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amoranger · 5 months

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tethered vows; aemond targaryen [5]

chapter v – my lady

pairing—aemond targaryen x sansa stark genre & warnings—hotd/got au, angst, arranged marriage, strangers to lovers, anguage (swearing), alcohol mention and usage, sexual depiction, violence, incest mention. word count—6K summary—it is believed that a good relationship between the Iron Throne and the North was the key to a peaceful, prosperous, reign. The Hightowers, strategists seeking to secure the North's loyalty to the Greens, orchestrated an alliance under an arranged marriage between Sansa Stark, the Lady of Winterfell, and Aemond Targaryen, the second son of King Viserys and Alicent Hightower.

As the days drew closer to the anticipated union of Sansa Stark and Prince Aemond Targaryen, the Red Keep buzzed with preparations and festivities. Sansa found herself ensconced in a whirlwind of gown fittings, discussions about the ceremonial nuances, and lessons on Targaryen customs. The seamstresses draped her in luxurious fabrics, each stitch weaving a tale of a union between two great houses.

Sansa, adorned in gowns that mirrored the hues of winter roses, went through the motions with a graceful poise that masked the turbulence within. The Targaryen traditions were distinct, and the weight of upholding them pressed on her shoulders. She learned the intricate steps of their dances, the significance of the dragon-shaped brooches that adorned their clothing, and the symbolism behind the red and black Targaryen sigil.

Amid the bustle of preparations, Sansa and Aemond's paths rarely converged. The demands of a royal wedding required them to be engaged in separate spheres, dealing with the minutiae of the ceremony. As Sansa navigated the complex intricacies of courtly life, Aemond attended to princely duties, ensuring that the Targaryen side of the union was equally impeccable.

The hours passed swiftly, like fleeting shadows cast by the towers of the Red Keep. Sansa could feel the palpable excitement in the air as the city prepared for the grand celebration. With every passing day, the pressure mounted, and the gravity of the impending union became more tangible.

Yet, amidst the grandeur and meticulous planning, Sansa longed for a moment of respite, a chance for her and Aemond to bridge the gap created by the formalities. It seemed as if the weeks had slipped away, carrying with them the opportunity for the betrothed couple to forge a connection beyond the veneer of royal protocols.

As the eve of the wedding approached, Sansa found herself standing on the balcony of her chamber, gazing at the city below. The lights of King's Landing flickered like a thousand stars, and the distant sounds of revelry wafted through the night air. She wondered if, in the midst of the elaborate festivities, there would be a chance for Sansa and Aemond to share a moment, to break free from the constraints of their roles and simply be.

With a week remaining until their wedding night, the Red Keep stood as a silent witness to the unfolding of a betrothal — a union shrouded in tradition, awaiting the moment when the hearts of Sansa Stark and Aemond Targaryen would echo the vows spoken in the light of a thousand candles.

The fitting room was adorned with silks and velvets in various shades, a symphony of colors that reflected the grandeur of the upcoming union. Queen Alicent Hightower, with an air of regal authority, oversaw the process, her eyes keenly assessing each fabric draped over Sansa Stark.

"Green, my dear Sansa," the queen declared, her tone laced with conviction. "It is the color of House Targaryen, a symbol of the dragons that course through our veins."

"Is it not red, Your Grace?" Sansa asked for clarity.

Queen Alicent, momentarily taken aback by Sansa's question, composed herself before responding.

"Red is indeed associated with House Targaryen, but it is reserved for the royal bloodline, my dear. Green represents the broader connection to our dragon heritage, symbolizing the unity of our house."

Sansa, with a hint of innocence, pressed further, "I had thought red symbolized the fire of House Targaryen, the very essence that defines your lineage."

The queen's grimace deepened, suspecting Sansa's intent. "While that is true, Lady Sansa, red is an exclusive color for certain occasions. It carries the weight of royal blood, a distinction that does not yet belong to you."

Sansa, while maintaining her gracious facade, couldn't help but find the queen's reasoning peculiar. In the quiet moments away from the fittings, she recalled Cregan's words about the complex relationships within House Targaryen—the simmering tensions between those in the Red Keep and those on Dragonstone.

The green, a symbol of unity, felt more like a political statement than a genuine desire for harmony. As the layers of the gown enveloped her, Sansa couldn't shake the notion that even the choice of color carried the weight of historical feuds and alliances within House Targaryen.

"In the North, we hold white as a symbol of weddings. It signifies the purity and union of two houses." Sansa, with a subtle but firm tone, interjected.

