunter and Willow, it was inevitable. However I wrote this off as the fandom just shipping as it does and didn’t pay it any mind, especially since I didn't see any of their interactions in the episode as romantic. So when Labyrinth Runners came out and confirmed that Hunter had a crush on Willow, my reaction was

“......what?”

No really, it was “what?”, I was confused. I mean I thought it was cute and was happy that Hunter had developed positive feelings for once, but seriously I didn’t see this coming at all, I was surprised, and that’s not a good thing. I wasn’t happy it was confirmed, I wasn’t even dreading it as either would imply I knew this was going to happen, but i didn’t, and i can explain why.

Now I will admit that I'm definitely biased. As you may have guessed, I'm not the fondest of Huntlow. But furthermore, I'm not the best at understanding what may lead two people to develop feelings for one in media and irl *cough*A-spec*cough*. So if Hunter or Willow had some sort of connection that I didn’t pick up on, that's on me. Though even with that drawback, I still think i’m not completely crazy when I squint at the writing

I mentioned before that Hunter's crush on Willow confused me, from a writing standpoint at least, so in order to understand it we have to look at what came before it, their meeting in Any Sport In A Storm. Call me crazy but this episode wasn’t enough to convince me Hunter would gain feelings, again from a writing perspective, not an emotional one. In terms of emotions I could completely get why he’d find her appealing, it was just poor at setting up that it was going to happen.

I think the main reason why is because there was no emphasis on their relationship specifically. Willow spoke to Hunter as she would any other member and as she did any other member. Gus got in a moment of speaking too. Hunter as well since he is shown interacting with and liking every member.

This downplays Willow and Hunter's presumed relationship and it raises the question of “why her?”, since Hunter showed that he liked everyone on the team equally, granted he put more focus on Willow but that was because she was the captain.

Hell, everything Hunter did with or to Willow, he did with or to Gus in the same episode, (meeting, complimenting their skills, a sad moment, a deep moment where they showcase their inner thoughts) he even goes on to have more moments and even an episode with gus.

Actually he had an episode with everyone except Willow , again I don’t count Any Sport In A Storm as it felt more like a group relationship episode than Willow and Hunter specifically, you wouldn’t consider Wing It Like Witches a Luz and Amity episode would you? (actually knowing this fandom, y'all probably would).

All this does is make Hunter and Willow’s chemistry look weaker by comparison, and only raises my questions. Hunter has more in common with everyone else on the team than Willow. The only thing they really had, that was stated and not assumed by the fandom, was that half a witch comment, which I want to talk about for a moment.

I remember hearing that line when I first watched the episode, back before the ship was really a thing, and even then I thought that they pulled this out of their ass the moment I heard it. Like it makes sense on a surface level but then you start thinking about it and it feels a little off.  Like Willow was called half a witch because she wasn’t good at magic, but Hunter can’t do magic at all, so would the term still apply. Where did he even hear it from, I find it hard to believe that a high up establishment like  the emperor’s coven would use playground insults, and Hunter couldn’t have just called himself it as we know this guy doesn’t know anything about slang. But all that is nitpicking, it just feels like it doesn’t hold as much weight for Hunter as it does Willow. We know Willow has been called it multiple times throughout the series and things adjacent to it, we see how she’s struggled with it and why she was called it. But Hunter doesn’t get any of that and I guess it lessens the impact, which is concerning since this is supposed to be their big connecting moment.

I feel like this could’ve been fixed if Hunter being called half a witch was brought up in an earlier episode, maybe when he was talking to Luz, that way the audience already knew this fact and didn’t learn at the same time Willow did.  Because at the moment, Hunter and Willow’s chemistry feels a little dry. There's a reason Gus is Hunter’s best friend and Hunter hasn’t spoken to Willow since the episode they met.

“But Hunter has a crush on her and he’s nervous so he’s not going to talk as much” . And that I understand, even noticing that it was a parallel to how Amity acted around Luz, and it was cute, but that’s the thing, cute, not efficient. It was sweet at first but then I started fearing that he actually wouldn’t talk to her ever again. It’s reminiscent of, and I don't want to compare the two because Huntlow is a thousand times better, Adrienette from MLB. In that show our mc Marinette has a crush on perfect model Adrien however is basically incapable of speaking to him without tripping over her words or backing out. At first it was cute how nervous she got but then it became detrimental to their relationship because she was unable to make a move and even the audience started to notice. How were we supposed to support this relationship or believe it’ll be ok if the mc had to get dragged to it by her friends or couldn’t do anything on her own, and Huntlow is giving me the same feelings. Nowhere near as bad as it just started and didn’t drag out but with only three (at the time) episodes left, i was paranoid.

Another way to explain my disposition is to simply look at the other two canon ships in the show, Lumity and Raeda and how they handled their ships. Earlier I stated that I didn't think Huntlow was rushed and I still stand by that. You can tell because it follows the same pattern as Raeda and Lumity, that the two characters become friends and almost immediately after, one of them catches feelings. Actually Eda got a crush on Raine faster than Hunter did Willow, both in story and irl. So it’s not rushed, however it does have an issue that led people to believe it was rushed, the aforementioned lack of chemistry and talking to one another before the crush came. Luz and Amity, and Raine and Eda were repeatedly shown talking to each other specifically and enjoying the other’s presence as well as getting to know them, Huntlow didn’t have that.

“But the show got shortened, they didn't have enough time to give Hunter and Willow their own episodes and moments”. And to that i say you’re right, but why even put in a ship if you know you won’t have the time to flesh it out. Also I can only agree with that statement so much when we’re constantly shown Hunter interacting with and having moments with Gus after their introduction.

Honestly I had a theory that Huntlow was always planned to happen back when they had more episodes, but then the show got shortened, however they still wanted to keep that so they left it in, which i'd be completely fine with.

It just feels off y'know, Raeda and Lumity were so good at avoiding tropes and doing something different. Amity could’ve just remained a stuck up bully or befriended Luz and become the angsty Lancer, but she didn’t. Their relationship could’ve been dragged out or Luz could’ve never shown signs of being interested until the show ended and they got together, but it didn’t. Luz and Amity could’ve gotten into stupid drama or jealousy after getting together, but they didn’t.

Raeda follows suit too. Raine could’ve just been the shitty ex who we forget about an episode later or they could’ve just been used for sexual tension instead of showing how they and Eda care for each other. Even more so, the reason why they broke up wasn’t left vague and it was actually worked on, instead of most exes tropes where the audience is never told why they broke up, or the two characters get back together without the initial reason they broke up being fixed. On top of that, all of their moments and episodes actually served the plot, world building or character development and it never felt like the plot stopped or like these moments could be taken out.

Raeda and Lumity did so many things differently, so it feels weird watching Huntlow come in and repeat so many tropes from media with teens as its main characters.The only thing I think Huntlow did differently was have a plus sized girl in the relationship, which I really like since plus sized girls usually aren't seen as desirable in media. Not that tropes are bad or that the ones Huntlow did were bad, it just makes me squint. Huntlow following so many tropes in comparison to Lumity and Raeda, plus flapjack (hunter’s closest friend for half a season) dying, plus Hunter being the character the writers like to torture, plus the weirdness of how it was written, makes me nervous because I really hope Huntlow isn’t going to be used just to hurt Hunter, mostly cause of fan backlash. Even I'd be a little upset if I got dragged along on this ride for nothing.

Now despite all of the things I've complained about, I still think Huntlow is fine, however I do think it could be better and fix the issues I mentioned earlier. Now the best fix would be to simply give them an episode, but we obviously don’t have time for that so the next would be to give them more moments together. Moments where Hunter is actually speaking and Willow isn’t doing all the work. Or give them more things in common, canonical things not stuff assumed by the fandom. Huntlow can definitely work, I even believe that that was the reason we were all able to overlook the negatives simply due to the ship having a lot of potential. (I really think that For the Future will give us this)

I have hope that my opinion will be swayed in these last two episodes and that my confusion will be put to rest. I feel like I'm missing something, like there was some sort of connection I didn't see, and if I didn't, then that's on me.

[wr3nns]

GUYS I WAS LOOKING BACK THROUGH MY NOTES AND

I HAD A DODGEBALL MOMENT

[gallusrostromegalus]

I haven't seen any dog stories in a while. How are Charleston and The Hanukkah Goblin doing?

Dog updates!

The first one is a little sad, but also how life should go. Arwen is 14 now and while she's still moving, eating, pooping and generally enjoying life, she also has canine dementia and sundown syndrome where she gets extremely nervous and her dementia gets worse after dark. She'll be with us for a while yet, but it's something we have to manage now.

One person who is very much helping her manage is Herschel. My parents are traveling a lot while they still have the knees for it so I spend a lot of time up at their house, and Charleston and Herschel come up too. Being a Corgi, Herschel likes to manage things, and Arwen would like someone to manage things for her so he's become her self-appointed guide dog.

When I call the dogs for food or outside, he goes and finds her deaf ass and herds her to the location. Normally she doesn't go outside after dark but when the boys are there she's willing to wait for Charlie to chase away anything that might be lurking out there, and then follow Herschel's ass around the yard at night.

Very literally.

She's also got cataracts forming and I think his bright white backside is easy for her to see in the dark, so she follows it around.

During daytime walks she sees well enough but neither she nor Charlie are fans of strange off-leash dogs running up to them (a regrettably common problem out here. I don't care if your dog is friendly MINE ARE NOT!), so both of them prefer to walk half a pace behind Herschel so his more socially adept and knife-filled face is out front to intercept any unwanted solicitors. This does tend to give people the opposite impression though- because he is so much shorter, Herschel gives the impression of a tiny, charming mafioso flanked by his two large and surly bodyguards.

Like, they absolutely would kill a bear for him.

But Charlie and Arwen would also try to kill a bear on general principle.

At night, when Arwen barks at shadows, Herschel runs up and stand between her and the alleged menace, and does his best to look large and intimidating and for as silly as he looks, he does have a very good growl. After a moment, when the alleged bear or congressman or other horror fails to appear, he will stick his nose into the offending shadow, and finding nothing, be satisfied that their joint effort has successfully chased the problem off, and report back to her. This, more than anything else, seems to alleviate Arwen 's fears.

I guess we all just need someone to take us seriously when we're frightened.

Charleston, meanwhile, has gotten into giving safari tours of the front range's small vertebrates.

After eight years of managing his exceptionally high prey drive, something clicked earlier this summer and instead of immediately lunging his whole face at any approximately bite-sized animal in an attempt to expedite it's journey into his stomach, Charlie has started *pointing* at things until I come look at them and tell him he's a good boy. This started with a mole, something he'd never seen before and that moves above ground in a strange way, so he wasn't sure about eating it, so he only alerted at it. "GOOD BOY!" I shouted, giving him all the cuddles. "GOOD SPOT! GOOD JOB NOT EATING IT!"

It's important to reward behavior you want to see.

Since then, he's been trying out pointing at small creatures in the grass and then making very pointed eye contact with me until I come look at them. This is a little tricky when walking both dogs because Herschel is still very much in his "inhale wildlife" phase, but usually I can lock the little gremlin's leash and go look at whatever Charlie has cornered while Herschel attempts to develop telekinesis to will the critter into his mouth.

So far, Charleston has found: a baby rabbit, several baby rabbits in a cluster, an adult rabbit with Jackalope virus, several voles, several moles, a fledgling owl, only the two mice, several mouse-sized grasshoppers and cicada, someone's pet rat (the person was searching within earshot and 'Socks' was collected forthwith), a beanie baby that had me fooled for a hit minute too, a marmot which I didn't know lived down here, a groundhog which I didn't know lived up here, a mink, so many toads, a wild turkey chick, so many more garter snakes and last night, an aquatic shrew.

