#they're hide and seek husbands your honor

[rosepetalgold]

Absolutely dying over the fact that Remus not only canonically hangs out in dark closets for no apparent reason but also that Janus knows to look for him there

[badass-queer-couples-battle]

Gay wrongs tournament, round 2 of the losers bracket

Propaganda:

For Vegas and Pete:

Evil babygirl & stealthily evil babyboy. Vegas, known committer of atrocities, and Pete, who didn't rise up the ranks of being a mafia bodyguard for nothing. Never forget how Pete brutally shot and killed his coworker who dared to shoot Vegas in front of him.

I mean. They both kill people all the time. They even have evil gay BDSM sex. It's all right there.

it's plainly obvious to anyone even looking in their direction how murder husbands they are. both have canonically killed multiple people, often on screen. Not to mention the onscreen scene of Vegas literally torturing someone. 

For Wen Kexing and Zhou Zishu:

you've got the founder of the fantasy ancient Chinese CIA and the leader of what is essentially the mafia and then they're soulmates and in love. they're both willing to kill anyone who dares hurt the other while also just wanting a soft domestic life together

Zhou Zishu is an assassin and spymaster who put the current Emperor on the throne, and then quit his job by faking his death (kinda, hes still dying but not as fast as he was supposed to). Had done A Lot on his old job, including murdering children (more than one, and at least one of them in a way I can't even describe without several trigger warnings), exterminating whole families, war crimes (and i dont mean this in a buzzword way, i mean "organized a public execution of foreign diplomats during war time")… btw he doesn't feel particularly bad about any of this, because he believes it was necessary. Like he wouldn't do it for fun, but he thinks the ends (putting a good Emperor on the throne) justified the means (all of the atrocities). As a retiree, he definitely cut down on the amount of morally reprehensible murder, but not murder in general. He still routinely kills ppl, he just doesn't go out of his way to kill more. Wen Kexing, meanwhile, is the Ghost Valley Master - Ghost Valley being a place where the worst of criminals are exiled. Even in such a place, he has reputation as a complete lunatic, owed partially to the fact that he either skinned a man or fed him his own flesh or both at one point, and partially to him having a rule where he would kill anyone who came closer than 3 meters to him. But in truth, everything he'd done was to survive the Ghost Valley and eventually take revenge for his parents, who were brutally murdered when he was only nine. By the start of the novel's timeline, he put his plan in motion - the plan that would drown jianghu in blood, but also deliver poetic justice to all responsible for his parents' deaths, as well as all who'd commit the same crime given the chance. And these two men, these two murderers and schemers, meet - and unexpectedly, find in each other the person who /understands/. The person who is just as ruthless and whose hands are just as bloody, but also the person who knows standing at the top of the world is not worth it, who seeks the same freedom of leaving it all behind, and who is still, underneath it all, a human, with human heart seeking connection. So you have this couple who understand each other with barely a word, and who want the same things - who are so hungry for domesticity and for people they can just goof around with when all their lives they had to measure every step and word - but ALSO where one half a couple is like "i gotta go murder hundreds in revenge" and the other half is like "ok pick you up at 6". (This btw is why I'm submitting novel's iteration of the couple in particular. Show wenzhou with their ridiculous breakups over morality could Never.) Also they were both hiding who they are when they first met, and later flirted about having figured each other out. Finally, I'll leave you my favorite quote that just. perfectly sums up their relationship: "And just like that, they fell asleep in each other's arms, steeped in the smell of blood."

You’ve probably already had submissions for them but I’ll add on. One of them founded an assassin’s guild and killed a staggering number of people. His malewife is the leader of a sect of insane murderous outcasts, and he attained his position by proving to be the most crazy and murder happy of them all. Most of the plot involves him wandering around watching his schemes get more people killed. Together they adopt a kid that was only orphaned due to said scheming (oops). They’re terrible and I love them.

[two-white-butterflies]

coaxed you into paradise

Chapter Three: Harwin Description: Saera Targaryen was her father's forgotten daughter. Years following her marriage with Ser Harwin Strong, she catches him in an affair with her sister and seeks solace in the arms of her uncle. Not realizing that the consequence of their affair is just as dire as her sister's.

masterlist

<< previous chapter

SAERA SMILES LIGHTLY AS SHE STARES at her nephew's face, as much as she wanted to she couldn't hate a child. The sins were not committed by Jace, and it wasn't his fault that his parents loved each other.

"He isn't a fussy babe, unlike those runts at court." Laenor chuckles as she rocks him gently. She couldn't hate the baby not when it has been pure and void of malice.

She looks at Laenor and hands him the child. She pauses for a while, thinking about Daemon who was probably still trapped in Driftmark. "Your sister's marriage with my uncle — how are they?" she asks softly as Laenor shrugs.

"Laena rarely writes to me nowadays, but my father tells me that they're already wed." he explains as her heart drops to the deepest parts of her chest. Daemon wasn't a complicit person — he'd burn the world if it meant not being with Saera ... perhaps he already has.

Saera smiles nervously. "That sounds amazing, after Lady Royce's death and his failure to claim Runestones — I feared the worse." she tried to change the topic as he raises his eyebrows in confusion. Something about her seemed jittery — almost as if she wanted to bolt out of the room running.

"My father had his reservations, but there is no greater honor than marrying a prince of my mother's house." he tries to dampen the mood as she nods in return. "What about you, princess?" he asks and she frowns.

As he realizes her confusion, he decides to rephrase his question. "Why did you decide to marry Ser Harwin? His family has no ties to Old Valyria — I offer no offense but we all expected you to marry a Baratheon or a Lannister." he repeats and she chuckles.

Harwin did marry above his station, but still had the nerve to cheat. "I don't know." she answers plainly, which was followed by a nervous chuckle. "But House Strong has proven to be a formidable ally — Laenor you're the first person that I tell about this." she hushes her voice and leans in a whisper.

Laenor was intrigued —  he could almost feel his ear beat in anticipation. "But I am with a child." she announces and he smiles. "Congratulations!" he pats her back and she smiles.

DAEMON STARES BLANKLY AT LAENA, there was irony in his face although he did well to hide it. "I don't belong to you, Daemon. I don't wish to live in your brother's castle. My home is in Driftmark, with the sand, the dragons and the thrill." she complains as he rolls his eyes in disbelief.

He was under the impression that convincing her to leave would be easy. But now he realizes that it is a fool's errand. "You can't stay here forever," he replies as he watches the maids pack both of their bags.

"I can stay here forever, this is my home — but you do not belong here." she spat, placing her clothes back in the closet. The maid casts him a pleading stare as he dismisses her. "You can't send me away. I'm your husband — wherever I am, you must be there too." he argues as he places one of the golden cups in his bag.

She frowns, "This is why I disagreed with my father when he stumbled upon this match. You are shacked by archaic beliefs — I am a free soul, we do not relate to each other." she tries to persuade him and he mentally groans.

"What is the use of having a wife, if she's not going to be there? When the lords ask me of my wife, I cannot tell them that she's swimming in her father's shores" he complains as he stomps out of the room furiously.

"Yes, please leave without me!" Laena yells after him as he slams the door shut. Fury radiating off every bone in his body.

IT WAS TACKLESS, trying to find Harwin in the maze called The Red Keep. He wasn't in his usual spots, and neither was her sister. Her brain told her that they were probably engaging in acts that only couples should. Her heart told her to keep looking.

Ser Harwin opens the door and sees his wife. A small smile began to play on his face. She was radiant — like the sun, and his heart leaped when he saw her. "Harwin." she grabs ahold of his shoulders and he raises an eyebrow.

"Is everything alright?" he questions with concern and she nods her head. "Yes, in fact I have news." she smiles as they both walk towards the empty room. "Nothing bad I hope." Harwin asks and she nods.

"It's the good kind of news." she clears and he nods, "good" he exhales as they both sit down on the balcony. "You know how sick I've been these previous days." she begins as one of the servants pours them a goblet of water.

"You went to maester right?" he questions and she nods, feeling a little annoyed that she was interrupted. "Well, he told me that it was probably because I was pregnant." she announces as another big smile breaks free from his face.

He leaps up and presses a kiss on her forehead. "That is amazing news!" he beams in delight as she smiles in return, pressing a hand on her swollen stomach. "Yes. Do you think you could tell my father?" she requests as he chuckles and nods, placing another kiss on her face.

She rubs circles on her stomach. A creature of doubt slowly creeping inside of her — she knew that it wasn't Harwin's, it was her uncle's. But what greater insult would you give a man, if not letting him raise another man's child.

next chapter >>

taglist. @sweetybuzz25 @newtsniffles @loveandlewis-reads @lovecleastrange @julkaamazing @schniiipsel @mirandastuckinthe80s @duhitzdae @schniiipsel @areaderinlove @Honeybeeandsea @i-yam-awesome @minaxcarter @ladystardvsts

[mentally-ill-for-bes]

Blue Eye Samurai Analysis Episode 2

I published this post half-finished and I don't even remember when I did it, sorry everybody!! If you're reading this, the analysis is already complete, talking about the whole episode.

Thank you all for the reposts and likes!!

You can read the analysis of the first episode here.

The episode starts with the Four Fangs searching for Mizu at the petition of Heichi, however; what I like from this episode is:

Ringo, the episode serves to show the characteristics of the character, he wants to be great, he's kind and funny but mostly, he knows he's useful. It's not like he wants to be useful, he knows he's, the only person who has to see it too is Mizu.

And Mizu isn't even setting him aside because she thinks he's useless, she does it because he's kind, kind, and friendly enough to distract her from her purpose. That's why Ringo won't seek what he wants at her side.

I wonder if in these first moments between them Mizu sees Ringo's friendliness as a weakness, of the way she hides her own feelings from all the people while Ringo wears his heart on his sleeve. But the fact they're different doesn't mean Ringo is strongless than her, in the end:

"My whole life has been a battle"

Just like hers.

When Akemi and Taigen are shown, they are both in a yellowish and warm ambient, contrasting that Ringo and Mizu are both in the snow, cold and blueish.

The scene gives us more about Akemi and Taigen's character and their current priorities:

"— Why didn't he just kill me?

— The Gods have shown you a longer path

— Ugh

— You still have me, we'll be married-

— Your father will never allow it now.

— I can convince my father

— And have everyone to mock me?"

While Akemi's priority is marrying (since finally, her father allowed it), for Taigen marriage isn't enough. He's losing the status and prestige he's gained by his own hand, he was the son of a poor fisherman to the champion of the Dojo and fiancé of a princess; any kind of honor that will come with marrying her will be null, because as Taigen as Akemi's love for each other comes from the opportunity they offer to the other.

For Taigen, Akemi is some kind of "prize", he came from being no one to being someone good enough to deserve the love of a princess, as Akemi's father said, his rise reminded him of his own.

While for Akemi, I guess Taigen offers an opportunity to be in control of (at least) her marriage, he's someone she already knows, when she talks to him, she never lilts her voice since he's not in a situation of power as her father is; if she married to a lord, she would have to live with him, while if Taigen married with her, is he the one changing his home for hers (which also adds ro Taigen's estatus). In some way, with Taigen being poorer and Akemi having a royalty status, the power he could have on her is lesser than the one a lord would have being her husband where she loses power for being a women despiste being a princess.

But even when she doesn't lilt her voice to Taigen, she does have sex for him as a way of returning him the power he lost in his duel with Mizu. Also, I guess that in some way, consuming the "marriage" would also be a way to make Taigen stay in a moment where he refuses to marry due to what others will think of him.

The fact that in the sex is she who takes the initiative, basically serving him, not enjoying it, and narrating something that serves his sole fantasies; will make a clear contrast with the next sex scenes where Akemi is involved, where instead of being the one who serves, it's the men serving her, the men talking to her.

"I can see it now. You challenge him.

And like a dog, he comes running.

He faces you.

An onryo. His demon eyes.

But your courage drives him back like a squall against the sea.

You unsheathe your magnificent sword.

He lunges at you, but his sword is no match for yours.

You strike with your blade.

You draw his blood.

His eyes are like two angry waves in a storm.

They try to suck you in, but you're too strong.