Alicent, though visibly hesitant, recognized the significance of compromise.

"White? A bit mundane, don't you think? The grandiosity of a Targaryen wedding demands a more vibrant palette."

"Mundane or not, Queen Alicent, white is a significant tradition in Winterfell. It signifies the snow that blankets our lands during a wedding, a symbol of new beginnings." Sansa, her northern spirit unwavering, retorted.

The queen sighed, her patience wearing thin. "Sansa, this union is as much about tradition as it is about unity. We must find a middle ground, a compromise that satisfies both the North and the dragons."

"Red is reserved for the royal bloodline, green for the broader dragon line, but I am not yet a Targaryen by name." Sansa, sensing an opportunity for concession, suggested, "Then, let it be white. A symbol of unity, not just between houses, but between traditions."

The queen, after a contemplative pause, conceded with a measured grace, "Very well, Lady Sansa. White it shall be. May this gown be a testament to the merging of two worlds."

As the negotiation concluded, the room echoed with the rustle of silks and the whispered promises of a gown that would bear witness to a union steeped in both northern and Targaryen traditions.

As Sansa strolled through the corridors of the Red Keep, she felt a rare lightness in her step. The gown fitting, despite the initial tension with Queen Alicent, had ended on a note of compromise. White it was—a subtle blend of Targaryen eminence and Northern tradition.

In the midst of her thoughts, Sansa found herself greeted by Aemond.

"My lady," he said with a courteous nod.

My Lady.

Sansa, having noted Aemond's informal address, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the deviation from the expected protocol. The customary formalities demanded a prince to use the title 'Lady' without the preceding 'my' However, rather than correcting him, she chose to let it slide, considering it a sign of the evolving dynamics between them.

"Forgive my informality, Lady Sansa. It seems the intricacies of courtly manners sometimes escape me." Aemond, fully aware of the traditional norms, offered a slight apologetic smile.

Sansa, suppressing a smile, replied with a gracious nod. "No offense taken, Prince Aemond. It's not every day that the North and the dragons find themselves in such close proximity."

"May I accompany you on your way?"

"You may, My Prince," she replied, a hint of amusement in her tone. "After all, it seems we are to be closely acquainted from now on."

"A prospect that is not entirely displeasing, Lady Sansa."

The tension of previous encounters giving way to a more cordial atmosphere. They walked side by side, a smile on each of them. Sansa couldn't help but notice a change in Aemond's demeanor. The aloofness was replaced by a touch of genuine interest, and his snarky remarks were softened with a subtle wit. In return, Sansa's own guardedness melted away, replaced by a newfound ease.

"I trust the fitting for your gown went smoothly?"

"Yes. The gown is progressing well, I've chosen a color best suited for the occasion." Sansa looked up and offered a gracious smile, "White."

"White?" Aemond asked. Sansa's answer piqued his interest further, "I'm surprised mother did not suffocate you long enough to choose the color of her choosing."

"It took some negotiation, but I managed to secure the color of my choice. In the North, white symbolizes the purity and union of two houses during weddings. It seemed fitting."

"Negotiation, you say?" Aemond's eyebrow raised in amused surprise. "My mother can be... insistent about certain matters."

Sansa couldn't help but chuckle. "Your honesty is refreshing, Prince Aemond. And to answer your unspoken question, Queen Alicent's suggestions were quite... assertive. But we managed to find a compromise."

"I hope you did not find her too insufferable." Aemond grinned, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "It would not do for her to know I spoke such words."

"Oh, worry not, Prince Aemond. Your secret is safe with me. I won't be the one to tell on you."

"You have my gratitude, My Lady."

My Lady.

"I see that courtly manners still escapes you." Sansa tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes.

"It seems I've much to learn." Aemond's replied as his mouth lifted into a small smile.

The sun dipped below the horizon as they reached the guest chambers. Aemond, with a courteous bow, took a step back to make way for Sansa to enter her room.

"Until we meet again," Aemond said with a polite nod. "My Lady."

Sansa, with a smile that held a touch of fondness, replied, "Until then, My Prince."

As the door closed, the echoes of their newfound understanding persisted in the airs of the corridor, marking the beginning of their union. She watched him walk away and Sansa couldn't help but acknowledge the subtle change in their dynamics—a shift from reluctant betrothal to something more content.

She glanced at her reflection in the mirror, his hint of a gentle smile stuck within her memory. Deep in thought, she found herself gazing out of the window, her eyes tracing the contours of the Red Keep against the backdrop of the city. Blinking her eyes rapidly, she shifted her mind as she walked towards the her dresser. A piece of letter she received this morning laid on top of it. A letter from her brother.

Sansa carefully unfolded the letter, her fingers tracing the familiar strokes of her brother's handwriting. The wax seal, bearing the sigil of House Stark, broke with a satisfying crack.

Dear Sansa,

I hope this letter finds you well and in good spirits. Winterfell has been quiet without your sharp wit and presence to liven up the halls. Even the maesters seem to miss the challenge of your questions.

I've been traveling through the North, attending to matters that require my attention, but my thoughts have often drifted back to the Red Keep and the lively debates we used to have. The North is vast and beautiful, but there's an emptiness without my dear sister by my side.

Now, enough of the sentimental talk. I hear you've been keeping the dragon court on their toes, much to my amusement. I can picture the scenes – you, with your clever words and sharp observations, making even the dragons question their existence.

I'll be making my way back to King's Landing for your upcoming wedding. It will be good to see you again, Sansa, and witness the union that has been the talk of both the North and the capital. Until then, take care, and remember, you're always in my thoughts.

Your ever-devoted brother, Cregan

Sansa couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for Winterfell, for the familiar comforts of the North. She wondered how the people of Winterfell were faring in her absence, and if the winter winds had already begun to sweep through the vast expanse of their lands. Cregan's words conveyed a mixture of concern and brotherly warmth, assuring her that the North missed its lady.

Sansa, folding the letter with a smile on her face, couldn't help but feel a warmth in her heart. The prospect of Cregan's return and his presence at her wedding added a layer of comfort to the impending union with Prince Aemond.

Aemond made his way through the corridors of the Red Keep, his footsteps echoing in the quietude of the castle. As he moved away from Sansa's chamber, a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of Aemond's lips. The memory of their stolen moments on the coast lingered, a flicker of warmth in the recesses of his mind. However, the quietness of his thoughts was abruptly interrupted by the appearance of Ser Arryk, a stern figure in the moonlit hallway.

"Prince Aemond," Ser Arryk's voice cut through the quiet, his tone a mixture of formality and urgency. "Her Grace, Queen Alicent, wishes to see you in her chamber."

Aemond's light mood, a relic of the afternoon's encounter with the little wolf, dulled at the mention of his mother's summons. His brow furrowed, a subtle shadow crossing his features.

"She did not say as to why?" he asked, attempting to conceal the unease that crept into his voice.

Ser Arryk offered a slight nod. "I'm afraid she did not, My Prince."

Aemond sighed, a breath heavy with resignation. The castle seemed to close in around him as they traversed the corridors. Aemond's thoughts were a tumultuous sea, uncertain of the waves that awaited him in his mother's chambers. The moon, a silent witness to the unfolding drama, watched as the rebel prince ventured into the heart of courtly intrigue, leaving behind the quiet echoes of the night.

As Aemond approached his mother's chamber, the heavy door creaked open, revealing the queen seated in a pool of candlelight. Her silver hair, once the envy of courtly ladies, shimmered in the warm glow. Queen Alicent's gaze, as it fell upon Aemond, softened with a touch that only a mother could impart.

"Ah, Aemond," she greeted him softly, a mother's touch in her words. Her voice, a melodic lull in the otherwise hushed chamber, carried the weight of authority softened by maternal affection.

Aemond couldn't help but notice the contrast in his mother's demeanor when it came to her sons and her only daughter. Helaena, the only princess was indeed the jewel in Queen Alicent's crown, and her treatment reflected as much. Yet, Aemond, being the second son, found himself privy to a kinder regard than his elder brother, Aegon. Daeron was rarely ever a part of family matters but he also did not notice much difference to the way his mother treated the youngest son.

Alicent gestured for Aemond to approach, and as he took a seat, the flickering candles cast dancing shadows on the walls. Aemond couldn't shake the feeling that this encounter held a significance beyond the ordinary.

"How was your day?" Queen Alicent asked, her piercing gaze searching his face for the answers that words might not reveal.

Aemond hesitated, contemplating how much to divulge.

"The day has been eventful, Mother," he admitted, "but I confess, your summons has left me curious."

The queen's eyes, a mirror to his own, held a wisdom earned through years of navigating the intricate web of courtly affairs. As the air hung heavy with expectation, Aemond braced himself for the revelation of the purpose behind this sudden and enigmatic meeting.

"Is it not normal for a mother to seek out her own son?" Queen Alicent replied, her words draped in the guise of maternal concern. Yet, