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#Hull City Council
letters-unsending · 9 months
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No. 37
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There’s a new Superhero in town and Hero, now demoted, is trying his best to handle the change.
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Before the battle, Hero pressed his ‘super’ pin into Superhero’s palm. The insignia was bronze, but the edges were buffed into a brassy shine from years of pressing it as it sat on his chest, reminding himself in metal grooves his duty to his city and fellow heroes.
“Hero, this…” Superhero curled his hand around the pin, considering Hero with a deep breath, “this is incredibly kind, but I do not want to take this from you. You earned this through many years and I have just begun to lead.”
Superhero went to uncurl his grip, but Hero stayed his movement, folding both hands over Superhero’s fingers.
“Do not think of this as a gift, then,” Hero said, “let it be a weight you must bear.”
“I do not-”
“Please, Superhero, this is more a consolation for me than it is for you.” Superhero already had a pin, gold and gleaming on his collar, and Hero swallowed, squeezing Superhero’s hand one last time before stepping back. Behind Superhero, the other heroes began to file into the room. Hero stiffened and started past Superhero.
“Thank you.” Superhero called to Hero’s back.
Hero paused and turned his head, smile brief but gleaming. His next words were lost to the crowd piling in and Superhero watched as the heroes enfolded him into their mass with happy touches and exclamations of reunion.
////
Jealously curled up his spine as ardently as wonder filled his chest and left no room for breath. Hero sunk back into his seat as Superhero gave his final address to the Organization Council and inclined his head, giving thanks to his audience as if he did not deserve their attentions, as if he had not held them hostage with his brilliance.
After a stroke of silence, the room erupted with praise. Hero did not join the clamor. Instead, he stared at the maps and charts behind Superhero, recalling the masterful plan he had proposed. Hero had known of Superhero’s strength and brazen courage—he’d witnessed it with equal parts terror and fascination on the battle field—but to find his mind was just as sharp and ruthless left Hero reeling.
When they first announced Superhero would be taking his place, Hero was furious. Furious that his men would have to follow a fresh-faced upstart that knew nothing of their city. Furious that they all would suffer due to the Organization’s misplaced confidence in a man who only had brute strength and fame to offer.
But that heated fury was only bitterness now, a slow-acting poison that stirred in Hero’s gut with each successful mission Superhero led. Hero smarted each time his heroes turned toward Superhero in admiration and wondered if it hurt more because he admired Superhero just as much.
“Hero.”
Hero blinked and found that the room had emptied. Scattered paper and pens were all that remained of his coworkers. His own notepad laid rumpled and creased in front of him, so full of scrawl he’d penned notes along the margins to keep up with Superhero’s presentation.
“Sorry,” Hero’s chair screeched back as he stood, “I was lost in thought.”
“Did you have any issues with the strategy?” Superhero asked, nervous though he had no right to be.
“No,” Hero stuffed his notes into his bag, “you—it was brilliant. More than brilliant.” He began to round the table, but Superhero stopped him with a hand at his shoulder. He’d seen that hand crack ship hulls, but there was none of that force now, only a tentative curl of fingers, a weight so slight that Hero wished it heavier.
“Hero,” at his name, Hero tensed, “I want us to be allies. You know this city and organization more than I could ever wish to, and I would appreciate your counsel. I do not want to be alone in this.”
Hero clutched his bag to his side and turned toward Superhero in disbelief. “You have thousands in your command. How could you feel alone?”
“Do not confuse my meaning. I care for every person I lead, but I do not need more followers. I need someone to contest me.” He cleared his throat. “I am terrified by the power that has been given to me and you are well acquainted with it. I just need someone to speak to who is not obligated to listen.”
The bitterness, the acid, welled up from Hero’s stomach and onto his tongue. He loathed the sag of Superhero’s shoulder and the openness in his eyes; this emotional underbelly was too soft to strike. At first, Hero had desperately sought for weakness, for error in everything Superhero did, but now that it was offered up before him, he felt no pleasure at the prospect of tearing in. He looked down.
Superhero’s chest held two pins: one tarnished, one glinting gold. Hero sighed and mirrored Superhero’s hand, placing his own on Superhero’s shoulder.
“You’ve taken my position with much more grace and skill. I believed you to be beyond the want of my help.”
The tension in Superhero’s shoulder bled out beneath Hero’s palm. “I would be a fool to deny help where it can be given.”
“Then you are wiser than me,” he patted Superhero’s shoulder before stepping back, retreating from Superhero’s slight smile.
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Hero staggered into Superhero’s tent on a freshly bound ankle and slumped onto the rug beside Superhero, splaying himself before the fire. Superhero shifted, frowning at the papers crumpled in his lap. The red light from the fireplace brightened the blood splattered across his neck and darkened the furrow in his brow as he turned his cheek away from Hero.
At his expression, Hero collected himself. He tucked one knee in, but as he attempted to pull in his injured leg, his ankle throbbed and he settled it back down with a shaky breath. Bristling, Superhero turned toward him.
“You should still be with the medics.”
“It’s a small break,” Hero pulled a bag of ice from his pack and dropped it over his ankle, “and I’m still superhuman, even if greater powers such as yours exist. I’ve always healed quick.”
“You shouldn’t have been injured,” Superhero sighed, setting his papers aside.
“Better my broken ankle than your pierced liver.” Perhaps lunging off a building to ward off the spear aimed at Superhero was not the wisest course of action, but it had been the quickest. There was no harm done except for the sickening crunch of bone, tendon and his own pride as he crumpled behind Superhero with a groan.
Superhero leaned forward and skimmed his fingers across the Hero’s shin. Between his rolled pant leg and wrapped foot, the skin was purpled and swollen, and throbbed in ticklish pain as Superhero’s hand wrapped gingerly around it. The animal part of him wanted to kick the touch away from his wound, but Superhero’s profile was severe, so he leaned further back on his palms, stomach folding and breath shallowing.
A thin film of ice crackled out from Superhero’s palm, delicate as a fly’s wing. Hero would have laughed at the incredulity of it if not for the gentle retreat of Superhero’s fingers. Why, he’d seen Superhero turn rippling lakes white. He’d seen him render flesh dark and dead, but almost as soon as his touch left, the ice had begun to crack and melt, trickling cooly over his welt-hot skin.
“You are a wonder,” Hero breathed, “truly. I could not even begin to use my power as finely as you have.”
Superhero dropped his hand into his lap, staring at Hero with raised brows. “Do not undermine your power for my sake.”
“I am telling the truth.” Hero replied, spreading out his fingers and calling fire to his skin. It burned a low, deep red but still encased the entirety of hand and the bone of his wrist. “This the smallest fire I can summon. What you did would be like commanding smoke and I have only seen it done by the masters who have taught me.”
Superhero cowed at that, shoulders hunching, “and yet, even a spear can take me unawares.”
“It did not take you. I was there.”
“I did not ask you for your friendship so that you could shield me.” Superhero muttered, staring at the blistering fire and ice melt pooling around Hero’s foot.
“Any hero, friend or not, would do the same. And you, you would do the same for me. I have no doubt.” Hero reached and placed his hand over the twin insignias on Superhero’s chest. Beneath, Superhero’s skin bloomed with feeling and warmth, and he half wondered if Hero had chosen to burn him instead.
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meshlasolus · 2 years
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House Of Memories (24/?)
Obi-Wan Kenobi x Padawan!reader
Warnings: slavery, mentions of exposure, beating, whipping (it's the Kadavo plot, so)
Summary: An entire colony of Togrutas have gone missing, captured by the slavers of Kadavo. It's up to the lot of you to find them and bring them home... but you find yourself in a rather confining role while doing so.
A/n: still shadow banned- but y'all literally don't seem to mind lmaoo i wake up with the same number of notes for the chapters as usual and i just wanna say thank you guys for all the love you've given it means so much to me... also tags are currently close bc while I'm banned, I'm not able to add anyone to the list. I will try and get it fixed as soon as i can, though, and will try and open them back up when i do
Words: 2.1k
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"No, absolutely not."
Obi-Wan was quite upset that Anakin would even suggest such a thing, even in the current situation, he did not like the idea of putting you or Ahsoka in harm's way.
An entire city of people had gone missing, abducted by the slave traders of Kadavo, and in order to save their community, it was up to you all to go undercover.
"Master Obi-Wan, it's a good idea," Ahsoka chided in, and you weren't late to chime in afterwards.
"It really is, and good ideas are rare for Anakin."
Anakin rolled his eyes, continuing to lay out his ideas in front of him using the holo-table on the ship.
"I will not let either of you pose as slaves to anyone," he looked at you both sternly. His gaze was unwavering, and you weren't sure if he'd ever cave. Too bad he didn't have to. This was Anakin's mission, appointed by the council on account of his latest success. "The chances of you being taken off our hands would be far too high, and we would not be able to do a thing about it, lest we break our cover."
"We'll put it to a vote," Anakin said plainly, not even raising his eyes from the table in front of him. "All in favor?"
You and Ahsoka both raised your hands, along with Rex who you'd only just noticed entered the room by now. The only one to keep his hand down was Obi-Wan, and knowing he'd been overruled, he shook his head, having unleased a tantrum inside his mind. He would never let it show on the outside how upset it made him, because he was far too gathered for that. He would just be petty about it for the next several weeks anyone brought it up. If he was anything at all, Obi-Wan was sarcastic and petty.
"We land on Kadavo in an hour, set time."
Anakin spoke, and the meeting was dispersed. Anakin took off to make arrangements for the disguises, while Ahsoka and rex went to the hull and tried to make it look presentable. Anakin may or may not have wrecked the panels by using what he called 'aggressive negotiations', so it was up to them to make the ship look like it actually belonged to him.
"Choosing to put yourself in danger is not exactly a wise choice, little one," Obi-Wan was trying very hard to keep his emotions out of his words, but you easily heard how agitated he was about this plan.
"I am going to be fine, and so is Ahsoka. There is no other way we will be able to land on that planet unless they think you're one of them."
He knew you were right, he did, and he wanted to agree with you. He just couldn't help but feel something bad about to happen when the plan was suggested in the first place.
It was a very selfless act, for you and Ahsoka to lower yourselves in order to play a role that may get you hurt, but it was a strength of the Jedi to be seen as selfless. A selfless Jedi was a valuable Jedi.
"You won't be able to carry a weapon," he said, but you already knew that. You didn't rely too much on your lightsaber, and only truly used it in times you knew it actually called for. "Just stay close to me, alright?"
"You know I will."
-
The disguises you and Ahsoka had to wear for this mission were a bit.... revealing, to say the least.
You were very visibly uncomfortable in your own skin, which had been exposed and accentuated in the strangest of places. With the drapey material coming over your hips and running over the front and back of your thighs, hitting the ground and creating a mess of fabric around your feet. Your entire back was exposed, save for the small space where your top wrapped around. The small ornaments hanging from your chest and resting against your waist were loud when you walked, and the ones at your hips jingled with every step. Your chest was more exposed than it had ever been, the halter of the top was ever so tightly wrapped, and it forced your attributes to be accentuated. You wrapped your arms around your stomach as you walked out of the fresher, having just changed before descent.
All eyes turned on you, as you were the only one that they were waiting for, now. Ahsoka was in a get up similar to yours, a bit different on the top half. You felt nauseous almost, having people look at you in such a vulnerable state. It was uncomfortable because it was foreign. You didn't like feeling so exposed. You would much rather have the robes you wore on the daily, which were coiled in a pile on the fresher floor.
"Are we ready?" you asked, since not one of them said anything. Anakin seemed to not really be paying attention anymore, as he was tending to his comm link, which Rex had just spoke to him on.
"Yes," Ahsoka said, approaching you with an item in her hands. It was a small headdress of sorts, and as she placed it on your head, you noticed Obi-Wan still hadn't looked away from you, yet. He hadn't said anything, but his face was bright red. He probably wasn't used to seeing his padawan so... differently. "For what it's worth, you look good in green."
"Thanks," you chuckled, noticing that yes, it was a good color on you, and complimented your features very nicely.
"I need to-" Obi-Wan seemed to be having trouble with his words, and you looked over to him when you heard him begin, but his stuttering got him nowhere. "I need to go find Rex."
He left in a hurry, and you could all but tell why. He seemed to be very flustered all of a sudden. Did you give him this reaction? You knew he was protective of you, but you didn't think that he would be so upset over simply seeing you in a disguise that could possibly attract unwanted company.
You looked at Ahsoka with a quizzical look, and right away she was keen to answer to it.
"Maybe he liked what he saw," she said, smirking. You shoved her in the arm, and she laughed, seeing as Anakin was far too busy to notice anything you both were saying.
"Then why did he leave?"
She shrugged her shoulders, looking at the door in which Obi-Wan just left. "Maybe he doesn't want to make you uncomfortable."
"I'm already uncomfortable, Ahsoka. There's like a fat two inches of me that isn't showing."
"Oh, come on, loosen up," she said, handing you the black cloak you were to wear while in the city. The reveal would not come until you got to the palace, which you were at the very least grateful for. "Live on the scandalous side for once."
"Yes, because you're so scandalous, Ahsoka."
You teased her, but she knew in all honesty this was a big step for you. She wasn't sure if you'd ever been this exposed and presented in your life. You wouldn't even have to act very much to convince them you were a slave girl, because the second anyone laid their eyes on you in this get up, you would be cringing, trying to hide yourself from their views.
-
The town seemed to be so advanced, which was strange, since they harbored such an uncivilized line of work such as the slave trade.
The markets in the street made you nearly want to cry. The children's faces you saw were absolutely horrified, being taken and separated from their mothers and fathers to be sent away with a total stranger, one who would whip them and beat them into submission.
You craved comfort from seeing these horrific things, and looked to Obi-Wan, extending your signature with pleading eyes. He grabbed hold of it tightly, thinking of only good things to help sooth your mind. It was hard for him, too, you could tell. He knew, however, that he was here to help save some of these people, which helped him keep a straight face as he walked through the city.
There were some slight altercations between Anakin and some guards that were stationed, but shortly after, you were all led to the palace to visit with the queen. Anakin had managed to charm his way through the front gates, but Obi-Wan and Rex were prevented from entering. The guards that stood on each side crossed their weapons in the way of the path, separating you from where you stood by his side.
"Only Lars Quell and his slaves have been granted access into the palace," one of them said, a pointed look which was given directly to Obi-Wan.
"I'm sure my men will be just fine to circulate the area until I'm finished with my business," Anakin - Lars Quell - told them, and Rex backed away immediately. It took Obi-Wan a second more to comply, but then he did, and gave you a look that said, 'be careful, please' and walked away.
You continued up the steps with Anakin and Ahsoka, entering the luxurious place where you would soon meet the queen. You weren't really looking forward to it, but knew it was part of the plan to find the Togruta colony.
"Remember, you both have to act as if you fear me," he said quietly, in the stretch of hallway where no one was listening.
"I do fear you, Anakin."
He snapped his head back at you, seeing as though you weren't being sarcastic, he furrowed his brows.
"I scare you?"
You chuckled and shook your head.
"Not you, necessarily... but your stupidity at times is absolutely terrifying," Ahsoka snorted to herself, trying to keep in character as the throne room was soon approaching with every step you took.
"You're hilarious, can we focus now?"
You regained a straight face and walked along with them until you were in the middle of a grand hall. The walls were so ornately decorated, but the carvings that were so beautiful were probably done by those who did not wish to sculpt them. Most of this place was probably built by slaves who had no choice. You could not revel in the beauty of something that was brought about with pain and suffering.
Anakin's dealings with the queen were going rather well, you'd say, as his charming sweet-talk wooed her into listening to his case. He was a good liar, you knew that much, having spent years of forcing him to tell you the truth over little things that probably didn't even matter.
When she approached you both, Anakin ripped the cloaks from your bodies, exposing you to the queen and her guards. He knew you were uncomfortable by the look on your face immediately and gave you an apologetic one in return.
"He always knew how to pick a female," she said, mentioning the name of the slaver that Anakin had killed only a day before.
She looked over Ahsoka, then you, and then to Anakin again.
"How much for this one? She is exactly the type for one of my keepers. Firey, stunning."
Anakin looked at you for permission, and knowing that it was a key part of the mission to keep the queen interested, you nodded to him, telling him it was okay and you had prepared yourself for this case. It had been your worst case scenario, but you were prepared for it nonetheless.
"For you? Consider the slave my gift," he said, smiling cheekily but also simultaneously reaching out to you through the force to make sure you were absolutely okay with this. You could take care of yourself, he knew that, but this was something you'd never considered before, so he was a little anxious.
'I'm okay, I'll see what I can find out..'
The queen nodded to her guards, who approached you, locking a metal collar around your neck, and putting your hands in shackles that that held onto like a leash. You pretended to struggle along for a few moments before giving into them and following where they lead you to.
You hoped Obi-Wan wasn't too far away. You wanted to be able to latch onto his signature if push came to shove and you needed relief. You figured you would be okay, because of everything you'd been through, you were still here, functioning as you always did.
You were shoved into an elevator, the doors closing and making you disappear from sight of Anakin and Ahsoka.
-
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aurora-starwars · 1 year
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Be Honest In Your Heart
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Pairing: Ahsoka x fem!Jedi!reader
Summary: While on mission, Ahsoka and reader have to pretend to be a fake couple.
Word Count: 1.5k
Warnings: idk, none? slight angst with a little fluff
A/N: I don’t really like this but here you go!
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Rough. That was the word Ahsoka used to describe the journey. Rough was putting it lightly. While out on mission in the outer rim, Ahsoka and [Name] were intercepted by a separatist-droid fleet. Fighting to make it through on their way to Mandalore, their ship had taken quite the beating. Without shields, making it out alive would prove to be a nearly impossible task. Regardless, the two were committed to surviving and seeing their mission through.
“Flank right!” [Name] called to Ahsoka, who was piloting the ship.
She spun the ship to the right, narrowly dodging blasts from the large star destroyer.
“Two star-fighters on our rear, I will try and shoot them but I don’t know how much more of this this ship can take.”
“Copy that. One star-fighter on my left.” Ahsoka called back.
“I see it.” [Name] aimed and shot at the single star-fighter; with one precise blast the star-fighter exploded. “I got it!” [Name] exclaimed, before directing her focus once again on the other two star-fighters that enclosing quickly.
“Have you got the other two?” Ahsoka asked.
“Yep!” [Name] smiled, shooting at the wing of one of the star-fighters causing it to spiral and crash into the second.
“Awesome, now we can get out of here.” Ahsoka said, pushing a few buttons before pulling the lever to jump to light speed.
“How long do you think it will take for us to get there?” [Name] asked loudly, having gotten out of the gunner’s seat and taken off her headset com-link.
“Not long.” Ahsoka yelled back.
As [Name] climbed up the latter to the ships main hull, she found herself wondering what was in store for them on Mandalore. The information they were given from the Jedi Council was simple but clear: find the mole on Mandalore, secure the information, and leave without Mandalore having ever known that the Jedi were even there. [Name] supposed that they sent Padawans because it was less conspicuous. After all, they were still Padawans. They haven’t had the time to make too much of a name for themselves and haven’t had enough time to completely take on ‘the Jedi persona’.
As [Name] made it to the bridge where Ahsoka sat, Ahsoka asked:
“Do you think our mole will believe that we are Jedi?”
“What? Don’t believe we are convincing Jedi?” [Name] teased, a wide, smug grin on her face.
Ahsoka elbowed her as [Name] moved to sit down in the pilot’s seat next to Ahsoka.
It wasn’t long after that they came out of hyperspace and the planet of Mandalore came into view. Mandalore wasn’t a very slightly planet, having had plenty of wars held on the surface, the natural landscape was almost completely demolished. As the two were entering the atmosphere, the environment around them reminded of why they had sent padawans. Not only would padawans be less conspicuous, they were also less likely to be clocked as Jedi. And if Mandalore was known for not liking one thing, that would be Jedi. It was common knowledge that the Mandalorians and the Jedi were at war long before Ahsoka and [Name] were born. It was crucial that the padawans were careful about hiding their Jedi ways in order for this mission to be successful.
Ahsoka landed the ship on to the docking bay and the two of they made their way to the exit of the ship. ”Before we go, we should probably wear our robes so we can hid our lightsabers.” [Name] suggested.
“Good idea.”
The two girls grabbed the robes before exiting the ship and entering the world of the Mandalorians. In a way, Mandalore was not much different to Coruscant, the way of life in a big city was hard to differentiate. But in contrast, the architecture was different and uniquely Mandalorian.
The two walked through the large city admiring all of the beautiful architecture and fashion that comes with a planet with as much culture as Mandalore. Beautiful box-like buildings that seem to grow from one another and the colours of the blue and grey with the accents of gold were marvellous. Moments like these were such a wonderful part of being a Jedi, exploring other planets and experiencing different cultures.
Ahsoka quickly whispered in [Name] s ear, telling her that they were close to where the mole said they would meet. [Name] nodded in acknowledgment.
They rounded a corner and entered a bar. Despite their apparent young age, no-one seemed to even spare a glance at the two. Ahsoka’s eyes drifted to a spot in the corner that held a man around their age that matched the description of the mole.
“Over there.” Ahsoka whispered, nudging in the direction of the boy.
“Got it.”
The two made their way over, doing their best to stay casual. When they made it to the booth where the guy was sitting, they sat down and started the conversation.
“We heard you’re Drurk Crurar. We heard you have information.” [Name] started.
“I might. What’s it to you?”
“We are not big fans of the Trade Federation and we wish to aid in their down fall.” Ahsoka offered.
He took a moment to think, surveying the girls before coming to a conclusion.
“You two don’t work for the Jedi do you? I hate the Trade Federation, but I hate the Jedi even more.”
[Name] and Ahsoka looked at each other for a beat before Ahsoka started:
“No, we don’t work for the Jedi. In fact, I came here by order of Senator Amidala of Naboo in hopes of not only putting a stop to the Trade Federation but also to protect Naboo and other planets affected by the Trade Federation.”
“How do I know? I mean, it is come for Jedi to work in pairs. How come one of you couldn’t have come alone?”
The girls’ stomachs sank, the boy was getting too inquisitive. They had to think of something quick. So, Ahsoka took [Name]’s hand, and gave her a look that said trust me.
“She is my girlfriend. She is from Alderaan and so we don’t get much time together unless it is for missions like this.” Ahsoka explained, she was calm despite being hyperaware of the hand in hers.
“Missions like these with my love, make life really worth it. Getting a chance to take down something as oppressive as the Trade Federation as well as spend time with her is something I will never turn down.” [Name] added, smiling at Ahsoka, who was smiled back. Real or not, having Ahsoka’s hand in her’s brought [Name] more calm than anything.
The boy was smiling, seemingly touched.
“You two are sweet, you remind me of my parents. My mom was from Mandalore and my dad was a part of the Trade Federation; they didn’t get much time together, but when they did, they made the most of it. That’s how I got this information,” Drurk held up the info chip for them to see. “He is still a part of the Trade Federation, but he still comes to visit from time to time. Last time he visited, he left this. Please, take it. Free your worlds and spend time together. We never know how much time we have.” The boy smiled sadly, before looking down at his hands.
Ahsoka and [Name] looked at each other sadly, [Name] going to rest her head on Ahsoka’s shoulder. When the boy looked up, he smiled once again, handing the chip to Ahsoka offered a small ‘good luck’ before he walked out of the bar.
[Name] looked up to Ahsoka and whispered:
“Is he gone?”
Ahsoka checked around quickly before nodding slightly.
“We should head out now, just to be safe. We don’t want him to have changed his mind about us and then turn us in.” [Name] softly spoke, careful that no others heard but Ahsoka.
Ahsoka nodded, giving a squeeze to [Name]’s hand before guiding her out of the booth. They both understood that it would be in their best interest to remain in this act until they were at least aways away from the bar.
The two held hands as they looked at the architecture around them. It was beautiful and somehow the moment was made more magical than when they first landed. [Name] wondered if it was because Ahsoka’s hand was in hers. And Ahsoka wondered if it was because, just for the moment, she could picture them actually being in a relationship. These thoughts were forbidden for Jedi, they were not to have attachments after all.
Time and time again they were told that attachments lead to jealousy and jealousy to fear and fear into anger and anger into the dark side. But the thoughts were still there and though the two of them only would feel peace and comfort in the other’s presence, the Jedi order would never let them be. [Name] and Ahsoka looked at each other, heads turned at the same time, the giggles bubbled between them. When they stopped, easy smiles rested on their faces, maybe they would be fine after all.
A/N: Please feel free to request! I might not get to them right away but my requests are still open! Have a look at the request Guidelines first!
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danny4xb · 5 months
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Community groups, charities and even small groups of neighbours would be able to cultivate fruit and vegetables on suitable council land in what campaigners say will provide healthy local food, boost mental health and revive neglected spaces.
Hull councillors unanimously passed the “right to grow” motion that means the council will produce a map of suitable land it owns and help those who want to grow food on it overcome practical obstacles such as insurance or provision of water for the plants.
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I have a bit of insight into our council, into the deepest, darkest parts of commissioning... and let me tell you, there int the fucking money for flood defences. You've more chance of plaiting piss than getting a tenner out of the council.
There are loads of reasons why. Government spending up north especially in a city like ours is virtualy fuck all. Also labour & lib dems have pissed money away. Also loads of em are paid far too much. It's a proper gravy train.
But housing & care is huge. Houses in hull cost 80k to 150k - so a lot less than the national average. When it comes to paying for your care when you're old (the council take your home and flog it to pay for your care), we have very few self funders cos their homes only pay for a year or twos worth of care. So the council steps in and pays for the rest until you die - and they want you to die quickly.
Compare that to affluent cities like York, houses there are worth 200k to millions, so they can afford to pay for much more of their own care. But also wealthy people generally have good pensions and provisions, so they have less needs. They're healthier for longer. Many can afford private care homes. So their council has more money, and less of it goes out on care.
Whereas in hull, a huge chunk of our budget goes on care -
Also hull is a working class city with shitloads of poverty, so people are iller, and iller for longer, and have much more complex health needs than wealthy people who've lived good, comfortable, well fed, warm, safe lives.
