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wellhellotragic · 6 years

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Gilded 4/?

Summary: Once upon a time, a great prophecy was told. A child would be born of true love, capable of becoming the brightest of lights, freeing the world from evil, or to become the darkest creature the world had ever seen. Choices were made, destiny fought, but fate is a tricky thing. It’s often the path that we take to avoid it, that leads us straight to our demise.

Rating: M

A/N: So just as a trigger warning, there is brief mention of attempted rape in this chapter. Nothing happens, it's stopped before it can really start, but if that's too upsetting, I've separated that part with ***** so feel free to skip.

Catch up here: 1, 2, 3

Emma had spent most of her life tucked away from the world. Her mother and father had harped on her time and time again about the importance of discretion. As a child, she hadn’t really understood it, her small mind too young to comprehend the delicate nature of her situation. Too young to understand the danger that lurked around every corner.

She’d heard the council members whispering in the hallways, her name spat out in contempt, but she never knew of what they spoke. As soon as she’d get close enough to hear them, silence would overtake the halls.

Sometimes from her window, she’d spy other children playing, but had no friends herself. The only people that even spoke to her apart from her mother and father were her Aunt Ruby and Granny. The old woman would come in at night time while her parents were away and read her bedtime stories until she fell asleep.

When Snow and Charming weren’t off trying to settle treaties and trades with other kingdoms, they would come into her room each night and snuggle in beside her in bed. They wouldn’t read to her they way Granny did. Their stories came from memories, from the heart. Tales of a Evil Queen chasing after a princess. Tales of a shepherd defeating a dragon to become a prince. The princess and the shepherd prince always found each other, and together, they defeated the evil queen. She’d always fallen asleep not long after, dreaming of the day when she would find her own prince.

The princess was lonely, though, and one night she made a wish on the brightest star in the night sky. She wished for a friend, for anyone to keep her company and make her time a little more bearable. It was on that very night that her first friend appeared.

The small blue light that fluttered through her window quickly transformed into a beautiful woman. Her dress resembled something Snow White would wear in its grandeur.

“Hello, Emma.” The woman smiled. “I heard your wish.”

“Who are you?” asked the Princess.

The woman was light herself. Her dark curly hair pinned up, her brown eyes falling upon the girl.

“You can call me Blue. I’m your fairy godmother.”

Emma gasped, having heard of such things from Granny. In one tale, a fairy godmother had helped a woman name Cinderella sneak into a ball where she had fallen in love with a prince.

“Are you going to help me find my prince?” Asked the princess, nearly bouncing out of her slippers.

The fairly giggled.

“Not yet Emma. You’re still too young for such things. But I can help you with something else.”

The fairy smiled down on the girl and knelt so that they were the same height.

“With what?”

“Emma, you have magic.”

The princess was stunned.

“But, I-”

“Yes, it’s true. You were born with it. I can help you learn to use it if you’d like?”

Emma nodded her head, excited at the prospect of performing magic tricks.

“Yes! Yes. Please!”

The fairy laughed once again, before growing more somber.

“First, though, you should know that many people are afraid of those with magic. They fear us, and that can lead them to do dark, unspeakable things. Do you understand me, Emma?”

The little girl nodded, not completely sure, but fearful that if she asked any questions the fairy would disappear, taking her knowledge with her.

“Little one, you must understand how imperative it is that you tell no one of this. Not even your parents.”

Emma face fell, not accustomed to keeping secrets from Snow and Charming.

“Your mother and father love you very much, Emma, but they don’t understand magic. They only know of how it...,” the fairy paused, nearly gritting out the words, “corrupted Regina. Her magic was dark, and your parents are worried that having magic makes you evil.”

“So, am I?

“Are you what, child?”

“Evil. I have magic.”

“No,” the fairly smiled back. “That’s what I’m trying to tell you. Not all magic is bad. But people will jump to conclusions, so it’s best that we keep this just between us. Do you understand?”

“Yes.”

And with that, Emma and her fairy godmother began their weekly lessons. Blue came to her at night, when the brightest star was at its highest, teaching her all sorts of magic. They started with small things, focusing on discipline and controlling her emotions. Emma noted that her magic was particularly strong when she was angry at Blue for pushing her too hard. As Emma grew into a young woman, they turned to more difficult tasks like spell books and reading ancient ruins.

Emma’s powers grew, and the fairy seemed very pleased with her progress. She could move objects across her room, light the fireplace from the comfort of her own bed and could immobilized small animals. And, as promised, Emma kept her lessons with Blue a secret from everyone else.

Until her fifteenth birthday, when she accidently slipped. It wasn’t a conscious decision. She hadn’t meant to use magic, to expose herself to anyone. But as her father was trotting a horse around just aside the castle stables, it became spooked, and started neighing and bucking angrily. Rearing up on its hind legs, Emma watched in horror as he father was thrown. Just as he was about to hit the ground, Emma reached her arms forward on instinct and stopped him. His body remained suspended in midair as, slowly, the princess dropped her hands, allowing the king to float down gently to the stable floor.

The look on his face, on everyone's faces, was something she’d never forget. Abject terror. It was just as the fairy had warned her. Snow grabbed her hands and pulled her back inside until they were in Emma’s chambers, her father close behind.

“Emma-”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!” Emma cried, cutting her mother off.

“How did you do that?” Asked her father.

Emma opened her mouth, the answer on the tip of her tongue, but then she thought better. The fairy had always emphasised how fearful of magic people were, and Emma knew that if they learned of what she’d been taught, they’d never look at her the same.

“I don’t know. It just... happened.”

There were tears in her eyes. Genuine ones, mixed from the fear of nearly losing her father and of her parents finding out that she had magic. But her father didn’t yell as she had expected. Instead he took her into his arms and whispered in her ear.

“It’s going to be okay, Emma. We’re going to fix this.”

She’d been so grateful that he father still loved her that she hadn’t considered his words. She’d missed the insinuation that there was something wrong with her.

The next week, Emma appeared before the council for the first time, at her mother’s side. Each member was silent as first, but as Snow began to explain the events that had unfolded in the stables, their voices grew heated.

“She needs to be dealt with.”

“She shouldn’t even be here.”

Emma could do nothing but look down at her hands. She’d ruined everything.

The blue fairy had abandoned her after learning what she had done, telling her she couldn’t teach her anymore. Her mother had barely spoken to her, and everyone stayed clear of her in the hallways. The maids left her food trays outside her room, too scared to come face to face with her. And her parents’ closest confidants wished she’d never been born.

Without asking permission to be excused, Emma ran from the room. She’d moved without thinking, without having a plan, until she stumbled into the library, and straight into the body of a man she’d never met before.

Terrified, Emma tried to retreat. She was already in enough trouble without having been seen as well. But the man reached out, grabbing her elbow with only enough force to steady her.

“Whoa there, lass.” His accent was something different, unknown to her ear, yet soothing. “Now, what has you so vexed and let’s see if we can fix it.”

When she looked up, she the first thing she noticed was his blue eyes, darker that the sky, but not as dark as a sapphire. If she had to compare them to something, she thought they most closely resembled the ocean from the paintings in her father’s study. His hair was in light curls, hidden away under a naval hat.

“Emma!”

Her mother’s admonished voice did nothing to ease her fears.

“I’m so sorry mother. I didn’t know anyone was in here.”

And just as before, Emma ran, this time to her room where she slipped inside, hearing only the briefest of exchanges between her mother and the man as she had fled from.

Please, I would hope for your discretion in this matter, Lieutenant Jones.

It was nightfall before either of her parents entered her room. Emma had stayed hidden away the rest of the day, afraid that everything around her was crumbling, that it was all her fault. Her parents hadn’t been as forgiving as before. Snow had made her disappointment quite well known, and Charming had stayed nearly silent. They’d worried that the naval officer, a man delivering treaty terms from King George, would report back of the princess’ existence. Snow had almost thrown him in the dungeon to protect Emma, but the queen knew that the sudden disappearance of a senior naval officer would only draw more attention to them.

The lieutenant had promised not to tell anyone of the young princess’ existence, but as they only had the word of a man employed by a tyrant, they once again prepared for the worst. Emma was sequestered to her room during the days, only allowed to leave the confines for dinner with her parents. Granny and Ruby no longer came to visit her, and she’d never felt more alone.

She understood it, but she was certain that she would go mad if she was never allowed to breathe in fresh air again, to bask in the glow of the sun. So although she knew better, the young princess broke her promise to her parents once again, thinking that one small excursion couldn’t possibly hurt. She’d be back long before anyone would ever think to come and check on her for dinner.

Summoning her magic, Emma thought of a meadow she’d seen in a drawing. She knew it wasn’t too far outside of the castle walls, and should therefore be safe. No one would even see her.

And as her mind focused on that meadow, she felt her body become light as air. When she opened her eyes, she was there, standing amongst the tall grass she had pictured. She wandered for a bit, finally coming upon a tree. She sat at the base, under the safety and shade of its branches, imagining a life she would never have. The life of a regular girl, one from Granny’s old books. As the sun began to fall, she closed her eyes, thinking of her room, finding herself back in the safety of her stone walls.

Once turned into twice, and soon the princess found herself in the meadow at least once a week, always alone. She began bringing books with her to read. Books from the library, similar to the ones Granny had read her, but more grown up, more mature.

Two years passed in much the same way. Two years of Emma longing for the companionship found in the books. Longing for a man to kiss her and touch her as the men in the books did to the women they loved. Two years wondering if she’d ever find someone to love her.

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They had met by fate. She had been wandering alone in the forest outside her parents’ kingdom, having snuck out with the guards none the wiser, just as she always did, although exploring deeper than ever before. The forest was a maze, and after one turn too many, she’d become hopelessly lost. That’s when she’d heard a commotion and followed the noise in hopes that someone could help show her the way out. When she’d rounded the corner, she’d come face to face with a man who reeked of ale.

She hadn’t had many occasions to come across drunken fools in the safety of her parents’ castle. When his eyes caught her, and turned almost feral, she was stunned. Her father had taught her to fight, and she was second only to him in swordplay, but this man was huge. Even if she had a weapon, she was too caught off guard to defend herself, and too outmatched by his size. The man took her in and she couldn’t help but notice how his eyes lingered as they moved down her body. He licked his lips as he watched her and his mouth curved up into a greedy smile.

“Well, what have we here? A fair maiden in distress?” His words filled her stomach with knots.

“No, I’m quite capable of taking care of myself. Thank you,” she replied.

She tried to move past him quickly, but as she did, he grabbed her elbow and tugged her back in front of him.

“Now, what kind of gentleman would I be if I left a lady in need when she comes to me so willingly?” He licked his lips again.

And that’s when he lunged for her. His mouth came down on her hard, unwillingly taking from her her first kiss. She tried to pull her head back but he was too powerful. His arms wrapped around her body holding her close enough that she felt as though she might suffocate. Before she knew it, his mouth was traveling down her neck, blocking out the sting of the tree bark pressing into her back. She screamed out as loudly as she could, hoping that someone would hear her.

The man’s mouth continued downward and she began to feel a tugging at the shoulder of her dress. Panic overwhelmed her body as she felt every muscle in her go tense. His breath on her was hot and vile. With every fiber of her being she willed herself to think about anything else. Her emotions were too overwhelmed that she couldn’t even pull forth her magic. Perhaps if she could distract herself, it would be easier somehow. She didn’t want to think about how this man had his hand traveling up her thigh trying to push her dress up along with it.

She closed her eyes and thought of one of her mother’s stories. She thought of the princes and princesses, and of their happy endings. She couldn’t remember anything about them being molested in this way. Did her parents leave those parts out so that she wouldn’t be frightened? This wasn’t that way it was supposed to happen. She was supposed to meet her own prince charming and ride off into the sunset with him.

Gone were the lighthearted fairy tales she had once indulged in. She knew better now.

Her thoughts were brought back to this horrible man who was violating her. She was ready to fight. It may not do her any good, but she wouldn’t let him have her that easily. She opened her eyes ready to kick and scream, to bite his filthy flesh, to do anything she could to force him off of her. That’s when she realized she couldn’t feel his breath against her skin any longer. His hands had stopped traveling along her body. His gaze had sobered and was focusing down at his stomach.

Her eyes traveled down to where his bloodshot gaze was fixed low in front of him. His tattered top filled with a bright red color and she could see just a hint of metal poking through. He gasped and grabbed his stomach as the metal was wrenched back from the other side. His body crumpled to the ground and his eyes went still.

She looked up to find him. His eyes were kind as they traveled up and down. Unlike the hungry eyes of her attacker, this man’s eyes were filled with caution and concern. In his right hand he held a blade covered in blood.

He stepped towards her but kept his hands to himself, held aloft in a placating manner.

“Are you alright? Did he hurt you?” He asked quietly.

Her body was trembling and she felt her legs giving out on her. She started to fall but before she could hit the ground he was there, catching her. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her out of the maze back and towards to castle. She watched him though a tear filled blur. When they arrived back at the front gate, her parents were waiting for her. They had grown alarmed when she hadn’t answered her door that afternoon. No one had seen her.

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

The man immediately handed her over to her father’s arms. Her father set her down and her mother instantly enveloped her, clutching her daughter to her chest. When her mother finally released her from her hold, and her father was finally able to survey her properly, the king finally noticed that her gown had been torn at the shoulder. His eyes filled with rage and he drew his weapon on the outsider.

“Give me one reason that I shouldn’t run you through with my sword right here,” her father demanded.

The man looked back at him with wide eyes in shock. Realizing how the situation looked, and that the father assumed he was at fault, he tried to speak up. But before he could manage a word out, guards swarmed him.

“Father! No!” The princess cried out, but her father’s rage had overtaken him.

“Emma, go inside. NOW!” Her mother’s arms wrapped around her again, trying to pull her away toward the castle, but she broke free.

“Father, please. He didn’t do anything. He saved me!” Her voice was beginning to break and tears were streaming down her face.

Her father snapped his eyes toward her, trying to make sense of her words. When he looked back at the blue-eyed man, he saw something in his expression, something strong enough to give him pause.

“Is this true?”

“Yes your highness. I was in the woods hunting, when I heard her scream. I found her pinned under a man. She was too shaken to walk back so I carried her here.”

The queen tugged on Emma’s shoulders once more, obviously displeased at her daughters behavior, but Emma refused to budge until she knew that her father wouldn’t kill him for her mistake. That her rescuer was safe.

She heard her father grumble before motioning to the man to join them.

If felt like ages, as her parents continued to question the young man. Emma was reminded of what her mother had said of the lieutenant from years before, of how her actions had almost gotten him arrested. A knot formed in her stomach at the grim memory as the interrogation continued.

They asked him if he had a family, to which he replied no. They had all been killed in one way or another, he explained. It had been an innocent enough question, but Emma knew what her parents were really asking; is anyone going to come looking for you? There was no one. This blue eyed man, with the same odd accent as the man who had been interrogated before him, was just as alone in the world as she was. Emma felt for him.

Her parents must have felt for him as well, granting him leniency as they struck an accord. He wouldn’t be thrown in the dungeons, but he would be imprisoned in the castle. Unlike the lieutenant, this man had no title that bound him to anything, and it would be easy to snatch him from the world and keep him hidden behind the stone walls of the castle. Just as they had done with their own princess. They weren't willing to consider his promises of silence, but her parents weren’t callous either.

As the months went on, she and the blue eyed man came to be friends, reading side by side in her room, exchanging stories. Well, mostly, as it often was more the case that Emma sat and listened to his stories, as she’d only rarely ventured outside the meadow. She’d learned that his mother and father had died under the Evil Queen’s reign, that he once had a brother who had passed away at the dagger of another man while trying to help someone. She knew that his eyes lit up when she laughed, that his hands were warm when wrapped around her own. She learned that his kindness knew no bounds.

And eventually she’d come to know that she loved him. The realization hit her as they shared their first kiss on his balcony one evening. The bright star hidden away that night from their view, no wishes made. Just him, as he leaned forward, delicately brushing his lips against hers, giving her a promise of forever.

The next day, Emma accompanied her lover as he met with her parents, asking for her hand in marriage. The king and queen looked stricken by the request, and Emma had been certain they’d decline. She could hear her parents arguing all the way from their room for most of the night, and at breakfast, they were both unusually quiet, sitting slightly further apart than usual.

It was another three days before Emma and her companion received an answer, before Charming gave his approval, followed by Snow, albeit, a little unwillingly.

It wasn’t a long engagement. There wouldn’t be an elaborate ceremony or a ball afterwards. There was no need for invitations or formal meal planning. The hall wasn’t even decorated with flowers. Aside from the new dress, there was nothing to commemorate the event.

The only guests they had in attendance were her parents and their council. Only the first two rows of pews were filled in the castle chapel. It wasn’t what Emma had imagined, nothing like in her books. The only solace was that she was getting a chance with the love of her life.

He would be her happy ending, and, by the night’s end, he would be her prince.

The white gown was heavier than anything she’d ever worn before, and she struggled not to fall under its weight as her father escorted her down the aisle. Her mother’s face held a smile, but her eyes lacked any sparkle. But it was okay, because her prince was there, and while nothing else measured up to her expectations, he did.

And so they recited their vows before the council, until the priest granted them permission to seal their union with a kiss. But as Emma leaned forward to meet him, just as her lips brushed his, he pulled back, gasping for air and clawing at his throat.

