#thyra 7

[sihtricfedaraaahvicius]

Note: direct follow up to part 7! This is the last Mechanic chapter! All other parts are here.

Warnings: 18+! angst. toxic relationship, manipulation, gaslighting, possessive behaviour, suggestive. mention of murder, breaking and entering, assault and drugs.

pairing: Modern!Sihtric x you (f)

summary: How far would you allow Sihtric to go?

wordcount: 4,5k

Masterlist

'Oh, you foolish little lady. So naive.'

'I'm Thyra,' she said and held her hand out over the table to your boyfriend.

'Sihtric,' he introduced himself as he shook her hand, 'how are you?'

'Fine, thank you,' Thyra smiled, 'and you?'

'Couldn't be better,' Sihtric said curtly.

He sat back, his head slightly tilted as he stared at Thyra, who felt uncomfortable because she wasn't sure what he was looking at, as his shades hid his eyes for her. Then Sihtric turned to face you, and he smiled while he placed his big, warm hand on your bare thigh.

'And how is my girl?' he whispered and squeezed your skin.

'Good,' you smiled, tensing up at his sudden grip.

'Yeah?' Sihtric hummed and leaned in a little closer, 'how come you didn't tell me you were to meet up with someone today, hm?'

Thyra eaves dropped as she awkwardly sipped from her drink in silence.

'I… I didn't know I had to tell you,' you whispered shyly, your cheeks reddened under his soft, yet threatening voice.

Sihtric scoffed lightly and took your chin, then he smiled sweetly at you again.

'Well, now you know,' he said and pecked your lips, 'understood, little lady?'

'Yeah,' you nodded.

Feeling ill at the sight of your submissive behaviour and Sihtric's controlling behaviour towards you, Thyra suddenly cleared her throat and got up from her seat.

'If you guys will excuse me,' she said, 'I need to use the restroom.'

When Thyra left the table, Sihtric took off his shades and he stared down at you, his hand still on your thigh.

'I will forgive you this one time,' he said softly, 'but you can't go out dressed like this again when I'm not with you.'

'What?' you frowned and looked down at your t-shirt and denim hotpants, 'what do you mean? What's wrong with this?'

'Your shorts, baby,' Sihtric pulled the fabric, 'they're too short.'

'Well, they're… they're shorts,' you chuckled, 'and it's summer.'

'That makes you think it's okay?'

'I-'

'No,' Sihtric cut you off, 'you can wear this for me, or when I'm with you. But not when you're out on your own, okay?'

'O… okay,' you looked down at your feet, ashamed, 'I'm sorry.'

'Hey,' Sihtric whispered and pushed your chin up to meet his eyes, 'I just don't want anyone to look at what belongs to me,' he smiled, 'at least, not when I'm not there to claim it, that's all,' he said and kissed your lips quickly.

You giggled and blushed when Sihtric winked at you, and you buried your face in his chest as he wrapped his arms around you.

'My little puppy,' Sihtric said with a soft chuckle and kissed the top of your head, while you snuck your hands under his shirt real quick.

He held you close when Thyra sat back at the table again, and she tried to hide her discomfort as best as he could, but a worried look painted her face regardless.

'So,' she tried to smile at Sihtric, 'I hear you are a mechanic.'

'I am,' Sihtric said, and an awkward silence fell.

'It's… it's how we met,' you said, trying to lighten the mood, 'Sihtric fixed up my car several times,' you smiled and looked up at him, 'and one day he offered me a ride home on his bike, and that's how it all started.'

Sihtric smiled at you while Thyra tried her hardest to pinpoint Sihtric's energy.

'Nice to have such a handyman around,' she said, 'so, Sihtric, tell me about yourself. Do you have any brothers or sisters?' she asked casually.

'No,' Sihtric said, 'not anymore.'

'What?' you looked up at him.

'Long story, sweetheart,' Sihtric smiled softly at you, 'I'll tell you sometime.'

Thyra gave you a concerned look, and you couldn't deny you shared her feeling, remembering the story she told you about some guy from the Ragnarssons MC getting killed by his brother.

'So,' she then said, 'you're…. You're a biker guy?'

'Yeah,' Sihtric said as he brought his attention back to Thyra again, who was looking at his motorcycle.

'Not in any biker gang, I hope?' she chuckled awkwardly while you glared at her.

'I am, actually,' Sihtric said curtly, 'problem with that?'

You felt your cheeks heat up at Sihtric's sudden honesty, while Thyra looked surprised herself.

'I… I,'  she stammered, 'oh. Well, I … I hope you didn't know that guy who got murdered then, that biker? I believe his name was S-Sven?'

Sihtric tensed up and stared at Thyra. You weren't sure if he was trying to intimidate her, or if he just didn't want to answer her question when he kept silent for a few long seconds. You looked up at Sihtric, who still had you pressed against his side, and before you could try to say something, he finally spoke.

'What are you? A cop?' Sihtric scoffed.

'Why? Did you kill him?' Thyra suddenly blurted out.

'Why would I answer such ridiculous questions?' Sihtric said, heated, 'who the fuck do you think you are?'

'Babe,' you said, placing your hand on his chest as Sihtric perked up, 'she… she means well-'

'I bet she does,' he said and wrapped his arm around your neck again.

'Was he your brother?' Thyra asked Sihtric.

'All of this is none of your business, lady,' Sihtric hissed.

'Okay,' Thyra looked at you, 'I'm sorry, but I truly don't think you should be with this guy-'

'You will not speak to her!' Sihtric snapped, to which Thyra flinched and stopped talking.

Sihtric jumped up, pulling you along with him, 'Come, baby,' he said, 'I'm taking you home.'

'But-' you tried to speak, but no one heard you.

'You don't possess her!' Thyra suddenly yelled as Sihtric dragged you to his bike by your arm.

'I do!' Sihtric snarled, 'she's mine and she belongs to me!'

'Sihtric-' you tried to calm him down, but to no avail.

'If I ever see you around her again,' Sihtric said as he got up in Thyra's face after she had followed, but he quickly bit his tongue and didn't finish his sentence.

'If you are threatening me, know that I will go to the cops,' Thyra said, as brave as she could.

'Go ahead,' Sihtric laughed, 'I own the cops. Like I own everyone in this fucking town,' he said before he shoved his helmet in your hands, 'put that on, honey,' he said to you.

'Think about this!' Thyra said to you while Sihtric got on his bike, 'this isn't you! Look at him! How can you be with someone like this!? This isn't you!'

You tried to listen to your friend, deep down knowing she was right. You would never let a guy control you like this. This truly wasn't you. But before you could think for yourself again, Sihtric grabbed your hand, urging you to get on his bike behind him, and you listened.

'From now on I want to see all your texts, sweetheart,' Sihtric said sternly as he slammed your front door shut behind him.

He followed you into your kitchen where he grabbed you and spun you around, trapping you against the large fridge.

'I want to know who your friends are and what they're telling you, you got that?'

'Y-yeah,' you whispered as you felt his big hands on your waist, pulling your body against his.

'Good,' he breathed, 'cause you're mine, darling,' he grabbed your face, 'all fucking mine,' he whispered, dragging his lips over your neck, 'no one else gets to tell you what to do, baby girl, except me. And you will listen to me, won't you?'

'Yeah,' you sighed as he nuzzled your nose softly, your hands moving up his biceps.

'Good girl,' Sihtric whispered, 'you're mine. And I want to take what's mine right now.'

He pushed you over to your dinner table, where he unbuttoned your shorts.

'You only get to wear this for me,' he breathed in your ear as he pulled your hotpants down, 'no one else is to see those legs of yours, right, little lady?'

'Yeah,' you breathed, 'j-just for you.'

Sihtric hummed as he pulled down your panties and sat you up on the table. Without any hesitation, you opened your legs for him while your hands found their way to his jeans, greedily pulling them down to his knees.

'You're so pretty,' Sihtric smiled as he held your face, and he bit down on his lip when you pulled his boxers down and worked his hard length with your hand.

'So are you,' you chuckled, smitten, and your breath hitched when you felt his cock twitch in your hand.

'You will not speak to that friend of yours ever again, okay?' Sihtric said while his breathing became harder and faster, 'I don't want you to see her or text her ever again, okay, baby?'

'Yeah,' you nearly moaned when he teased your wet folds with his fingertips.

'You will do as I say, always, understand, my love?'

'Mhm,' you hummed, desperately wanting to feel him inside you.

Sihtric chuckled softly at how pathetically weak you were for him, and he loved it.

'Say you understand,' he said, slowly pushing his cock inside you.

'Fuck,' you breathed as you wrapped your legs around his waist, 'I- I understand,' you sighed, 'I understand, my love.'

'Good,' Sihtric smiled, and slowly thrusted into you, 'such a fucking good girl for me.'

The next day you woke up alone, again, to another note left on your pillow. Sihtric had left early in the morning for work again, and asked you to come over just before closing time. And as with everything, you did what he wanted.