So basically working class people are more expensive to care for when they're old, which means hulls care needs are far greater than those of cities with some or a lot of wealth.
This is why home ownership and privatised care is a complete load of shite and should be abolished in about an hour's time.
It's also why successive governments have thought 'fuck hull' in the same way they openly thought 'fuck liverpool'. We're too much of a drain. So we aren't getting 2bn to improve our flood defences, they're gonna let it rot like they have done historically.
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fantomcomics · 4 months
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What's Out This Week? 11/15
Upcoming events:
11/19 - Anti-Imperialist Collage Workshop!
11/20 - Scott Pilgrim Book Club & Netflix Watch Party!
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Alien #1 - Declan Shalvey, Andrea Broccardo & Javier Fernandez
EVERYONE WILL HEAR YOU SCREAM! •  In deep space spins a world infected by the universe's greatest killers. Most people - sane people - would construct a barrier thicker than the hulls of ten Nostromos and leave it to rot. •  But where most people see a death trap, Weyland-Yutani sees the biggest payout in the history of civilization. And if it costs a few human lives to secure? Those come cheap here. •  Corporate corruption, personal betrayals and extraordinary violence - Declan Shalvey and Andrea Broccardo's next and greatest Alien story starts here!
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Catians #1 - Cortney Cameron & Luyi Bennett
Stray cat Felix leads a happy life skimming milk from his human friend Rose's convenient store, until the local protection racket turns violent. To save Rose's life, Felix breaks his vows and shares an ancient secret. Unfortunately, Rose uses her newfound knowledge to mix revenge and forbidden magic, unleashing a monstrous abomination that forces the mysterious Council of Cats to launch a global quest for the Relics of the divine Great Cat.
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Deadpool: Seven Slaughters #1 - Rob Liefeld & Greg Capullo
Seven kills in seven days! Welcome to a week in the life of Wade Wilson, the best mercenary Marvel's ever had (just ask him)! From facing off with rival killers to top secret assassinations, DEADPOOL has a lot of work to do in this blood-soaked oversized issue full of fan-favorite creators past and future!
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Dungeons & Dragons: Fortune Finder #1 - Jim Zub, Joe Jaro & Max Dunbar
In the city of Sigil, an amnesiac hero only known as "Finder" tries to uncover who they are and why they're being chased by planar beings intent on capturing them-or worse. But as their tumultuous journey unfolds, they discover that their fate is tied to grand forces that dictate reality itself throughout the planes! A shocking surprise lurks around every corner in FortuneFinder, a miniseries inspired by the new Dungeons & Dragons sourcebook Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse.
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Speed Force #1 (of 6) - Jarrett Williams & Daniele Di Nicuolo
Wallace West and Avery Ho: the young speedsters have been Teen Titans, Justice Leaguers, and above all, members of the Flash Family. As they become aware of mysterious changes happening to the Speed Force, they race to Keystone City, where they encounter old friends, new threats, and a chance to forge their own paths.
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Geiger: Ground Zero #1 (of 2) - Geoff Johns & Gary Frank
The saga of THE UNNAMED continues! GEOFF JOHNS and GARY FRANK return to the apocalyptic world of GEIGER for a special explosive two-issue origin epic.
What happened to Tariq Geiger in the days after the nuclear bombs first dropped? How did mankind survive the UNKNOWN WAR? Who is the mysterious Russian scientist Dr. Molotov and why is he hunting Geiger? And how does this tie all the way back to the American Revolution? Get ready to put on your hazmat suit and find out!
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GI Joe: A Real American Hero One-Shot - Bob Mcleod & Herb Trimpe
Celebrate the return of G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO with the definitive edition of its historic first issue! This issue restores Larry Hama's original, unedited dialogue, which has never before seen print!
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Godzilla Rivals VS Mechagodzilla #1 - Mark Martinez
IS YOUR CITY BESIEGED BY KAIJU? DO YOU LIE AWAKE AT NIGHT ANXIOUSLY LISTENING FOR THE MONSTER SIRENS? HAVE YOU HAD ALL YOU CAN TAKE OF GIANT LIZARDS, MOTHS, PTERODACTYLS, AND SHRIMP? THEN CALL TRACER TECH TODAY! OUR STATE-OF-THE-ART ANTI-KAIJU TECHNOLOGY HAS ALLOWED DOZENS OF CITIES AROUND THE WORLD TO FEND OFF THE THREAT OF MONSTER ATTACK.
San Palomar, California. It's a sleepy city with not much going on. That is, until Tracer Tech built their new corporate headquarters there, displacing lifelong citizens and forcing out local businesses. But what is the source of Tracer's amazing, almost alien technology, and why has it put San Palomar in Godzilla's sights? And what can a couple of local kids like Alex and Jaz do to protect their city when the King of the Monsters and its robot doppelgänger clash?
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Lotus Land #1 (of 6) - Darcy Van Poelgeest, Caio Filipe & Alex Eckman-Lawn
In a Vancouver of the future painted with ultramodern decay, a groundbreaking advancement in technology promises an end to entropy itself.
But when an attack on this mysterious "Keeper Program" threatens the lives of everyone tied to it, retired Police Detective Bennie Strikman is called to investigate one last case.
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The Ministry Of Compliance #1 - John Ridley & Stefano Raffaele
Thirty-seven years ago, Earth was secretly invaded by an alien force known as the Devolution, and they have been shaping the direction humanity has been going in ever since to prepare us to be assimilated into their empire.
The Devolution has thirteen ministries, each responsible for manipulating a different aspect of human life. The Ministry of Compliance, the most feared of all the ministries, led by the fierce Avigail Senna, makes sure all the ministries stay in line and remain focused on the Devolution's mission. As it appears the Ministry's mission is on the verge of being completed and Earth will be assimilated, things begin to go terribly wrong, and a conspiracy among the ministries breaks out that Avigail must deal with head-on.
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Outsiders #1 (of 12) - Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly & Robert Carey
Never the End. A universe of secrets is about to come to light. Batman protects Gotham City from evil. Batman Inc. protects the rest of the known world. But what of the unknown world? What of the ancient evils in hidden tombs and forgotten tragedies from a magic-and-mad-science fueled super-heroic century? Using his fortune, Luke Fox launches a new organization dedicated to shining light into the world's darkest corners. His first recruit: Kate Kane, the Batwoman--who will re-embrace her military background to protect Luke's dream and encounter every bit of strangeness the DCU has to offer. And just wait until you meet the Third Man...or learn what universe-shattering secret they've discovered buried under Antarctica. Outsiders is the return of comic book archaeology, digging into all the forgotten corners of DC's history to preserve, record, and better understand the true nature of the DC Multiverse...and the forgotten stories that make up its fabric.
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Red Light #1 (of 4) - Sarah Cho, Priscilla Petraites & Jeff Dekal
Lacy is an A.I. sex worker in a futuristic Red Light District. And Lacy knows exactly what her clients want - better than they know it themselves. Housed in a high-tech brothel under the watchful eye of the mysterious Mister, Lacy has little in her manufactured life besides work. All that changes when she befriends Natalie, an orphaned child who comes into her care. Now Lacy and Natalie are on a mission to escape the Red Light District, only to find themselves flung headlong into the mystery behind Lacy's creation.
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Superior Spider-Man #1 - Dan Slott & Mark Bagley
A Superior Reckoning! SPIDER-MAN faces a NEW VILLAIN from his SUPERIOR past. As she fries New York with all the power of a living star, DOC OCK makes a life-changing discovery! MARK BAGLEY and DAN SLOTT continue their Spider-Man run with this 10th-ANNIVERSARY celebration of everything that made Spider-Man Superior.
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Street Fighter 6 Evolution Special #1 - Capcom, Matt Moylan, Hanzo Steinbach, Tovio Rogers, Jeffrey Chamba Cruz & Genzoman
The new era of fighting games continues with three short-stories starring six World Warriors! Featuring Rashid, Cammy, Dee Jay, Luke, Jamie, and the debut of an all-new Street Fighter 6 character.... the deadly A.K.I.!
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365 Days To The Wedding GN Vol 1 - Tamiki Wakaki
A sweet "fake engagement" romance about quiet coworkers by the creator of The World God Only Knows! The J.T.C. travel agency is looking for someone to manage its brand-new branch in Irkutsk. But for employees Oohara Takuya and Honjouji Rika, they'd rather just stay home in Tokyo! Thankfully, they've discovered a way out-their manager has narrowed down the recruits to bachelors, so what if they just... got married? The problem is they barely know each other at all! Can they convince their office they're engaged just long enough for the transfer to finish up?
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Cat On The Hero's Lap GN Vol 1 - Kosuke Iijima & Shiori
In this hilarious fantasy adventure, will the hero triumph against the evil demon king, or face defeat... because he can't fight with a cat on his lap?! Our brave hero, Red, has embarked alongside his companions on a journey to defeat the great demon king. Or at least, that was the plan. But then a cat sat on Red's lap and fell asleep. There's no way he can fight monsters like this! As it turns out, Red's greatest enemy is right on top of him!
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Curses GN - George Wylesol
"Sometimes I think I see things. Out of the corner of my eye, behind a door, I catch a glimpse of something. It's like a curtain caught in the wind, and then it's gone." From hospitals to hell to the wilderness, George Wylesol's short stories take place in liminal spaces where nothing is as it seems; the surreal becomes real; and something is lying in wait around every corner. As our main characters navigate through corridors, passageways, and highways, they sink deeper and deeper into everyday strangeness that slips into peculiarity, creating an internal journey from normalcy to the supernatural.
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Dai Dark Box Set Vol 1 - Q. Hayashida
Introducing the first box set for this hilarious, gruesome, unforgettable tale where dark magic and space action collide! Zaha Sanko's body has great and terrible powers-they say that possessing his bones will grant you any wish, even the desire to become ruler of the universe. But Sanko is still a teenage dude with his own life, and he isn't about to let every monstrous lowlife in the galaxy rip him limb from limb. He and his skeletal buddy Avakian will use their dark powers to fend off any murder attempts while they search space for whomever put this curse on Sanko's bones... because killing them might end the madness. (And then Sanko can celebrate with his favorite spaghetti.) This beautiful box contains Vol. 1-4 of the manga and one double-sided poster.
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The Dangerous Convenience Store GN Vol 1 - 945/gusao
This hit Boys' Love webtoon/manhwa (comic) is coming to print in English for the first time! Yeo Eui-joon needs cash, so he works part-time at a convenience store-where the clientele includes hoodlums and mobsters. He's tired of being yelled at while ringing up booze and trying to talk his way out of extortion, but he's not tired of seeing a certain good-looking gangster walk in the door. Gunwoo is huge, gruff, and intimidating at first... but he seems to care about Eui-joon's well-being, and is quick to knock aside anyone giving Eui-joon a hard time. After Eui-joon gets a peek at the enormous condom size Gunwoo buys, a little spark of attraction might just grow into a big, fiery love story!
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Disturbed: Dark Messiah TP - Tim Seeley, Angel Hernandez, Esau Escorza & Ryan Christensen
In the not so distant future, firefighter Griffin DeSanto has found himself a man out of time, stumbling into a harsh world of poverty, automation, and subjugation. Technology rules and a tech empire built on suffering keeps the population in check through surveillance and mechanized policing. Though lost, Griffin is never alone, he was brought here for a reason, and The Vengeful One is his guide.
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Gunhild GN Vol 1 - Fred Tornager
Her travels lead mainly to many foes, but a few enemies become friends, persuaded by Gunhild's unwavering determination and burning passion for her own cause. Being a tiny Jotun against a big, powerful world, Gunhild must fight smart and learn a trick or two from Loki to earn the title of godhood. Certainly, Gunhild will stop at nothing to forge her own fantastic path and make her dream come true.
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The History Club HC Vol 1 - Bret Baier & Marvin Sianipar
From Bret Baier comes the first book in a thrilling new time-bending graphic novel series about kids who use their love of history to thwart an evil time traveler's scheme to change the past! Becca, Zack, Cam, and Thomas are best friends who may seem like an unlikely group on the surface but who have something very important in common: a love of history! Together, they make up their school's history club that has an all-important secret mission: stop the villainous History Twister's plot to destroy the past, forever altering the future. Knowledge of history is their superpower as they chase the Twister through time. After all, who knows what would have happened if Alexander Hamilton had lived and Aaron Burr had died in their infamous duel? It's up to the History Club to save the world from utter destruction!
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Jim Henson's Labyrinth: Beyond The Goblin City TP - Delilah S Dawson, Gustavo Duarte, Jeff Stokely, Ross Curry, Jonathan Case, Adam Smith, Lara Elena Donnelly, Sas Milledge, Daniel Bayliss, Pius Bak, French Carlomagno, Jeff Stokely, Kyla Vanderklugt, Samantha Dodge, Gustavo Duarte & Mike Allred
Featuring the secret history of Sir Didymus and the untold story of one of Jareth's Masquerade guests, in addition to stories featuring fan-favorite characters like Ludo, Hoggle, Sir Didymus, and the Goblin King himself.
This epic collection showcases imaginative tales from critically acclaimed writers and artists, including Jonathan Case (The New Deal), Delilah S. Dawson (Star Wars: Phasma), Gustavo Duarte (Bizarro), Roger Langridge (Snarked), Katie Cook (Star Wars: ABC-3PO), Jeff Stokely (The Ludocrats), S.M. Vidaurri (Labyrinth: Under the Spell), Sina Grace (Superman: Kal-El Returns), Michael Dialynas (Wynd), Sarah Webb (The Storyteller: Sirens), Boya Sun (5 Worlds), Lara Elena Donnelly (The Amberlough Dossier), French Carlomagno (The Dead Lucky), Pius Bak (Eat The Rich), Samantha Dodge (Catwoman: Soulstealer), and many more!
Collects Jim Henson's Labyrinth: Shortcuts and Jim Henson's Labyrinth: Under the Spell.
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No Touching At All GN - Kou Yoneda
On the first day of his new job, the shy and introverted Shima suddenly finds himself trapped in an elevator with an extremely hungover man, who turns out to be none other than his new boss, Togawa. Though Shima is initially put-off by Togawa's rude and shameless behavior, he can't help but be drawn in by the man's compassionate side, and he soon finds his thoughts are completely consumed by the charismatic man. Unfortunately, painful experiences from his past continue to haunt Shima, and ultimately prevent him from taking the first step. Even when Togawa makes his feelings for the young man blatantly clear, despite also having agonizing memories and an unpleasant past of his own, Shima still hesitates to open himself up to the man. How will things turn out when a love is so obvious that it can felt, but the individuals in question can't express it directly?
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Osamu Dazai's No Longer Human GN - Osamu Dazai & Chika Ito
This manga version of novelist Osamu Dazai's masterpiece No Longer Human, the #2 bestselling novel of all time in Japan. Yozo Oba, a young man growing up in Japan in the immediate aftermath of World War II, is tormented by a failure to find any value in himself or in human relationships, despite being surrounded by women who love him. He creates the persona of a buffoon who mocks himself while entertaining others. But inside he is tortured, and as he moves from childhood to adulthood he becomes addicted to sex and alcohol. Largely autobiographical, No Longer Human explores Dazai's own sense of failure and alienation which drove him to self-destruct with alcohol and numerous suicide attempts.
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Power Rangers Universe TP - Nicole Andelfinger, Simone Ragazzoni & Derrick Chew
WHAT IS THE TRUE ORIGIN OF THE PHANTOM RANGER?
On a journey across time and dimensional space, writer Nicole Andelfinger (Dragon Prince: Bloodmoon Huntress), artist Simone Ragazzoni (Odessa), and colorist Mattia Iacono answer the questions fans have been asking since the beginning!
A mysterious pod crashes to earth, while the Legendary Ranger Teens take on thrilling new forms, powerful against their foes and dangerous to themselves, and even contend with a corrupted former ally. Can they save their friend and protect the Morphin Grid from destruction?
Discover the truth behind the Phantom Ranger, the Morphin Masters, Power Rangers, and the Morphin Grid itself in the series that will unlock the secrets of the Power Rangers Universe!
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Saigami GN - Seny
The girl known as Ayumi is a troubled European teenager who feels lost, like a stranger in her world. Her father left when she was little, while her mother's work means she is never around. A love of manga and books keeps her happy, while honest-to-goodness friends seem to be something only other people have. But this is not the case in the fantasy land known as Aesztrea. In this strange new world, there are dragons, creatures, and warriors who can wield power beyond our wildest imagination. When Ayumi arrives in Aesztrea, she learns that she may also be a Saigami. This warrior class of supernatural and superhuman abilities is one of the most honored and respected people in this new world. For the first time in her life, her potential is limitless, and she has seemingly found a place and a people where she can belong. But not all is right in Aesztrea, Ayumi will have to face her own demons to get to the bottom of this and determine who she wants to be.
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Sakura Saku GN Vol 1 - Io Sakisaka
Saku Fujigaya would like to thank the boy who helped her, but all she has is a note signed "Ryosuke Sakura." She discovers that a boy at her high school, Haruki Sakura, has an older brother named Ryosuke. She asks Haruki to deliver her thank-you letter to Ryosuke, but why does he refuse?
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Sheep Princess In Wolf's Clothing GN - Mito
In this beautifully illustrated yuri/Girls' Love fairy tale, a wolf-woman butler must tutor a sheep princess who's not as soft as she looks! Aki Rikujo, a Wolfa, works as a butler at the royal castle in the land of Sheepa. Her quiet and peaceful days get shaken up when she saves the life of Princess Momo Shiudafaris. The shy sheep princess immediately latches onto Aki who, before she knows it, becomes the princess's private tutor. Momo wants more than just math lessons from Aki, and even sneaks into the wolf-woman's bedroom to seduce her! Aki soon realizes that, under the timid woolly exterior, Momo is a wild animal!
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The Star Seekers GN - HYBE & Tomorrow X Together
When assailants interrupt Star One's comeback stage, the boys spring into action...all except Eugene! Though he helps as best he can, his lack of magic limits what he can do. That is, until the strange stray cat he picked up appears in a flash of light and offers him power...
Whatcha snaggin' this week, Fantom Fam?
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Text
PROLOGUE
By the Steward Sulime Arenan, with notes by the Lady Y'pollea.
Before spring comes the longest night of winter.
It began in tragedy. Nenime had returned from wild space and taken a commanding role beside our mother, Matriarch Yavannie [1]. Their first expedition took them and a mighty force of a hundred and nine warriors to what had seemed like a miracle.
Beforehand, the Crone-Council of Iybraesil had been battered by visions of a wonder born from the elder days, a time when the newborn aeldari race had fought against the devourer gods of the Necrontyr. Some called it a shrine to lost powers. Others, an altar of martial resurrection. A few understood it as a workshop to engineer an empire. It was a jewel in the skeins. It came to be called the Nexus of Fate [2].
Such had been the potency and headiness of those visions that Matriarch Yavannie was persuaded to gather her forces in haste. An influential autarch along the southern habitats of Iybraesil, Matriarch Yavannie did not wait for further reinforcements. So it was that a reclamation force composed of aspect warriors and militia sworn to the House of Arenan was readied to traverse the most treacherous spars of the webway.
Only Nenime spoke out against the expedition.
The Crone-Council was emminently wise, Nenime argued, but the treasures of the past were seldom so benign [3]. She knew as much. Great treasures often came at a great cost. Turn away, this promised wonder, she said, was simply another weapon. Our Fall had damned our foreseeable fate, but so too had it cursed the remnants of our past.
Slowly, strangely, the council began speaking of the imminent restoration of the grand Aeldari Dominion.
They had become fixed and intolerant of dissent. To speak of tools of war was one thing, but to take it a step further... Nenime called it delusional. Foolish. Evil.
First, Nenime tried to charm. Then she begged. Finally, she threatened. It was only when the Council suggested that Matriarch Yavannie would be sent into the impossible labyrinth without her youngest daughter that Nenime seemed to relent. It was Nenime who led Iybraesil's forces through the webway, making use of all the skills she had developed as a Voidscarred. What Matriarch Yavannie thought of Nenime's disquiet, we do not know. Mother and daughter keep their secrets. What is known is that the expedition continued without further delay; the reclamation force arrived at the Nexus of Fate, and all went wrong [4].
It was like a dark diamond, feeding parasitically on the star it orbited. Further words fail to encompass what Matriarch Yavannie's force discovered, but it can be said that the Nexus was not unlike a vault. Charged aether-crystal assemblies lay in darkness, starsteel forges lay silent. There were armaments, precursors to high aeldari art, and towering constructs armed with the same. That was not all. There were other, stranger weapons, clearly meant for different beings. The wonder could not have lasted long. For a moment, the hopes of the Crone-Council seemed realized, but as the force delved deeper and scattered throughout the vault, not all was as it seemed. The Nexus would be no birthplace of glory. Honor would never be drawn from that place. The Dominion would never rise again.
The Great Enemy, Chaos, nested at the heart of the Nexus.
Whatever polarity wards had shielded the Nexus from the energies it fed upon had been shattered, inverted by the psychic backlash of the Fall. Matriarch Yavannie's arrival had at long last awoken the ancient evil slumbering at its heart. Nenime had been right, alas. Yet even she could not have imagined the extent of the horror.
More predators loomed in the shadows of the Nexus.
Led by the haruspicy of Dark City Heg-Crones and the tortured visions of psychic medusae, a substantial party of kabalite trueborn and incubi sworn to the Kabal of the Dying Sun had lingered in the shadowed hull of the Nexus, awaiting the glory and terror that came from hunting their own kin. The Dracon at their head had promised his followers ample opportunity to sate their inherent murder-lust. Above all, he offered his starveling killers the chance to claim waystones from those they felled, for a shattered waystone is a vaunted status symbol among the warrior cults of Commorragh.
Their intent was not to claim the Nexus, but to use it as a hunting ground. The Drukhari either did not know, or did not care for the weapons within. They waited in the shadows, eager for the moment in which they could strike the most dolorous blow.
It is impossible to say how or when the attack began. We know the constructs shivered to life, revealing a corruption that had lain dormant and concealed but a moment before. Pale creations, maliciously possessed by the archenemy, fell upon the reclamation force with mighty weapons of old, horn, and claw. Six herald daemonettes screamed light into the dark in rapturous revelry. Daemonic trills and the cloying scent of ancient doom filled the air as the true master of the Nexus stepped forth from the vault's warp-tainted heart: The hymns of lamentation refer to this entity as the Sorrowsister, servant of Sai'lanthresh, the exalted Keeper of Secrets, Ni'nui. Her daemonic legion had infested the Nexus eons before and fate had at last delivered playthings onto her cruel playground.
It was as Matriarch Yavannie's forces reeled, and surely sought to extricate themselves from the unfolding disaster, that the Drukhari revealed themselves. The ambush had been well planned; null-slaves had been placed throughout the nearest webway accesses as to prevent the withdrawal of their Asuryani prey. Incubi prowled with with klaives as preening kabalites roamed in packs, all intent on the foulest murder [5]. A vicious three-way battle ensued.
It can only be said with certainty that the mother sought to keep the forces of the archenemy at bay whilst the daughter sought an exit through the Drukhari, or some way, any way, to get her sisters in arms out. In time, Nenime came across her counterpart, the Dracon of the Dying Sun [6]. There was no glory in this encounter. The raiders had lingered less than a fortnight, but that had been enough for their Dracon to fall victim to a particular kind of madness. The Dracon, it seems, had become obsessed with the dominance the Nexus held over its star. So apparent had been his deterioration that, as the Iybraesil strike-force arrived, his warlords had wrested command of the ambush and abandoned their master to his own obsessions.
As the ambush began, the Dracon looked upon the emaciated star from some chamber, heatshields lowered, visual filters drawn. He had even removed his armor, to feel the heat upon his flesh. The Nexus was so close to its star that the light within was blinding, the heat blistering. That was when Nenime faced the Dracon.
Unbeknownst to all, as the atrocity raged, the mad Dracon had set the Nexus on a plummeting dive into its star, so that all might be consumed in dying, solar glory. Nenime slew him, and took from his remains a remote that would detonate the collars of the scattered null-slaves. At last, the survivors could attempt an escape.
Trapped in its headlong plunge, the Nexus could not be saved.
By now, breaking apart and suffused with unbearable heat and brilliance, it had become apparent that the farce was at an end. The Drukhari were sated; their warlords gathered what forces they cared to save and slinked away to safety. Even the heralds of the Sorrowsister fled with their own favorites. Nenime rallied what forces she could, saving what waystones she could, and found Matriarch Yavannie locked in mortal combat against the Sorrowsister.
Matriarch Yavannie, head of the House of Arenan, Mother to three, had already been wounded half a dozen times. The Matriarch plunged her blade through the creature's heart even as she was speared through her side.
Accounts fail us. Nenime added her own blade to her mother's and the Sorrowsister was banished for a thousand years, until the seasons wheeled and the creature once again brought sorrow to Iybraesil [7].
The disaster was complete. Nenime returned home with ten other survivors and our mother's remains [8].
All of Iybraesil mourned. Our father decided Nenime would be the first to walk the path of grief, followed by her elder sisters. House and craftworld came together to celebrate the life of Yavannie Arenan, faithful and dauntless, but Nenime remained as a woman in a nightmare.
What shades lay in her heart then none could say. Many believed that it was the longest night of winter in her soul. Doubtless it was so, but when Nenime looked out into the night she wondered at a deeper darkness. What was her fate, if not to stand beside our mother? So too did she yearn for justice. The Sorrowsister's heralds were still out there; the Drukhari warlords were still at large.
An age had come to and end. Neniwe, the Springsong, yet remained in silence and ruin.
Telling no one, Nenime strayed from the sorrow-path and set plans into motion. For even after the longest night comes morning, when shadows grow long.
~🧿~
[1]: Thankfully, Nenime's first forays into corsairhood lie beyond the purview of this account. Suffice it to say, she made the right friends and sucked up to the right people. You gotta give it to her. She's got guts and a killer form with sword and pistol. Nenime had risen respectably high among the corsairs of Math'lannor when she got homesick and decided it was time to go home.
[2]: Nenime rarely speaks of it, but when she does, she calls it a farce.
[3] This has to be the nicest thing Nenime has ever said about those old hags, plainly.
[4]: How did Nenime foresee that particular calamity? Most kinda guess that it was her corsair's instinct, the one she had earned during her service to Princess Math'elenna. Nenime had indeed walked on many Croneworlds and fetched her fair share of soulstones. But that's just caution. Too simple. When I imagine Nenime before Iybraesil's mummified council, I sense a certain omniscient horror in her voice as she speaks. They drag her out and she cries, 'You don't know what you're doing!'. Maybe that's just me. Something was screaming in her, right? Perhaps she felt the touch of Ynnead even then.
[5]: Nenime thrice reached out to the raiding party's six warlords, sybarites and hierarchs both, with entreaties once it became apparent doom would envelop them all. Her offers were rudely rejected.
[6]: His name goes unrecorded. Nenime claims she genuinely can't remember.
[7]: The archenemy attacked Iybraesil as the Dathedain tore the galaxy a new one. Nenime’s role during this - can’t we talk about that instead? (S: No. Please adhere to the standards discussed) Whatever.
[8]: Would you believe it? They follow her to this day.
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ask-de-writer · 1 year
Text
SEE STORY (Part 4 of 5) A tale from the World of Sea
Return to the Master Story Index
Return to World of Sea
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See Story
by
De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)
Cover art by @wind-the-mama-cat​
14372 words
copyright 2023
All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any form, physical, electronic or digital is prohibited without the express consent of the author.
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Sea is a colony assumed lost somewhat over a thousand years before this tale opens.  They were sent on a one way trip, not knowing that there was no land at all on the whole world of Sea.  Thus, aside from humans, NO CREATURE OF SEA IS IN ANY WAY ITS NAMESAKE.  They were simply named for a superficial resemblance to some Earthly creature by the early colonists.
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New to SEE STORY?  Read from the beginning HERE.
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The next morning brought the unusual sight, first of mast tops, then later the masts and yards bare of sail, and the massed hulls of the many ships riding at anchorage.  The only sails visible belonged to the many small boats plying between the ships and the giant rafts that made up the Gathering marketplace.  Sails visible on the horizon told of a few other ships slow to come, but like the Longin, not late.  The Longin was assigned to an anchored float, where she tied up.  The Grandalor could be seen riding at her float some ways off.  
Two large ship construction rafts had been lashed together near the center of the Gathering.  These monsters were nearly four hundred feet by two hundred feet.  They were the dull yellow-grey of untinted, glued Strong Skin.  They floated, decks about six feet above the waves on six long pontoons each.  They  majestically ignored the small surface waves entirely, rising and falling gently to the long, deep waves. The rafts were designed to build new ships on and to serve as a market square and place for ceremonies, like marriages. On them was the only city that anyone in the Naral Fleet had ever seen.  It was a mass of tents in all sizes and shapes, in every hue of natural or bleached mussel fabric.
Captain Mord asked Cat, “Will you come with me to the Gathering Council? We must present ourselves and formally announce the Longin’s presence to get permission to trade and conduct our other business.”
“Captain, I will gladly go with you.  I need to gather a few things first.  They should be ready now.”   Quickly, she was back with a net bag containing a number of carefully wrapped things.
As Cat was putting her back into the oars, along with three other crewmen, First Officer Alys looked curiously at Cat’s bag.  “What is in there, Cat?  It looks like there are, perhaps, some lobsters?”
“It is a bag of politics.  You will see.”
The Captain’s gig pulled up to the market platform.  They secured the boat and all got out.  The Captain, First Officer and Cat, with her bag, went to the Council Pavilion.  Cat stood back while Captain Mord and First Officer Alys presented themselves to the Council.
“To the Council of the Spring Gathering, we bring the greetings of the Longin, moored this morning. We seek permission to trade and conduct other ship’s business,” intoned Captain Mord, formally.
“Be welcome, Longin.  Conduct your trade in honor, and your ship’s business likewise,” said the Chief of the Council.
Captain Mord bristled at the veiled warning, insulting as it did the reputation of both himself and his ship, “Since when has the Longin needed to be cautioned about honorable trade and business?  I demand a private hearing to know the reason for this dishonor. I can think of many others, some in this pavilion, who owe us more than favors.”
“We have more than an hour before the next ship can present its business,” said the Council Chief.  “Let us use it.  The Longin has the right to know what has transpired and to defend their honor and rights.” All agreed to that, and the group withdrew to a partitioned area of the Council Pavilion.
Once the flaps were drawn, Mord turned to them in genuine anger and bewilderment.
“What can have happened to tarnish the reputation of the Longin to the extent that we needed a public warning to trade fairly?  We have always been openhanded and tried never to take unfair advantage, unless we were first victimized by someone that we have helped.  
“In at least one case,” he looked pointedly at Captain Hored, to the right of the Council Chief, “the very existence of your ship is our doing.  Three Gatherings have come and gone with no payment forthcoming.  Shall I then demand it in full?  By Law, I can do so. If I were Barad, it would have been done.  Your ship and all its goods could be forfeit to the Longin, your crew scattered, and you caution us about honor?  When you exist as a ship only because of ours?”
Hored raised his hands, as if to ward off a blow.  “This is not entirely our doing.  The Grandalor came early yesterday.  Barad told us that you had secretly gone north to the Dragon Sea and also that you were going to try to arrange a match for the Lady of Your Luck.  
“He said that you had kept secret that she is helpless, blind, and named for a Dragon.  No ship will take on such a person.  If her name is changed, and you pay a large sum for her upkeep, another ship might be found to take the risk of her.”  He crossed his arms over his chest as if he had pronounced a sentence.
Mord’s retort shot to the heart of whose honor was truly being tested.  “Ask Barad then, and publicly, how he happened to come across us in the Dragon Sea!  Ask him too, if he says coincidence, whose bare topmasts our lookouts watched for over a week, shadowing us to the south, before he came up to us … from the SOUTH?”
Cat touched Captain Mord’s sleeve.  “May I speak, as this also concerns me?”
Suddenly smiling at the thought of these strong Captains running onto the reef of his foster sister’s logic and uncanny knowledge, Captain Mord said, “In all fairness, perhaps you should hear out the person that you malign.  Cat, this is …”
“Sarfin, Captain of the Dorton. Leader of this Spring Council.  A careful seaman who rarely takes chances and only once has broken the Great Laws.  All that I know of him is good.  
“To his right is Captain Hored, of the Grython.  He should remember me.  He too has broken the Great Law once.  Sometime, ask my Captain how we knew to look for you, and where.
“To his left is Captain Merced, of the Dolthin.  He also has once broken the Great Law and fishes by deep bottom dragging.  I think it an unwise practice.  They have near come to grief twice this month alone, when nets fouled.”
“I know them.  They should know me.  They call me the Lady of the Longin’s Luck, and other sidesteps to avoid the possible bad luck that might come from my full name.  My name, Gentlemen, dictated by both Custom and Fleet Law, is Mecat.  Ask the Longin, now the most prosperous ship of your fleet, how much ill luck I have brought them.”
“By what right do you, a crew-woman, accuse us of violating the Great Law?”
“Captain Sarfin, you have made a grave error.  I am not a member of the crew of the Longin or any other ship.  To ward off the ill luck that might come with my name, I have never been enrolled in the Longin’s crew.
“The Great Law that you all have broken is the Law of Slavery.  The law reads ‘no price may go with any exchange of persons between ships, or the person over whom the price is demanded is considered to be a slave.  All slavery is outlawed as also the slaver and the purchaser.’  By demanding that payment go with me you outlaw yourselves and both of the ships in the exchange.”
The Council representatives looked at each other uneasily.  They had not thought of this.  The notion of payment had been Barad’s, and seemed reasonable at the time.  Now they had a dilemma.  Looking at her curiously they asked, “If we lift the payment, then no ship will take you.  Where will you go?”
Cat looked to Captain Mord.  He spoke, “She has told me that the matter is arranged for already.  I believe her.”
“There is still the fact of your helplessness due to blindness.  What could you do … besides ‘bring the ship luck?’”
“Ask Captain Hored.  He as reason to know my skills.”
Sarfin turned to Hored, “What does she mean by that?”
Hored looked at the deck and seemed to shrink.  “Between three and four Gatherings back, the Grython grounded on a tropic reef.  We took a six foot gash to the hull, which made it impossible to leave the reef without sinking entire.  The stone of it was all that held us up.  We were preparing to abandon ship when the Longin arrived unlooked for.  
“I did not know her from Captain Barad’s description, but I would know that voice anywhere. She is the only reason that the Grython is still afloat.  Her skilled diving and the divers that she directed repaired the Grython.  That is why we owe the Longin so much …”
He scowled, “We have been lied to!  Blind she may be but helpless she’s not!  Lift the price! Grython will take her and glad of it, if we get the chance.”
Cat smiled at Hored, “I thank you for a generous offer from a good heart but the matter is already arranged.  I will make my groom known on the night of the Full Moons.
“What else can I do?  Ask any of the Craft Masters of the Longin.  They will tell you the truth of my skills.  I also read, write, keep accounts and navigate.”
“Eyes are needed for those boasts.  You have none,” stated Captain Barad, walking in through the flaps behind them, and stumbling on a stool in the shade of the pavilion.  Captain Mord looked back pointedly at the stool and said nothing.
“I have come,” said Captain Barad, “reiterate my claim to certain waters in the Dragon Sea.” He crossed his arms over his chest and looked smug.
Cat turned angrily, “You followed us!  The find is ours!  We … ” she trailed off as Captain Mord’s hand was laid in caution on her shoulder.
“Cat, the full Council will meet in only two hours.  That is the proper forum for this dispute. Now is the time for food.  Sarfin, Hored, Merced, will you join us?”
Cat was laying out the contents of her packages.  The plates were large, flatish pearl shells with small shells glued under to level them.  Cups were nautilus shell, and there was a platter of tinted, glue hardened Strong Skin, inlaid with a scene of fish and seaweed done in shell nacre of many hues. It was piled with large lobsters, steamed clams, and shrimp, garnished with tasty seaweeds.  There was a flagon of pure water to drink.
“This feast is worth a fortune! Where did you find all those shellfish?” asked Merced as he pulled his stool up to the feast.
Barad could only stand and stare goggle-eyed as the others dug into the food, cracking shells and scooping out clams.
Mord winked at Cat.  “Oh, up north of here.  These are just some we grabbed out of the cargo vat to steam for lunch.  This is what we have for trade, this voyage.  We would have had much more, but the Grandalor was following us by stealth.  We had to hide our operation from them.”
“Did you let them know that you were aware of their presence?” asked Sarfin.
“We allowed them to come to us, when they were running out of time.  Captain Barad asked our ship’s business and was rebuffed.  He was rude.  He insulted Cat and called her helpless.  She proved to him that she was not, and now we find that he has spread lies about her and our ‘profitless’ voyage,” Mord said thoughtfully, sucking the meat out of a lobster claw.  “I think that we will do well.  What do you think?”
“I think that you will do well, this Gathering.  You have already found that Barad has laid nets to snare your claim to fishing waters in the Dragon Sea,” said Hored.  “I suspect that his claim is the place where you fished for these.”  He gestured at the shrimps and lobsters.
“That is against all custom,” said Cat angrily.  “None may claim rights in the Dragon Sea.  The Great Dragons forbade us that water in the Time of the First Ships.”
Sarfin looked uncomfortable and unhappy.  “That is Custom, not Law.  Custom has been overset before.  We have warned him that such a claim must go to the full Council, and he has agreed to put his claim there.”
“I must warn you,” put in Merced, “that Barad has laid his nets widely and with care to secure those waters.  I notice that he has already gone to spread the word. Many Captains are hearing of your cargo as we speak.  Greed has overset more Customs than reason ever has.”
Shortly, Captains began to come into the Pavilion for the Council.  Many pointed or stared at the remains of lobster, shrimp and clam and to the plates of pearl shell, carelessly left lying near the entrance, in plain view.
Sarfin brought the Council to order, and led them all through the reading of the Great Laws and the Customs of the Sea.  At last, the opening ceremonies required by Custom were done and business could begin.
A new ship had been built and was welcomed to the fleet.  The Fauline was showered with gifts and offers of crew-folk to fill out her needs.  Her first Captain was approved by the Council.  At long last, the Council was ready for new business.
There were debits to settle, disputes to adjudicate and finally, fishing rights to deal with.  Barad Maks stood up.  “The Grandalor would like to apply for new fishing waters.  The waters in question to be from the Gula’s Northern boundary, 5o North by 6o wide from Gula’s eastern boundary.”
Sarfin stood and spoke loudly and clearly, “The waters applied for are in violation of Custom.  They lie in the Dragon Sea.  The Custom, from the time of the First Ships has been that we fish the Deep Waters, except for those of the Dragon Sea.  It has been reserved as the abode of the Great Dragons from the Beginning.”
“Custom only!” cried Barad.  “This Council has the authority to overturn Custom!  We have all seen what Mord brought here from the Dragon Sea! There is wealth there!”
The assembled Captains rumbled agreement.
“We have two issues that we need to deal with, here!” Mord called out.  “One is the matter of Custom.  The other is Piracy!  Barad followed us by stealth when we went north.  He does not even deny it.  Now he is trying to use this Council to steal our find!  Will you let yourselves be so used?”
Merced plunged into the melee, “These are waters found by Captain Mord! Only by turning tail and coming south with all sail spread before they even knew what the Longin had found, was the Grandalor able to get here first.  Barad wants to set aside Custom to claim these waters out from under the Longin, but he hides behind Custom when it comes to presenting the claim.  He got here first!  That is the sole basis of his claim.  He did no work for it.  He presented his claim without even knowing what was there.”
It was no use.  Greed had the Captains in its claws.  The vote to overturn Custom and grant fishing waters went to Barad.
“I am Hored.  Many of you know me.  I say, let Barad have his waters.  He wishes to break Custom. Let him.  At the next gathering, if he has done well, then is the time for the rest of us to claim Dragon Sea waters for ourselves.”
Barad sneered, “The Great Dragons are legends only.  Stories to frighten children.”
“I’m just cautious with my ship,” was the calm reply.  “If you do find Dragons, kindly send a bit of identifiable wreckage south to let us know.”
Hored’s proposal was received with laughter, and passed.
Mord spoke at the last of the debate, “Barad, by foul means you have won those waters that we found.  You cannot have them until you yield up waters of equal size. The Grandalor already has the maximum a ship may have.  You must yield to the council one of your home waters to take up your claim.
“The Longin does not have our full allotment of home waters.”  He turned to the Council as a whole.  “You must give us what the Grandalor yields in recompense for our loss.”
With the smile of one springing a trap, Barad offered, “Before the Council, I yield 25o West to 31o West by 12o North to 17 o North.”
Mord said angrily, “Have you left your wits on dry land?  Those waters are a maze of reefs!  There is little deep water for our nets.  ‘For safety’s sake alone / Fish deep water / Steer clear the reef of stone.’ That is the Custom and a wise one as you have cause to know having grounded in that labyrinth yourself!  This is worthless water. Give us better.”
There was a rumble of agreement from the assembled Captains, but Barad stood against it, grinning. “You demanded water of equal size and I have been generous.  Waters in the tropics are larger than Northern waters, longitude is greatest in physical extent nearer the equator.  Take it or not, it is all one to me.  If you refuse, these are the only waters that will be in the hands of the Council.”
“We will take it then, and curse your name and ship.”  Mord sat, apparently still fuming.
When the Council broke up, the departing Captains were treated to the sights, sounds and scents of the trade bazaar that crew-folk from most of the ships had set up while they were inside debating.  This was the one time and place where rank had no privilege.  The ones behind the board or in the booth dealt with all comers the same.  There was a babble of voices as the different ships cried their merchandise.
“Cloth for sails, cloth for clothes!  The Gula’s weaving is second to none!”
“Rope!  The strongest rope! It’s the Mordan Twist!”
“Perfumes! Many a scent to please your love!”
“Shellfish!  Live lobster! Live Crab!  Clams!  Oysters!  Live Shrimp!  Longin lace!”
There was a dense crowd gathered around the Longin booth.
“Look at that, will you!  They have a whole big tub of crabs!”
“I’m trying to!  Move a bit, will you!  Thanks … I don’t believe it!  Those are lobsters in that tub over there!  And there’s clams in the bottom of that shrimp tub!  Get your elbow out of my side!”
“Mister!  Ma’am!  How much for just one of those bigger shrimps?”
“Thank you, Ma’am!  Boil the crab soon for best flavor, and watch out, the legs can scratch, even if the claws are tied!”
“Was that the last crab?  Oh, Dragons!  They’re out of crabs!”  There was a ragged chorus of “Oh, no!” and “I didn’t even get a chance!”  The tumult began anew as two of the Longin’s sailors dragged out a fresh tub of crabs.  The barely controlled riot of buyers for the unheard of cargo of live delicacies previously thought to be rare lucky finds continued until late …  
Kurin surprised everyone by setting up a small booth, under Master Juris’ proud and watchful eye.  On its board she set out many toys.
To be Continued
<==Previous ~ Next==>
Return to the Master Story Index
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thevelaryons · 2 years
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The similarities between Corlys and his youngest son are well known, but one underrated parallel that I never see brought up, is their tendency to seek reconciliation rather than drawing out a conflict with their enemies. 
Whatever monarch Corlys serves, his advice always follows the same pattern:
Cognizant of all these threats, Queen Rhaenyra’s Hand, old Lord Corlys Velaryon, suggested to Her Grace that the time had come to talk. He urged the queen to offer pardons to Lords Baratheon, Hightower, and Lannister if they would bend their knees, swear fealty, and offer hostages to the Iron Throne. The Sea Snake proposed to let the Faith take charge of Dowager Queen Alicent and Queen Helaena, so that they might spend the remainder of their lives in prayer and contemplation. Helaena’s daughter, Jaehaera, could be made his own ward, and in due time be married to Prince Aegon the Younger, binding the two halves of House Targaryen together once again.
— Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons: Rhaenyra Triumphant
He wanted pardons not only for himself, but for all those who had fought for Queen Rhaenyra, and demanded further that Aegon the Younger be given Princess Jaehaera’s hand in marriage, so the two of them might jointly be proclaimed King Aegon’s heirs. “The realm has been split asunder,” he said. “We must needs join it back together.”
— Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons: The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II
Once more it fell to Corlys Velaryon, Lord of the Tides, to plead for peace, pardon, and reconciliation. “The killing has gone on too long,” the old man said.
— Fire & Blood, Aftermath: The Hour of the Wolf
Alyn, following Corlys’ example, also prefers to make peace offerings with former enemies:
Ser Vaemond’s sons Daemion and Daeron took their claim to the council in King’s Landing. When the Hand and the regents ruled against them, they wisely chose to accept the decision and be reconciled with Lord Alyn, who rewarded them with lands on Driftmark on the condition that they contribute ships to his fleet.
— Fire & Blood, Under the Regents: The Hooded Hand
Three of the “silent five” had died during the Dance, fighting for Aegon II against Rhaenyra…but two survived, together with Ser Vaemond’s sons, and all came forward now, insisting that they had more right to Driftmark than “this bastard of Hull, whose mother was a mouse.”
[...]
However, the plot to murder their young lord went awry when the guards at Castle Driftmark proved loyal to the Sea Snake’s memory and his chosen heir. Ser Malentine was slain during the attempt; his brother captured. Condemned to death, Ser Rhogar saved his head by taking the black.
— Fire & Blood, Under the Regents: The Hooded Hand
Though never formally constituted as a Great Council, the gathering of the lords in 136 AC was the largest assembly of nobles in the Seven Kingdoms since the Old King had summoned the lords of the realm to Harrenhal in 101 AC. King’s Landing was soon full to the point of bursting, to the delight of the city’s innkeeps, whores, and merchants.
Most of those attending came from the crownlands, the riverlands, the stormlands…and the Vale, where Lord Oakenfist and Bloody Ben Blackwood had at last forced the Gilded Falcon, the Mad Heir, the Bronze Giant, and all their supporters to bend the knee and do homage to Joffrey Arryn as their liege (Gunthor Royce, Quenton Corbray, and Isembard Arryn were amongst those accompanying Lord Alyn to the gathering, along with Lord Arryn himself).
[...]
Then up stood Oakenfist, to offer the name of Isembard Arryn, the Gilded Falcon of the Vale.
— Fire & Blood, The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency
Reuniting the different branches of the Velaryon family, allowing his would-be killer to live and join the Night’s Watch instead, granting honors to former rebels as a way to assist the Crown. The Sea Snake would most certainly be proud of his successor. :’)
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thecrownnet · 2 years
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The Crown Season 6 will film in Hull in October. Extras wanted!
Netflix's The Crown film schedule in Hull revealed ahead of final season
The sixth and final season of Netflix's flagship series The Crown is filming in Hull
From Hull Daily Mail Sept 22, 2022
Netflix are once again heading up the M62 to Hull to film for their sixth and final season of The Crown in October, with three dates confirmed for filming in the city centre.
Earlier this month, Netflix put out a casting call to residents of Hull for 300 people for their flagship royal family drama series. Potential extras were being offered a daily rate of £150-250.
It is thought the scenes, some filming until 3am, could be set on VE Day in 1945 in a flashback scene, with the extras being asked to come with 1940's appropriate hairstyles and a clean shaven look. That would reflect a previous movie filmed in Hull featuring the young Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret.
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A Royal Night Out (2015) filming underway at Queen Victoria Square. The movie featured a young Princess Elizabeth and sister Princess Margaret in a plot which could feature in Netflix planned filming in Hull in October (Image: Hull Live)
The rest of the season is set around the turn of the last century, with the yet to be released season five set in 1990's Britain in the lead up to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
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The Crown is to film episodes in Hull, which could include a flashback on scenes involving the Queen, (Claire Foy) and her sister Princess Margaret (Vanessa Kirby), right. (Image: Netflix)
October 24th, 25th and 26th are all going to be used to film in Hull, with Alfred Gelder Street and Queen Victoria Square shooting locations for what has proved one of Netflix's most popular shows.
The Crown filming schedule in Hull is:
October 24 - Hull city centre, Alfred Gelder Street - 3.45pm - 11pm
October 25 - Hull city centre, Alfred Gelder Street - 5pm - 3am
October 26 - Hull city centre, Queen Victoria Square - 4pm - 11pm
Following the Queen's passing, which paused production on the series, viewing numbers for The Crown have shot up 800% ahead of the fifth season's release in November.
This won't be the first time Hull was used as a royal movie set, with 2015's A Royal Night out been filmed largely in the city. The film followed the story of the then Princess Elizabeth and Margaret on VE Day.
“We chose Hull for a number of reasons – its architecture and history – and the city council was very accommodating in helping us arrange filming locations,“ assistant director Neil Wallace said at the time. With shooting locations involving City Hall and Queen Victoria Square, and The George Pub, which used the actual landlady Fiona George as the fictitious landlady in the film.
While the seasons of the Crown are set in chronological order, season six's plot information is thin on the ground. It is speculated that it follows the growing relationship of Prince William and Kate Middleton from teens to university students, with two actors being cast as the grieving Prince. Rufus Kamba will play him as a 15 year old, with Ed McVey embodying his young adult phase as reported by Deadline. With each of the prior seasons spanning their respective decade, we can expect to see the the possible backdrop of 9/11, the Iraq invasion and Tony Blair's new Labour leadership, the memories will be relatively fresh in the mind of viewers.
Other confirmed cast for season five and six include the Imelda Staunton as Queen Elizabeth II, Trainspotting's Johnny Lee Miller as PM John Major, Elizabeth Debicki as Diana, opposite Dominic West as Prince Charles.
Back in 2021, showrunner and The Crown creator Peter Morgan has said that he follows a self imposed "20-year rule", preventing him from exploring events in that time frame. But with the rising popularity and the upheaval endured at Buckingham Palace in much more recent memory, the big wigs at Netflix may want this exploring.
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Imelda Staunton is confirmed to be playing Queen Elizabeth II in The Crowns fifth and sixth season (Image: Twitter)
The Crown has been a major hit since it's first airing back in 2016 for both audiences and critics alike. The many faces representing the royals have swept numerous awards over the years and seasons with seven Emmy wins in that time. In 2021, Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies and Gillian Anderson all swept home best actor Emmys for their roles as Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and Margaret Thatcher respectively.
While season five will air sometime in November 2022, production is still underway for the sixth and final season, and is expected sometime later into 2023.
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abattoirstars · 7 months
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hull city council babes you’re in massive debt
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victorysp · 1 year
Text
Programme for the State Visit from the Netherlands
The King and Queen of the Netherlands, Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, will pay a State Visit to Sweden on 11–13 October 2022 at the invitation of His Majesty the King.
The visit will reaffirm and advance the excellent and long-standing relations between Sweden and the Netherlands dating back to the 1600s. The countries are working together to make Europe greener, more resilient and economically stronger. The State Visit will focus on issues such as green innovation, including the energy transition and life sciences, maritime relations and gender equality.
The ministers who will represent the Swedish Government will be announced closer to the date of the visit.
Tuesday 11 October
Morning
Arrival at Arlanda
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel meet the King and Queen of the Netherlands on arrival in Sweden.
Official welcome ceremony
The King and Queen of Sweden meet the King and Queen of the Netherlands at the Royal Stables for a procession to the Royal Palace.
Royal Stables
At the official welcome ceremony in the Inner Courtyard of the Royal Palace, the Dutch King and the Swedish King inspect the Grenadier Guards of the Life Guards, and national anthems are played. The Dutch King and Queen are presented to representatives of the Riksdag and the Government, while the Swedish King and Queen greet the Dutch delegation. The general public is welcome to attend.
The Royal Palace
Following the welcoming ceremony, the Dutch King and the Swedish King give a press statement in Queen Lovisa Ulrika’s Dining Hall in the presence of the Dutch Queen and the Swedish Queen.
Luncheon
The King and Queen host a luncheon at the Royal Palace for their guests.
Accompanying ministers and representatives from the Dutch delegation attend a luncheon at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Afternoon
Meeting with the Speaker of the Riksdag
The King and Queen of the Netherlands are received by the Speaker of the Riksdag.
The Riksdag
Meeting with the Prime Minister
The Prime Minister receives the King and Queen of the Netherlands in Adelcrantz House.
Vasa Museum
The afternoon concludes with a visit to Vasa Museum, where a presentation of the Vasa will take place. The visit concludes with a ceremonial return of the bell from the man-of-war Princess Sophia Albertina, which sank off the coast of the Netherlands in 1781. The Netherlands and Sweden share a special relationship with the sea and maritime environments – harbours and shipping established the foundation for relations between the countries in a defence treaty concluded in 1614.
Vasa Museum
Evening
Banquet
In the evening, the King and Queen of Sweden host a banquet at the Royal Palace in honour of their guests.
Wednesday 12 October
Morning
Roundtable discussion on business sector issues
The Swedish King and Queen and the Dutch King and Queen take part in a roundtable discussion highlighting issues related to building a sustainable, resilient and economically stronger Europe. The green energy transition, shifting supply chains and opportunities for strengthened cooperation. Participants in the roundtable discussion include government representatives and representatives of Dutch and Swedish business organisations and companies.
Luncheon at Stockholm City Hall
The Chair of Stockholm City Council and the Mayor of Stockholm host a luncheon at Stockholm City Hall. Attending the luncheon are the Swedish King and Queen, the Dutch King and Queen, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, and Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia, along with around 80 other guests.
Stockholm City Hall
Afternoon
Electrified boat trip
In the afternoon, the Swedish King and Queen and the Dutch King and Queen are given a demonstration of a Candela hydrofoil, an electric boat whose hull lifts above the surface of the water as it gathers speed. A Candela can run at high speeds and for a long time on battery power, thanks to its hydrofoil system that creates 80 per cent less water friction than a regular boat. This also provides a quiet boat tour while neither waves nor wind that affect the passengers. In 2023, Candela’s new ferry will become part of the clean public transport launched in cooperation with Region Stockholm.
Candela
Stockholm Exergi
The programme includes a visit to Stockholm Exergi in Värtahamnen port. Stockholm Exergi works to secure Region Stockholm’s access to heating, electricity, cooling and waste services. The district heating network is the hub for the social benefits that Stockholm Exergi creates together with its customers and partners. Today, more than 800 000 Stockholm residents and some 400 hospitals, computer halls and other private and public sector services are connected to the district heating network which, in turn, is connected to combined heat and power plants. The plants utilise residual heat and convert biofuels and the waste that no longer can or should be recycled into energy. Stockholm Exergi also plans to build Europe’s first large-scale plant for negative emissions. This is made possible with support from the EU Innovation Fund (EUR 180 million). Using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage technology, the plant will collect 800 000 tonnes of biogenic carbon dioxide each year. It will also contribute to Sweden’s and Swedish and international companies’ goal of achieving net zero emissions.
Stockholm Exergi
SciLifeLab
SciLifeLab – Science for Life Laboratory – is a Swedish national centre for large-scale research in life sciences, medicine and the environment. At SciLifeLab, high-tech analytical methods, management of large quantities of research data and interdisciplinary collaborations are interwoven to meet the societal challenges that lie ahead of us. SciLifeLab was launched in 2010 as a collaboration between Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and Uppsala University. In 2013, SciLifeLab was designated a national research infrastructure that makes advance technology and expertise available to researchers from universities and colleges, industry and health and medical care throughout Sweden. Today, SciLifeLab supports research activities at all major Swedish universities. During their visit, the Swedish King and Queen and the Dutch King and Queen are given a presentation on these activities and deeper insight into how basic research on body cells and the technology that is needed to study them can be used to better diagnose patients to personalise health and medical care.
SciLifeLab
Evening
Reception
In the evening, the Dutch King and Queen host a concert for their Swedish hosts and invited guests, by the Tim Kliphuis Ensemble at Stockholm Concert Hall.
Thursday 13 October
Thursday’s programme takes place in Gothenburg.
Morning
Lindholmen Science Park
The day starts with a visit to Lindholmen Science Park, an international innovation cluster focused on mobility, AI, visualisation media and IT. One of Lindholmen Science Park’s primary objectives is to strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness through collaboration between the business sector, academia and society, both nationally and internationally. At Lindholmen Science Park, Chalmers University and the University of Gothenburg collaborate with high-technology industries and society on various development projects. Lindholmen is home to around 375 companies with 18 000 employees and 9 000 students, researchers, teachers and upper secondary pupils. During their visit, the Swedish King and Queen and the Dutch King and Queen are given a presentation on Lindholmen Science Park’s activities and meet staff and students from some of the innovation programmes.
Lindholmen Science Park
Lunch 
The County Governor of Västra Götaland County hosts a lunch at the residence.
Port of Gothenburg
Following lunch, the Swedish King and Queen and the Dutch King and Queen are given a presentation on the Port of Gothenburg’s efforts to drive developments towards greener shipping in the EU. The Port of Gothenburg is the largest port in the Nordic countries, with over 11 000 ship visits per year from over 140 destinations worldwide. In 2019, the Port of Gothenburg established the goal of achieving 70 per cent lower emissions by 2030. Some of the Port’s terminals are already fossil-free. During the visit, a memorandum of understanding is signed between the Port of Rotterdam and the Port of Gothenburg, focusing on digital development, electric tankers and establishment of a green corridor for methanol fuel. The concept of green corridors – routes for sustainable transport – was established in the Clydebank Declaration at COP26 in Glasgow, which was signed by both Sweden and the Netherlands.
Port of Gothenburg
AB Volvo
The Swedish King and Queen and the Dutch King and Queen visit the Volvo Group. They are given a presentation of Volvo Group’s green transition, which encompasses every aspect of operations, from production to the final product. The importance of collaboration with others to promote green development is also discussed. An example of this is the collaboration with SSAB/Hybrit that has resulted in delivery of the world’s first machine made of fossil-free steel to an end customer. The Volvo Group is one of the first companies in the world to have serial production of electric heavy goods vehicles to end customers. The visit concludes with a practical demonstration of electric lorries and excavators.
Volvo
Farewell ceremony at Landvetter Airport
The State Visit concludes when the Swedish King and Queen bid farewell to the Dutch King and Queen at the farewell ceremony at Landvetter Airport.
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if-you-fan-a-fire · 2 years
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"While Fascist Rioters Go Free," Ottawa Citizen. April 14, 1942. Page 24. ---- Editor, Citizen:
Enclosed find a copy of a letter written by Jacob Penner, alderman of the city of Winnipeg up to the time of his internment, to his wife and children from camp "H" at Hull, Que.
We of the National Council for Democratic Rights join Mr. Penner and other anti-Fascists interned at Hull, Quebec, in expecting the Department of Justice to be more consistent with their statements.
Unfortunately there does not seem to be any consistency with the statements issued so far. It is now two weeks since the minister of justice stated that "Unless there is good reason to fear his being at large would be a danger to the state, a man must be freed." Yet some 65 anti-Fascists and Communists are still interned at Hull, Que. There is not a shred of evidence that they are a danger to the state or in any way disloyal to Canada: on the contrary, their stand toward the international situation in the pre-war days has long since been vindicated. They have pledged their unconditional support for the war effort. They have made their stand clear to the government in their many letters, appeals for freedom and memorandums. Their sons have joined the armed forces. Their wives and younger children are fully involved in the war work.
- (Mrs.) M. P. PROKOP, Secretary. National Council For Democratic Rights. Manitoba District Office, Winnipeg. April 4, 1942.
///
March 25, 1942.
Dear Rose and Children:
As you would all expect, we are much interested in the statement of the minister of justice made to the press last Saturday respecting those who are interned under the Canada Defence Regulations. His exact words, as reported in the press, were as follows: "Unless there is good reason to fear his being at large would be a danger to the state, a man must be freed." If this statement is followed by action, none of us here in camp "H" should be held a day longer. All of us here, without a single exception, are loyal to Canada and eager to do all we can to help our govern- ment and our country in this its greatest hour of danger, to pull the whole nation together in a united, supreme effort to win the war and to shrink from no sacri- fice to make this possible. We have done all we can to make this our position clear to the government.
Moreover, those of our anti-Fascist group who have been held here in camp "H" and who subsequently were released, have all proved by their action after their release that that is our sincere stand. Some of us here and some of those re- leased were members of the Communist party of Canada or other bona-fide labor organizations up to the time these organizations were decreed illegal. There is a Communist party in every country in the world. In every instance, without a single exception, these parties are in the forefront in the fight against the Axis nations and their Fascist governments.
The question, then - "Are we a danger to the state?" - already has been answered in the negative, and at that in a convincing, emphatic and unequivocal manner. It is indefensible and unexplainable that some members of our anti-Fascist group in camp "H" should be released and others continued in detention. It is now the duty of the government to set us all free.
Much love to all of you,
Your Husband and Dad.
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It was no secret that Ketterdam was the cesspool of Kerch. If you weren’t escaping the gangs that ruled the underbelly of the Barrel, you suffered the inane and obstructive laws erected by the Merchant’s Council. Neither were the worst of what you can stumble upon in the dreary city. No, you needed to be afraid of the pockets of magic that littered the damp streets and alleyway, pockets where unwise and unobservant people could slip through, none the wiser. Where they could slip into and never find their way back home.
Kerch records ignored the disappearances. The city was filled with transient people. Vacationers. Travelers. Homeless. Then there were the locals. The ones who stayed inside, only rumored to actually exist. Locals who traveled too often to really be locals. Which still neglected to mention the prisoners who bounced between Hellgate and the other jails across Kerch and the rest of the world. 
Inej Ghafa knew the truth. 
It was Fae that haunted the darkest corners of Ketterdam. Fae, Faeries, Fe, Fada, Zana, Peri, Víla, Fee–whatever you called them–they were dangerous, mythical creatures who could only be repelled by a strong will and good iron.
And if there was one thing that the Ghafa family had an abundance of when they set up camp, it was good iron.
She grew up listening to her father and uncle weave tales of the fae in the dark glow of the caravan after the oldest members of her family had ended their performances. She would cluck her tongue, wise as an owl at the young age of four, and shake her head at the stories of the foolish people who had been tricked, who had been killed, by the fae. If one thing was certain, she would never be deceived by a fae for as long as she lived. Ghafas were strong-willed, resilient, and were never lost. No, she was sure she would never fall into a faerie’s trap.
Which was why when Inej Ghafa was stolen from her bed and found herself in the hull of a slaver’s boat headed to Ketterdam when she was fourteen–she took great care to hide the iron necklace her mother had given to her when she was old enough not to lose such things.
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suckerpunchfemale · 1 year
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Chapter Fifty Nine Below!!
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Aesira stepped into the tranquil oasis that was the Red Keep's gardens and was immediately struck by the beauty of the early stages of winter.
The gardens were a breathtaking sight, with the trees shedding their leaves and the branches reaching toward the sky in a haunting, yet captivating way. The ground was blanketed in a layer of snow that crunched satisfyingly underfoot as she walked, making her feel as though she was moving through a fairy tale. The air was crisp and chilly, with a freshness that invigorated her senses. Despite the cold, Aesira felt peace in the stillness of the garden.
As she explored the grounds, she came across Vhagar and Sakaris, who were resting and dozing side by side. They were truly a magnificent sight, with their scaly bodies and leathery wings.
The dragons' presence only added to the serenity of the garden, and Aesira found herself completely absorbed by the tranquility of the moment.
As Alis walked alongside her, she could see the Lady's maid pushing a large cart that was filled with an array of delicious-looking cakes and a steaming pot of tea. The sweet aroma of the cakes wafted through the air, making Aesira's mouth water with anticipation. She couldn't wait to sink her teeth into a soft and fluffy cake and wash it down with a warm sip of tea.
Ser Gyles was walking a step behind them, with two knights in tow that Aesira had never seen before. The knights were heavily armed and armor-clad, a testament to their skill and experience as warriors. Despite their intimidating presence, Aesira felt safe in their company, knowing that she was protected by some of the most skilled knights in the land.
Alis efficiently set up a small table for Aesira in the garden, despite the chilly weather. Aesira took a seat on the elegantly designed wrought iron chairs and cast her gaze toward the plate of lemon cakes that sat in front of her. She was just about to reach for one when she noticed a small, folded piece of parchment beneath the plate.
Aesira's curiosity was piqued, and she quickly glanced over her shoulder to ensure that Ser Gyles and the two knights were not watching her too closely. Satisfied that she was unobserved, she discreetly picked up the parchment and unfolded it.
It was a letter from Jace.
Aesira herself was not allowed to leave the Keep without permission, and she knew that this made it difficult for her to be Rhaenyra's spy, she was too closely monitored. To overcome this challenge, she had tasked Alis with checking in with the Rookery in the city for any letters addressed to her. Aesira hoped that this would help her stay connected with Dragonstone, and she was grateful for Alis's willingness to help her in this way.
Jace had written about the two new riders, a girl who called herself Nettles and a boy named Adam Hull, but there was a noticeable absence of the familiar and comforting tone that he had once used when writing to her. Aesira felt a pang of sadness as she realized that Jace had grown distant from her and that their friendship was no longer what it once was. That their friendship might never again be what it once was.
He might not blame her for Luke's death, but he still held a grudge against her for loving the man who had killed his brother. Aesira realized that her inability to see the monster inside Aemond had come at such a great cost to her relationship with Jace.
Aesira continued reading the letter from Jace. According to Jace, he had already begun training Nettles and Adam and was confident that they would make great additions to the dragon riders' community. He expected that she'd hear more about them from whoever the informant on the greens council was.
Jace expressed his hope that the other four riderless dragons would be claimed by the end of the week, and he was eager to hear back from Aesira about who the informant on the greens council was. He stated that it was crucial for him to have this information. His mother couldn't pretend to be the mourning mother for much longer.
With a heavy sigh, she crumpled the letter inside a tissue that she had used to wipe her mouth. Aesira didn't want to dwell on it anymore, so she decided to dispose of the letter and move on. She took the tissue and placed it inside a small bag that Alis had brought along for their waste.
"Ser Gyles," Aesira called out, her voice filled with an air of friendliness as she moved to sit in a comfortable chair that offered her a clear view of the Kingsguard. "Would you like to take a seat? Your feet must be aching after standing all day."
She offered him a seat, but he politely declined with a shake of his head. "Thank you for your kind offer, my Lady. But I prefer to stand."
Aesira frowned slightly, curious about his preference. "May I ask why you choose to stand?" she asked, taking a sip from her tea.
Ser Gyles explained, "From here, I have better visuals, my Lady. It allows me to better survey the area and keep an eye out for any potential dangers."
But Aesira had other plans. With a twinkle in her eye, she playfully commented, "Better visuals, yet you still did not see Alis sneaking up behind you."
She gestured to the side, where Alis stood trying to contain her laughter behind the knight. Ser Gyles turned around in surprise, finally noticing Alis and the maid who were giggling at having been caught.
Aesira couldn't help but join in on the laughter, and she saw the tense look on the Kingsguard's face soften as he let out a chuckle of his own.
Aesira repositioned the chair so that she was facing Ser Gyles again. She took a leisurely sip from her cup of tea and looked at the Kingsguard with interest.
"Ser Gyles," she said, setting down her cup, "May I ask you something personal?"
Ser Gyles looked at her and nodded, signaling for her to proceed.
Aesira continued, "I've been curious about your background and I was wondering, why did you choose to become a Kingsguard?"
Ser Gyles frowned with a hint of amusement on his face. He collected his thoughts and then said, "Well, my Lady, I am the fourth son of a second son, so I had no inheritance to rely on. And despite my skills as a swordsman, my background as a member of House Gally, a bannerman for House Tully, made it difficult for me to find work as a sellsword. I was faced with a choice if I wanted to use my skills: renounce my kinship or serve the throne. By joining the Kingsguard, I could use my skills to protect the crown and serve the people of the Seven Kingdoms."
Aesira listened with rapt attention as Ser Gyles spoke about his life and the decisions he had made that led him to become a member of the Kingsguard. The conversation was so engaging that they lost track of time and spoke for nearly an hour.
Suddenly, a mighty roar interrupted their conversation, causing both of them to turn their heads. Aesira looked across the garden, towards the two dragons.
"What was that?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Alis, who had been listening in on the conversation, looked over in the direction of the dragons.
"They're taking too long to feed Vhagar, my Lady," she explained matter-of-factly.
Ser Gyles muttered under his breath, "Or someone has upset the Prince Regent again."
Aesira was pleased to see that Ser Gyles felt comfortable enough around her to speak so candidly about his regent lord.
She turned to Ser Gyles and asked, "Does this happen often? The dragon roaring like that?"
Ser Gyles exchanged a quick glance with Alis, who responded to Aesira's question.
"Not as often as it used to," she said. "In my experience, Vhagar has been much calmer since your return, my Lady. It may not seem like much, but having a week without the constant irritation of that monster dragon has been a real blessing."
Aesira could see the relief in Alis' eyes and knew that the situation with the dragons had been a source of stress for her and the other servants.
Aesira nodded, lost in thought. She was contemplating the bond between Aemond and Vhagar. She wondered if Aemond was aware of the way his emotions influenced the dragon and if he had started to use this connection to his advantage. It was almost as if the dragon had recognized Aesira as Aemond's mate and had grown calmer in her presence.
As their tea time came to a close, Aesira stood up and made her way out of the garden. Ser Gyles led the way, with the two knights following close behind. Aesira and Alis walked side by side, with Alis pushing the cart that held the empty cake plates and tea pot. They made their way back into the Red Keep, surrounded by their entourage. As they walked, Aesira and Alis nodded and acknowledged the courtiers and servants they passed by. Some of them bowed, while others curtsied, showing their respect for the Lady and the Maid.
Ser Gyles grew increasingly uncomfortable as they approached the dragon, its roar still echoing through the Keep. Aesira, on the other hand, was entranced by the sight of the massive beast. She watched as two dragon keepers went about their duties, feeding Vhagar a steady stream of sheep.
The dragon was truly a magnificent sight, with her green and bronze scales that shone brightly in the sunlight. Her wings were massive, easily big enough to block out the sun, and her tail was long and whip-like, lending the dragon a sense of power and grace. The dragon keepers fed her one sheep, two sheep, three sheep, and more. With each sheep that was consumed, the dragon grew more and more satisfied, until finally, she settled down, her roars subsiding into a contented growl.
Aesira noticed the fresh blood staining Vhagar's maw. Her mind raced as she wondered whose blood it could belong to. Was it the blood of Luke,of Arrax? Perhaps Princess Rhaenys and the Red Queen, Meleys?
She couldn't bear the thought of them reduced to nothing more than a bloodstained meal for the beast.
Aesira's gaze shifted to Vhagar's feet, and the talons that had once been a symbol of her power now seemed like a cruel reminder of the destruction she had wrought on Sakaris. The thought of her she-dragon's blood mingling with the reddish-brown color of Vhagar's talons and filled her with a fit of burning anger. Aesira hoped that Sakaris' blood had burned like acid.
The dragon was a living representation of everything she hated about the war and the Iron Throne. Every time she looked at Vhagar, she saw the faces of the people she had lost, the dragons and family members who had been taken from her. She saw the bloodshed and the pain that came with serving a ruthless king.
And yet, despite her anger and her hatred, Aesira couldn't bring herself to completely despise the dragon. She understood that Vhagar was just a tool, a weapon used by the Prince Regent and his predecessors, and the riders that would claim Vhagar after Aemond died, to gain power and control. It wasn't the dragon's fault that she had been used in such a cruel and indiscriminate manner.
They were not just creatures of legend, but rather living weapons of war. Their immense strength, intelligence, and sensitivity made them incredibly valuable to those who sought to wield their power. Aesira realized that her hatred for Vhagar was misguided. The dragon was not responsible for the fear and destruction it wreaked; it was simply a tool being used by those who sought to control it.
Though not entirely blameless, the presence of dragons in Westeros had been a grave mistake.
Aesira's disdain for Vhagar was palpable. The dragon seemed to sense it too, as she raised her massive head and locked eyes with Aesira. Despite the dragon's intimidating size and the fact that she could easily devour everyone in the courtyard with a single bite, Aesira refused to show any fear. She was well aware of the intelligence and sensitivity of dragons, and she knew that Vhagar was capable of sensing the emotions of those around her.
Aesira had heard stories of dragons who could even respond to the emotions they perceived, and she didn't want to take any chances by inciting the dragon's wrath.
Aesira lowered her gaze, and shied a step back. She could hate Vhagar all she wanted, but she was vastly outmatched. The dragon's eyes seemed to bore into her very soul, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of fear. She knew that if the dragon wanted to, it could kill her in an instant.
She realized then that the dragons were not just creatures, they were living weapons of war.
Vhagar lowered her head and watched them with a sense of indifference. She had sensed no threat from Aesira, and so she saw no reason to be aggressive. The dragon keepers backed, spoke to one another and then made their way towards the outer bailey, to the stables.
Aesira was determined to catch up to the dragon keepers, and so she hitched up her skirts and took off after them, running as fast as she could. As she approached, two of the closer dragon keepers bowed their heads respectfully to acknowledge her presence.
"Sanlow, I'm glad I caught you," Aesira said, breathless from running. "You've seen the wounds on my blue-breath. The keepers and maesters on Dragonstone are under the impression that the holes will not close over, and I was hoping you would give me better news."
Sanlow's shoulders slumped a bit as he replied, "I'm sorry, my Lady. Though your Sakaris is special, she cannot regrow enough membrane to close the holes altogether."
Aesira noticed the second keep exchange a look with Sanlow and her curiosity was piqued.
"What is it?" she asked. "Is there something else you're not telling me?"
Sanlow hesitated before answering Aesira's question, as if he was weighing his words carefully.
"We have not reported it yet because we can't know for certain," he finally said. "But Sakaris is displaying mannerisms that a she-dragon usually does before she lays a clutch of eggs."
Aesira was taken aback by the news, her mind racing with the implications.
"How can you be so certain?" she asked, her voice rising in disbelief. "Are you saying that Sakaris is going to lay eggs?"
The dragon keeper nodded, "We think so, my Lady. All signs point to that being the case. However, as I said, we cannot know for certain until it happens. But we felt it was important for you to know, given the unique circumstances surrounding your dragon."
Aesira lowered her voice and spoke with a firm determination.
"The eggs are mine by bond and by right," she said. "Should Sakaris lay any eggs, they are to be kept in a pouch beside her. When I am able, I will strap the eggs to her myself."
Sanlow frowned at her response. "The Dowager Queen Alicent has requested that we inform her if any of the she-dragons lay eggs," he said, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.
Aesira's expression turned cold as she considered the dragon keeper's words.
"I may be in the Keep," she said, her voice filled with anger, "but I am not their subject. My dragon does not belong to them. If Sakaris lays eggs and they are given to the Hightowers, I will take that as an attack on me, and I will seek vengeance for the treachery."
The dragon keepers were visibly nervous at Aesira's words, understanding the gravity of the situation. They nodded in agreement, their faces serious.
"We swear it, my Lady," they said in unison. "We will do as you request and keep the eggs safe until you can take them."
They could see the fire in her eyes and knew that she was not to be trifled with. They had made a promise, and they intended to keep it, no matter what.
Aesira watched the dragon keepers as they strode away, her mind racing with thoughts of the eggs and the war. She knew that the eggs could be used as a powerful weapon, but she also knew that they belonged to her dragon and that she would do anything to protect them.
She turned to walk back to the Red Keep, determined to do whatever it took to protect her dragon and ensure that the eggs—if there were any—were safe.
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bardic-tales · 2 years
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Word count: 519
Wip: Pale Fire
Premise: Anabelle Vasser is not equipped to handle the arctic, but she knows it's the only chance Seamus Jorinuson has at redemption.
Tagging: @asomeoneperson @jessica-writes22 @athenswrites @elijahrichardwrites @whimsyqueen @arrthurpendragon @writersmonth
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1.
The barquentine ship pitched and rolled. As the water crashed upon the oaken hull, the rounded bow sliced through the darkened waves. Their white seafoam tops broke against the ship and tumbled over the raised foredeck deck. Soon, the water would give away to ice.
The further we venture north, Anabelle Laure Marguerite Vasser de Spacci thought, the colder it will become. She shivered. Standing upon the poopdeck left of the ship’s captain, she tried to ignore the battering cold but found that she could not.
Although she wore a gray woolen great cloak to protect her from an arctic blast, the air still penetrated the leathers and cut into the flesh. Her bones even hurt. Anabelle didn’t think such cold was possible.
Anabelle would leave her home in the jeweled capital city of Olessa to dwell in her estates in the southern portions of the Olessan Empire when it became cold in winter. It was warmer there.
“Why don’t you head into the cabin, Annie?” his voice interrupted her reflection, the honeyed tone she once knew replaced by his harsh toils in the cold. He would always sound older than she once knew him, and that would always plague her. If she was strong enough to resist her stepfather’s request to leave Tokus when she and the captain partook in a brief love affair all those years ago, he would never have thought he was betrayed by his Glorendine order.
You would still be a shadow blade. She could never tell Seamus that, as she knew deep in her heart that he would refuse any conversation that his former associates made a mistake, and he should have talked with the leader. This was his chance for redemption from the horrific events that the Glorendine shadow council participated in and the horrific aftermath for him.
“I will be fine, Captain Jorinuson. The wind caught me by surprise.” It wasn’t a lie, per say.
He turned the steering wheel to the left and concentrated on helming the ship, but he also took a deep breath. A stream of white air escaped passed his thin, chapped lips. His next words were almost lost within the howling winds and roar of waves. “There’s no harm in resting.”
She shoved her mitten-clad hands further within the muff lined with white fox fur. The truth was she should rest as she was used to warmer climates. It was shocking to her how cold it was. What was she trying to prove? That she could outlast someone who has been sailing in the arctic for years?
To align herself with her enemy was her only chance, the only way that she could appease those who lost their lives in the Glorendine waters. She would never seek redemption for herself, but if she could give those who drowned in the earthquake and tsunami she caused . . .
“If I am to help to stop any calamity, I will not retire to the cabin. I need to become use to the numbing cold sooner or later, might as well be now.” She braced against another gust.
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