I don't know if there's an Audubon Society for small things that scuttle around in the undergrowth, but I am inclined to join solely to get Charleston recognition for his service in surveying them.

[mysticarts]

silly little Gunntech Au oc

(ft me about to ramble, be ready yall-)

Soo, I've become obsessed with @elmushterri Gunntech Au (context: Gunntech AU is a AU where the show PJ masks is a show for more mature audiences for teens, think owl house!) They also made a video about this, just look up 'What if PJ Masks' and most likely they're video will pop up first!

(Note I'm using they them pronouns for Elmuehterri cause idk their pronouns and I wanna be respectful-)

And I remember from Elmushterri's video, they mentioned Octobella, and how she could be a failed experiment. Now, I belive Gunntech aren't quitters, so I think they'd try again to recreate what Octobella was supposed to be, and actually succeeded. Thus, introducing my oc....

Kailani 'Kai' Whitlock

Now, I made Kailani here like any other of the PJ masks charater's.

Kailani's dad (who I have not named yet) worked for Gunntech. so when Octobella failed, Kailani's dad offered her as a test subject. And since Kailani wanted to get proper attention from her father she didn't mind. Hence the truama that impacted her

Considering Kailani is a octopus, I had to do a lot of studying. I mean, she has to have some Octopus traits. So I do have some, I shall state it in a list

The first thing I did was give Kailani some height, I tried to atleast. Considering how long octopus's tentacles are, I imagine in replacement, it really long arms and legs, hence her height

2. I Made Kailani colorblind! Octopuses are color blind to, but make up for it with their color changing bodies, odd pupils, color sensing arms, so I'm Applying that to Kailani. Kailani did see color before she was taken in as a test subject, then she became colorblind

3. Google states that Octopuses usually live in tropical areas so I made Kailani born in Hawaii! (She moved though when she was born)

4. From studying, I have found out that Octopuses have three hearts. I don't know if that should be applied to Kailani or not. I'm just going with that her heart is just bigger than most others, so Kailani can be a little more athletic than her peers.

5. Due to the experiments, Kailani's blood is blue (yes, Octopuses actually have blue blood) because of this, Kailani never tries to get hurt. She dosent want to make her dad angry

(Here's a concept sketch of younger Kailani during her test subject days)

as for Personality, I made Kailani very shy. Sure, she's extremely smart for her age, not to mention very creative. Mention something Kailani likes and she'll be willing to yap about it hours on end. However, she has extremely strong loyalty, all she wants is to be accepted and actually loved, so if helping Gunntech means she can earn her father's love, she'll put all of her energy for Gunntech

As how she works for Gunntech, I imagine they call on Kailani if they need someone to be held down or need help moving things (considering with Octopuses strength they can lift more than 700 pounds)

but, when not being a person who could fight someone off, I imagine they'd use Kailani as a strategist. Octopuses are actually very smart, and considering the human mind plus Octopus traits, Kailani would be making or hashing out ideas or theories to take down the 'villans' not realizing she's working for the bad guy.

Anyway, here's her concept suit design

Now I shall relax before I have to suffer at school tomorrow

Edit: I forgot to mention this, but I made Kailani have the hugest crush on Greg (she hasn't made a move cause she's too shy)

Now, if you guys have questions or want to know more about Kailani, I'm glad to give you answers!

[chongoblog]

With the Owl House finale incoming, I figured I would share what I know about it through cultural osmosis despite having never seen it

Luz is gay for the girl whose name is failing me (I THINK it's Amity, but the point is I know who it is) and the level of rep they're getting is legitimately heartwarming

There used to be a girl with three eyes that no one cares about anymore

There's a trauma boy named Hunter who must be protected. I imagine there's plenty of reasons, but as far as I know, it is law.

Sometimes a family is a milf, Alex Hirsch, and a Tube Owl

Willow is the best character (I am basing this off of Vibes)

Bill Cipher has a gremlin child that looks like Ena

One of the main characters is a cool black kid whose name I also don't remember but no one talks about him enough.

Milf is shipped with someone who I think is either NB, voiced by someone NB, or both.

Luz's identity is stolen

[slowthypiglordblr]

Overprotective friend alert

(don't worry, Regina may be harsh, but she means well to those she loves.)

How to meet your future sister in-law 101.

Definitely nothing off-putting about carrying a body shaped sack.

(Calm down, it's just a class assignment)

"Do you wanna dance with me?"- Azura

By @Aykow01 on Twitter

Ellowyn fainted: Mission failed successfully.

Ellowyn's greatest challenge yet, romance

Future Owl House by @aweirdlatina

[surielstea]

Ballroom Secrets (pt. 11)

Based on this request.

Read pt.I here.

Pairing: Eris x Fem!Reader

Summary: Cassian finds out about readers secret relationship with the High Lord of Autumn.

Warning: Angst | Slight description of depression | hurt/comfort | happy ending

5.6k words

A/N: Sorry this is so long 😭😭 I just really wanted to get the angst right so it got long quick, hope you enjoy! :)

I sat in the sitting room of the river house cuddled up next to Morrigan who was splitting a bottle of wine with me.

"Where'd you get this?" Mor asks, pinching the silk of my new dress between her hands. "Oh I'm not sure, it was a gift." I smile, remembering the way Eris handed it to me for no particular reason other than the fact that he wanted to take it off of me. "From who?" Feyre asks in her own chair, Rhysand standing beside her, leaning against the arm rest. My mouth goes dry.

"It's a male, look at the way she's blushing." Azriel hummed, leaning back against the wall. I cast him a glare but he only returns it with a soft smile. "The same male that gave you this?" Mor points to my neck. "Gave her what?" Cassian perks up from his sprawled out position on the couch, Nesta's feet in his lap. "Yeah, what?" I look to Mor confused. "A hickey." A smirk curves her lips and I slap my hand over where the mark lies.

"By who?" Nesta sits up, gods even she was interested. "No one, I don't know— just some guy." I stumble over my words, cursing myself for my horrible lie. Azriel nearly laughs and rightfully so, his shadows were probably picking up on every nerve that tensed in my body.

"Is that why you've been missing training?" Cassian raised a brow and I can't will the words to leave my mouth. I've always been a horrible liar, Eris has tried to teach me his ways of deceit but it was no use when every time I tried to be quick witted or malevolent it failed miserably and I made a fool of myself. "I've been missing training because you schedule it for the asscrack of dawn." I grumble, half truths however were my forte. Cassian narrows his eyes on me and I swallow thickly. "Oh leave her alone already, let the girl have her fun." Amren speaks up and I silently thank every god I can think of. "Cauldron knows she's had the three of you Illyrians hovering over her shoulder since she was born." The eldest of us finalizes and the conversation thankfully ends there.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

I was in the middle of reading a novel in my bedroom of the river house when a note fluttered down onto my chest, appearing from thin air. A soft smile comes to my lips as I close the book and pick up the note, recognizing the handwriting immediately.

Will you be home soon?

I twist my lips to the side and dwell over the question before flipping on my side to grab a pen from my nightstand. I quickly write back and watch the note disappear from my hands.

I'm waiting for everyone to fall asleep, we're all night owls evidently.

It takes only a minute for him to reply and the words on the paper make me audibly giggle.

Drug them. I miss you, and I'm tired.

Can't sleep without me?

Apparently not. I smile widely at the sentiment. I'll leave soon, just for you.

Soon isn't soon enough

I roll my eyes at his childish impatience but a smile forms over my face as I write out my retort.

Shut your whining up, I'm trying to read

You're so mean to me (I like it)

I don't write back, deciding that if I say anything else he might winnow here himself just to take me back, which wouldn't be good. I opened my book back up but as soon as I was getting back into the story there was a knock at my door. I sigh and use Eris' note as a bookmark before shutting it. "Come in." I call, sitting up.

Cassian enters, taking up the whole entry way as he shuts the door behind him. I smile at my brother as he looks to me with his warm hazel eyes. "I thought you were going to bed?" He creases his brows skeptically and I roll my eyes. "I say that, and then I read my romance novels." I lift up my book and it was his turn to roll his eyes, taking a seat on my bed.

Cassian isn't my brother by blood, but he might as well be. I can't remember a time when he wasn't taking care of me. When he was only seven years old he offered me shelter in his tent. I was six and lost, my parents deserting me, or so I presumed. He tucked me under his wing and shielded me from the rain until arriving back to the tent. He snuck me food from Windhaven and even stole maids clothes off of laundry lines. If it weren't for him I most likely wouldn't be alive today, ever since then he's been particularly protective of me, even towards friends from other courts. I wasn't Illyrian either, but he always said I acted like one. Perhaps that was an insult, but I took it as a compliment.

"What's up?" I shift in my bed so my legs dangle over the side and he's right beside me. "We haven't talked in awhile, I miss you." It was true. It feels like it's been months since it's been just him and I. Realization dawns upon me that all of my free time has gone to Eris, he's my mate sure, but that doesn't mean I want to leave the rest of my family in the past.

"I know. I'm sorry." I lean my head on his shoulder. "I've been busy." I murmur, fiddling with my hands.

"Alright, Who's the lucky guy— or gal, I don't discriminate." He hums and my heart drops. Gods I did not want to expose my relationship with Eris right now. Not ever. "Can we not talk about this right now?" I say, my voice gentle and pleading. "C'mon, you used to tell me everything." He groans and I lift my head from his shoulder, my hands coming to my knees to stop from fidgeting. "This is different." I shrug.

"How so?"

His question is met with silence, I was weighing whether or not I should just kick him out and tell him I'm tired. He'd leave if I asked. But I didn't want him to, just didn't want to talk about this.

"I'd like to meet who's got my sister glowing like this." He bumps my side with his. "Doubt it." I grumble, then curse myself for letting that slip. "What's that supposed to mean?" He snorts a laugh and I look at him nervously, gripping my knees tighter as his smile slowly drops. "I've met him?" He arches a brow and all I can do is slowly nod. Is this it? All that sneaking around summing up to this very moment? "Do I like this guy?" He guesses like this is a game and the health of our friendship isn't in my hands. "Not really, no." I answer honestly, lying is impossible and staying silent will only cause his thoughts to drive him mad.

"Well if he's got you this happy, I'm willing to reevaluate." He shrugs, carefree. He clearly doesn't understand the situation. "It's not that simple." I shake my head, looking away from him and back to my lap. "Talk to me, I won't judge." He reaches over, placing his calloused hand on my clenched ones. "Promise." He gives them a reassuring squeeze. A pit forms in my stomach. My nails dig into the skin of my knees and he understands, pulling his hand away. My eyes widen and I can only pray he doesn't hate me for this.

"Before I tell you, try not to be too mad okay?" I crease my brows, swallowing thickly and looking to him. "Uh, okay?" He looks at me foolishly. "I'm serious." I stress with wide eyes. "Okay, okay, I won't be mad." He promises and I force myself to take a deep breath. This truth that I've been hiding for nearly a year now about to be exposed. All because I forgot to glamour a fucking hickey on my neck. Gods how could I have been so stupid?

I realize the quiet has been dragging on for far too long and that if I don't tell him now I never will.

"Eris."

Silence. He doesn't make a sound and he doesn't move. A weight lifts from my shoulders and for a second it's bliss. "What?" His voice lacks emotion and a new weight envelopes me. Fuck. "Eris is the male I've been secretly seeing." It comes out in a pitiful whisper. "Are you mad?" I was quick to ask, but he doesn't reply for a long moment. Allowing me to think of everything I've done. All that I've risked just to be with my mate, to be happy.

"Please tell me you're talking about another Eris." He tries to remain calm but I can hear it, the quiver of his voice, the clenching of his fists. I shake my head no and I swore I could feel the heat radiating off of him, pure anger. "You promised you wouldn't be mad!" I stand to look at him, a fire in his eyes that is pure rage.

"Well that was before you let that bastard into your bed." He stands and my neck cranes up to keep eye contact, the power dynamics making my legs wobble. Gods I felt useless.

"It's not like that—" I try to defend but he doesn't let me finish. "What? Don't tell me you think he's in love with you?" He scoffs like it's the most improbable thing on the continent. Tears well in my eyes at the idea. "You don't know him." I defend. "I don't want to, for all I know he's probably using you for a good fuck—" He starts. "Stop it." I demand and he clamps his mouth shut. "He's better than you think." I will my voice not to break. "Has he brainwashed you? You can't be serious." He nearly laughed at the idea. I don't say anything, allowing him to get his anger out before I plead my case.

"Or have you forgotten what he's done to Morrigan?" A shutter racks through me and I can't bring myself to look him in the eyes. "That story isn't true." I rasped but I doubt he hears me. I must sound insane to him. "Do you know who his parents are? How you'll be treated if you ever married him?" He goes on but it's not true, none of what he says is true. "You'll be a fucking brood mare, forced to give sons over and over again. Do you understand that?" His hand comes to my shoulders, squeezing tightly. "He's not Beron. We've talked about it, he doesn't even want kids unless I'm willing to give that to him." My words are just above a whisper and he lets go of my shoulders like he's repulsed, as if I hold a virus and he doesn't want to get infected.

"It doesn't matter. Eventually you become parents." He whispered. "You really believe that? Tell that to Rhys. To Morrigan, or Azriel. Tell that to fucking Nesta." I grit out, whipping my head up to look at him and his hypocritical statements. I allow him to see the fury in my eyes, the tears streaming down my cheeks. "Leave her out of this." He narrows his eyes on me.

The first argument to this level we ever had was over his mate. I hated her, loathed every part of her and what she made my brother go through— and now she's one of my most trusted friends and one of my favorite people. A laugh escapes from my body. I must've looked crazy finding amusement at a time like this. "It's the same thing." I bring my hands up to wipe my tears. "Gods were so fucking predictable." I sigh out. He looks at me confused, eyes analyzing my body language. "Nesta is just like him, and you know it." I narrow my brows at him. "This is different." He clenches his fists at his sides. "How so? Give me one good reason as to how this is different?" I will him. "Eris hurt Mor." He says the crime like it's dirt in his mouth. "Nesta hurt Feyre." I reason with him. He grits his teeth. "He hates Illyrians. He hates you and I because of where we come from, do you understand how fucked that is?" His hands come to my wrists, as if pleading me to listen.

"His father hates Illyrians." I correct. "And stop saying I'm an Illyrian I'm not." I pull at his grip but it's iron. "Fine. But he hates me, are you picking sides right now?" His brows crease like I've betrayed him. "No! I—" My breath gets caught halfway up my throat. "I don't want to pick sides, I want both." Tears continue falling and I don't bother wiping them away anymore. "And Nesta hated the Fae entirely, don't be so certain that makes them different." I seethe out at him and he narrows his eyes at me. "We're mates. Nesta and I are cauldron willed, you can't ignore something like that." He says and I stare at him unwavering, not bothering to say anything but rather dropping my glamour around the mating bond connected straight to the high lord of Autumn.

His eyes widen and his grip on my wrists loosens but I don't pull away. "No," His voice is a whisper. I nod. "Reject the bond, you deserve better than him I don't care if you love him." He rules. "I already accepted it, nearly half a year ago." I expose. If I was going to be honest I might as well lay it all out. "Half a year?" He rasps and I nod gravely. "You've been lying to me for half of a fucking year?" His tone is louder, more angry. "I don't understand why you care so deeply, I gave you my reasons now leave it alone." I match his lever of voice. "Why I care? I've always cared, you're my family—" He begins and I tear my wrists from his grasp. "You're not even my real brother!" I yell at him and I swore the world stopped spinning. Pain flashes across his eyes and he stumbles back, his mouth falling open before he clamps it shut and swallows thickly.

"Cass I didn't—" I try. "No." He looks at me like he's never seen me before. "You've made your point clear." He walks to the door. Every fiber of my being wants to beg him to stay. But my feet can't move and I stare aimlessly as he leaves, the door clicking shut with a gut wrenching softness. Leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I use whatever remaining energy I have left to winnow back to my apartment. Where I knew Eris impatiently waited for me to return. I land wobbly on my feet, tears slowly cascading from the wells of my eyes. Eris who was laid on the couch with a book sat up alarmed. I remove the walls around our bond and allow the misery that overwhelmed me to flood into his end of our connection.

He rushes toward me alarmed, fire raging in his eyes but not toward me, toward whoever made me feel this way. "Eris," I murmur, I was sure I was going to collapse. "My love," He brings a hand to my waist, keeping me steady but that didn't stop a choked sob from escaping me. "What's wrong?" His other hand comes to my cheek, wiping away my tears. "Talk to me." His brows crease and this feels so wrong, seeking comfort in the very reason Cassian is mad at me in the first place.

"He knows." I whisper. "Who knows?" His brows crease in confusion, before they relax with realization. I grip his shirt in my fists, looking up at him like a lost animal. "I'm a horrible sister." I confess, my voice breaking on the final word. "No," He shakes his head, pulling me into his chest, holding me close and warming me up. "No love, don't say that." He whispered into my hair, his arms tight around me.

Another sob racks through me but he doesn't shush me, he allows the dam of tears to break and every emotion I've kept bottled up for the past half year comes flowing out.

I tell him everything. From the moment Mor noticed the hickey to the point when Cassian left my bedroom. My voice shook when telling him of what I said to my brother. "And now I'm here and, and I don't know what to do." I sobbed, looking up at him as he ran a hand through the ends of my hair. "I see." His voice is soft, caring. "I was so mad, I wasn't thinking and with all the words he said about you I just— I hated him at that moment." I cup my mouth at the realization. I never wanted to hate anyone, especially not someone I love so much. I never want to feel that uncontrollable emotion ever again.

"It's not your fault." He stresses. "We'll figure this out together alright?" His thumb traces along my cheek and I nod, blinking away my final tears. "But what if he never wants to talk to me again?" I whisper. "What if he hates me?" My lip quivers at the thoughts, I don’t know how I’d live with myself if Cassian ever hated me. "Your brother loves you too much to ever consider that. Alright?" His hands grip my face slightly as if to stress his point and I nod meekly, slipping my hands around his waist again and hugging him tightly.

He releases a deep sigh and hugs me back, his touch warming my skin in a way that comforted me more than he could ever know. In the hug I begin to wonder how he feels about the world knowing. I hoped he knew how much he’s helping me, how much I appreciated that he’s here for me. Then I realized that he might be thinking of leaving for my benefit, so I can return to Cassian and tell him everything he said about Eris was right and I can stay with my family. I didn’t want that. Gods, why can’t I have both? The cauldron must’ve been playing a cruel joke on me. "Please, don't leave." I beg of him. He bends down and places a hard kiss to the temple of my head. "Never." But he would, if I asked.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

The next few days were long. I barely slept, every time I tried I'd be reminded of the words I spat at Cassian. I couldn't face him, didn't dare go back to the River House, much less the House of Wind. I stayed in bed, staring out the window of my bedroom, watching the sunset shining against the Sidra, the water refracting in rainbows as stars awakened in the sky. Another day passes.

I felt hollow, my limbs heavy and my stomach a pit. I knew I'd have to face Cassian soon, see him and the others. I wonder if he told them, warned them all to no longer speak to me. All because of who I'm in love with. Anger consumed me for a few days, thinking him deserving for what I said. Who was he to pick who I can and cannot love? I spent hours cursing him as a hypocritical bastard, spewing lies to convince myself I was in the right.

I slowly came to, deciding I needed to stop avoiding my own fate and face what truly lies at the root of the problem. The rest of the days of my solitude was spent in grief.

Feeling sorry for myself wasn't any better than the raging nights. It was truly pitiful how I ended up here.

There was a knock at the door frame. I didn't have to look to guess it was my mate. "I'm not hungry Eris." I say plainly, continuing to stare out at the river. "Have you eaten today?" I don’t expect his voice to be behind me as he slithers into the bed beside me, curling an arm around my waist. “I had a bowl of soup not too long ago.” I answer, flipping onto my side to look up at him. His golden eyes that rolled with sadness, he couldn’t help blaming himself for my situation and I hated that he did. “Okay.” He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. “I have to return to Autumn later tonight, high lord stuff.” He grumbled and I groaned, tucking closer to him. “I’ll be back in the morning.” He promised. I huff, wrapping an arm around his torso and burrowing into his chest. “Unless, you want to come with me?” He arched a brow and I look up at him, my head propped up on his chest. “To the Autumn court?” I ask. He nods, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.

I haven’t been to my mates court since Eris’ coronation because it’d raise suspicion if a girl from Rhysand’s inner circle began to roam the markets of the foreign court. But I suppose that didn’t matter now if our secrets out. “You think your people will react well?” I ask anxiously. “After my father ruled over them they’ll take anything they can get, and if a pretty high lady is an option I think they’ll be over the moon.” He offers me a gentle smile. “High lady?” I can’t help but smile at the idea of ruling a court together. He nods. I fantasize about the idea for a moment, until the thought of Cassian finding out about me proudly wearing an autumn court crown settles over me. He’d fall into a fit of pure rage and I’d never forgive myself. “Can we wait?” I ask. “Just until all this is resolved with Cass, and then yes. I’d love to be your high lady.” I nod. He gives me a comforting expression. “Of course my love.” He leans down and presses a gentle kiss to my lips. I him against the action and kiss him back. Wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him impossibly closer. His lips slotted perfectly against mine and the feeling that bloomed in my chest when kissing him filled the pit of my stomach and the hollowness of my heart. I felt lighter. A knock sounds at the front door, loud and demanding. My ears perk at the sound and I pull back, he seems to want to chase my mouth back to his but he freezes too when another impatient knock rings through the house.

I sigh and sink down into the bed. "You can answer it." I say, removing my arms from his neck. "Are you sure?" He asks, his own warm arms slipping from my waist and I wished they didn’t. "They all know by now, what's the point of hiding it?" I grumble, and he nods as he stands from the bed, my eyes watching him as he does so. "Alright." He nods. “If it’s not Cassian I’m not interested.” I voice. He glances to me and only nods in reply.

He leaves the room and my eyes go back to the window. I strain my ears to hear for the voices in the living room but I can only hear Eris.

"She doesn't want to see you." He said. A mumble of a voice replied, it was soft, must be female. My hope diminished when I realized it's not my brother. "In the bedroom." Is the next thing I hear from my mate and I mentally prepare for whoever is about to walk into my room.

The door creeks open but I don't move. I stay looking out the window, watching as dusk now takes over the sky. "Gods its dark in here." Nesta.

I don't have the energy to reply, giving her enough of an answer with my silence. "Look, I know I'm not who you want to see, but he's in a similar state as you." She hums and that fact settles deep into my bones. I adjust, sitting up and facing her, leaning back against my headboard.

"He throws up every night too?" I ask with a wry sense of humor. Nesta tossed a glare toward Eris who stood at the doorway like a guard.

"No, much worse. He won't stop training." She hums, crossing her arms and sitting on the edge of the bed beside my thighs. Her eyes go distant as she thinks about her mate. "He's spent more time in the training ring than sleeping as of late, he doesn't joke anymore, and I haven't seen him smile in a week." She confesses, her brows creased in concern.

"Are you telling me this to try and make me feel better?" I murmur, avoiding her gaze.

"You know me better than that." She scoffs. It was true, Nesta is one of my best friends. The three Valkyries all are, but especially the eldest Archeron. I remember all the things I said about her, how I boiled her down to all of her faults. The hollowness returns and another thing I will never forgive myself about forms. "I care about you, but I care about him more." She stands up, Eris growls from the doorway but I wave him off, understanding what she meant. "And I just need the two of you to figure your shit out so he goes back to his usual self, it’s so quiet at the house." She crosses her arms over her chest defensively but her tone is soft. "He misses you." She reveals. "He won't admit it but he wants to see you, stop by the house, please." She finalizes, before turning on her heel and walking towards the door.

"Nesta," I call, she whirls around to look at me. "Thank you." Is all I can get out. She nods, then turns back around and exits the way she came.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

The house of wind was emptier than I expected it to be. Eris offered a dozen times to come with me last night, saying that he’d cancel his meetings in the Autumn court so he can offer some sort of support but I told him he had to tend to his own court, that I had to do this on my own. So here I was, about an entire day after Nesta's speech, ready to face my brother. Or at least I hoped I was.

I wandered the halls, stretching ny hearing for any sound but I was met with nothing. I remember Nesta mentioning the training ring so I ascend the steps to the roof.

The clang of metal swords clash loudly as I welcome myself onto the landing, staring at my brother and Azriel who were sparring just to get frustration out. Cassian was sloppy with his moves, not breathing through each step the way he usually did. And Azriel was going easy on him. It was rare for the competitive shadow singer to sympathize but in this instance he was working Cassian like a charity case. The general knew it too and only fueled more of that anger he held in each of his swings.

Azriel and I make eye contact and his movements freeze, shadows pooling at my feet as Cassian struck him down and pinned him with his sword. "Again." My brother demanded, reaching his hand out toward the spymaster. Azriel remained looking at me and with the distraction, Cassian whirled around to look at me with narrowed eyes that quickly turned wide.

His sword clattered down onto the mat as he let it slip from his hand. "Cass." My voice is a rasp. He takes a step out of the training ring until he's right in front of me and I'm looking up at him again.

Tears well in my eyes. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean what I said I just—" I tried to speak but was cut off by his large arms wrapping around me tightly into a warm hug. I melt into it, releasing a soft sigh of relief and hugging him back. "You were right." He confesses. "I was just hurt and wasn't thinking about how you might be feeling." He mutters into my hair. "No you were right to be mad," I shake my head. "I kept it a secret from you for a long time, I should tell you everything." I admit and he backs away from the hug.

"I don't want you to feel like you can't tell me things, I reacted poorly." He sighs. "I did too, the things I said about Nesta were uncalled for. You know I love her." I say with tearful eyes. “I know, it’s okay.” He reassures, squeezing me tighter and lifting me up off the ground slightly with his height. "But, I'm not sorry for being with Eris." I assert as he places me back on the ground and he backs away. His eyes soften and he wipes a stray tear from my face. "I know, it'll take some time for me to get used to but I want you to be happy." He utters and that's all I needed to hear. "I can't promise he'll be invited to all the family dinners." He scratches the side of his neck and I offer him a relaxed smile. "That's okay," I nod my head. "I doubt he'd want to come anyways." I shrug. "The prick should consider himself lucky for even being able to look at you." Cassian grumbles. I give him a reprimanding look and he puts his hands up like he's been caught for a crime. "Sorry, I'll be better." He promises. "Thank you, brother." I pull him closer into another hug. "Means the world to me." I mumble and he presses a kiss to the crown of my head the way he's always done for the past five hundred years.

"You're sweaty." I grimace, breaking away from his hug. I lean to the side of him to see Azriel waiting impatiently for him to return to the training ring. "Do me a favor?" I look up at him. "Anything." He hums without hesitation. "Kick Az's ass for me?" I arch a brow and a menacing smile curves his lips. "I heard that!" Azriel calls from a few yards away, dammed shadows.

I look at the blue siphoned male glaring at me as Cassian retreats back to his sword. I blow the spy master a kiss and he waves me off. I smile contentedly and winnow back home.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Eris leaned against the kitchen counter with a furrow in his brow, waiting impatiently for me to return. I was surprised at his early arrival, he said he’d be home tonight but the sun had barely left the horizon. I suppose he wanted to return as soon as possible. He pushed off the counter and looks at me expectantly. A bright smile curves my lips and I jump into his arms, he catches me without so much as a stumble back, his warm hands coming under my thighs and heating me up like a cozy fire. "Everything's okay?" He asks worriedly, I don't reply and instead bring my hands up to his sharp cheekbones and pull him in for a kiss.

It was soft and lasting, like he was afraid I was going to tell him to leave after this ends. That Cassian somehow convinced me my mate was some maniacal creature who didn't deserve love. He wouldn't blame me, he'd go if I asked him and that fact is tearing at me. So I deepened our kiss, pulling him closer with a hope to reassure him.

"Please tell me everything's okay." He begs against my lips and I nod. "Everything's okay." I whisper with a small smile and he releases a hefty sigh, the weight of a world lifting from his shoulders. "Cass said he'd try his best. But then he followed up by saying you're a prick so?" I scrunch my nose at the way it sounds and he grins widely. "Sounds about right." He nods, placing me atop the countertop.

"Thank you." I say, wrapping my legs around him. "For what my dear?" His brows crease. "You took care of me when I was at my worst, I appreciate it." I softly say, his eyes glaze over for a moment but the sheen quickly disappears after he blinks. "You would've done the same thing for me." He shakes his head, leaning closer and pressing a gentle kiss to the corner of my lips. "I think I'll miss sneaking around with you." He admits and I chuckle. "Me too, but think about all the things we can do now that we don't have to be a secret?" I grin wildly at all the possibilities. His eyes light up and a smirk curves his sensual lips.

"What?" I ask him nervously when he doesn't say anything. "How would you like to be crowned high lady now?" He suggests and my cheeks heat. "But you've already been crowned, can we still do that?" I tilt my head. "It's my court love, I can do whatever I want." His arrogant tone makes me roll my eyes. "And what do you want?" I tilt my head, running my hands through the tufts of his deep auburn hair. "I want you on my throne." He purred, pressing a kiss to my jaw. "That can be arranged." I grin, throwing my arms over his shoulders.

"Anything else high lord?" I give him a seductive smile and he gets the hint. "I also want to fuck you by the fireplace." He confessed, pressing light kisses up the side of my face. "Then what are you waiting for?"

Taglist: @fxckmiup @olive-main @iluvyewman-blog @gaymistakeboi

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[reeniecon]

- GENERAL LILIA -

" I'm sure you didn't want a monster like me inside your house any longer, right? "

Warning: chapter 7 light spoilers, bad grammar, not proofread, general Lilia, and war lol a little OOC of you squinted.

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- readers povs -

You can hear it's raining hard outside your cabin, the water droplets one by one crashing to your roof. the weather has been very bad lately it's either raining or thunderstorms. Because of the weather, your garden is not doing very well...

Because of the wind, your fence is falling down. 'oh great' you thought to yourself and went outside to fix it.

while you fix your fallen fence you hear a strange sound and you decide to find out what it is. your eyes widen, shocked by the scene you have encountered

It was a fae... And he was hurt quite badly, it seemed that he had fainted for some time by now.

Without any thought, you brought him inside. Oh, how lucky that he is not too far away from your house and not too heavy....

' oh god, what have I done... Bringing a stranger inside my house, and not only that... He was a fae! ' you thought to yourself and cannot help but sigh at the situation you're in right now.

'but no matter what I have to save him' You're determined to save him, so you clean his wounds and patch them.

Some time has passed since then but the unknown fae haven't woken up, you're quite worried about it...

- Lilia povs -

" Tch, those silver owls didn't know when to stop!" He hissed while running through the deep forest

" CHATCH HIM!! " Silver Owl A says to his teams followed by " That is Lilia vanrouge we have to catch him while we finally get the chance to!!! " They scream.

" Dang it stop being so loud!! " He screams back to them, Lilia can't fight all of them with his injured body not to mention 7 vs 1 is a really bad idea.

" WHERE IS HIM?? " the captain of silver owls screamed.

" AGRHHH!! REALLY WE LOST HIM AGAIN, YOU. FIND HIM NOW! " he ordered his subordinates

" Finally" Lilia mumbled to himself. 'So tired' he thought after that Lilia's vision blurred just like that.

' ugh...the ground is so soft I don't want to leave, huh- THE GROUND ARE SOFT' he processed to wake up from his long sleep, and was startled by his wound had been treated, with caution he observed his body and the surrounding area looking out the glass window he can conclude that he has been not very far away from the last chase, trying to open the windows to escape from whatever situation he was on right now

But he failed miserably in the windows wouldn't open no matter what... He can break it of course but, he cannot break windows that belong to his unknown helper...

The door opened slowly, and there they stood the human that helped him.

" Oh you've finally awakened, do you want soup I just made? I'll get some for you if u want " You told him and asked

In return, Lilia just stared at you observing you from beside the window looking at you up and down ' Oh a human' he thought to himself and smiled

" No, it's okay I'll get going now, thank you for helping me" He replied with a business smile

" Are you sure you didn't want a meal before you go? " You asked once again.

" Yeah I'm sure " He clarify

" I'm sure you didn't want a monster like me inside your house any longer" He said with a mean expression but in a melancholy tone.

"Huh? " Is the only reply that you can utter right now

" I'm sorry that I've troubled you for the past I-don't-know-how-long, but thank you for treating me, and I'm sure that I will pay you back in the future" He stated.

" Mr. Fae? " You called him.

" Yeah? Is my offer too small for you? "

" No no, you don't have to repay me I just wanted to save you that day and I didn't think of any payback from you...And I don't mind having you in my house... Don't worry !! So you can have your soup if you want to? "

His face flushed with embarrassment.

'how can I think it that way!! ' he thought to himself while lowering his head because of the embarrassment he felt...

" Ehem! Sorry for the misunderstanding...and I would like to have dinner with you.. My apologies for thinking bad about you... "

After that, you two have dinner together and you will nonstop hear Lilia apologizing to you the entire evening.

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An: I'm starting to use Grammarly LMAO I hope my grammar mistakes will be smaller this time hehe

[wyldeking]

I've rewatched the Owl House dozens of times now and my favorite scene (excluding season 3 because that shit is magical, pun intended,) is Hunter and Amity's fight at Eclipse Lake.

Earlier in the episode, Amity and Hunter have a chat where Hunter proclaims that they both have a lot at stake, unlike Eda and King. She attempts to argue but is interrupted by the sound of her Tamagotchi-Text thing, as Luz sends a text that Amity misinterprets as Luz threatening her with leaving if she doesn't return with the Titan Blood. Hunter almost directly after takes off and gets a massive head start to Eclipse Lake.

While Eda deals with the scouts and Kikimora, Amity chases after Hunter with King by her side. She enters the room to have this exchange with Hunter.

"Don't worry. I won't pick a fight. There's no Titan Blood."

"Then why are you digging?"

"Oh, it's simple really. Belos needs Titan Blood to make a new portal key. Can't get to the human realm without it."

"There's blood in the key?"

*Amity tightens her grip around the portal key.*

"Since I failed my last mission, I thought, 'Hey, a chance to make up for it.' But I can't go back empty-handed. Not again."

Hunter is noticeably hysterical, laughing between almost every sentence he speaks.

"Long story short, this is my grave. Want me to make you one too?"

"This is really bumming me out." King says simply.

"That's just life, rat. Everyone has a use, and if you don't pbtpbt bye-bye! Your friend gets it."

With the help of King, Amity finally learns how to interpret the text. Luz had never even thought of leaving her awesome girlfriend. Almost immediately after realizing, she becomes almost as bright and sunny as Luz is. With a burst of inspiration, she decides to give Hunter the best message she could think of.

"I grew up thinking that everything was an opportunity to justify existing, but there are people out there make you feel worthless. You just have to let yourself meet them."

She offers her hand, but unfortunately, Hunter notices the key sticking out of her coat, and a battle ensues. Hunter is sweating and incredibly anxious, which shows with the way he fights. Hunter keeps dashing around, making magical sparks fly everywhere. Meanwhile Amity is holding a poker face as she almost effortlessly dodges and blocks every one of his attacks. Every attack that she throws out has a very obviously calculated plan attached.

Hunter eventually tears the key away from Amity and they end up cornering each other. Despite that, Amity still very clearly has the upper hand, with a blade pointed at the neck of the battered Hunter that is caked in abomination goo. Hunter desperately thinking of a way out to give the blood to his uncle, tells Amity, quote;

"Listen, you're strong, and I'm tired. if this continues, you'll probably escape, but here's the thing: We know where to find you and your human. So just hand over the key."

Hunter's threat to kill Amity is completely empty, as they just displayed, Amity clearly has the upper hand. But Luz? The last time she saw her she was sick out of her mind and incredibly delirious. So Amity finally slips, the key cracks as her grip tightens, spilling half the blood. Hunter wins and slips away with the key.

This scene is so damn great because the emotions of the characters make perfect sense and intertwine with everything, we've known about them up until this point. Not to mention the music in this scene absolutely slaps ass and the animation is top-notch.

[weasleyreidstyles]

Serendipity; Tulips & Starlight

series masterlist

i decided to make it super fluffy and cute - to make up for the angst to come (ig thats a spoiler?? but not really). if you want more one shots for this series send me a request because this was actually so fun 😁😁

Every year, without fail, the castle halls were full to the brim with wreathes of glittering hearts and ribbons of all sorts of reds, pinks and whites. The Hogwarts student body made a huge deal of Valentines Day every year – the muggleborn students had the most fun with the aspects that made it all the more magical. Each year, Professor Dumbledore would employ a series of real life Cupids to fly about the castle shooting 'arrows of love' towards their targets for the price of five whole Galleons.

Every year you find it sickening. This year is no different.

The Great Hall is swarming with people during breakfast and flying among the swooping owls are at least thirty or so Cupids who drift above the tables, skimming people's heads with the tips of their wrinkled feet. In place of the enchanted sky in the ceiling, red hearts have been enchanted to cascade like rain fall, bursting into balls of sparkling light that falls softly onto the tables, which are decorated in the same shade rather than the traditional scarlet, emerald, navy and yellow of the House colours.

You walk into the Great Hall, followed closely by Theo and Pansy, with distain painted across your face. Theo snickers as Pansy gushes silently over the Valentines decor.

"This is disgusting." You say with a scowl as the three of you wander in behind a group of giggling second year girls. Theo's snickering turns into a full on laughter as Pansy's head whips in your direction, disbelief written on her face.

"How can you possibly hate this?" she asks with wide eyes, as if you're committing some form of treason for hating this muggle holiday. "I think it's an endearing little thing."

"At least it's only for one day, tesoro." Theodore teases sarcastically, moving away just in time to avoid your swatting hand. "Don't you want to be swooned with flowers and chocolate?"

You curse his words as you part ways to the Ravenclaw table, shooting him daggers when he speaks to you in your mind as he sits down.

I wonder...should I pay one of those ugly Cupids to shoot an arrow at Matt for you? He smirks mischievously as said boy wanders into the Great Hall, deep brown eyes immediately seeking you out before he finds his friends.

You send him a smile, that goes unnoticed by everyone but him, before shooting as many cuss words you know towards Theo, who only laughs in response.

I'll take that as a no, then. Enjoy your breakfast, tesoro. Is all he can say before you kick him from your mind with a forceful shove.

He turns to Mattheo and they begin to have a lengthy discussion, but you're not curious enough to find out what it is, more content with drowning yourself in caffeine, if only to fuel your need to survive through the day.

~∞~

The Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom is possibly the only room in the castle that doesn't reflect the rest of the hallways. You should be glad that it no longer looks like Saint Valentine threw up in every single crevice, but the gloomy atmosphere actually makes your mood deplete. Mattheo had been sending you secretive looks all day and you had to admit that you were curious.

He was definitely planning something; it made you nervous, butterflies fluttering anxiously in your stomach.

Professor Snape was still yet to make his dramatic entrance to the classroom; you were chatting with Hermione, Ron and Harry as you waited impatiently for the lesson to start when Harry pointed to something fluttering above your head.

It's not a Cupid. Thank Merlin. But it's still happening in front of so many people and you want the ground to swallow you whole, until you make eye contact with its sender, who was smirking into the crook of his elbow, avoiding your narrowed gaze.

Mattheo had somehow gotten some faeries to flutter about your head, silent and imposing as one by one, they made about a dozen tulips of varying shades of red, purple and yellow, appear on your desk. You bite the inside of your cheek hard to stop the smile spreading across your face, but it doesn't hinder the bright blush that floods your aching cheeks.

"What the fuck?" Ron guffaws loudly, drawing more attention to the four of you, but you ignore everyone in favour of the deep rasp of his voice that enters your mind.

Theo said it would be a hard no if I paid one of the Cupids to shoot an arrow at you. He says, voice filled with mirth.

Yes. I would've run out of this classroom and you would never see me again. You respond with sparkling eyes.

Well I'm glad I listened to him, for once. Do you like them? The flowers, I mean? He sounds almost... insecure; nervous. Two things Mattheo Riddle is not. Your expression softens.

I love them. Did you know that tulips are my favourite flower?

I asked little Weasley for some help with that one. I'm glad you like them, love. His smirk has transformed into a genuine smile as you brave looking at him amidst the sea of your peers, including the eyes of your three best friends.

Within your conversation that only took mere minutes, rather than the eternity you wished it was, the faeries flittered towards your books and rested upon your desk infront of you, bounding the fallen tulips into an intricate bouquet, bound by what looked like a string of glitter, but you knew better.

You and Hermione gasp simultaneously, along with the other girls in the near vicinity of your desk. Harry and Ron only look more baffled.

"I-is that starlight?" Mione whispers in awe as you both stare down at the faeries who grin up at you with sparkling teeth as the bright silvery light acts like a beacon amidst the darkness of the classroom. "Whoever this is has gone beyond what I thought possible for your attention."

"Yeah." you reply with glistening eyes that flick to Mattheo who looks like he's sat on the edge of his seat.

He sees it in your eyes. The emotion that neither of you have dared to voice, too scared to step even further over the line that you were already holding onto for dear life, but that grip was slipping with every passing day.

Mattheo knew then that he would gift you the world if you asked for it; he would give you anything, even something as rare and beautiful as starlight.

The rest of the day is a blur for you. You hardly notice the eyesores that are Cupids flying around like headless chickens, chasing people around the grounds. All you can think about are the Tulips wrapped up in glistening starlight that sit safely in a vase in your dorm room.

~∞~

Meet me in the Astronomy Tower – M

The lone note, that sits on your bedside table, reads. It was not there when you returned from dinner earlier, so it had appeared during the time you've spent in the company of your friends since then.

The day is almost over, the Grandfather clock in the common room is distantly chiming that it is eleven at night, marking one more hour of the day.

You had woken up in a sour mood over what you would have to endure from overbearing couples and lovesick idiots all day. But you had been pleasantly surprised by just how thoughtful Mattheo had been.

And you were not expecting it at all.

Mattheo Riddle who portrayed this persona of pure evil, stoicism and nonchalance to the world had gone above and beyond your expectations of Valentines Day and turned it into something truely magical.

You turn to look at your chest of drawers, where the tulips rest in a glass vase, starlight pooling around them, and into the air, casting a pleasant glow around your room. You had quickly discovered that he had also charmed the tulips to last forever. So they would never die; symbolic true love forever bathed in breathtaking starlight that was bestowed upon the bouquet like faery dust infront of your very eyes.

Quickly you changed into presentable, but comfortable clothes: Black flared leggings and you covered your cold arms with a fluffy jumper that cropped just above your belly button shoving on a pair of dark trainers before you made the short journey out of the Ravenclaw common room towards the neighbouring Astronomy tower.

It only took you ten slow minutes to sneak across corridors, silently praying the Filch and Mrs. Norris didn't turn the corners when you did. But you got to the Astronomy tower without a hitch and descended the steep staircase, wrapping your arms tighter around yourself at the bite of the cold.

"You came." his voice is a soft caress against the wind and you find yourself immediately wrapped up in his strong arms.

"Of course, I did." you mumble into his chest, hugging him tighter as a gust of wind circles the two of you. "I've been thinking about you all day."

"Have you now?" He asks with a smirk that turns into a startled chuckle as you shove against his chest with a laugh of your own.

It's only when you step out of his embrace that you see what he had planned. Your mouth gapes as you take in the scene in front of you.

Set up in the centre of the open room, surrounded by telescope's and magical orreries, is a red and white gingham picnic blanket surrounded by dazzling balls of light that cascade down the stone walls like fairy lights. There are candles dotted about the room, casting a warm glow.

"Matt-" you start but the feeling of his chest pressing into your back has your voice quieting as he presses languid kisses to your exposed neck. You sigh as you relax into his hold. "How long did this take you?"

"Not long. Pansy helped me with the decorations while I got food from the kitchens. Dobby heard your name and went all out." he chuckles quietly as he gently guides you towards the blanket, where a dark brown picnic basket sits among a series of long candlesticks.

"It looks lovely." you say as you move to sit down, Mattheo following closely behind.

Your thigh presses against his as he reaches into the basket, pulling out a bottle of sparkling wine. You smile as he turns to you with a cheeky grin.

"Ready to be wined and dined, sweetheart?" he asks with a smirk as he pops the cork and pours both of you a generous amount. Your smile gives way to a delightful giggle as you clink your glasses together, pulling out a series of food that Dobby had generously prepared for the two of you.

~∞~

"How did you manage to plan all this? From the tulips to the starlight to...to this? It's all so perfect." you ask as you take a bit out of a chocolate covered strawberry.

"Well...Weasley told me about your favourite flowers and their meaning and I figured out how to bargain with the faeries from the forest for the starlight."

"How?" you were intrigued.

"That's my secret, love." he teases. "I'm not allowed to say."

"Not even to me?" you pout and he laughs as he takes a bit out of the pumpkin pasty on his plate.

"Not even you. I can't break a faerie's promise. You know that."

You could reason with that, you supposed. Faerie promises were sacred in the wizarding world.

"I think this is our first real date." you say contently, as you lean back on your elbows, staring at the side of his chiselled face.

"It is, isn't it." he says, nodding his head. One of his hands rests idly against your thigh, thumb occasionally stroking against the fabric of your leggings. "Well I must say, I don't think you'll ever top this."

You let out a loud laugh at his arrogance that has Mattheo swooning as he stares at you.

"What?" you ask, face wide with a smile as you reach up to brush your hands against your mouth. "Do I have something on my face?"

He leans in closer, voice barely a whisper.

"Yeah, you have an eyelash right here-" he reaches his hand to brush away the stray lash that had fallen onto your cheek but before he does, he presses a searing kiss to your lips.

Momentarily stunned, you react a second late before you wrap your arms around his neck, letting him lay you across the gingham blanket. He smiles against your lips and you can't help but lick at the seam of them until he lets you explore his mouth with your tongue, groaning as he grinds his hips against your's.

The peaceful atmosphere is disrupted by the incessant flapping of wings that has you detaching your lips from his. Looking around curiously you spot the intruder floating around in your peripheral.

"I thought I made it clear that I abhored the idea of a Cupid shooting an arrow at us." you say with a huff as the angel like creature lines up it's bow and arrow. To his credit, Mattheo actually looks confused as he swivels his head in the direction you're looking in.

"I- I didn't-" he pauses before shooting a scathing look towards the door. "Fucking Theodore thinks he's so funny."

The Cupid's arrow makes it's mark and all you feel is a pinch, no less painful than a pin prick, before the loud laughter of your friend is heard from behind the door. You'd find it hillarious if it was anyone else, but not while you were having such an intimate moment.

Mattheo looks about ready to maim his best friend, but you stop him by wrapping your legs around his hips.

"Leave it, Théo. He's just being a dick because he's got no Valentine this year." you say, making your voice louder so that Theo can hear you clearly. You hear his receding footsteps along with his echoing laughter that has Mattheo easing up, but he's clearly speaking to Theo as there's a clouded look in his raging onyx eyes.

"Sorry love." he says as he presses kisses down your neck, reaching for the hem of your jumper that is quickly discarded. You look up at him with an expression that has him melting into you instantly. The words are on the tip of your tongue, but something was stopping you; you knew it was irrational, knew that he felt the same way about you.

But you wanted to tell him when the time was right, and no matter how perfect, you knew that this wasn't that moment. You were content in bathing in his otherworldly presence, pressing kisses to his mouth, nose, cheeks and neck as he worshipped you under the stars.

Your time together was a reprieve from everything happening around you; there was a darkness looming about the castle, but in Mattheo's arms you felt infinitely safe.

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[thousandyearphantombunker]

The Owl House Critical Post, scroll away now I don't know if I am being too harsh in this post but I wrote it anyway so if you don't wanna read something potentially upsetting this is a warning (to those who decide to read please tell me if I'm being too harsh)

I remember initially hating how the show handled its villains, they all felt like jokes, they never felt like threats or like they provided a meaningful challenges for the main cast, they never had any real depth or complexity. but i bit my tongue, I was told that I was basically a dumbass for complaining that Bump openly breaks a law that's supposed to be punishable by death so that Luz could fulfill her witchy fantasy and that he wasn't arrested. the show could've had him make the multiclass student thing be something underground- boom it lets luz live out her fantasy but doesn't ignore what was established about the setting and creates potential stakes if these underground classes ever got discovered! That already made me angry but the cult thing is what I wanted to complain about- i only had basic ass knowledge about cults and TOH fails at portraying that crap, most people in the EC can just quit and do so in a way that makes it feel like they're just quitting a job, it doesn't feel like they fear losing their friends or sense belonging and community, they don't feel like they're anything but jokes. Leaving a cult is scary, often times cults will send their followers into the real world and set them up to have bad experiences so they'll come running back, they'll hire thugs to scare them into staying or position them in away so that they suffer (sending them out without money or the skills to survive), they humiliate those who begin to ask questions so that they stay in line. guilt tripping, putting members against each other, cutting off contact with the rest of the world! The show only adds the whole 'forced to fight on a mountain' thing for flavor! Everytime it brings up actual stuff cults do it feels like it's more for flavor than actually writing this topic with sensitivity- look at how they treat Lilith! Imo It feels like the show insulting people for ever trusting belos, treating them like they're braindead and could've just realized fairly easily that he was evil. It's the most egregious with hunter who was basically fucking born into the EC. the show is also pretty black and white, which is curious for a show that gets praise for its portrayal of religious trauma. You think the show would be more grey. I did deeper research into cults and just got SO tired of people talking about how good the show was at conveying such a heavy topic. The titan reveal also doesn't help- Luz is told by an all powerful deity that she is the chosen one basically and is told that old man is evil and needs to go down- isn't that the same justification that belos uses for his actions- not saying belos should've gotten redemption or forgiveness but this feels wrong. He deserved to die don't get me wrong but using this justification feels gross. What's even worse is that the titan made Philip's life harder on purpose- ah yeah that brainwashed cult victim would totally change his mind especially if you make his life harder- yeah I would've preferred if belos was depicted in a flashback just having a bad time on the boiling isles and cherry picked those bad experiences to justify his actions. Also I hate that the show just writes belos off as greedy and glory seeking when it could've conveyed a message about how people can get absolutely get warped by religious dogma. I do wonder though if I'm being too harsh because TOH is for kids and I was told it would be hard to portray this stuff in a way kids could understand. I can come up with ways to make the breaking the law openly thing less egregious but I am struggling to think of ways the show could have handled the cult thing, I am aware that maybe I'm accidentally saying stuff that is kind of bad faith but this is my truth. I feel like TOH wasn't good at villains and it sure as hell didn't write cults well

[akittenwrites]

Queen of Ice and Prince of Fire

Author: @akittenwrites

Summary: Lady Y/N Stark of Winterfell has declared herself Queen in the North. That means war, against King Viserys, and also against Prince Daemon. But the Rogue Prince doesn't want to fight her.

Type: multichapter series

Pairing: Daemon Targaryen x reader

Word count: 2181

Warnings: swearing.

Tagging: nobody yet. If you want to be tagged, send me a message.

The commotion in the small council chamber was such Daemon wondered what the hell had happened this time. He had been summoned for an emergency meeting by King Viserys himself and had just arrived to see the King sitting at the head of the table, with noticeable bags under his eyes and his silver hair messier than ever.

As Daemon walked down the few steps into the room and made his way towards his seat at the table, some maidens hurried to light the candles and serve their cups. The matter was urgent, but not urgent enough to wake the cupbearer, it seemed. It made sense, it was the hour of the owl and Princess Rhaenyra was still young.

As he moved his chair to take his seat, he made eye contact with Otto Hightower. The slithering snake met his stare, yet didn't stare back as he usually did. No, he was worried. He could tell from his furrowed brows and the tapping of his fingers on the table.

Once the Master of Ships, Lord Corlys Velaryon, took his seat, the servants exited the room and they were left alone, only the silence of the night and the dancing flames of the candles making them company. The Kingsguard stood outside, guarding the doors.

"An... issue... has arisen," Otto was the first to speak. Usually that courtesy was granted to the King, but at this point Daemon knew better than to expect something different from his brother, and the hungry leech stuck to his shoulder.

"What is it, then?" Daemon mocked. "No need for dramatic pauses. We're all very curious."

The Hand of the King glared at him and was probably thinking of some quick comeback, but this time it was Viserys' voice that cut through the silence.

"We have received a raven from Winterfell," he explained, leaning his elbows on the table. "It had a message in it, signed by the Lady of Winterfell herself."

Viserys took his cup in his hands and had a taste of wine before continuing. The tension in the room could be cut with a knife.

"The North has declared itself independent from the Seven Kingdoms."

Those words were enough for a discussion to erupt, with everybody talking on top of each other and nobody understanding what anyone was saying. Daemon watched silently as Viserys placed his hands on the sides of his head and closed his eyes just for a moment.

"Are we sure the message isn't fake?" Lord Corlys asked as loud as he could.

"Unfortunately we are," responded Lord Lyonel Strong, who had also been sitting in silence next to him. "The message has the stamp with the sigil of House Stark, the direwolf."

He reached under his cloak and placed the small rolled-up piece of parchment on the table for all to see. Corlys was the first to get his hands on it, only to read it and toss it back, clearly displeased.

"We couldn't have predicted Lord Stark's death almost a year ago would lead to this," added Otto. "It is an unexpected turn of events."

Then he fixed his eyes on Daemon, brown meeting violet, fighting for dominance.

"I remember Lady Stark used to be close to the King's brother when she was in court, before her father's passing. Did she ever mention wishing for the North's independence?"

"Don't you think I would've told my brother about it if she had, Hand?" he snarled, his hands reaching for the parchment. "You have a web of spies that follow me around Flea Bottom just for gossip, yet you failed to notice half the realm getting ready for war?"

"Her father was an honorable man. I expected he would've passed that on to his daughter, but I should have known better. Just because they are family doesn't mean they are both to be trusted, after all."

Otto's eyes remained fixed on Daemon as he whispered the words.

"If you want to insult me I'd much prefer you do it directly, my Lord," Daemon said, his hands unrolling the paper. "Why go to such lengths to be a cunt?"

Otto was just about to answer when he was once again interrupted by Viserys.

"Stop. Put aside your personal differences for one night and do your job," he stood up, his hands on the table, and his eyes looking at each of them intently, the sleepiness already gone. "This is a real threat. War. We can't afford a war right now, and I will not be the King that lost what Aegon conquered!"

Viserys was furious, the flames dancing in his purple eyes. Daemon smiled slightly. There was the dragon. It often refused to come out, but when it did, nobody could deny its commanding presence.

While the council stayed silent, mulling over the King's words, he looked down and read the message Lady Stark had sent.

"It is my pleasure to announce The North will no longer be reigned by a King, but a Queen. We are willing to form alliances. We are willing to go to war if need be. It's your choice.

Y/N Stark, Queen in the North."

"If we lose the North we risk the other kingdoms following their example," Otto breathed out.

"Then we'll torch them to the ground," Corlys interjected. "We have dragons. We have ten of them. Aegon conquered Westeros with three. And this is a child pretending to be Queen. She may have been the heir of Winterfell, but she is not prepared to rule over the North by herself. It's too much territory if you don't have dragons."

Viserys swallowed, clearly having considered that already. It was the truth, they had plenty of dragons and armies. But the North was cold, large, and unforgiving. And its people were more loyal than Viserys' entire court combined. Y/N knew that. She knew many things, as far as Daemon was concerned. He used to join her in the forest, under the Weirwood tree, while she read about the history of Westeros. The history of the conquest. Dorne. They spent hours together, reading in silence, just as she liked it. Sometimes she would put the books aside and rest her head on Daemon's lap, her long dark hair touching the ground, as she let her mind wander.

That was how they went from strangers who often crossed paths inside the Red Keep to friends who shared their love of literature and history and sword fighting... to lovers.

The first time she rested his head on his shoulder and looked at him with those bright grey eyes of hers, he knew he was done for. She was barely an adult back then, sent to court by her father to represent Winterfell and House Stark in matters it was concerned. It turned out she never needed to represent her House in anything, because as she put it, whatever happened in the South never reached the North, and she didn't care for southern issues.

Nevertheless, she enjoyed the Red Keep's library, and she enjoyed Daemon's company. They shared their first kiss under that old Weirwood tree, slow and gentle, getting to know each other's lips. She wasn't like any other woman he had been with before. And that one time, they both told each other it was just a kiss. Just curiosity. Yet a flame was ignited that day and it wasn't long until his hands were wandering up and down her thighs while she sat on his lap, moaning his name into his mouth.

Sharing their chambers became a routine they kept secret, with Daemon teaching her how to use the palace's secret tunnels, and using them himself to visit her at night. Long gone were his nights spent at the brothels. To the rest of the court, they were just friends who enjoyed each other's company. Perhaps they suspected more, yet nobody voiced it for fear of it reaching Daemon's ears. He was married and she was a maiden.

He smiled to himself, the memories bitter now that the matter of war was in discussion. Her being away for so long hadn't made the memories fade away. He missed her being around. Her voice, her embrace, her warmth, her touch.

"What are you smiling about, Prince Daemon?" Otto's voice interrupted his train of thought. "Perhaps you know something you would like to share with the rest of us?"

"I do," he answered simply, lifting a brow. "I know Y/N would love to cut your tongue out. That much she did tell me, repeatedly."

He laughed quietly to himself as he recalled her snarky remarks about the King's Hand. Many of their private conversations could've ended up with both of them accused of treason. Y/N appeared gentle and kind in public, which she was, yet there was a fierceness hidden underneath only he knew. She couldn't be tamed. The wolf was as wild as the dragon. So yes, he believed for some reason she had decided to pull this stupid stunt that may cost her her life. It didn't matter if she could use a sword, she had no way of fighting dragonfire.

"We have to end this before it goes any further," Corlys insisted. "We will make an example of them."

"We can't burn the North to the ground," interrupted Lyonel Strong. "House Stark and their bannermen are the only things standing between us and whatever threats may come from beyond the Wall. If their armies are gone, the rest of the Kingdom is vulnerable. We have to negotiate with her."

"She's a traitor. You would have me entertain her?" Viserys asked in disbelief.

"If we need armies in the North, we can eliminate House Stark and let one of their bannermen take their place in Winterfell," Corlys proposed.

"Northerners will not have it. You would risk war," Lyonel insisted. "She wouldn't be calling herself Queen in the North and sending us this unless she had their loyalty. Kill her and watch the rest of the North rise."

"We do not negotiate with traitors, Lord Lyonel," Otto seethed. "If the entire North wants war they can have it, the Crown has the power to end it in an instant. We will give Winterfell to the Lannisters if need be."

"You can't break my Kingdom and rearrange it like a puzzle!" Viserys growled. After a few seconds of silence, he sat down. "We need the North, that much is clear. You're my advisors. And your advice isn't helpful right now."

Daemon agreed.

"Your Grace, the mere threat of dragonfire and destruction may be enough... if enacted properly," Otto suggested.

Silence.

"Go on," said Viserys.

"Prince Daemon knows Lady Y/N better than he lets on. Before she left for Winterfell because of her father's passing, they spent hours together in the woods every day. Or even training in the courtyard, as unladylike as that was." Daemon's eyes were fixed on Otto, daring him to say something that would cost him his life, as he drank from his cup and let him speak. "I may be overstepping here, but I think Lady Y/N considered Prince Daemon her friend here in court. As far as I know, she didn't spend time with anybody else."

"Do you think I should ride Caraxes all the way to Winterfell and win her over with the power of my friendship?" Daemon asked, before draining the rest of his wine. "I think you're overestimating my charms, Lord Hand."

It seemed he was the only one that found that funny. Lyonel Strong cleared his throat beside him before speaking.

"I think Ser Otto's point is Lady Y/N has proved herself to be unpredictable, and if threatening her will be our approach, it would be safer if Prince Daemon did it. Alone."

"Why?" King Viserys wondered what the rest of them were thinking.

"If she is ready for war as she claims in this message, we can't ride up North on dragonback and not expect retaliation. They could have scorpions or other kinds of weapons we do not know of."

"So you would have me risk my dragon."

Silence.

"Daemon, would she order an attack on you?" Viserys looked at him, appearing to consider the council's suggestion.

He sighed, playing with his cup. He knew what Viserys was really asking. Are you in any way to blame for this uprising? Did you hurt her in any way? How does she feel about you?

"No, she would not," he answered after a few moments of silence. "She knows Caraxes. I took her to the dragonpit more than once. He... appreciates her company."

Viserys understood what he meant. If Caraxes, as temperamental as he was, never considered her a threat, then she wasn't one, at least not to Daemon.

"It is decided then. On the morrow, you will leave for Winterfell. You will represent your King and put an end to this nonsense."

Lord Corlys was the only one that didn't seem happy with the decision, but said nothing.

Daemon simply nodded.

"As my King commands."

Next part.

[chaifootsteps]

"Ignoring stolas gulping down antidepressants like m&ms, why even are there antidepressants in hell??? Arent people supposed to suffer there??"

Okay, vent time.

Am I the only one who gets extremely irritated whenever anyone's like "why are there antidepressants/jails/etc. in Hell when people are supposed to be suffering"?

I'd get it if it were only a place where sinners existed, but its not. Hellborn have their own societies, separate from the punishment of sinners. Of course they're going to have medicines, hospitals, jails, justice systems, etc. They're all people just living their lives, and sometimes crappy things happen to people who are just living their lives.

I get taking objection with the moral system in Hell being too similar to Earth—if anything a better way to go about it would be for the hellborn to have a bit more of an amoral/eldritch stance, like the Boiling Isles from The Owl House has elements of. But as for asking "why are elements of society in a society?", I don't get why people fail to grasp that and it drives me nuts to be honest.

-Afterlife Anon

Hey, that's entirely fair! It's a fair complaint!

I don't think the problem is necessarily that Viv's Hell has antidepressants and jails, it's that she fails to make the entire world feel convincing and balanced. It's never laid out that here's Hell, and this is how it works, and here are the rules of the society, and here's how it operates like Earth and here's how it doesn't...it just feels like a fluctuating set of inconsistent lore rules depending on what Viv needs at the moment. For the most part, it's completely indistinguishable from Earth and its denizens are completely indistinguishable from regular people.

I think people would be more forgiving of things like Stolas's antidepressants if the whole show didn't feel like L.A., but red.

[caffeinefics]

DRACO MALFOY

He was not immediately crowned, Prince Slytherin when he stepped into Hogwarts as an ickle Firsty.

Slytherin is the house for ambitious and cunning sods. It's laughable to think they wanted to be represented by a snot-nosed brat - Son of Lucius Malfoy or not.

Draco was on the radar of many Older snakes because he showed potential to be the Slytherin prince in later years.

He gets good grades, but barely studies (he will actively listen to lectures though). He'll definitely burn out after OWLS and would have an existential crisis, learning how to study, instead of studying for his NEWTS.

If he likes a topic (academic or gossip) he won't let it go until he knows everything there is to know about it.

He is Hogwart's biggest gossip, often found in the company of Lavender Brown, and Susan Bones.

Prefect Malfoy takes care of firsties and helps with their homework.

Homesick? Go to Draco. On the verge of failing a class? Go to Draco!

He also has a small compartment in his bag where he keeps snacks, candies, pads, tampons, wet wipes, lip balm, etc.

Aww so sweet what a nice guy, you might think. DON'T

"Oh, you want mummy and daddy? Go on then go home, what's stopping you? Your education? Don't make me laugh, If you cared enough about your education and being satisfied with a life you would have to make for yourself, you will quit crying this instant." "The same goes for you too, who are failing your classes."

Draco Malfoy, Head boy, Slytherin Prince has more than one university acceptance letter. But what nobody knew was that he was rejected from his dream uni.

He would choose an academically challenging degree, that would academically challenge him.

Almost failed the first sem, which proved to him that even he is not resistant to failures.

Draco's core values in life: Fall, weep, cry, throw a tantrum, stand up, dust your clothes, square your shoulders and just keep walking.

[blueraineshadows]

A Very Sebby Christmas 🎄 💚

Okay, so it's not Christmas, but this was a request from the lovely @pugsnotdrugs92 I hope this is what you were after. Plenty of fluff 💓 and a splash of spice 🌶 with Sebastian x F!MC

Sebastian snapped the locks shut on his suitcase and took a deep breath. He could hardly believe he was about to board the Hogwarts Express with MC and travel to London for Christmas. His heart beat a little faster at the thought. Christmas in the big city, Christmas with MC and her family.

"All ready to leave?" Ominis asked. He was packed and ready to go home for the holidays, his face grim at the thought. "Are you still alright about making the trip? There has been a fair amount of sighing going on."

Sebastian thought for a moment, his eyes moving to the portrait miniture of MC on his nightstand. "What if her family don't like me?"

"Come now, my friend," Ominis said. He moved to place a hand on Sebastian's shoulder. "I am quite sure everything will be just wonderful. MC is a delightful young woman, why should her family not be equally as amiable."

"Perhaps your right."

"Of course I am," Ominis said. "Failing your obvious charm, you could always hex them if they turn out to be rather monstrous I suppose."

Sebastian stared at his friend. "Ominis!"

Ominis chuckled and moved back towards his own suitcase. "Come on, we have a train to catch."

-----*-----

Platform 9 3/4 was bustling with parents and students, luggage wagons were rolling, and the excited chatter was a dull roar in their ears as Sebastian and MC stepped from the train. MC was up on her tiptoes trying to spot her parents through the crowds, she glanced behind and grabbed Sebastian's arm. "Come on," she urged.

Sebastian couldn't help but smile at the excitement dancing in her eyes and allowed himself to be tugged through the throng. MC gave an excited cry and headed for a well dressed couple. The gentleman wore a fine suit and hat, a pocket watch chain in finest gold glinting under the gas lights. Sebastian was rather impressed by his moustache and imagined growing one himself one day.

The lady wore a dress in fine blue silk, delicate jewellery gracing her ears and throat. She was a beauty, her smile bright and lovely when she spotted MC hurrying towards then.

"Mother, we're here!" MC had never cared much for strict propriety despite the etiquette training she had received and had no qualms about giving her parents fierce hugs. "Merlin, how I have missed you!"

Sebastian stood back a little, watching the warm family reunion and tried to swallow down the lump in his throat. He wondered where Anne was spending her Christmas and then forced the thought aside. She had sent an owl. She was safe. That was the main thing.

Then MC was taking his arm and pulling him forward. "Mother, Father, please, I would love to finally introduce you to Sebastian Sallow."

MC's father immediately held out his hand. "A pleasure to meet you, young man. We have heard a great deal about you in MC's owls."

Sebastian eyed the hand offered and took it, shaking with a firm grip. "Its a pleasure, Sir, and thank you for the kind invitation to your home."

MC's father nodded and then her mother was taking his hand in both of hers. "You are most welcome, my dear," she said warmly. "It is so lovely to finally meet the young man that MC speaks so highly of, and she was right, you are as handsome as she promised."

Sebastian felt his cheeks warm and he smiled. "You are too kind Mrs MCsLN."

"Yes, well, shall we head for the carriage?"

At her father's words, MC nodded and they went to collect their luggage.

.....*.....

MC's home was a large city house in Chelsea, Sebastian tried not to gawp at the finery surrounding them, and managed to hold a rather pleasant conversation with MC's mother about Herbology. He found she had rather a sharp mind and found himself warming to her immediately. He could see so much of MC in her.

At dinner, her father mentioned some magic theory he had come across in archives at the Ministry where he had an office. Sebastian's eyes lit up and mentioned what he knew of it. Her Father was most impressed and they launched into a rather long conversation, discussing books they had both read.

"Shall we leave the men to it, my dear?" Her mother whispered. "They look like they will be wagging their chins for a while yet."

MC nodded and moved to put her hand on Sebastian's shoulder. He looked up at her, eyes devouring the way her hair was piled up so sophisticated on her head, the delicate gown she wore and his heart swelled. How was she his? "I'm just going to spend some time with Mother," she said. "I will come to say goodnight before I retire."

"Of course," he said. His gaze moved to her mother, who looked equally as lovely. "Thank you so much for dinner. It was delicious. And as for the company, well, what can I say? I feel like the luckiest man in London right now."

MC's father raised an eyebrow at the lovely blush that spread across his wife's cheeks. "Oh, Sebastian, you are welcome any time. Especially if you continue with sweet words such as those!"

MC and her mother moved to the sitting room where a cheerful fire burned in the hearth. MC moved to the Christmas tree and admired a glittering bauble.

"What a lovely young man you have secured for yourself, MC," Mother said. "I can see why he makes you so happy. After a year I am surprised he hasn't offered you a ring."

MC blushed. "I may have known him for that time, but we have only officially been courting for a few months. We were friends first, and then it became something more."

"Oh! But you spoke of him so warmly, and it was apparent that you spent a lot of time together. I assumed too much it seems."

"Perhaps my feelings for him were there the whole time and I just didn't see it," MC said. "Sebastian is devoted to his sister and she was quite poorly, he dedicated a lot of time to her care and well being. She has since improved and moved on with her life, so now he has more time for things such as courting."

Her mother gave a little sigh, her hand to her chest. "He sounds more wonderful by the moment. And you are truly happy?"