You got dressed and, as you wanted to grab those hotpants again, you remembered what Sihtric had said. You flung the shorts in the laundry basket and opened your closet to find something more… suitable to wear. You picked some skinny jeans with a tank top and made your way to the kitchen. You grabbed some milk and suddenly, as you grabbed your box of cereal, a small clear bag fell out along with the box, in the empty sink. You grabbed the unfamiliar bag out of your sink and gasped when you realised what was inside; multiple smaller, clear bags with pills inside them.

'What the fuck?' you whispered as you stared at your find.

You tried to understand what it was, and lied to yourself for a whole minute as you kept telling yourself it couldn't possibly be drugs. But you knew it was, there was no doubt about it. You just didn't understand why it was in your cupboard. But most of all you didn't understand why it was clearly meant to be hidden away, as it was shoved quite far down into the cupboard with the cereal box. Your head began to spin while your hands trembled. And then, as if suddenly your pink shades fell off, you became utterly furious with Sihtric. Because how dare he bring drugs into your house? 

You: can you believe this?! Sihtric hid a bag of pills in my house!

Thyra: what?!

You sent her a photo of the bags as you were still fuming.

Thyra: by the gods!!

Thyra: you HAVE to get rid of this guy! Before you know it you're in this shit too

Thyra: get out, honey, please! Leave him!

You: I'm so pissed right now… I can't believe he did this!

Then, Thyra called you.

'I'm telling you,' she said, concern laced her voice, 'you have to dump this guy. Break all ties you have with him before it's too late!'

'I know,' you sobbed, 'but… I… I do love him, Thyra.'

'No, no,' Thyra said, 'you love the idea of him. You love the way he fucks you, probably, and the attention he gives you. But your relationship is anything but healthy!'

'I know,' you cried, 'but… we've been through so much.'

'I know,' she said, 'and I know you had something of a bond with him after that crash, but I'm telling you, this is not the right guy for you.'

'I know,' you sniffled again, 'I just don't know what to do.'

'You have to go to the cops!' 

'I can't go to the cops,' you panicked, 'he… that club basically owns the cops!'

'There's always a few who don't work for them, I'm sure of it,' Thyra said, 'but you have to end this, today!'

After your secret phone call with Thyra, you took a bus to the repair shop. You were surprised to see Finan, who smiled kindly at you, as always, and said Sihtric was in the back working on some bikes. You anxiously walked through the door and found Sihtric, kneeled down next to a motorbike, with greasy hands. He looked up when he heard the door and smiled when he saw you.

'Hey, little lady,' Sihtric said with a sly smile as he walked up to you.

But before he could kiss you, you stepped back, away from him. He looked confused and tried to kiss you again, but when your back collided against the wall, knocking off some tools, he took a step back himself.

'Are you okay, love?' he asked.

'N-no,' you tried to sound as confident as possible.

It took all your strength to not fall for Sihtric's good looks and sweet talking behaviour. Thyra was right; this had to end today. Ever since the incident, Sihtric had changed. Or maybe he hadn't changed, maybe he only started to show his true colours afterwards, which worsened after your trip to France. You just didn't know.

'What's wrong, honey?' Sihtric asked, concerned.

'W-why did you bring drugs into my house?' your voice trembled.

'What?' he stared at you, 'baby, I don't know what you're talking about-'

'Don't do this!' you suddenly yelled and started to cry, 'don't pretend like I'm an idiot! Just stop fucking lying! For once!'

'I'm not-'

'Why did you hide drugs in my cupboard!?' you shouted.

Sihtric's face changed. His sweet, concerned look made place for a hard, jaw clenched stare as he tilted his chin up slightly, letting you know you could try him, but you would never stand a chance.

'Talk to me!' you screamed.

'It's there,' Sihtric said, calmly, 'because no one would think to look at your place if I'd get caught.' 

'You don't know that!'

'Oh, but I do,' he clicked his tongue and stepped closer.

He backed you into a wall again and towered over you.

'Little puppy,' Sihtric chuckled lightly, 'no one would suspect a cute, little innocent thing like you to hide drugs in her house,' he licked his lips and smiled, 'it's been there for a while already. Was that the only bag you found?' he seemed to mock you.

'What the fuck are you talking about?' you said while you trembled on your legs, and Sihtric grabbed your face.

'You think that cupboard is the only place I hid stuff at?' Sihtric laughed, 'oh, you foolish little lady. So naive.'

'Y-you won't get away with … with this,' you stammered as you stared up into his mismatched eyes.

'If I go down, pretty little lady,' he husked, 'I'm taking you with me.'

Before you could say something, your phone rang. Sihtric was quick to shove his hand towards your backpocket, snatching your phone out of your jeans before you could even make an attempt. He looked at your phone, scoffed, and showed you your phone screen. Thyra was calling.

'I thought I told you something?' Sihtric said, 'did I not make myself clear yesterday?'

In a sudden rush of anger and fear, you shoved Sihtric away as you grabbed your phone out of his hands, and you tried to run to the door. But Sihtric was much faster, and stronger, and he grabbed you by your hair. He yanked you back towards him, wrapped his hand around your throat and shoved you harshly back up against the wall again.

'Let go of me!' you screamed.

'You think you can get away from me?' Sihtric hissed while you tried to fight him, 'you won't,' he breathed in your ear, 'I will have you. I will fucking have you, lady, you are mine. And I will always find you.'

'Let me go!' you screamed again and managed to somehow punch him in the face, after which he let you go. 

You ran through the door as tears rolled down your face, and Finan gave you a startled look when you almost ran into him.

'What in the bloody hell is going on here?' he asked as you ran past him, 'oi!' he shouted after you.

'I never want to see him again!' you cried out and ran out of the garage.

You called Thyra as you ran, who was quick to pick you up, and hours later you found yourself at home, still spooked by everything that had happened. And then Finan called.

'Lady,' he said, 'I… I don't know how to tell you this, but, eh, Sihtric's been arrested.'

'What?' you jumped up, heart beating out of your chest, 'when?'

'A few hours ago. Look,' Finan said, 'I know you've figured out our involvement with the Ragnarsons by now. Sihtric… Sihtric's done things lately, he got in over his head.'

'So he did kill his brother?' you asked, feeling sick to your stomach.

For what seemed like minutes, Finan was quiet, then he said, 'He… he did. But I swear, this is not the Sihtric I knew. He hasn't been the same since that crash… he was never like this. He could fight, and he enjoyed a good fight, yes. But what I saw today,' Finan paused, 'I swear Sihtric has never laid hands on a woman before. I'm really sorry this happened. You didn't have to tell me anything, I figured it out by the noise and the way you ran away earlier today, at the shop. I'm sorry I couldn't stop it, I had no idea things had gone this far. Has he… has he done that before?'

'No,' your voice broke, 'this was the first time he really hurted me. Sure, he's been a little rough at times, but… he… this was different.'

'Aye, lass,' Finan sighed, 'can I do anything for you?'

'No,' you sniffled, 'I just want Sihtric out of my life.'

'He's being held at the police station now, but you and I both know he will not just let go of you.'

'I know.'

'Are you alone?' Finan asked.

'No,' you said, 'I have a friend with me, she'll be staying the night.'

'Okay, good. Again,' he said, 'I'm really sorry. I know we saw changes in the hospital back then, but I thought it was just, you know, temporary. That crash fucked up something in his head. I swear this is not the guy I know.'

'I know,' you said with a sob, and you started to cry, 'I… just don't understand,' you said, almost inaudible, 'this is not the guy I fell in love with. Sihtric was so- so sweet, gentle, and patient. He didn't want to rush our relationship and he… he was careful. I… I loved him,' you cried, 'I fucking loved him. And then he just… he's been hiding drugs in my house, Finan!'

While you cried on the phone to Finan, Thyra had wrapped her arms around you already.

'Jesus,' Finan said, clearly upset too, 'I wish that accident never happened, truly. He was so happy when he figured you were into him, you both seemed to really belong together. But… God had other plans, I suppose. This shouldn't have happened. And… I just…' Finan took a deep breath, 'lady, listen to me, you stay away from him. I mean it. He has lost his way and he will take everyone down with him, so it seems. When he contacts you, don't answer his calls. Don't open the door or anything, okay? You call the cops.'

'But you guys own the cops…'

'We do,' Finan said, 'but Sihtric turned on a member of our own. Even if he hated his half brother, we all did, but we still have rules. The cops listen to Uhtred, as he is our president, we will get word out. I hate to tell you this, but this club will kill him. Uhtred will kill him if he shows his face again. You best try and forget about Sihtric, I'm really sorry. I'm really sorry it has to end like this.'

It was midnight. You had cried for hours in bed already, while Thyra tried to console you, when you asked her to leave the room. You were tired and empty, you wanted to just be alone for a while and try to sleep. Thyra agreed and said you only had to yell if you needed something. And eventually, you fell asleep.

It was still dark outside when you woke up, startled as a hand firmly covered your mouth while you felt someone's body weight on top of you. It was too dark to see, but you felt paralyzed when you heard Sihtric's voice in your ear.

'Hey, baby,' he whispered, his lips grazed your ear, 'did you miss me?'

You tried to scream but his hand muffled any sound you made, and he hushed you while softly pecking your cheek.

'Shh,' Sihtric hushed, 'I'm not here to hurt you, little lady. I'm sorry for what happened earlier. I just,' he sighed, 'baby, you don't understand. I told you to not speak to your friend anymore, and yet you did.'

Thyra, you thought, where is Thyra? How did Sihtric get in the house? Is she okay? Is she hurt? Has she been hiding? Does he know she is here? Your mind spiralled while Sihtric continued to hold you down to the bed.

'I'm going to let you speak now,' he whispered, 'but if you try to scream,' you shuddered when you felt his fingertips trace your cheek, 'I'll have to do things I really don't want to. So, please, just be quiet, sweetheart. Okay?'

You nodded with big eyes, finally being able to somewhat see him now that your eyes had adjusted to the dark. You noticed your curtain was slightly pushed to the side, and your window was fully open. You figured Sihtric had gotten inside your house through the window, meaning that he probably does not know Thyra is in the living room, and she is most likely unharmed.

'Why are you here?' you whimpered as Sihtric still sat on top of you.

Sihtric scoffed and cupped your cheeks.

'Because I love you, little lady,' he whispered and pressed his lips onto yours, 'and I want you to run away with me. Let's leave town, sweetheart, right now. Just you and me, together. We can start over.'

'W-what about the club?'

'I want nothing to do with them anymore,' Sihtric lied, knowing very well that if someone of the Ragnarsons MC sees him, he'll get killed, 'I want to get away with you. Come on, love,' he breathed and kissed you again, 'run away with me. We'll be like Bonnie and Clyde,' he chuckled, and pulled you in for another kiss.

You reluctantly kissed him back, with tears in your eyes, out of fear and disgust. But you figured the only way to get away from him alive was to play along with him, so you allowed him to pull you in his lap when he sat back on your bed.

'Promise me we'll have a better ending than Bonnie and Clyde?' you whispered as you moved your hand up in his curls, your other cupping his cheek.

'I promise,' Sihtric whispered, 'come,' he pulled you closer, 'give me one more?'

You feigned a smile and kissed him. Then, you slowly guided him to lay down, his head resting on your pillow, and you climbed on top of him. Sihtric hummed and pulled you in, his lips eagerly capturing you in a slow, passionate kiss. And you desperately tried not to cry when you remembered how he had kissed you so desperately that first time, when you both kept pulling away, only to pull each other back. While now, all you wanted to do was to push Sihtric away, and never pull him back in again. 

'My love,' Sihtric moaned softly against your lips, his hands in your hair, 'we don't have much time. We should leave as fast as we can. The cops are looking for me,' he whispered in between kisses, 'lady, I have killed for you. Because I love you. I took a life for you, baby girl. All because I want to keep you safe. We- we have to leave… now.'

'I know,' you whispered and nuzzled his nose, 'just one more, Sihtric.'

'One more,' he smiled, and he gently kissed you again, it almost felt like you were kissing the Sihtric you fell in love with.

But you knew it wasn't him, and it would never be him again. While you allowed his tongue to sneak in your mouth, wanting his breathing to intensify so he wouldn't hear you quietly search for the knife you had kept next to your bed, as you had already feared Sihtric would show up at some point. And when your hand found it, you slowly moved it onto the bed, while Sihtric's hand trailed down your back, to your buttocks, which he squeezed as he smiled against your lips.

'I love you, little lady,' Sihtric whispered.

And those were the last words you would ever hear him speak, as those were the last words Sihtric would ever speak. While you had him wrapped around your finger, the way he had you wrapped around his all this time, completely at your mercy, you were quick to cut his throat. 

Thyra had stormed into the room shortly after she had heard your heartbreaking scream. And while Sihtric lay dead in your bed, you eventually managed to text Finan, who came over with Uhtred. They urged you to leave, promising they would take care of Sihtric's body, and told you that you did the only right thing you could possibly have done. Thyra helped you pack a few bags while Uhtred and Finan arranged a place for you to stay, out of town. And you left before sunrise.

You ran away and started over, just like Sihtric had wanted. Except, you started a whole new life on your own. 

And all the money that Sihtric had, in a hidden bank account, was transferred to you by the club, as a way to apologise for everything that had happened. And after you had mourned your losses and accepted the fact it was either kill or be killed that night, you used his money with ease. Treating yourself to fancy dinners, holidays, a brand new car and a new, fancy apartment. 

And you told yourself to never trust a hot guy ever again.

But you'll admit, the hot guy who lived next door to you at your new place had definitely caught your eye. In some ways, he even reminded you of Sihtric. Except that he had a different haircut and no scars on his face. You learned his name when you met the other day, as you left your home while he just came back, and he asked your name.

'You should come over for a drink sometime, when you're all settled here,' he had said as he leaned his broad shoulder against his front door, 'I'm Masema, by the way,' he smiled, and in your head you immediately called him Hot Masema.

taglist: @clairacassidy @finanmoghra @uunotheangel @hb8301 @bathedinheat @neonhairspray @anaeve @bubblyabs @travelingmypassion @sylasthegrim @bubbles-for-all-of-us @andakth @chompchompluke @willowbrookesblog @lady-targaryens-world @skyofficialxx @diosademuerte @elle4404 @alexagirlie @sweetxime @solango @gemini-mama @cheyennep3107 @little-diable @jennifer0305 @drwstarkeyy @mrsarnasdelicious @verenahx @urmomsgirlfriend1 @moonchildrenandflowercrowns @n4tforlife

[asoiaf-fancasts]

Sansa Stark - Fancasts

Age: 11 - 13

Appearance: She is traditionally beautiful by Westerosi standards. She has high cheekbones, deep blue eyes and thick soft auburn hair that is lighter than her mother’s. She is described as tall, graceful and ‘womanly’. Her hair is dyed when she becomes Alayne.

Character: Elizabeth Tudor [Younger]

Actress: Claire MacCauley

Show: The Tudors [2007] [Season 3]

[Unknown age, looks to be between 7 - 9 so good for pre-cannon or maybe book 1. She has light auburn hair and high cheekbones but her eyes are the wrong colour. She wears 16th century clothes.Sorry for the bad quality photos, couldn’t find better.]

Character: Elizabeth Tudor [Younger]

Actress: Summer Rose Allison

Movie: Elizabeth I [2017]

[Unknown Age, looks about 8 ish - 11 so around the right age for when she arrives in Kings Landing or when she’s at Winterfell. She is pretty with thick auburn hair but doesn’t have deep blue eyes but she has high cheekbones. She wears 16th century clothes.]

Character[s]: Thyra [Younger] & Elizabeth Tudor

Actress: Madeleine Power

Show[s]: The Last Kingdom [2015] & Six Wives with Lucy Worsley[2016]

[Unknown Age, was playing a 9 year old in both and looks to be around that age maybe a year older in the Six Wives. Her hair is a light auburn but it’s thin and she has brown eyes unfortunately but she does have high cheekbones. She wears Norse ish clothes in the last kingdom and 16th century clothes in the six wives.]

Character[s]: Mary & Lily Evens [Younger]

Actress: Ellie Darcey-Aiden

Show: Robin Hood [2006] [Season 3 & 1 Episode]

Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

[She is 9 in Robin Hood so too young but she interacts with a character who looks like the hound and is in more accurate clothes. She is the right age for her in the first few books in the Harry Potter movie at 11/12. She is pretty with light auburn hair and high cheekbones but has the wrong eyes. She wears relatively modern clothes in Harry Potter so it’s only good for close ups but Robin Hood’s mediaeval ish.]

Character[s]: Maria Merryweather & Lyra Belacqua

Actress:Dakota Blue Richards

Movie[s]: The Secret of Moonacre [2008] & The Golden Compass [2007]

[She was 12/13 during these movies so around the right age for her in later books. She is pretty with light auburn hair and has high cheekbones but the wrong eyes. She wears modern clothes in Golden Compass and fantasy clothes in Moonacre.]

Character: Elizabeth Tudor

Actress: Laoise Murray

Show: The Tudors [2007] [Season 4]

[She is 13 during this season so good for Sansa in later books. She is pretty with auburn hair and high cheekbones.She has light but not blue eyes.She wears 16th century clothes.]

Character: Estella [Younger]

Actress: Helena Barlow

Movie: Great Expectations [2012]

[She was 13 during the making of the movie. She has thick light auburn hair and has blue ish green eyes. She wears Victorian ish clothes.]

Character: Felicity

Actress: Shailene Woodley

Movie: An American Girl Adventure [2005]

[She was 13/14 during filming so the right age for Sansa in later books and the Winds of Winter. She is pretty with auburn hair and high cheekbones but she doesn’t have blue eyes. She wears 18th century ish American clothes.]

Character: Estella [Younger]

Actress: Izzy Meikle-Small

Show: Great Expectations [2011]

[She was 14/15 during the filming of this show so good for Winds of Winter. She is pretty with brown hair that would suit Alayne with hints of auburn in the right light and she has high cheekbones plus she has blue eyes. She is unfortunately average height.She wears early 19th century clothes.]

[feliniakattus]

The City

i’ve been struggling with coming up with ideas for the city - they always seem too humanlike rather than the animals they need to be.

So. there is a focus on a system or group of parallel mountain ranges and physical fighting in the city. Groups are divided into six or so creatures, each of whom have elected one member of their group into a higher group, called a Peak. (these smaller groups are called Slopes).

The biggest, most important thing for a City creature is their faction. Divided into four colours: Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue, loyalty is defined solely on where you live. For instance, an entire town could be made up of Blue loyalists.

Champions are the most important creatures of all. There will be one champion per faction, and they are the creature who has remained undefeated for the longest. Every season, every combatant in a faction's fighters will be pitted against each other. The victorious creature will be named that season's champion. Champions usually have very long winning streaks, so much so that generations have been defined by which champion was winning at the time. Even when they lose their champion status, they’ll be trotted back out at every opportunity, appealing to an older audience and bringing even more creatures to the matches.

The current champions are Thyra, of the Blues, Einar, of the Reds, Cedar, of the Yellows, and Ginger, of the Greens.

Thyra, the gray and black molly in the centre, is a relatively young champion. She is approaching her fourth year, meaning that she is a little above 15 human years. So far, she remains undefeated on the mat. She’s a little bad-tempered, sometimes overly proud and reckless, but Thyra has a good heart.

unrelated art of older Thyra murdering someone. I imagine for a period of her life she dropped off the face of the earth, leaving her family, her faction, and her adoring audiences to wonder where she had gone, while she explored League ground. It would have been a dangerous part of her life. I don’t think she likes talking about it.

Einar, the horned Yeenix on the left, is a new champion but an older Yeenix, at 7 years old. (55~ human years.) He is fiercely loyal to his faction, almost worryingly so, and will be seen beside the ring, slathered in red dye, whooping and yipping to boost up the crowd. It’s rumoured that he’s considering retiring the spotlight and passing it onto his daughter, a Yeenix who has made a name for herself with new, flashy moves that captivated the audience.

Ginger, the small winged cat in the right corner, is perhaps the least likely champion. Still, she has displayed a remarkable propensity for violence, using her wings to glide out of the way of her much larger opponent, and her sharp claws are almost unavoidable. She is remarkably popular amongst almost every single creature, regardless of faction, and can scarcely leave her hut for fear of being spotted on the streets and confessed to. So far, she remains single, and remarkably popular.

Lastly, Cedar. An ancient court kattus and yeenix hybrid, he was probably around when Smoke and Dark still lived in the city. The father of Oak the Elder, he is a crowd favourite, even though now he’s trotted out less and less, and never for very high-stakes battles. He’ll probably have retired by the time Oak the Younger comes to the city.

Aside from fighting, the city also likes to indulge in “sophisticated” activities, such as partying, getting piercings, and elaborate tattoos. A mark of pride is to own extensive tattoos, and/or be a tattooist. The most important part of the tattooing is that it marks you as more developed than the League kattii. They keep slaves of other species and eat raw meat! Most kattii who think this way feel overly sympathetic towards those who fled the Leagues, putting on a display of ‘oh you poor thing, to have escaped such savagery!’ It’s a sentiment echoed on the other side, where some of those in the Leagues mark them as degenerates and bleeding-hearted fools.

Thyra’s first girlfriend, Tojo, was also the Yeenix who gave her her first piercing. Thyra asked about her tattoos and stared dreamily into Tojo’s while the yeenix talked about payment. Their first date consisted of a lot of nervous staring and eventually, the most awkward first month of teenaged dating you’ve ever seen. Eventually, Tojo came to watch the new champion of the Blues fight, and the new champion of the Blues endorsed Tojo’s tiny business. For a long time, they were the most popular and successful creatures in the city.

Religion is obviously different to that of the Leagues. Most kattii are agnostic, or otherwise unaffiliated with religion, but some gravitate towards a worship of the old world, where simple plants like acorns and grass are honoured for being “pure”, unfused with another creature. Those who follow this faith will pray in ancient churches of woven grass, leaving offerings of drawings, feathers, flowers and leaves.

Those who are particularly devoted will wear an acorn around their neck, to symbolise their faith. It is a high honour to be bestowed with an acorn, as their numbers are extremely limited with no hope of collecting more. Smoke was a quiet, withdrawn molly, but one who was extremely religious. Her acorn was incinerated in the fire that took her life, leading Dark to bring his daughters to the Coalition.

While they lived in the City, Smoke and Dark would have resided in smaller neighbourhoods, often just a few blocks which shared the same factional affiliations.

These neighbourhoods or streets, really, are tight-knit communities, often with one hut becoming a family home, passed down from parent to child. This means that a hut usually has an average of four creatures in it at any one time: parents, children, and the partners of children. Roughly half of their kids will move into the huts of their partner’s parents, as one hut can only fit so many couples. This unfortunately means that aromantic and asexual creature get left out in the cold, having to rely on friends or queerplatonic partners. As some aro and ace folks don’t wish to have to rely on their friends, and aren’t interested in a queerplatonic partner, they can decide to build a hut of their own in a neighbourhood with friends or family, or disappear into the league’s territory and try to join them. This is the less popular option, for obvious reasons, but one that more and more aro and ace kattii are taking.

Each faction has a council, known as a Slope, an elected group of kattii, each of whom are elected members from random regions: several neighbourhoods joined together. Three from each of these councils will be internally elected as mayor into a group known as an assembly, or a Peak : 12 creatures from a wide range of places responsible for making important decisions that concern all of the city. This government is affectionately, or disparagingly referred to as the “Cordillera”, a cordillera being a system or group of parallel mountain ranges. It’s a reference to how the government is a series of parallel groups working together to define the mountainous social landscape of the city.

So that’s the city. It’s a lot more comforting to see it written out, and remind myself that I have a good plan for it!

[ladyinred2248]

The Offering, Finan x Luna, Part 8

Warnings: Mature. Minors DNI.

Summary: The crew heads to Hunstanestun to retrieve Skade. Setting is Season 3, Ep. 7.

*****************************************************************

Nightmares stirred Finan awake frequently that night. There were many times that he would wake in a panicked state, cursing the hour until he was wide awake at dawn. Luna slept soundly beside him, alternating sides comfortably as he stirred, and he didn’t wish to wake her with his troubles. Finan regretted the darkness that engulfed him in regards to his worries for her and his desire to seek control over a situation, perhaps a future that had no measurable outcome. He had struggled with this concept so often in his life. He wished that Sihtric was there to confide in, and wondered if Luna would be happier to join her brother after all.

Just after dawn, Finan left their bed and put wood in the fire at the hearth as the chamber had begun to grow cold. He sat on the ground near it, contemplating, and fought back tears as he rubbed his eyes.

He heard rustling in the next room until he heard Luna speak.

“Finan… what’s wrong?” She asked with a worried look as she came closer.

He rubbed his eyes and then the side of his face as he looked up to her, forcing a smile. “I’m okay, love.” He replied.

“You are not…” she said as she sat down next to him. “What is it?”

Finan paused for a moment and looked up at her. “I’m not proud of my actions last night. I do not seek to control you. I want ya to be happy.” Finan replied.

Luna paused for a moment before she spoke. 

“Were you not pleased with our first argument, Lord?” she said teasingly with a smirk as she cupped his cheek, “Your life thus far has left you with scars. I can understand that. You only have good intentions. You just have to trust that I can follow Uhtred as you do and hold my own. I was raised as a warrior, as you were.”

Finan nodded. “Yes. It’s just… I have never felt this way about anyone before. It’s… very frightening.” Finan replied softly, looking exhausted.

“It is,” she replied as she grabbed his hand, bending her head down to kiss his palm.

“I’ve seen you fight, and you are a relentless warrior,” Finan started, “ I just don’t want to lose you…I wouldna survive. I want to have a family.”

“…Everything will be alright, I promise. I will not fail you, Lord, in either regard.” Luna smiled. “You should try to get some more rest. We leave Saltwic soon.” 

Finan nodded and returned to the bedchamber to rest, while Luna packed up their things for the journey ahead. Uhtred’s plan was to retrieve Skade from the Dane’s camp at Hunstanestun, return to Coccham to see his children, and then meet Thyra and Beocca in Winchester so he could gain a vile of Thyra’s blood to avenge his brother Ragnar and send him to Valhalla. Uhtred had agreed to let Beocca marry Finan and Luna upon their arrival. Later that morning, Uhtred, Finan, and Luna prepared the horses for the journey.

“Why warn the Danes that we’re comin’?” Finan asked Uhtred as they walked together, referring to the hostage that had been allowed to live and send a message to the Danes.

“Who asks? The men or Finan?” Uhtred replied.

“Well, I’m askin but the men would like to know.” Finan answered.

“To give them worry. They know that I am coming but they do not know when. It will give them sleepless nights, and when they do sleep, I want them to dream of a cold, cold hell.” Uhtred said as they grabbed their bags.

“Hell is a place of fire, Lord.” Osferth said as he caught up with them.

“Uhhh, what are ya doin?” Finan asked Osferth. 

“Did you believe you were leaving without me? Not a chance.” Osferth replied with a smirk and then walked toward the horses. 

Luna joined Finan and Osferth as Uhtred said goodbye to Aethelflaed. 

“I have a surprise for ya,” Finan said as she came closer. 

“Hm?” She hummed as Finan walked a horse over to her, a young beast with a gentle temperament. 

Luna grinned as she pet the horse’s head, reeling with excitement. “My gods, he is beautiful! Finan... thank you.” She said as she embraced him in a tight hug, knowing it was his way of saying he trusted her to hold her own for this journey.

Uhtred smiled at Luna as she caught his eye.

“Are you ready, lady?” He asked with a wink at her.

Luna nodded with a smile, then mounted her horse and the others followed suit. They left Saltwic at an eager speed.

Offa had returned to the Dane’s camp to relay Uhtred’s message, and was subsequently killed in a fit of rage by Bloodhair while Haestan and Bloodhair bickered, tempting a fight between the two. 

As the crew made their way to Hunstanestun, they came across a village that looked to be faring quite well.

“I’m noticin’ this village is different to the others we’ve passed,” Finan mentioned as they rode up to the gates.

“It prospers.” Osferth replied.

“In the heart of Danelaw, it prospers.” Finan suggested. 

Uhtred chuckled. “I have a thirst, my friends.” 

As they came into the village, Finan made remarks of the village people being fat and Luna chuckled softly and nodded in agreement. 

The thegn of the surrounding area, Guthlac, questioned them suspiciously as they approached an alehouse. 

“What is it you want?” Guthlac chided.

“Food and ale,” Uhtred suggested, “A place to sleep, rest a while. And I would hope that our beds would be warmer than your welcome.”

“No swords. Leave your weapons with your horses. My doors will be open to you.” Guthlac responded.

“I will not give you my sword. But you have my word. We’re here for food, ale, and rest, nothing else.” Uhtred replied, eyeing Guthlac.

“Very well, but be warned, we don’t take kindly to..”

“Strangers with swords?” Osferth interrupted.

“Yes, that.” Guthlac responded sternly, then walked away.

“And now he will send a messenger to the Danes, which could be to our advantage.” Uhtred said with a smirk.

As the crew got settled at the Alehouse, Haestan and Bloodhair had made the square. Skade entranced Bloodhair, making him disoriented just before he could strike Haestan. Sihtric watched the duel, glancing to Skade in suspicion as Bloodhair faltered. Skade then assisted Haestan in killing him as the crowd watched. “She is poison to all men...” Sihtric muttered, his mind wandering to Uhtred and the others.

As they all sat at a table eating and drinking, Uhtred turned his attention to Luna. He watched as she chatted with the men, seemingly laid back amongst the circumstances. He had yet to see her in action, but something in his mind knew that she would not falter when the time came. 

As conversation ensued, Osferth had stood up from the table and walked over to the window.

“I had more fun at the burying of my father,” Finan told Uhtred during conversation of previous escapades.

“You knew your father?” Uhtred asked, Luna looking over to Finan and then to Uhtred.

“I knew his fist.” Finan replied as he took a drink, Uhtred raising an eyebrow. Luna’s chest sank at the statement, and then wondered just how much Uhtred did know of Finan’s past. She had not even realized that Finan’s father was in fact dead. She sat there contemplating for a moment, wondering at the many details that Finan had yet to share. He had only told her the story of how he ended up on the slave ship. She hoped that in time he would continue to confide in her.

“They are here, Lord.” Osferth said as he saw Guthlac and his men surrounding the Alehouse, seeking to entrap Uhtred and the men for the Danes.

“I see you watching! Tell our visitor Uhtred he is surrounded!” Guthlac shouted at Osferth.

“Men with weapons, Lord. Some with bows.” Osferth said to Uhtred as he approached him.

“He has sent his messenger and now he plans to keep us here.” Uhtred said to Finan.

“Inside an Alehouse? I can think of worse places.” Finan said to Uhtred with a smile as Uhtred chuckled, Luna admiring Finan from across the table, a smirk coming across her lips.

“Guthlac belongs to the Danes. They will hear we are trapped and they will ride to kill us all…. Which is good, that means there will be less men at their camp, we are a distraction.” Uhtred said as he raised his voice to the men.

“And, we are surrounded.” Finan added. 

“Watch that door,” Uhtred commanded a man in the back.

“Uhtred, I wish only to talk.” Guthlac said from the outside.

“Then talk!” Uhtred replied.

“I do not wish to fight,” Guthlac continued.

“That is a shame. Nothing finishes an evening in an Alehouse so well as a fight,” Uhtred said with a grin.

“Uh, Maybe a woman,” Finan suggested, Uhtred agreeing as Finan looked up at Luna and winked.

“You are outnumbered. There is no way out, and we have bows. You should yield. Yield and your men will live. They only want Uhtred.” Guthlac insisted. 

“You’re a traitor, Guthlac,” Uhtred said as he stood from the table. 

“You cannot escape! I say it again, we only want Uhtred!” Guthlac shouted.

“You’re all free men. Free to choose,” Uhtred said with a smirk, then looked at Luna. “As are you, lady.” 

“We’re with you lord,” many of the men agreed. Luna jumped up from her seat, already reeling with the adrenaline that she craved. 

Uhtred nodded and swiftly moved. “Bar the door,” he commanded Osferth. Luna’s heart skipped with excitement at Uhtred’s command.

Finan, Luna, and Osferth grabbed their weapons and stood by as Uhtred climbed the stairs, requesting an axe from Osferth as he searched for an escape route. 

“What now, Lord?” Finan asked.

“Bring me fire!” Uhtred replied.

“He just loves burning things,” Finan told Osferth and Luna.

“He would love hell,” Osferth replied.

Luna and Finan grabbed torches from the walls as Uhtred cut an opening through the ceiling with the axe, then climbed through the opening and started throwing torches across the rooftops as Finan handed them to him. 

“More,” Uhtred commanded Finan, “We shall burn the whole village if we must.” 

The rooftops were set ablaze quickly as Guthlac and his men scrambled and village people panicked.

Uhtred and the others were then able to walk out of the Alehouse. 

“Spare me, Lord. Spare me. The Danes made me comply. I had no choice!”  Guthlac pleaded as they approached him, kneeling to Uhtred.

“Never forget!” Uhtred commanded as he stabbed Guthlac in the chest. “You serve the Lady of Mercia. First and last.” 

Finan and Luna shared a glance and smirked at each other as they followed Uhtred and the others back to the horses.

“I see now, why you are loyal to him.” Luna said with a smile. 

Finan nodded. “He is loyal to us as well.”

The crew continued on to Hunstanetun and arrived late the next morning. Luna had grown silent as they reached the outskirts of the camp, worrying for Sihtric and hoping they would not cross each other in combat if it came down to it. She was sad that he remained with the Danes, and hoped she would have the chance to reason with him… but this was not a realistic thought.

They got as close to the camp as possible, hiding in the trees as they observed and tried to formulate a plan.

“Once night falls…Even the king of shadow walkers would find no place here.” Osferth said.

“Shh, someone’s comin!” Finan whispered as they all ducked down, a dark figure approaching from the distance.

“It is Sihtric.” Osferth whispered as Uhtred stood. 

Luna’s heart raced as she met Finan’s eye contact, Finan giving her a look of understanding.

Sihtric came around to face the men, sharing intense eye contact with Uhtred as he came closer.

“Do you have something to say to me, boy?” Uhtred asked.

“I do.” Sihtric started and then drew his sword, “Yield to me.”

Finan and Luna looked on in shock, frozen.

Uhtred put both of his hands up with wide eyes, dropping his dagger.

Osferth looked on in confusion.

Sihtric then staked his sword in the ground, walking to Uhtred as they laughed and embraced one another. Finan and Luna watched in awe and then looked at each other, Luna sighed in relief as she realized what was happening.

“You were playing us. My goodness, they were playing us, Finan! Why??” Osferth said as he hit Finan’s leg.

“If you had not believed it, Osferth nor would others.” Uhtred replied, chuckling.

“I fooled you.” Sihtric said as he walked up to Finan.

“No, I, I knew.” Finan stuttered with happiness.

“No you did not. Was I good?” Sihtric asked.

“A little,” Osferth replied.

“I’m tellin you, I knew it.” Finan chucked as he embraced Sihtric, both of them laughing. 

Sihtric looked away and caught sight of Luna.

“You are here?!” He asked her, coming over to embrace her in a tight hug. “You brought my sister here, Irishman?!” He joked at Finan.

“She wouldna let me leave her,” Finan replied with a smirk. “I just hope it was all worth it.” Finan continued.

“I hope so too,” Sihtric replied.

“What do you know? We saw Cnut on the road.” Uhtred asked Sihtric. 

“Only Haestan remains at the camp,” Sihtric started.

“What of Bloodhair?” Uhtred inquired.

“Dead. He fought with Haestan and was killed by Skade.” Sihtric replied.

“Good Jesus,” Finan muttered.

“She’s a witch like no other.” Sihtric continued.

“She knows I’m near?” Uhtred asked.

“Yes, and she knows of your promise to shadow walk. But, there are too many guards. She is allowed to collect grass and herbs by a tree for her spells.”

“A tree?” Uhtred inquired.

“It’s a single tree on the other side of the camp, you cannot miss it.” Sihtric smirked.

“Tell her I’m here and take her there tonight.” Uhtred said.

“And if she refuses? If Haestan prevents her?” Sihtric asked.

“She will not refuse and Haestan will not refuse her.” Uhtred replied confidently.

Sihtric and Uhtred chuckled at each other. 

“You have never failed me, Sihtric. I will see you at the tree.” Uhtred told him and lovingly shoved him away. 

Finan looked at Luna and chuckled. She glared at Uhtred.

“You allowed me to believe that he betrayed you,” she said to Uhtred lightly.

“It was necessary, Lady.” He smirked.

tags: @persephones-journey @gemini-mama @king-alfred @bhxrdy @alexagirlie

[loiladadiani]

Photographs: 1. Alexandra and her younger sister Dagmar; 2. The Danish Royal Family: From left to right: Dagmar (Marie Feodorovna), the little one by Dagmar's knee should be Prince Valdemar, the youngest; standing in back of the child, the oldest male, future King Frederick VIII; King Christian the IX is in the middle, standing in back of his wife Louise; standing by Louise is Princess Thyra; next to Thyra is the future Queen Alexandra; standing in the back, between Thyra and Alexandra, is George, the future King of the Helenes; 3. In this picture, a very beautiful Princess Alexandra; sitting by her is Princess Lovisa of Sweden, the wife of Frederick, who is standing by her; next to Frederick is Dagmar, and sitting on the floor holding a little dog is Thyra; 4. Christian IX 5. Queen Louise; 6. Christian IX 7. Queen Louise

The Danish Royal Family

King Christian IX of Denmark (1818 - 1906) and Queen Louise of Denmark (1817 - 1898) nee Louise of Hesse-Kessel and their children

This Wednesday, a little love for the Danish Royal Family, who gave us Queen Alexandra of England, one of the most beautiful queens to sit on a throne since photography was created (no makeup, Botox, fillers, plastic surgery), and her sister, Empress Maria Feodorovna (Princess Dagmar of Denmark) one of the prettiest and most beloved Empresses of all the Russias.

So where did all that beauty come from? Most of us have seen photographs of Christian IX and Queen Louise in their older years. At least I had not seen them young. I looked for some photos, and I am including them here. Both of them were good-looking. Louise had a pretty face and beautiful eyes. And so did Christian! He was not bad-looking at all, tall and slim. The little cleft on Alexandra's chin apparently came from her father. The girls had good genes.

The House of Glücksburg, to which Christian IX and Queen Louise belonged, is a collateral branch of the German House of Oldenburg. Its members have reigned at various times in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Greece, and several northern German states.

King Christian IX and Queen Louise were double cousins. King Christian was called the "father-in-law of Europe" on account of the marriage of his children to foreign princes and princesses.

Current monarchs King Charles III of the United Kingdom, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, and King Harald V of Norway, as well as former queens consort Ann Marie of Greece and Sofia of Spain, are patrilineal members of cadet branches of the House of Glücksburg. (gcl)

[lavenderrosiefan]

Aikatsu: The Stars of Legend-Birthdays, star signs, and ages

Author's Note: Season 1 takes place from August 2022-December 2023, while Season 2 takes place from January 2024 onwards.

Season 1:

Raki Kiseki-December 7, 2005 (Sagittarius; S1: 16 years old; S2: 18 years old)

Wakaba Harukaze-September 3, 2004 (Virgo; S1: 17 years old; S2: 19 years old)

Radiance MacCreary-April 23, 2005 (Taurus; S1: 17 years old; S2: 18 years old)

Clara Anderson-March 18, 2005 (Pisces; S1: 17 years old; S2: 18 years old)

Susie Sokolova-January 23, 2006 (Aquarius; S1: 16 years old; S2: 17 years old)

Alexandra Johansson-March 18, 2006 (Pisces; S1: 16 years old; S2: 17 years old)

Noelle Otoshiro-December 25, 2004 (Capricorn; S1: 17 years old; S2: 19 years old)

Yvoria Tristess-July 16, 2005 (Cancer; S1: 17 years old; S2: 18 years old)

Ruthie Riaz-Cockburn-May 3, 2005 (Taurus; S1: 17 years old; S2: 18 years old)

Rachel Riaz-Cockburn-May 3, 2005 (Taurus; S1: 17 years old; S2: 18 years old)

Season 2:

Queen Alexandra-December 1, 1844 (Sagittarius; 179 years old)

Empress Maria Feodorovna-November 26, 1847 (Sagittarius; 176 years old)

Crown Princess Thyra-September 29, 1853 (Libra; 170 years old)

Queen Wilhelmina-August 31, 1880 (Virgo; 143 years old)

King Charles XIII-October 7, 1748 (Libra; 275 years old)

King Charles XIV John-January 26, 1763 (Aquarius; 260 years old)

King George IV-August 12, 1762 (Leo; 261 years old)

Prince Edward-November 2, 1767 (Scorpius; 256 years old)

Princess Victoria-August 17, 1786 (Leo; 237 years old)

Rosetta-March 27, 2007 (Aries; 17 years old)

[waterfallsilverberrywrites]

20 questions for Fic Writers

Thanks for the tag @holy3cake

1. how many works do you have on AO3? 22 so far, with more planned.

2. what's your total AO3 word count? 1,262,007 and that's excluding chapters that are still in Drafts pages.

3. what fandoms do you write for? This doesn't cover all of the fandoms of my AO3 because I was in all the fandoms it felt like when I was younger but these days, my main ones currently are:

The Last Kingdom

Harry Potter

Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them

Good Omens

Disney (BATB & Nightmare Before Christmas mostly)

Black Lagoon

Final Fantasy IX

Castlevania

4. top five fics by kudos:

Changeling's Curse (BATB)

Snowfall Confessions (Fantastic Beasts)

Hollow Hearts (NBC)

Bowtruckle Bliss (FB)

Threads of Fate (NBC)

5. do you respond to comments? Yes! If I don't respond on AO3 or on FF. net since that website is getting so old and going the way of the dinosaur, I respond to people on Tumblr, as I tend to seek out people in similar fandoms and make the most amazing friends :)

6. what is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? None so far? Most of my stories tend to have a happy ending, but I am working on one that has somewhat of a bittersweet ending.

7. what's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? A Greater Power (HP) or Temptress of Dunholm (The Last Kingdom)

8. do you get hate on fics? Not so far and I hope it stays that way!

9. do you write smut? Nope but I do read it though

10. craziest crossover? I don't tend to write crossovers

11. have you ever had a fic stolen? Yes, 4 times, and it was awful each time!

12. have you ever had a fic translated? Yes! Someone asked to translate one of my HP fanfics into Chinese but I never saw the final link or product so I don't know if that is ongoing or not

13. have you ever co-written a fic before? Nope but I do like to bounce ideas off of fellow fic writer friends from time to time

14. all time favorite ship? Oooooh difficult one. Beocca/Thyra from TLK are sweet beans and the definition of deserved better, but I would say my close second is Jack/Sally from Nightmare Before Christmas. Both couples are just so much fun to write & so different.

15. what's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will? Uhhhh there's a few lmao. I have a 3rd and final Barty Crouch Jr. fic in the works that I am stalling writing and finishing because I don't quite know how it will end, given the man's circumstances in the fic lol.

16. what are your writing strengths? I would like to say descriptions (imagery wise) and maybe writing character voices/dialogues.

17. what are your writing weaknesses? Fight scenes!!!!

18. thoughts on dialogue in another language? I don't mind reading it but I won't write in another language despite my native language being German.

19. first fandom you wrote in? Disney followed by HP. Both fandoms helped me get through a nearly crippling surgery and I will be forever grateful to both fandoms for helping me find my passion.

20. favorite fic you've written? I have mixed feelings about it, but I really love Temptress of Dunholm for TLK, followed closely by Hollow Hearts for NBC or A Greater Power for the HP fandom.

My AO3, in case you're interested in any of this madness:

[newengland-alligator]

Assassin's Creed: The Golden City Review

So I recently finished reading Assassin's Creed: The Golden City by Jaleigh Johnson.

I'd rate this a 4 out of 5 stars.

Below the read-more I'll go a bit in-depth on what I liked, disliked and ect. This is NOT spoiler free, so if you want to avoid spoilers do not read this review.

The Plot:

"A young emperor’s life hangs in the balance in ancient Constantinople, and only the Brotherhood of Assassins can save him, in this action-packed historical adventure from the award-winning Assassin’s Creed universe.

Constantinople, 867 – A murderous plot is afoot. Assisted by the Order of the Ancients, the emperor schemes to assassinate his son and throw the city into chaos. In response, the Hidden Ones have dispatched Assassin acolyte Hytham to join his mentor, Basim Ibn Ishaq, to infiltrate the palace and foil the emperor’s plan. But that is not his only mission… Hytham’s brotherhood have entrusted him with uncovering where Basim’s true loyalties lie and whether the master Assassin’s personal obsessions outweigh his sense of duty. For Hytham to succeed, he must tread carefully, for Constantinople is a city of shadows, and danger hides in all of them."