You thrust your sword into him again.

And again. And again.

A final cut, you feel the hot spray of blood.

Glory!"

The whole recitation, besides having a clear gay sex background with all the swords stuff. It's also useful to keep relating Mizu with water "drives him back like a squall against the sea", and "his eyes like two angry waves in a storm" and it also relates Taigen with getting lost in it "they try to suck you in, but you're too strong" which defines pretty well Taigen's obsession with getting a duel with Mizu.

But this scene will start Akemi's arc; after saying this Taigen goes away, she loses the power she's gained over her life and fights to get that back.

Going back to Mizu and Ringo, they're walking through a cliff.

At first, I thought Mizu was being way too optimistic here, planning to kill a whole army and Frowler in one day. But considering she's already killed Violet, I wonder if she indeed killed him in 1 day (ending up mortally wounded).

When they try getting a boat, everybody is focused on drinking due to the Hadaka Matsuri. All the scenes establish how different Mizu is from the rest of Japanese society, blinded for her own revenge; probably, but still outcasting of it, while everybody drinks, everybody's happy, she never drinks, and she never smiles in this episode; besides this being a characteristic of the character, I think it's also how the show is constantly reaffirming how Mizu's doesn't entirely belong to Japanese society due to her identity of a mixed-person; just as Mizu won't entirely belong to English society in season 2.

For Mizu, there's no shame in making a home except if she's the one doing a home. As it's said in the first episode during her prayer, she lost direction in what, we'll know in episode 5; making a home. Mizu's constantly putting aside Ringo from getting closer to her, not because she considers him useless or something, but because she won't open her heart and affections to somebody who can betray her ever again. Not when this will cause her pain and will distract her from his purpose, when it's her purpose the only stable thing in her life.

In other matters, we're presented to Heiji Shindo and the white man he protects:

In episode 1, the four white men are presented surrounded by blue, here Frowley's color palette is red/orange, opposite to blue, his coat is red, his hair is orange, and even the paint he does is filled with red.

It's not just contrary to the first shot of the white men, but also to the whole Mizu's, her hair is black, his is orange; her clothes are blue, his are red, she's smaller and thin, he's taller and much bigger. While the demon Mizu's features are related to blue, the white man in person is related to red. He's not close to her, he's not even similar to her, but they're both considered demons.

But there's a difference in why they're both demons, while Mizu is one for the color of her eyes, Frowler is one for his violence, for his hunger for destruction and power, his brutality. While the reason of Mizu is considered a demon is blue, her eyes, the reason Frowler is considered one is red, like the blood he spills, like the fire that will keep following him for the rest of the season.

So, while our first shot of Mizu is in the snow, cold; the first shot of his enemy is at the side of the fire, with a corpse at his side.

While it is shown the story about the broken sword made by Mizu, some phrases about sword-making are dropped.

"Your fire" Until this moment Mizu's has been water, but she's also fire, just as she said in episode one, she has an ember, but isn't an ember a glowing wood in a dying fire?

What will see through the season is her ember becoming the greatest of fires.

But for now, let's focus on sword-making.

Through the season, both swords made by Mizu will break, as Swordfather says:

"The yaki-ire is when metal is reborn,

and the soul enters the sword.

All must be pure for the sword to be pure.

The metal, the maker, the one to wield it."

It's clearly explained, that the sword doesn't break because Mizu's a woman or because she isn't pure; it breaks because it was made for an assassin who lied to both of them. Later, Mizu's blue sword breaks, not because it was made by her hand, but because of the change in her soul.

"A soul like that is drowned in blood.

There is no stopping them.

They will always find their broken blade.

We can only mind our own soul, Mizu."

After this memory and a cold water bath, Mizu can cut a whole tree.

Because water is her peace, her "safe place" To put it into simpler terms, she's at peace with the water she's; she goes to water to cure herself after the duel with Taigen, and she goes to water when she wants calm and re-focus; she doesn't need to come in terms with water, she'll need to come in terms with the fire inside her, the fire that she ignores.

First, he's incredibly delusional and I find it hilarious. Second, he does it because he sees Mizu cutting a tree and he wants to put himself at the same level as she. But he isn't, Mizu's better than him and his arc goes through learning from her and improving his beliefs and point of view by meeting her. By admiting he can learn from her.

In a quick change, we see Akumi again being surrendered with golden lights, dressed in red and warm colors, the show just keeps reaffirming her as red and golden.

When she's presented to the lords to see the arranged marriage:

Akemi's dad has already been dressed in the same yellow and purple the lords are. For Akemi, they both mean the same, men who will make her lose her autonomy and freedom. Same as her father.

Blaking her teeth is so traumatic for her because it represents how much autonomy over herself she's losing, Taigen should black her teeth like a norm for being a bride, but with Shougon's son, she blackes her teeth as a way to please him, as even her teeth are for his enjoyment.

The Lord smiling with all his white teeth at the same time the ladies smile with their black teeth just reaffirm for Akemi the loss of power and domain women have over their own life. While Lords can do whatever they want with teeth.

And, the first time Akemi is under blue lights is in this scene.

When she's finally under the snow, under blue lights is in the moment where she lost it, she lost hope, and she's in an arranged marriage with someone she doesn't know. This is so opposite to her whole identity, which is golden lights and warm ambient, now she's in the cold, outside her domain and the things she knows and it's related to. I guess in some way she's thrown to the cold, a thing that looked unknown to her until now.

And the moment when she decides she'll run away is when she's again under golden light, in her domain, but under the water; just like Mizu.

When she's running away, she abandons the red kimono for a purple one, purple is closer to blue in the color wheel.

In other news, the Four Fangs find Mizu and:

Parallel my beloved! In episode one as in episode two Mizu is being persecuted, while in the first one, she gets cornered on a cliff resulting in Taigen saying "Go ahead. Just jump" In episode two she indeed jumps to the cliff. Using it as a strength.

Another thing I want to point up is that all the fights of Mizu are generally surrounded by red or yellow, opposite colors to her characteristic blue, in the Shindo Dojo the uniforms were yellow and all the ambient was illuminated by yellow lights; with the Four Fangs the fights occur during sunset, the sea literally looks like blood.

But water is water, and Mizu at the end is water, looking blue or red, she's water. As she's some fire at the same time. Japanese and white, water and fire, and red and blue, both exist at the same time.

In the town, Ringo is fighting for the sticks that the priestess throws, and, as Mizu, it's in the water where they can be reborn. Sure, under the hope of getting their fondest wishes, but it's still just as Mizu, getting in the water every time she needs to focus on getting her fondest wish, to kill the four white men.

She doesn't entirely fit in Japanese society, not like everyone else, but that doesn't mean she's entirely and totally different. Just like any mixed person, one never entirely fits but that doesn't mean there aren't places of meeting between one and the culture.

[zhongrin]

Good evening Rin! I come by with another zhongwrinth thought! It’s always been a personal headcanon of mine that Zhongli knows how to fight with different weapons, maybe because he’s the God of War or smth but anyways! I like to think combat practice does happen from time to time in the teahouse or in the adeptal relams.

At first it’s Wriothesley practicing punches then Zhongli passes by and asks him, “Have you tried (insert boxing tip here)?” And Wriothesley tries it out, he’s surprised at the improvement. Wriothesley knows Zhongli is powerful, he’s in the adeptal realm after all. So sometimes he’ll seek Zhongli out and ask for a combat tip or two.

For Al-Haitham it’s a little harder? Feeble scholar he calls himself, i just like to think he passed by during Wriothesley’s practice once and Zhongli happens to be there. Zhongli comments on the Wrio’s form and Al-Haitham, curious, asks Zhongli for comments on the scholar’s form.

Zhongli gives a detailed comment and Al-Haitham just goes. “I’ll try it next time.”

So now three of them have one joint combat session, I forgot to ask, how much does Al-Haitham and Wriothesley know about Zhongli’s being a former god in the zhongwrinth household? Do they know all the details or do they just go ‘he’s powerful and gives good advice’?

That’s not the best part, the best part is when you come home and see three of your husbands, shirtless and sweating from their workout practicing together.

*runs*

*EXCITED CHEW TOY NOISES* HIIII STORM (if i can call you that??? but lmk if you prefer to be called something else <3) UEUEUE IM SCREECHING THIS WAS SO <3 <3 <3 🫠🫠🫠

(more utc bc this got long helphsdlkfjskd)

yessss i'm pretty sure zhongli can wield a lot of weapons (i mean…. 6k years and counting, god of war, knowledgeable about all things, man wears an archer's ring - and i refuse to believe it's just for 'status' or aesthetic purposes….) and he just so happens to prefer the polearm!! ough… imagine him with a claymore…. *nosebleeds*

...... they're bonding your honor. they're bonding and i like it very much. i love them i love them i love them i love them i love them i lov- wait sorry what were we talking about again? /silly

OH RIGHT YES AHEM joint combat training (or, as al haitham claims, 'just an exercise') session. does wriothesley and al haitham know about zhongli's identity? well, the answer is both yes and no lol

i'd like to think zhongli is kind of a menace in this one - he doesn't really straight up tell them, but he doesn't really try to hide the fact that he's not just an ordinary guy. they have seen him with his horns and tail out. they have seen him in his compact form wrapped around my neck like a scarf. he doesn't hesitate to tell stories of old when he was rex lapis/morax over dinner (but he does this in a storytelling fashion and in third-person pov). they have asked me for clarification, but i'm also a menace so i choose to keep quiet i don't think it's something i should be telling them, so all i tell them is "if he's not telling, then i'm not telling <3" lmao

i'd say wriothesley suspects that he's a dragon sovereign, simply because he knows neuvillette and these two old men give similar vibes and mannerisms. i imagine he keeps sneakily trying to bribe zhongli to visit fontaine with its ✨selections✨of✨tea✨ but he's actually secretly planning to make the two dragons meet so he can test his hypothesis.

as for al haitham, i think he has enough resources and brainpower to do a proper observation and research to conclude that zhongli is the ex-geo archon. he's the type who would deep dive into liyue history books and journals and records, learn ancient liyuean to explore the ruins, and ask questions to zhongli to crosscheck between the books, the facts he's seen, and whether zhongli's story corroborates it. man's hyperfixated now. someone help him.

brb now i'm imagining shirtless wriothesley and zhongli in that transparent bodysuit and al haitham in his own bodysuit, all sweating aー oh god zhongli's hair is upー oh god wrio's pouring water onto his face and it's trickling down hisー oh god haitham's lifting his bodysuit to wipe his swー HWERHFIE)OWWEDLIAJDIKASD *explODES*

[incorrectsmashbrosquotes]

To add to that God of War in Egypt with the remaining Greek Gods also there; how about Aphrodite is in grieving and misses Hephestus and Pandora. Sort of a 'you dont know how good you had it until its gone' deal. She took her lavish life for granted and now that she is all alone, she finds herself reminiscing of her disabled husband and his child. So Atreus and Kratos find some items (a bracelet and a cane) that used to belong to them and hand them over to the former goddess of passion as she takes their words to be a better person for their memory.

Kratos: Hephestus died protecting the one thing he cherished more than you, his child. All his life he was rejected by his family and sought your favor as you had love for everyone. In the end, he believed that he was better off loving and protecting his daughter then seeking love from you.

Aphrodite: I, thank you for your truthful words, Spartan. I know that I cannot change what is already done, and i am to blame for being such a horrible mother and wife. Ares had his charm, but I was too blind to see he only valued me for pleasure. (GoW Ares is one track, unlike your take)

Atreus: Dont be sorry miss, be better. Yes we all made mistakes, some larger than others, but they wouldnt want you to waste away in grief. Try to live and honor their memories by being a better god than what you were before. Everyone deserves a chance to change, dont throw yours away.

Aphrodite: I can see your father clearly in your, and your mother. I shall try and move on, for their sake. Thank you, both of you.

With her sidequest done, Aphrodite vanished and is never heard from again as she strives to remake herself to honor her deceased family.

I had a similar idea, but it was for all the Greeks.

For Aphrodite it's a lot like what you mentioned, but the other ones would have quests as well.

Dionysus: It's helping him find Ariadne, whom he was certain died in the destruction of Olympus. After a few side missions where Kratos and Dionysus bond, you find out she's hiding out in Italy. Dionysus thanks you, calls Kratos brother, and rushes of to find his beloved, moving with purpose for the first time in centuries.

Artemis and Apollo: They didn't particularly care about Olympus and their father, they're more trying to keep Aunt Demeter alive than anything else. Once you end Demeter's quest, Artemis and Apollo lose the energy to hunt you, and go back to wandering the world.

Hestia and Demeter: Their fates are intertwined. Hestia and Demeter are the last of the children of Kronos left, and Hestia just wants to keep her sister alive. But Demeter is so mad with grief at the loss of her daughter that she cannot see anything else. Demeter's quest is part of the Main Quest, and Kratos, who is tired of being the Ghost of Sparta, spares Demeter's life. Demeter can't even respond, she's too broken by grief, and Hestia quietly spirits her away.

At the end of the game, there's a short epilogue, where we see the remaining Greek Gods have come together in a small little village in Italy, built on the banks of the Tiber River, called Rome.

[adrianicsea]

I saw your tags, you can’t hide from me. So who’s the knight and who’s the lord in chainshipping?

lawrence is the knight, and adam is the lord!! it might be easy to assume the opposite (lawrence has wealth, status, and conventionally good looks, not to mention he's played by literal blueblood cary elwes; meanwhile, adam is broke and living on the outskirts of society, both geographically and socially)...

HOWEVER!! we see lawrence equated with knighthood in the original screenplay for the first movie, when john taunts adam for killing zep with the line, "the pawn has done what the knight couldn't do. you've killed an innocent man." referring to lawrence's failure to kill adam, and by extension equating adam with the pawn. (more on that in a minute.) when we think of knights today, beyond the armor and swords of it all, we tend to think of the knight's sworn duty and devotion to their lord/cause of choice. lawrence throughout saw 1 is married to his work, and he's also sworn to the duty of protecting and upholding his family, even though we gradually learn that he's grown dispassionate in his marriage. but it's still his duty to be a good husband and a good father, no matter how he personally feels about it!

when we see him again in saw 7, lawrence has lost his family, but in exchange, he's sworn fealty to jigsaw-- and he proves himself to be jigsaw's best apprentice by being the only one to unfailingly carry out john's orders and wishes, never disobeying him or seeking more power or freedom for himself. as profoundly sad as that is, it's also another example of lawrence's duty-oriented, knightlike mindset. (a final note on lawrence and knights, going back to the chess metaphors-- when a knight moves on the board, it must always move in the shape of a capital L. just like lawrence!)

now, with adam, it's a little harder to read him as a lord, because he doesn't have any sort of noble bearing or status; actually, the movie goes pretty far out of its way to show us that adam is broke and on the social margins. and, again, john compares him to a pawn in the original screenplay.

BUT!! the thing that makes pawns special in chess is that they're the only piece that can be promoted, all the way up to a king or a queen. and looking back at lawrence and adam-- a knight needs a lord to swear fealty to, a set of ideals or an inspirational figure. arguably, lawrence finds this in adam, after adam's death; lawrence has lost his family, and though he has his work as an apprentice, he's only doing it because he has nothing else to live for at that point. or, if you love reading too much into things (like me), because he started his apprenticeship to try and get closer to adam, and kept going until he passed that point of no return. even once lawrence had to have known or suspected that adam was dead, that no amount of atrocities lawrence committed would bring adam back to him, he still had to keep going.

all of lawrence's relationship with adam (or with the idea of adam) is predicated on this idea of atonement and dedication that is destined to go unrequited and unseen. like a knight to their lord, lawrence can never touch or embrace adam again, not unless it's to protect and soothe him, and then he's not even able to do THAT. but lawrence keeps going anyway, in adam's memory if not in his honor.

[flameo-firelord-hotman]

Part 1

Pairing: Zuko x Fem!Reader

Genre: angst

Warnings: none

Words: 2.1

Summary: to everyone she knew, [y/n] was a peasant, destined to be a servant just like her parents. To Zuko, however, she was his best friend. After losing his agni kai and being exiled, [y/n] was devastated. She thought she would never see him again. Three years later, she almost wished he never came back.

A/N: it’s finally here! So sorry for putting it off for so long. I felt unmotivated and like this wasn’t very good? But I’m posting it now, so there’s no going back lol. Enjoy! And please give me feedback :)

Part 1 -> Part 2

Series | Masterlist

Despite being a lower class citizen, [y/n] was very familiar with the halls of the Fire Nation Royal Palace. Her parents had been working as servants for the royal family since she was a little girl. Her mom was a housemaid. Her dad was a groundskeeper. To be a servant for the royal family was an honor, and [y/n]'s parents instilled this in her. Sometimes they brought her to work to teach her the skills she would need to become one as well.

Yes, her parents fully expected her to become a servant. Doing so was typical for citizens of her status. Specifically, though, her parents expected her to follow in their path and work for the royal family. Perhaps that would change when she met Zuko.

"Hi! My name's Zuko! What's yours?" A bubbly boy asked [y/n] one day. He was eight years old, the same age as [y/n]. His dark hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and he had bright, amber eyes. Back and forth he rocked on his feet, anxiously waiting for her answer.

It was rare for [y/n] to see the royal family, and it was unheard of for one of them to speak to her…until that day.

"M-my name is [y/n]. It's an honor to meet you, Prince Zuko," [y/n] replied bashfully. She bowed carefully to show her respect for the Firelord's grandson, as her parents had taught her to do.

"You don't need to bow to me. You're my friend now!"

[Y/n] quickly straightened up. "But, but--"

"Will you play with me?" Zuko asked eagerly. [Y/n] turned to her mom, who was washing linens. She wasn't sure if she was allowed to.

Her mom quietly said to her, "if the Prince wants you to play with him, then it's okay." [Y/n] turned back to the young boy and nodded.

From that day on, they became best friends. Previously, [y/n] never looked forward to coming to work with her parents. It was boring, and the palace and everyone in it seemed so intimidating. Since meeting Zuko, it became the one thing she looked forward to.

They often played games in the palace gardens, or played hide-and-seek inside the palace with Zuko's mom, Lady Ursa. On occasion, they would play with his sister Azula and her friends Mai and Ty Lee (but only when the princess let her).

Eventually, instead of waiting for [y/n]'s parents to bring her to work, he would invite her over for playdates. Even as they approached their teen years, Zuko continued to invite [y/n] to hang out. As they matured, they grew closer. [Y/n] didn't realize it at first, but gradually she realized: she had feelings for Zuko.

Then one day, the invitations abruptly stopped. [Y/n] could never forget. The last words Zuko spoke to her on that day would echo in her mind: I'll be fine, [y/n]. Don't worry. I've been training for years. I'm sure I can take on this guy!

She didn’t get to watch the agni kai, and she was glad she didn't. She overheard all the palace staff whispering haunting rumors about it afterward. If only she could've been there for him. [Y/n] begged the guards outside of the infirmary to let her see Zuko, but they wouldn't.

Then, the next day, he was gone. And so [y/n] grieved the loss of her best friend and crush, so sure she would never see Zuko again.

"Momma! Papa! I'm home!" [Y/n] called as she walked into their apartment, returning home from a long day of work.

Three years had passed since that fateful day. During that time, [y/n] slowly adjusted to her new life: one without Zuko, as well as one as a housemaid. At thirteen, she began working for one of the Fire Nation's many rich, noble families. Soon she would gain the experience and expertise to become a servant for the royal family…though she was not fond of the idea of working for the family that Zuko was no longer a part of and in the home that Zuko no longer lived in. The thought of it was dreadful.

"Oh, [y/n]!" Her mom cheered as she jogged up to her. "You will not believe what I heard at the palace today!"

"Momma, please, you need to get a new hobby," [y/n] said.

Her mom was always eavesdropping and gossiping with the other servants about the royal family. [Y/n] couldn't blame her though; it was the only fun thing to do at work.

"Oh, this isn't a rumor, [y/n]. It's real," her dad chimed in as walked into the room.

[Y/n] chuckled. "Well, if dad says so, then I'm curious. What is it?"

Her parents looked at each other and grinned before turning back to [y/n]. "Prince Zuko is coming home!" They exclaimed.

[Y/n]'s jaw dropped. She was speechless. No way. They're not joking, right? They wouldn't. That would be a cruel prank. But still, Zuko was given an impossible task. That can only mean…

"Sweetie? Aren't you excited?" Her mom asked with concern. "Are you okay?"

[Y/n] nodded quickly. "Yeah, yeah. I just don't believe it. It's too good to be true, you know?"

Her mom clasped [y/n]'s hands in hers. "Well, sweetie, it is true. Please tell her, honey, so she believes me!" She turned to her husband and laughed.

"We had a large staff meeting about it today," her dad explained. "We were told that he and his sister, Princess Azula will be here in about three days."

"Wow…this is really happening, isn't it?" [Y/n] asked.

"Mhm. Now, your mother and I are going to be working hard to welcome them home for the next few days. Don't be surprised if we return home late, okay?"

"Okay, papa," [y/n] smiled, trying to contain her excitement.

"And don't worry, we'll make sure you get to see him when he comes home." Her mother winked, making [y/n] giggle.

Over the next few days, [y/n] prepared for her reunion with Zuko. First, she made sure to have the day off. Second, she used her savings to buy a nice outfit. Third, she gave her hair a trim. Finally, she rehearsed everything she was going to say to him: that she missed him so much, how sorry she was for not being there for him, that she wished she could've gone with him, and that she was beyond excited to be with him again…perhaps she would confess her feelings for the prince too.

And when he returned, [y/n] was ready. She wore her new outfit: a short, rose colored tunic and sash over a long, maroon skirt. Her [h/c] hair was styled half-up, half-down with a top knot. It was a simple look, but she thought her best friend would like it.

A massive crowd gathered outside of the palace. Just about everyone living in Royal Caldera City was there. [Y/n] and her parents got as close as they could, which was unfortunately quite far away. They could barely see or hear Li and Lo speaking from the balcony…something about Azula invading Ba Sing Se and taking down the Avatar with Zuko.

"Now, the heroes have returned home! Your princess, Azula,"  shouted the two old women. Right on cue, the princess strutted out to the edge of the balcony. [Y/n] squinted her eyes to see her. Everyone around her cheered and clapped.

"And after three long years," they continued, "your prince has returned…"

This was it. This was the moment [y/n] had been waiting for. Her heart pounded in her chest, her jaw tightened, clenching her teeth, and her palms began sweating. The anticipation was killing her.

"Zuko!" Their voices boomed over the crowd.

And there he was: the banished prince, approaching the balcony's edge. [Y/n] stared in amazement. It really was true. Zuko came home! She jumped and cheered and clapped with the rest of the crowd.

After the public announcement, [y/n]'s parents brought her into the palace "to help with housekeeping." Yes, it was lie, but the palace guards believed it. They were very familiar with [y/n] and her family after all. Quickly, she strode through the halls of the palace, going to the one place she knew she would find him.

The hall opened to a large garden behind the palace. Beautiful flowers and bushes surrounded the area. Stone steps and tōrōs led to a large weeping willow next to a pond. The willow's long branches draped over the edge of the pond, the tips of its leaves tickling the water's surface. Beneath it sat the boy she was looking for. He was feeding small chunks of bread to a family of turtleducks.

It was like a dream. For the first time in three years, [y/n] was looking at Zuko's face. A large, patch of rough, red skin covered the left side…a remnant of his agni kai. It was shocking yet saddening. However, Zuko was still very handsome. His dark hair was pulled back into a top knot and decorated with a regal hairpiece. He had grown taller, his jawline was more defined and he had become more muscular. Zuko was no longer that little boy [y/n] remembered, which begged the question: did he remember her?

As [y/n] approached the prince, Zuko noticed her and made eye contact. His body froze and eyes widened.

"Hi, Zuko," [y/n] greeted him anxiously.

He immediately stood up and dropped all the bread chunks. The turtleducks took advantage and gobbled up every last crumb. "[Y/n]? Is that you?"

"Yeah! You remembered me."

Zuko beamed and opened his arms to [y/n]. They hugged each other tightly. [Y/n] felt three years of stress and tension in her body dissipate as she relaxed into his embrace. Not only was she seeing Zuko again, she was hearing his voice (which had deepened), she was feeling his warmth, and she was remembering what he smelled like.

"Of course I remember you," Zuko said, "how could I forget my best friend?"

"It's silly, I know…but it's been so long," [y/n] replied. They separated and looked at each other. Those amber eyes still shined just as they did when she first met him. [Y/n] felt her cheeks turn rosy.

"You're right. I'm really glad to see you again. I've missed you."

[Y/n] smiled. "I've missed you too. I have the day off if you want to hang out and catch up!"

"I'd love to," Zuko started, "but I can't. I'm going out with Mai today."

[Y/n]'s smile faded. "M-Mai?"

"Yep, he's taking me on a date today," a familiar voice from behind [y/n] said.

[Y/n] turned to see Mai approaching them. She gave Zuko a sweet smile, which Zuko reciprocated. Then, she clasped her hand in his and wrapped her other hand around his bicep. She rested her head on his shoulder and looked at [y/n]. [Y/n] felt her heart drop to her stomach.

Mai was as gorgeous as ever, not to mention she was wealthy and noble. Of course, Zuko would date her. [Y/n] suddenly felt stupid for even considering telling Zuko about her feelings. Why would a prince go out with a commoner? Why would a prince fall for one in the first place? Why did she think she had a chance?

"It's about time, if you ask me," another familiar voice interrupted [y/n]'s thoughts.

Azula, someone else she hadn't seen in years, strutted into the garden with a hand on her hip. As a child she was quite bossy and intimidating. From the rumors [y/n]'s mom told her, she never grew out of that behavior. Even now, she was giving [y/n] a dirty look.

"Oh please, Azula. It's been three years, and I just got here," Zuko scowled at his sister.

The princess scoffed. "Everyone knew Mai had a crush on you. Well, everyone but my idiot brother." Mai blushed and gave Azula a look, while Zuko groaned and rolled his eyes.

[Y/n] felt very out of place and uncomfortable. She wanted to leave. She wanted to run away. She wanted to go home. She wanted to lay in her bed and curse herself for thinking this was a good idea. Sure, [y/n] was beyond happy to see Zuko again, but she was also crushed knowing that his heart belonged to someone else. Moreover, being in the presence of Azula made her feel threatened. [Y/n] knew the princess despised her.

"Well, um, I'll leave you all to it. Have fun today…" [y/n] quietly said, smiling weakly.

"Okay, it was great seeing you again, [y/n]!" He said cheerfully.

"Yeah, it was good to see you too."

No…no, it wasn't.

[hildagirl99]

Chapter 5: Discovering the tribe and these secrets (part 1)

(english version)

That night, Hilda had a nightmare, she dreamed of being pulled out of bed and Cagney, everyone was around her, they forced her to be on the throne and prevented her from leaving. She wakes up with a start.

"Hilda, darling, how are you?" Asks Cagney.

"Um ... I ... I have a bad dream, do not worry," she said, wiping her eyes.

"Tahw ?" Writes a guard as he opens their door.

"Huh? What? "Hilda asks, pulling up the blanket.

"Souv zeva éirc!"

"But I don't understand ! What do you say !"

"He asks what you have! You shouted! "Oswald said as he passed the door.

"Ah ... nothing. I have a nightmare, but everything is fine. Please, tell him to leave. "

"She has not been ramehcuac! Tuot av neib. Te ... al zellievrus sap ec rios. "Oswald said.

"Udnetne ..." said the guard, lowering his head and whispering something to him, and then go back to his side. Hilda raises an eyebrow.

"Forgive him, I gave him the order to watch over your room tonight. You must not miss anything ... and forgive me, I did not say hello to you. Hi Hilda. "

She was surprised, but she could not blame him.

"Hello…"

"Sir ... out of sheer intimacy, could he stop squatting the front of the room?" Asks Cagney, grumpily.

"It's for your safety," Oswald said, turning around, and added.

"The breakfast is waiting for you downstairs. You have a busy day. "

"We're coming ..." Hilda said, slowly getting up.

"Pfff ... security ... I'm already here for you, darling," Cagney said, stretching.

"That's nice, honey ... maybe he's doing too much."

They hurry to get dressed and go down to the dining room.

"Hello dad, hello mom! Well slept? "Fio asks with enthusiasm.

"Well, that's okay ..." said his father.

"Just have a nightmare but it's okay ..." Hilda answers.

"It's stress and change that does that, don't worry, today the day is going to be busy for us. I promised you to visit the village, "Fio said.

"Good idea, it's going to change my mind," Cagney said.

After a few minutes of preparation, they finally got out. Hilda was stressed and excited to discover for the first time where she was born.

"We will begin with the orphanage, the one I had built to accommodate children without fathers or mothers, or abandoned."

They walked along the streets between the houses of the villagers, who greeted their leader, Fio.

"You seem very appreciated!" Comments Cagney.

"Obviously, I'm not a bully, huh!" Laughed Fio.

"But how and why did they choose you as a leader?" Hilda asks.

"That will be the topic of discussion tonight," he replied.

After a few minutes of walking, they arrive in front of the doors of the orphanage.

"Orphanage" sweet family "! Welcome! "Fio said opening the gate.

"It's you who imagined the details and the architecture?" Asks his mother.

"Yes, if we can say but it's the architects who offered me that."

They enter the orphanage and arrive at the reception, a young woman moved and ran with flying leaves.

"Hello Miss Sky!" Said Fio.

"Oh!" The young woman jumped.

"Forgive me, Highness, I did not see you coming!" She said, picking up her leaves.

"Come on, calm down, and relax," Fio said, helping him tidy up his desk.

"I just want to introduce the orphanage to our visitors."

"Oh hello Madam, sir! Enjoy it, "she said with a smile.

"Well, thank you," said Hilda.

"Ah! I forgot, highness! Fluffy escaped again last night ... "

"Yes I know, he ate under the kitchen table last night."

"But I don't understand why he runs away, yet I give him the same love and attention as other children."

"It's only been a week since he arrived, he must be given time." Reassures Fio.

To that, Cagney remembers this little flower. He is an orphan? Just like him once. After a long visit, they come out. Cagney sits on a tree stump.

"Are you okay, you seem upset!" Said Hilda.

"All children, no family ... it reminds me ..."

She approaches him and cuddles him gently.

"Oh my darling ..."

"If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone for a moment, continue the visit, we'll meet at the castle." Said Cagney.

"No, it does not bother me ... but are you sure it's okay?"

"After all, that's where you come from, my heart, you need to see the rest of the tribe, everything will be fine, do not worry." He said giving her a little kiss on the cheek.

"All right, we'll see you later." Said Hilda. And she resumed the visit with Fio.

Cagney remains silent for a long moment until he feels a presence next to him. It was the little flower of last night. Sitting next to him, she looks at him. She does not seem scared like yesterday.

"Oh ... hello, you're Fluffy, are you?" Cagney asks.

"Yes ... it's me, but how do you know my name?" Answer the flower.

"We did not stop talking about you in the orphanage, why are you running away all the time?"

"I don't like being here ... I want my dad and my mom ..." Fluffy said, lowering his head.

Cagney did not know what to answer, the little one did not understand that he had no more parents?

"The last time I saw them, they told me to run as far as possible and hide myself until they came to pick me up, and that's where the director found me ... and then I do not remember, I want to find them. "

Cagney was embarrassed.

"Do you think you can help me find them?" Fluffy request.

"But ... do you think I can help you?"

"But you are a flower, so you know where my parents are!" Insists there.

"Listen, kid, I'm not from here, I'm afraid I can not help you." Said Cagney, heavy hearted. He could not help him, he did not want to disappoint him if he learns that his parents are dead.

"Hey, he's here!" Crit a voice. It was the D-mons, they rushed to Cagney, looking cheerful.

"Hey, what are you doing here alone?"

"I have the right to have a single moment here, right?" Said Cagney, not wanting to be bothered.

"We'll take away your loneliness! Come on we'll play together!" Said Tac.

"Out of the question !"

"Please, Mr. flower!" Supplie Boom with a beaten dog look.

"Well ... it's because it's you ..." Cagney said as he got up. But Fluffy grabs his hand and holds him back.

"No stay with me !"

"But you don't want to come play with them?"

"No ... they're not nice ..." Fluffy whispers.

But the three balls of hair lead him behind, not giving Cagney time to answer. They drag him a little further down the mountain, Cagney had a bad feeling.

"Are you making a joke?" He asks.

"What makes you say that, we're just going to play hide-and-seek!"

"Playing near the ravines is not reassuring ..."

"We're used to it, we never had an accident!" Accurate Tic.

"Come on, you count and we hide, and no cheating!" Said Tac.

"Okay, up to thirty." Said Cagney turning around. Then thirty seconds later, he starts looking for them. The only noises he heard was the wind slipping against the rocky walls like a hissing sound.

" Not the right to change places!"

Suddenly, a sound of stone catches his attention.

"Ha ha! You're not very discreet!" Said Cagney approaching the place where the noise was coming from. He approaches and finds himself in front of a deep black crevice.

"Uh ...? Are you there?"

In response, a brutal gesture from behind hit his back and he falls head first into the crevice.

"Aaaaah !!" He crashes lower, and injured his arm. He gets up a little dizzy and raises his head.

"Hahaha, you don't behave so much now, huh?"

"You filthy little rascals, get me out of here, I should never have trusted you !!" Crit Cagney.

"It was Mr. Oswald's plan, he wants to keep you away from your wife, Haha!" Add Tac.

Cagney was stung! Oswald? This traitor who claims to be good wants to move him away from Hilda?

"Good luck climbing! The walls are wet!" Said Tac before leaving with the gang, leaving Cagney to his fate.

Meanwhile, Hilda was coming to the end of her visit. She worries about Cagney. She decides to go back to the castle, hoping to see him.

"Tell me, Oswald, did you see Cagney enter the castle?"

"No, but he was not with you?"

"If but ... he decided to rest in front of the orphanage."

"Yes, that's it!" Said the voice of Lord Eustache.

"But I saw him go with the D-mons!"

"Excuse me, what was he doing with them?" Hilda asks.

"Let's say he wanted to be entertained, he felt lonely, the D-mons can't stand to see someone sad." Eustache said calmly.

In the crevasse, Cagney tries desperately to extricate himself but the wall is very slippery, he began to lose hope until ...

"Sir, Monsieur flower?"

A voice ? It was not that of the D-mons.

"I'm here! In the crevasse!" Cry Cagney.

It was Fluffy!

"I should have listened to you, these kids will pay for it!" Cagney said angrily.

"Wait, I've found a liana, I'll help you get out of here before everyone thinks you're dead!" Fluffy said, throwing the liana. Cagney was relieved, he climbed painfully to the liana and came to the surface.

"Oh, you're hurt!" Fluffy said with concern.

"It's nothing ... just a scratch ... and actually ... thank you." He was grateful that this little flower saved his life.

"I ... I had to do it, Mr. flower." Said Fluffy smiling.

"Call me Cagney." He said, extending his smile.

"But in the meantime, I have two words to say to his rascals and this Oswald!" He grumbled and walked towards the castle, his fist clenched.

However, Eustache walked by Hilda in the throne room.

"Do you know we have a ball tonight in your honor?" Said Eustache.

"Oh, I ... I did not know." She asks, surprised.

"Would you like me to be your rider?" He asks, narrowing his eyes.

"Eh? ... Uh ... that's nice, but I already have my husband." Said Hilda, embarrassed.

"But have you never danced with other men?"

"No I…"

"Are you under the influence of your husband, forbidding you to see other men?" He asks insistently.

"Sir, I don't allow you to speak of my husband so, and what is between us is not your business!" Hilda said, raising her voice.

"On the contrary ... you should try." He said slyly.

"Oh, I don't believe, Mr. Eustache!" Cagney said as he tumbled into the throne room, and got closer to Hilda.

(thanks for @yonnichan-art )

To be continued