MC hurried to her side, dropping to her knees and taking her mothers hands in her own. "Fiercely happy Mother, like you wouldn't believe," she said. "He makes my heart sing and the merest touch of his hand makes me feel like the only girl in the world."

Tears welled in her mother's eyes. "I felt the same with your father, and I still do." She cupped MC's face with her hand. "My baby girl is all grown up and in love. I approve sweetheart. Your father may not say so, but he approves too. He would not sit and hold such a long conversation with a man who did not entice his mind, as your Sebastian clearly does. You have our blessing."

.....*.....

Christmas Eve. The family had shared a lovely dinner with some friends, Ministry people who were equally impressed with Sebastian's bright, young mind. One of them could play piano, and after the fire whiskey had been brought out, Sebastian led MC's mother in a dance, his heart thudding with nerves the whole time. When he danced with MC, he had dared to hold her close, their eyes only for each other's. If they had been able to tear their gazes away to look, they would have seen the sentimental glance shared between her parents. It was obvious. The youngsters were very much in love.

The hour was late and Sebastian lay awake listening to the house settling. His heart was as full as it could be, MC's family were welcoming and warm, he felt wanted here. There was an ache deep inside for Anne, and for his lost parents. He knew they would have loved MC for her wit, her cleverness and her fierce loyalty. He missed them terribly, but he didn't feel alone.

The creak of his door made him turn and a figure slipped into his room, closing the door with a quiet click. MC tiptoed to the bed in her long nightdress, her hair unbound and trailing over her shoulders. He felt flame and want gather. He knew he would always want her, it was like there was an invisible cord between them, linking them in ways only they would know how.

"Sebastian, quick, look," she whispered. She tugged at his arm. He smiled in confusion and allowed her to pull him from the warmth of his bed. They went to the window. "Its snowing."

They stood for a moment watching as the flurries fell, coating the street in a blanket of white. It was nature's own brand of magic, snow. It seemed to bring with it a peacefulness and Sebastian thought he could relate. He slipped his arm around MC's waist and held her close, her soft curves a comfort and a stoker of growing flames. "I love you," he whispered. "I hope you know that."

She smiled. She knew, of course she did, but oh how she loved to tease him. She toyed with a button on his sleep shirt. "Maybe you need to prove it," she said cheekily.

"You are not trying to seduce me under your Father's roof now, are you?"

She pressed her mouth to his neck, sucking gently. He allowed himself a sigh, not risking a moan at her kiss. "Is it working?"

"Absolutely not," he said. He focused on the snow drifting against the window, but her lips were so soft, so wet...

A strangled gasp left his mouth as her hand cupped his growing arousal. Her fingers smoothing up towards the tip. "Hmm, this little chap tells me otherwise," she sighed.

"You are a naughty girl," he whispered, his mouth seeking hers. He kissed her thoroughly, tongue sweeping hungrily.

"You love it," she said between kisses.

He risked a low groan, hands rucking up her nightdress to cup her delicious behind, backing her up to the bed. She fell back onto it, her hips barely on the edge as he slid two fingers into her, her folds slick and ready for him. She arched, moaning softly. "Yes, Seb, yes."

He silenced her moans with kisses, his fingers seeking out what pleased her most, swirling and teasing before fucking her as deep as his fingers would allow once more. She was soaked, his fingers sliding effortlessly and his cock strained against his pyjama bottoms. He was going to lose it.

Fumbling to free himself, he pushed her thighs wide and buried himself inside her, both of them biting back their moans of pleasure. He began to thrust and then paused at the squeal of protest from the bed springs. His heart was thudding and his balls felt like they were going to explode, but the bed was going to give them away.

He glanced around the bedroom, reluctantly pulling out from her. "What is it?" She asked, sitting up.

He pulled out the chair at the desk and turned it, placing it in the centre of the floor. "In order not to be detected, we need to be a bit inventive."

"Why not cast a silencing charm?" She asked with a frown. He grabbed her hand and led her to the chair, taking a seat. He patted his lap. "Because, where would the fun be in that?"

She grinned as he tugged his bottoms down further and pulled his slick cock free, all ready for her. His hand on her hips, she straddled him, gripping his shoulders as she slid deliciously onto his cock. She immediately did a testing roll of her hips and he groaned. "Oh, fuck that's good."

"I thought we were being quiet," she said, smothering a giggle.

He smirked and pulled up her nightdress, tugging it over head. "Let's get rid of this so I can have a perfect view of these while you fuck me," he said. He cupped her breasts greedily, rolling her nipples under his thumbs. He bent to suck one into his mouth and her head fell back, her hair trailing to his thighs. "Gods, I love these," he mumbled, mouth full.

MC began to roll her hips, finding a rhythm that made his cock rub her in all the right places. His fingers dug into her hips and she panted, her feet balanced on the very tips of her toes. She could feel the pressure building, the fear of being discovered, the slide of his thick cock, the way he was watching her through lidded eyes building the fire within her. She began to bounce on him, eager, desperate, her thighs slapping down against his and then she threw her head back, her release crashing through her. Sebastian gasped, hanging on to her waist with one arm and wrapping the other hand over her mouth as a long moan escaped her lips, low and as sexy as fuck. He shuddered, his cock pulsing and bursting at the sound she had made, filling her with his own release.

They both panted, foreheads pressed together, his fingers tangled into her hair at the nape of her neck. "I love you too," she said. She pressed a soft kiss to his mouth. "Merry Christmas."

.....*.....

The Hogwarts Express wound through the English countryside enroute to Scotland. The hills were still coated in a blanket of white from the snowfall at Christmas that had carried through to the New Year. Sebastian sat near the window, his arm wrapped securely around MC. He thought about the small box in his suitcase, handed to him by MC's father Christmas morning wrapped in bright paper. Inside had been a set of silver cufflinks, the tops shaped as a coiled snake. He had been choked, overwhelmed by such a lovely gift, and had tried to hand it back insisting it was too much. But her father had placed a warm hand over his, making the box stay firmly within Sebastian's grasp. "Nonsense, boy," he had said. "You are family now."

Even now it made his throat want to close up and he held MC a little closer. "Are you glad to be returning to Hogwarts?" She asked.

"Yes, and no," he replied. "I'm not sure if the city is for me, however the trip turned out to be rather a pleasant one."

"So, you enjoyed Christmas?"

He looked down at her and booped his finger playfully on her nose. "The best I've had since I was a small boy."

He realised it was the truth, and it was all because of her. MC's smile was warmer than any Christmas candle. "I'm so glad," she said. "Perhaps we can visit again, summer perhaps?"

"That sounds perfect."

MC snuggled closer against him, thrilled that she had managed to make Christmas special for him. She thought about Christmas Eve when she had snuck into his room, a warm glow spreading through her. A smile tugged her lips at their failed efforts to be quiet. She hadn't told Sebastian about the conversation she'd had with her mother the following day, he would probably be mortified to know that she had overheard them. But MC had a little box of her own in her suitcase containing a few bottles of potion to prevent conceiving a child. She had flushed scarlet at first when her mother had handed them over, but the accompanying words had eased the embarrassment.

"Take these," she had said. "While I am pleased to hear you already have a supply of your own, I want to show you that I support your decisions. You have grown into a wonderful young woman, out there making me so proud with all that you are learning, finding your feet in the world. I was young and in love once, I know how it feels to burn for a man, believe me. All I ask is that you finish your education at Hogwarts, take everything that life has to offer you, and then make the most of every moment with that lovely young man of yours. Spend some time, just the two of you, exploring what life has to offer before you even think about a family of your own. Cherish those moments alone with him, I promise, you won't regret it."

MC had never loved her mother more than in that moment. They had hugged, maybe shed a tear or two, and then they had giggled when her mother had confessed that she could see why MC had been tempted into Sebastian's bed, if she had been a much younger witch, she would have had her head turned herself!

....*....

Suitcase unpacked, robes hung up ready for classes resuming the next morning, Sebastian picked up his miniature portrait of MC and smiled. He was going to marry her one day, he would make damn sure of it.

Ominis came into the room, wand held up, his face brightening when he realised Sebastian was there. "Good Christmas?" He asked.

"Actually, yes," Sebastian replied.

"So, no need for any hexing then?"

"Absolutely not, you were right. MC's family are as perfect as she is."

Ominis nodded and then frowned. "Wish I could say the same for my lot," he sighed. "Unfortunately, there was a need for a hex or two, you know what my brother is like."

Sebastian smirked. "Indeed I do, tell me everything."

[raineydaywhispers]

I want to write an essay about Raine's (short, but sweet) arc in The Owl House now that the show is officially over, but for now I just want to put my thoughts somewhere about their arc in the final episode, as to not lose them. Thoughts under the cut!:

I am glad that Raine had an active role in defeating Philip, and had their own symbolic break away from the covens when they broke their violin.

I also loved the return to the bard magic they invented- the whistle-during both the struggle to cast Belos out of their body, but in the last fight as well. It was a part of their return to self agency, a nod to a time before the coven system where they were allowed to be free and explore magic on their own terms.

It's interesting to me that Philip calls them "annoyingly powerful," and it makes me believe honestly that their ascension to being a coven head was, while based on skill, also based on the fact that he knew they were. Belos always wanted to take advantage of that power, and control it. We see this with Lilith, and Eda as well. I believe it stands as a further explanation for the brain washing and the only time we see a sigil used against somebody.

Raine is one of the most powerful witches on the Boiling Isles, even with the constraints of their coven sigil. They not only broke out of the collector's puppet spell as a show of that true power, but would break from being possessed by Philip as well multiple times- and they almost stopped him on their own.

But Raine failing to stop Philip on their own is also significant. Raine needed help to do that- and Eda being the person to put their glasses on them, pull them from Philip's corruption of the isles, and show them that they're safe was the final crossing of the threshold for Raine. It's another return to a time before they lost their agency, but in a way that shows both themself and Eda have changed.

If they're going to defeat Belos and share the new future free from constraints with somebody, why not Eda their childhood friend, and her adopted children Luz the human and King the Titan. Why not end it all by quite literally stomping out the coloniser monster that caused them so much pain and heartbreak?

I'm also okay with them not returning to being a bard in the epilogue. I wish we would've been able to explore why exactly, and I'd like to think that their arc that was scrapped due to cancellation would've. But I think their separation from that part of themself makes sense no matter the reason. It's part of an old, long lasting traumatic experience. Maybe they did return to it and we just sadly don't get to see it. Or, maybe they'll return to bard magic on their own terms. Maybe they won't. I guess I'm going to have to fill those gaps in on my own time through writing and fan content.

But in summary, I guess, I'm glad that they finally had a way to regain agency over themself. I'm glad they got an ending where their skills as a leader are respected and put to use. I'm glad the show continued this notion of trust with Raine working with the old Hexsquad and new Hexsquad members to rebuild. And I'm glad they get to share a community with Eda that they can both flourish in, with each other. Even if we didn't get a Raeda kiss.

I'm going to be mourning the loss of a character that as an nb transmasc person, is the first time I've really felt represented on screen. I'm so thankful to Avi Roque, Dana Terrace, and the entire crew of the show for bringing to life such a good, kind character. Eda's Requiem aired during a time where I was questioning what my gender meant to me, and was struggling to find the light in my life as a trans person. I will always be grateful.

Though I'm not optimistic that we'll get extra content in the future, I hope we do. I want to explore the Boiling Isles again, this time as it heals, and I want to do it with Raine, Eda, Luz, King, Lilith, and all the other characters that made this show so special to me.

But for now, I'm content I got to experience The Owl House. It was such a weird, proudly neurodivergent and queer show. Though I would've preferred a full third season I'm glad the ending was a sound, well written send off. Until we see more (if we ever do) I'm going to be watching and dreaming for the future, thanks to them.