Everyone in the room gasped, and he looked at her, his eyes less brilliant as they bulged in alarm.

“What did you do, Emma. What did you do?”

And as his body hit the ground, she screamed. She fell to the floor next to him, grabbing his lifeless body and cradling his head in her lap.

“No!” Her words drowned out by her sobs.

It was her father who finally grabbed her, forcing her up and pulling her from her love. She tried to fight, to stop him, to stay, but her father dragged her away.

“No,” she cried out. “Graham!”

The princess wept, clinging to her pillow. Her love was gone and it was her fault. She was the monster everyone thought her to be. She waited, waited for the council members to decide her fate, for the villagers to come brandishing their pitchforks. She waited, and waited. And eventually she fell asleep, still crying for Graham.

It was dark when she was startled awake, shaken roughly with a hand across her mouth. There was a single candle attempting to illuminate the room. Slowly, her eyes adapted and she saw her father standing above her. He released his hand and she sat up, still confused.

“What’s happening?”

For only a moment, she’d forgotten the events of the day. She’d forgotten that Graham was gone, that she’d murdered him. But it was only a moment, and then it all came rushing back. The council had made their decision, and Emma’s life would be forever irrevocably altered.

“Emma,” her mother said from beside her. “You have be charged with murder and treason to the crown.”

Snow’s voice fell off, and she looked away, unable to finish. Emma knew that her mother was disgusted by her.

It was Charming’s voice, however, that delivered her fate.

“You have been found guilty of the crimes. The punishment for your actions,” he paused, his face sharp, devoid of all emotion, “is banishment from this kingdom immediately. You are to be stripped of your title, bearing no rights to the throne. You will leave tonight and never return. You are an enemy of the crown and of Misthaven.”

Emma stood, trying to comprehend the depths of her father’s words. It had been the last thing she’d expected, so far away from the dungeon prison she’d prepared herself for. But this was worse. She was being cut off from everything, her family, her home, for the life she’d come to know over the last eighteen years.

“Father, surely you can’t-”

“If you ever return, you face death by hanging.” David’s voice was full of contempt. “Do you understand?”

Emma teared up, nodding in affirmation.

“Then go, now. Go far from here and never return.”

Not even bothering to collect any of her belongings, Emma vanished in a swirl of light grey smoke. She went as far as her magic would take her. She wasn’t sure if she was still in her parents kingdom or not, but her magic had been drained.

Looking around, she realised just how serious her situation was. She had no money, no belongings, and no friends. She began walking, her delicate feet bruising on the rough terrain. She walked until they felt raw, finding herself as the edge of water.

There were large ships all around, with grand sails and flying the colors of her parents’ kingdom. She’d made it to the edge of the kingdom, yet it was not far enough. She tried to barter her way onto one of the ships, but with no money and nothing to trade, they simply laughed in her face.

Finally she gave up, mustering the very last of her magic to sneak into the food storage of one of the vessels. She didn’t know where she was going, but as long as it was away from Misthaven, it wouldn’t matter. As she hid away, she felt her magic regenerating just under her skin, and on that night, something in her shifted. She allowed the buzzing of it take her over, and after years of trying to hold her powers at bay, she gave in.

Tagging: @dreadpirateemma

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gracelessknights · 7 years

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“I just want to do the right thing and what’s best for you.” “How would you know what’s best for me?” I asked sharply. “You’re not me. You have no right to make decisions for me.”

“Don’t feel sorry for me,” I tell her. “There are millions of people who have had their mother die. You did, as well. I’m not so unique. We all get through it as best we can.”

And yes, his sex life is fairly shallow; he’s admitted as much. But he’s clearly intelligent and kind. Not the soppy sort of kindness that seems to be more about showing off than actual caring, but a quiet, unobtrusive thoughtfulness that’s unexpected and lovely.

“I love you too, baby,” she said. “I really do. I want you to be okay. The rest of your choices are up to you. I hope to God you make the right ones.”

“If you say you’re in love with him, then I believe you. Please understand, however, that at your age very few loves ever last. You don’t know if he’ll just decide to leave you one day. Keep that in mind, okay?”

“You have ten minutes,” he told me. “Ten minutes to think about what you did wrong and how bad you feel right now. Are you ready?”…“There. It’s over now,” he said. “Now you look forward and figure out how you’re going to get better.”

Anything is possible if you give it a chance

“They’re your family.” Hades laughed. “No. Goddess lesson number one: Fear the family.” “My mom—” “Was a wonderful mother to you, I’m sure. But she still lied and deceived you at every turn.” He waved off my protest. “Consider yourself lucky. Our father tried to eat us. We all grouped together and killed our parents. Instead of drawing us closer, we spent the next few millennia ripping each other apart. Families think they know what’s best for you. Your friends let you figure that out for yourself.”

I trust him to be true to his nature, you need to trust those around you will be true to their nature. Even when it may appear that they are betraying who they are.

Aim to be better not bitter.

Some things are out of our control,” he said. “We have to learn to accept and adapt.”

Why drown in love when you can have so much fun swimming around in lust?

Who better to parent you, than people who have had to persevered through their life.

Be a catalyst for change

My aunts said I was dreaming when I said I wanted words to be a career, but my mother kept quoting Picasso’s mother. “Picasso’s mother told him if he got into the army, he’d be a general. If he became a monk, he’d be the pope. Instead he was a painter and became Picasso. That’s exactly how I feel about you. So do, Rachel, what you love.”

Rise and rise again until lambs become lions.

Demographics are destiny.

“Devils don’t come from hell beneath us. No, they come from the sky.”

Goodnight. Travel well.

“It’s not torture. It’s not making things worse. It’s not horrible. It’s not a fucking mistake. Out of everything don’t you dare say it’s a mistake.”

Learn before you burn.

I don’t think it [love] is someone who sweeps you off your feet. I think it’s someone who stays right beside you and let’s you walk on your own.

We can only do want we know.

We can only practice what we understand and he neither understands this nor does he value it.

“…,Im fine.” “Until you’re not. Then what? What am I supposed to do,…? Do you have an answer for that?”

Intentions don’t bloody matter if the end result isn’t what you expected.

I feel like you have the best intentions but you’re just making one mistake after another.

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”

“I couldn’t forgive him or like him, but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified.”

Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also tear you apart.” ― Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

“Unfortunately, the clock is ticking, the hours are going by. The past increases, the future recedes. Possibilities decreasing, regrets mounting.” ― Haruki Murakami, Dance Dance Dance

“Despite your best efforts, people are going to be hurt when it’s time for them to be hurt.” ― Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood

Of course it hurt that we could never love each other in a physical way. We would have been far more happy if we had. But that was like the tides, the change of seasons–something immutable, an immovable destiny we could never alter. No matter how cleverly we might shelter it, our delicate friendship wasn’t going to last forever. We were bound to reach a dead end. That was painfully clear.” ― Haruki Murakami, Sputnik Sweetheart

“I can bear any pain as long as it has meaning.” ― Haruki Murakami, 1Q84

“That’s what the world is , after all: an endless battle of contrasting memories.” ― Haruki Murakami, 1Q84

No truth can cure the sorrow we feel from losing a loved one. No truth, no sincerity, no strength, no kindness can cure that sorrow. All we can do is see it through to the end and learn something from it, but what we learn will be no help in facing the next sorrow that comes to us without warning.” ― Haruki Murakami, Norwegian Wood

Most people are not looking for provable truths. As you said, truth is often accompanied by intense pain, and almost no one is looking for painful truths. What people need is beautiful, comforting stories that make them feel as if their lives have some meaning. Which is where religion comes from.” ― Haruki Murakami, 1Q84

“It’s easy to forget things you don’t need anymore.” ― Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

Instruction does much, but encouragement everything. ― Letter to A.F. Oeser, Nov. 9, 1768

Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten. ― Neil Gaiman, Coraline

You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. ― Christopher Columbus

Either you run the day, or the day runs you. ― Jim Rohn

What you plant today, you can harvest tomorrow.

The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be. ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is not about where you impart your views, it is about the message itself. Speeches made on on a table in the cafeteria can sometimes mean more than words said in an arena with roaring crowds.

It’s not just a word. It’s the weight of it.

It’s not a small thing to give up everything you’ve ever known. But it’s not a small thing to give up Emma, either. If there is even a slight possibility he can have them both—Emma and his heritage—then it’s certainly worth fighting for.

“If you ever get caught in the undertow,” he’d said, “just let it take you. Just let it pull you right out. Whatever you do, don’t fight it and waste your energy and oxygen. That’s how people die. The people who don’t die wait it out. The undertow lets go eventually, right when you think you can’t hold your breath any longer. You just have to be patient.”

I wonder if other mothers feel a tug at their insides, watching their children grow up into the people they themselves wanted so badly to be. ― Jodi Picoult, Keeping Faith

You’ll never know your limits until you push yourself to them.

He - and if there is a God, I am convinced he is a he, because no woman could or would ever fuck things up this badly. ― George Carlin

May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art – write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself. ― Neil Gaiman

You need to spend time crawling alone through shadows to truly appreciate what it is to stand in the sun. ― Shaun Hick

Neither the sun nor death can be looked at steadily. ― François de La Rochefoucauld

Do not sit still; start moving now. In the beginning, you may not go in the direction you want, but as long as you are moving, you are creating alternatives and possibilities.’ ― Rodolfo Costa, Advice My Parents Gave Me: and Other Lessons I Learned from My Mistakes

It is never too late to be what you might have been. ― George Elliot.

Being there for someone when they need you, that’s all relationships are. ― That Awkward Moment.

Remember: It costs nothing to encourage an artist, and the potential benefits are staggering. A pat on the back to an artist now could one day result in your favorite film, or the cartoon you love to get stoned watching, or the song that saves your life. Discourage an artist, you get absolutely nothing in return, ever. ― Kevin Smith, Tough Shit: Life Advice from a Fat, Lazy Slob Who Did Good

Thankfully, persistence is a great substitute for talent. ― Steve Martin, Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life

Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be. ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

When you put effort into your self and people will put effort into you

We find comfort in those who agree with us - growth among those who don’t. ― Frank Clark

Perhaps home is not a place but simply an irrevocable condition. ― James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. ― Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere’s Fan

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. ― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain. ― Maya Angelou, Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now

You wanna make a splash? Part the Red Sea. ― Harvey Spector

In a gentle way, you can shake the world. ― Mahatma Gandhi

Silence only perpertuates more silence

“Jesus, you’re so bloody…forward.” “You don’t get anywhere in life by going backward.”

I know that this woman isn’t just a prostitute, she is an heir. I know that this precious woman is a princess and was worth the King of kings to die for her. I know that she is worth more than $20 dollars for 4 hours and that she is treasured beyond belief. I know that she is valued and loved to an extent I will only know in heaven. (A Christian article I read a while back)

I’ve learnt that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel ― Maya Angelou

Name one thing you can’t live without. Emma Stone: Love. In whatever form it takes.

It would make more sense to have birth control for men because .. There’s a better chance to shoot on an empty gun than to shoot a bullet proof vest.

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.

i’m still not sorry but I understand.

Don’t wait for the future. it’s all hit or miss

Do what you can for as long as you can

Visual escapes are crucial only due to the psychological factor it pertains

I love my community so i wanna help it

Education should never have a political agenda.

“She stared into the fire for some time, thinking about what she had in her life, and what she had given up; and whether it would be worse to love someone who was no longer there, or not to love someone who was.” ― Neil Gaiman

As for courage and will- we cannot measure how much of each lies within us; we can only trust there will be sufficient to carry us through the trials which may lie ahead. ― Andre Norton

A lie would have no sense unless the truth were felt as dangerous. ― Alfred Adler

Is the holocaust an aberration or reflection of who we really are.

I found myself surrounded by people who celebrated intellectualism and engagement and who thought that my ironic oh so cool disengagement wasn’t clever or funny but like it was a simple and unspectacular response to complicated and compelling problems. ― John green

Just because you’ve done something throughout your life, it doesn’t let you off the hook for it. If it’s wrong, it’s wrong. Stop using familiarity as an excuse.

You’re doing what you can and that’s all that matters.

Treat yourself like you would treat a small child.

For what it’s worth: it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you find you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over again. ― F Scott Fitzgerald

“I don’t know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream”

The only thing you need to do anything is the time and motivation

Adjust your sails according to the wind

“Then suck it up, take responsibility for your own mess. And get your head back in the game. ”

Learn something with the intention of teaching it.

You’re the only person who has control over who you become.

Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

‘When you light a candle, you also cast a shadow’

“Need covers itself with love … but need is never love. Always beware of the one who needs you. There is always a want behind a need, you see” ― J Lynn Armentrout

“If you’re not scared, then you’re not taking a chance. And if you’re not taking a chance, what the hell are you doing anyway!” ― Ted Mosby

This is the problem I have with religion, people do too may things in the name of belief, or worse use it to prevent others from exploring external possibilities.

So here’s my advice study broadly and without fear. Be vigilant in the struggle towards empathy ― John Green

Being afraid isn’t a weakness, Alex. It’s only a sign of something you must overcome.” ― J Lynn Armentrout

“We would all believe in God if he served our every whim. Belief is not about an easy life. Belief is soemthing you have regardless.”

“Sit down, take a deep breath. And let mommy take care of it… just like she always does.”

Small mishaps don’t count a fuckups by the way -me

It’s not a problem, its challenge

Take the game seriously, but remember it’s just a game

“Even when you grow up and move away, its important to come home. Ok?”

It doesn’t get easier… it gets manageable.

Don’t set off running unless you can see the finish line.

Are you strong enough to carry your secrets

Escape-based choices are almost always disastrous, because they solve only half the problem. Target-based decisions at least have a shot at being successful, so keep that in mind every time you have a significant choice to make. Don’t be pushed away from what you don’t want; let yourself be pulled toward what you do want. I’m not saying your end goals can’t change—of course they might. But don’t tell yourself, “So what if this isn’t what I’d hoped for? Heck, it beats what I’ve got.” You deserve better.

Understand that there are no “wrong” decisions.

In nature there are neither rewards nor punishments; there are consequences. ― Robert Green Ingersoll

“The wise man in the storm prays to God, not for safety from danger, but deliverance from fear.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Clarity and focus doesn’t always come from God or inspirational quotes. Usually, it takes your mother to slap the reality back into you. ― Shannon L. Alder

The mother memories that are closest to my heart are the small gentle ones that I have carried over from the days of my childhood. They are not profound, but they have stayed with me through life, and when I am very old, they will still be near … Memories of mother drying my tears, reading aloud, cutting cookies and singing as she did, listening to prayers I said as I knelt with my forehead pressed against her knee, tucking me in bed and turning down the light. They have carried me through the years and given my life such a firm foundation that it does not rock beneath flood or tempest. ― Margaret Sanger

It really takes the pressure off if you understand that every experience you have, whether you characterize it as “good” or “bad,” is exactly the experience you need to have at that moment. Some choices may lead to more painful lessons than others, but living life in fear of living life is no way to live.

When I was trying to decide whether or not to go on my trip, I had a friend who flipped a coin and made me commit to the outcome. Life involves some risk. Flip the coin and see where it leads you.

William Parrish: I thought I was going to sneak away tonight. What a glorious night. Every face I see is a memory. It may not be a perfectly perfect memory. Sometimes we had our ups and downs. But we’re all together, and you’re mine for a night. And I’m going to break precedent and tell you my one candle wish: that you would have a life as lucky as mine, where you can wake up one morning and say, “I don’t want anything more.” Sixty-five years. Don’t they go by in a blink?” ―Meet Joe Black

William Parrish: I want you to know how much I love you, that you’ve given a meaning to my life that I had no right to expect, that no one can ever take from me.

Susan Parrish: Dad…

William Parrish: No! I love you so much. And I want you to promise me something. I don’t want you to ever worry about me. And if anything should happen, I’m gonna be okay. And everything’s gonna be all right. And I have no regrets. And I want you to feel the same way.

Susan Parrish: I love you, Daddy.

William Parrish: That’s why it’s okay.

―Meet Joe Black

[Watching the fireworks above the party before they depart]

William Parrish: It’s hard to let go, isn’t it?

Joe Black: Yes it is, Bill.

William Parrish: And that’s life… what can I tell you.

―Meet Joe Black

Joe Black: I don’t care Bill. I love her.

William Parrish: How perfect for you - to take whatever you want because it pleases you. That’s not love.

Joe Black: Then what is it?

William Parrish: Some aimless infatuation which, for the moment, you feel like indulging - it’s missing everything that matters.

Joe Black: Which is what?

William Parrish: Trust, responsibility, taking the weight for your choices and feelings, and spending the rest of your life living up to them. And above all, not hurting the object of your love.

Joe Black: So that’s what love is according to William Parrish?

William Parrish: Multiply it by infinity, and take it to the depth of forever, and you will still have barely a glimpse of what I’m talking about.

Joe Black: Those were my words.

William Parrish: They’re mine now.

―Meet Joe Black

#sorry for the super long post but i'm cleaning out my phone and these were most of the quotes i had in it #just ignore it #q #ref #and most of these quotes are un-accreditted because i just copied it from books/fanfic/things i've heard peop #*people said #sorry again #parenting

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