This book was a very quick read for me. I basically devoured it within a couple days (it only took me that long because I had to work and sleep lol).

The plot itself is very straightforward, and it's ok overall, nothing spectacular. It did feel like the author was trying to make the mystery of who the head of this branch of the Order of Ancients was, as well as who the attempted assassin of Prince Leo was, more of a surprise, but it wasn't to me personally. I also wasn't expecting it to, and I don't hold it against the book.

Here are some lines that I particularly liked;

Mist threaded the uneven ground...a thick white river that Hytham shredded as he walked.

(Chapter 1, page 7, paragraph 2).

...The dancing flame cast long shadows on the wall and revealed a dark, sinuous shape cresting the foot of the bed. Serrated scales contrasted sharply with the pale blankets...

(Chapter 8, page 84, paragraph 3).

Hytham laid his hands against the cool stones, feeling salt spray his lips, fazing out at the cast stretch of black water scrolling away to the horizon.

"I've heard the sea at night can be terrifying to new sailors unused to being on the water," Basim said.

Hytham glanced at him. "I've always found it comforting," he said, "that there's something out there in the world so much bigger and grander than myself." He smiled ruefully. "Even if it seems infinite and likely to swallow me whole."

(Chapter 14, page 143, paragraph 8).

They had maneuvered themselves behind their targets. The rain his any sound their footfalls might have made, and they moved through water as effortlessly as air. The shadows held them safely, concealing them from the rest of the world. Because the shadows were their home, that liminal space where they could hide and observe. Or hunt.

(Chapter 15, page 159, paragraph 5).

...The height was dizzying, and below them in the harbor, the ships looked like tiny toy boats, the water turned to glittering shards of broken lights.

It hurt his eyes, but it was beautiful. (Chapter 28, page 288, paragraph 3).

Characters:

Except for Hytham, Basim and Leo, most of the other side characters were rather plain in my opinion. Thyra, Anna and Eudokia Ingerina were cool. I was hoping we were going to get more insight into Thyra and the Varangian Guard due to Hytham masquerading as a member, but there really wasn't much except for Basim asking a couple questions here or there.

It was nice to get a book with Hytham's POV. We get to see some of that rash, desperate to prove, but still calculating and dangerous individual we meet in AC: Valhalla. Unfortunately we don't get like, ANY backstory from him other than he used to want to be a father, until he became a Hidden One and further realized how dangerous his world was.

It was pretty disappointing as I was hoping to learn more about his story, but at least we got to see through his eyes, which was great. I love Hytham, definitely still one of my favorite characters in the Assassin's Creed series. His relationship with Leo was very sweet, and it was touching to see how quickly they bonded.

Hytham's relationship with Basim was very fun to read! The sparring scenes were some of my favorite parts of the book. It's very obvious from the get-go that Basim has some vaguely parental feelings about Hytham, where as Hytham is constantly torn between liking Basim, being unnerved by him, and struggling to trust him after Master Rayhan tells him that Basim is untrustworthy.

After Hytham makes a mistake that gets him captured by the Order of the Ancients, Basim risks the mission in order to rescue Hytham, despite not even knowing if Hytham is still alive. By the end of the book Hytham fully trusts Basim and is willing to help him search for whatever (or whomever) it is that Basim is searching for amongst the Norse.

This brings me to Basim. I loved how Jaleigh Johnson wrote him. It was perfect blend of arrogant asshole, incredibly smart, and almost supernaturally unnerving. The book seems to solidify my headcannon that yes, Basim had definitely become preoccupied with his obsession with finding Havi, but he was still absolutely loyal to the Hidden Ones and the Creed.

I do wish that his and Hytham's relationship had more time spent on it. We know that Basim thinks of Hytham as a son, that he cares deeply about him despite not wanting to (he's still haunted by the trauma of his own son's death), but we don't really get to see why. The book starts with Hytham and Basim only having known each other for a very short period of time, and the events of the book take place over what, a couple weeks? Their relationship, and Basim in general, was done very well, it just felt a little rushed at times.

Unlike with Hytham, we did get to learn more about Basim. His father was apparently abusive (whether this was before or after his father was exiled is unclear), he has a affinity with wolves, is terrified of Loki, and whatever happened to cause the loss of Enkidu has left him scarred mentally.

So all in all, I did enjoy the book and will definitely reread it! Here's to hoping that Ubi continues to put out Hytham content 🤞

[unfoldingrose]

Thyroid::Throat ChakraKan Fairytale Visualization

Views from Hydriot, the Thyroid

CLICK ALL LINKS, HILIGHTED BLUU

Origin: the Islands of Hydra

Hydriot’s topography stretches East & West. Its borders fan themselves outward. causing a concave isthmus to form in the middle of the land. From a bird’s eye view, Hydriot appears as the glyph “H”, an Hourglass turned sideways, or as a Minoan shield.

Hydriot’s Eastern and Western borders wrap around the one of the main wind trains within the Universal Wind System; The Trachea. The Trachea is a free-flowing train for Air passengers traveling to Inhale or Exhale. Accompanying the Trachea is a junction, The Lair of Nyx (aka Larynx or Voice Box), which sits North atop the Trachea tracks, carrying the Voices. And most importantly, there is the Fire Nyx (Pharynx)- a busy, crowded, hot subway, spearheading the entire wind system. Fire Nyx bustles from below the Lair of Nyx and Trachea, loading and delivering its passengers into other systems. These Wind Trains are on and poppin 24/7, filling Hydriot with soft echoes of clicks, crescendos, decrescendos, drips…

…hums, laughter, singing, swallows…

whispers, and whistles…

They set the tone from beyond, all throughout the land.

Unbeknownst to passengers, Hydriot sets the tone for them too- responding as subtle & felt as the pitter patter of butterfly wings…

Hydriot is even tempered, humid, and windy- of course. The Fire Nyx seems to have no effect on the temperature, and any lingering heat from the Wind Trains is cooled by Hydriot’s atmosphere. The land is rich, home to grasslands and old growth forest, moistened by bordering Rivers (Vagus, Sympathetic Nerves, Thyroid Arteries, Laryngeal Nerves) that innervate the land. Throughout, one may find evidence of a time when Hydriot was once a deep underwater island, overrun with Hagfish, ruled by Darkness.

Hydriot receives light from a few sources. Its main source is a glowing, royal blue Pyramid (Pyramidal Lobe). This pyramid emerges from a narrow land strip called the Brink. The Brink stems out north from Hydriot’s isthmus, and meets mysterious ends. How the Pyramid got to the tip of the Brink puzzles spectators, but Hydriot’s People know the Pyramid is a relic from the Genesis of their world. Sometimes the inhabitants of Hydriot can see the Pyramid in the horizon. Other times, the Pyramid hides its face from all. Regardless of its ambiguity, the Pyramid’s light colors and gradiates Hydriot’s skies.

Hydriot’s sky may be unlike any other sky that you have ever seen. It is several shades of blue like our Earthly skies, yet it is cloudless, and textured. If you were to touch the sky of Hydriot, it would feel like clusters of slightly deflated balloons, or rows of bulbous, ovular grapes. Sacks filled with a clear, viscous fluid. Legend states that this textured sky is called Follicula; described as the Prima Ovara or ‘The First Ovary.’

The other light sources emanate from four thin, flat Orbs (Parathyroid glands) suspended in the Four Corners of Follicula. These Orbs generate light from within its structure, much like the Pyramid- and luminate the clear fluid held in Follicula…It’s a sky you can see right through. Translucent. Blue. Much like me. Much like you.

Outside the walls of Hydriot’s Follicular sky is the Universal Weaving (Pretracheal Fascia) that maintains both Hydriot’s anchoring in Space, and connection to the Wind Trains.

Queen Thyra & The Gods

Queen Thyra is a tall and slim lady, with a calm, sweet disposition. She is known amongst the People for Her sharp intellect, and is respected for Her unwavering commitment to Balance.

Her fingers are long, carrying a peculiar artistry in its movements. Her gait is regal, and rhythmic. She rarely uses words to speak, and prefers to communicate through the pitter patter of Her butterfly wings….

All Queen Thyra has to do to in order to speak is flutter. Everyone in Her Queendom will know exactly what She is saying.

In the event Queen Thyra has to use her speaking voice, that means something is really, really wrong (a frog in your throat)…

…or something is really *really* right (giggles, singing & moans).

Her skin, just like the rest of Hydriot’s People, is milky blue. Think of blueberry milk- creamy, glassy, and smooth. She is adorned in a floor length flowing gown, embroidered with iodine crystals. Thyra’s straight, spruce blue hair is so long, it seems to disappears after a while. She uses Kelp twine to keep it all together.

Queen Thyra’s almond, hooded eyes are large, glistening, and of a 4AM hue. Those intense, steady eyes yield power bestowed from the Gods. They grant Queen Thyra the ability to use both Silence & Sound to See. Whenever Her eyes are sparked with the Pyramid or Orb’s light, they glimmer as an abalone shell when met with Sun. Flecks of iridescence & gold flash you lightning fast. The minute you spot the gold in her eye, the dark, cool blue envelops it over again. Lore says Her gold glimmers are secret messages from & to the Sacral Region- a faraway land held oh so close if you catch Her drift.

She has no set castle, and opts to roam Her territory unrestricted. One may find Her interacting with her People to cultivate openness, and trust between them. The People on Her small land are hardworking, and She nurtures them with the iodine crystals from her dress, and the minerals that fall from her Kelp hair piece. Queen Thyra can also be seen reading ancient inscriptions carved into Orbs of the Four Corners, or communing with the River Sirens housed in the deep innervating Rivers of Hydriot.

The Gods of Hydriot are Goddess Hypothalama, and Goddess Pituita. They have tasked Queen Thyra with countless responsibilities. She is constantly under their precise timing (thyrotropin-releasing/thyroid stimulating hormone secretion), and surveillance. If she is overwhelmed or underwhelmed by their demands, the various axes (alliances) of the Universe go haywire.

In order to do what Honor requires of Her, Queen Thyra must exist in a meditative state. The Presence of meditation allows Her to make Changes (metabolism) according to the Data She receives from inside and outside the Universe. Her meditation gives Her the fuel (thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)) to determine the rate of Change and Temperature within the Universe. Without Change, there is no Movement. Without Movement, there is no Heat, without Heat, there is no Life, and without Life, there is only Rot.

She sets the rate of Music (heart beat), aids the Liver Kingdom, oversees the growth of the young (embryonic & child development), facilitates Calm (cognitive & mood) throughout the Universe, and so much more.

There are some Beings that are enemies to Queen Thyra and Hydriot…

Lord Stress, Queen Deceit and Her Dukes of Self-Repression- to name a few.

[See How Queen Thyra and Her People guard themselves in part 2]

[lord-aldhelm]

Aldhelm | The Last Kingdom 2.06 (Part 7)

Aldhelm, Aethelred, Aethelflaed, Steapa, Beocca, and Thyra arrive in Coccham to meet up with Uhtred.

[lya-dustin]

Things i want to write in a second part of the Food of Love for

Osferth getting 7 estates in Sussex in Alfred’s will thus becoming a very high ranking ealdorman while Aethelwold gets 3 (Aethelflaed only gets one and Aethelred gets a sword heres a link to a translation of the will )

Osferth not actually being a monk (he was never ordained) but gets dressed like one(probably by Thyra and Beocca who pretend he's their kid)

Thyra lives because fuck you

Reader's mom had a summer romance with Alfred when both were in Rome as teenagers and she's not really allowed in Winchester for that and ither reasons

Osferth still being a virgin in s3 when the fic takes place

[oddsnendsfanfics]

1 5 7 28 33 of the TLK asks

1. three favourite characters - Finan, Hild, and Beocca. After much consideration these are the three I have narrowed it down to.

5. three episodes that you can re-watch over and over - I don't remember which episode number, but in season 4 where Uhtred and his men take the kids across country and flee.

The episode where Thyra dies, it guts me every time. But the acting, in those scenes in particular. Oh my god! I feel that deep.

And the last episode of the series. It's sad that it's ending, but the victory is sweet and well deserved.

7. three ships that deserved to be canon or explored more - Edith and Finan. Sihtric and his Wife. Æthelflaed and Erik.

28. pick three male characters that you would have as a: lover, best friend, enemy - lover Sihtric. Best friend Osferth. Enemy Bloodhair

33. share your three (un)popular opinions - Ælswith deserved better. That woman, even if she was a hard ass, deserved the world.

I feel like Alfred was so wishy washy on Uhtred, because he was totally into him. He wanted that D. But you know, he's the king and can't show that 😉

Æthelwold was a fairly great addition and character.

the last kingdom + three question ask game

[leifgrandeduchesse]

I have heard that Thyra had an illegitemate child, do you know more about that?

Ah, yes...

Some sources are more prudent when it comes to this subject, suggesting there aren't any solid proofs for this claim. Others, on the other hand, are quite positive about it. The story goes that Thyra fell in love with a Danish cavalry officer Vilhelm Marcher. Her mother, Queen Louise, was aware of their attachment, but thought of it as a harmless flirtation. It became evident that it is more than an innocent crush when Thyra got pregnant with Marcher's child. To avoid scandal her brother 'Willie' [George, King of the Hellenes] suggested she has her baby in Greece. The Danish press was told she'd been taken ill with jaundice. She gave birth to a little girl named Maria around Christmas time in 1871. The baby was given up for adoption. As for Marcher, he was supposedly distraught over losing Thyra and his child, telling Christian IX he intended to marry his daughter, which was refused due to his rank. He was forbidden to see Thyra and hanged himself in 1872 after a heated meeting with her father, leaving a letter for his brother-in-law which has been destroyed. No record exists of Thyra's reaction to his death.

The story of Thyra's pregnancy has never been confirmed by the Danish court, what's more the Danish royal family claimed that the rumour was a smear story started by Bismarck, and that Thyra has truly been ill, first with jaundice and then with typhoid in Italy. In the recent Queen Alexandra biography it's said that "18-year-old Thyra was on educational tour in Germany, Italy and Greece. [...] while Alexandra returned to Rumpenheim on the 22nd, so that she and Thyra could celebrate their mother's birthday on 7 September. Thyra and Queen Louise later travelled to Venice and then Greece, arriving there on 10 October." she'd then be 6 months pregnant and idk wouldn't it show?? i'm actually confused

[sapphic-woes]

Hi! Just wanted to say I really enjoyed part 2 of the tlk au and I hope you continue it because you're such a wonderful writer! Also I just got through season 3 and I can't believe they did that to Thyra she was such a sweetheart 😭

NO BECUASE LITERALLY WHY. IT SERVED NOTHING RLLY OTHER THAN SEEING BEOCCA THROW HANDS????

Ok. Deep breath. I am calm :) this was kinda mentioned in another ask I got today, but like, tlk is notoriously so bad with writing women it's insane. Like... Like it's not even the women themselves MOST of the time that are badly written (tho some lack substance tbh), it's just what happens around them or who interacts with em or if they. Yk. LIVE. ...okok imma go down the list I'm srry

Iseult: her death REALLY made no sense. Her character was interesting and even tho they had that classic "he's MY grubby good for nothing man" trope going on with Midrith (I dunno if that's her name, can't remember) her whole thing with seeing and saving Alfred's kid was like. Actually really good. And then to have her ask Uthred to essentially fuck the prophetic powers out of her only so that she can't see her death coming.....boo. boo she was so cool fuck uuuuu. But yk she was set up to fail from the start tbh

Hilde: I won't get into her but I'm thinking if you're at season 3 you must be starting to be like 👁️👄👁️. That feeling will continue they fail her high-key

Gisela: I HAVE NEVER SEEN. A DEATH MORE WORTHLESS. literally died OFF SCREEN TOO if I remember and like why. She was a good character that didn't REALLY drive the plot but she literally was just That Girl yk. Every line was iconic and awesome (also we get Uthreds iconic "now I will never be taken away from you" line which was!!!!!!!!) Also how did she move the plot along more with her death than when she was alive I mean. C'mon.

I won't talk abt brida :)

Stiorra: actually just brida-ed. You'll get what mean later.

Eadith: godsent. Perfection. She can do no wrong. Somehow she made it through amazing and iconic

Aelswith: ICONIC AMAZING. YOU HATE HER YOU LOVE HER. IN THE END YOU STILL TALK ABOUT HER. WISH I WAS HER. (SEASON 5 I THINK EP. 7?? THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY.)

Skade:..... Imagine having an entrance like a god. And then being done so dirty. They way she was reduced to three men fighting over fucking her was like. When Uthred LITERALLY TEASES FUCKING HER THAT WAS IT FOR ME. NOT HIM BEING LIKE "YO DONT PROTEST BEING TRADED AND ILL COME BACK FOR U AND FUCK U :)" BITCH LICK HER FEET U GODDAMN– (fun fact I went thru my very first watch thinking everyone was better than Uthred. I still kinda do...other than Alfred lmao...also I still don't know how skade dies. I always skip thru somehow????)

Uhh I forgot how to spell her name, the lady of Mercia: I feel like she had the most character. Like everything that happened to her was iconic. I don't know why she loved Uthred tho. Like the romance was neat but like that guard dude was. There. Anyways won't say more but she and Erik for life.

I can't think of anyone else but as u can see I am very invested into tlk :)

[corvuscoraax]

School kids can be hard - especially in secondary schools- and especially if, like Thyra, you've a feature that marks you apart from everyone else - her birthmark, covering part of her lower right face.

Thyra solved any bullying issues by becoming a social recluse from years 7 - 9

[sportsnewsgreek]

Γιαννακόπουλος προς Θύρα 7: «Δεν ανοίγω διάλογο μαζί σας-Πρώτος είπα να μην γίνει καμία μήνυση»

https://sport.news-24.gr/giannakopoulos-pros-thyra-den-anoigo-dialogo-mazi-sas-protos-eipa/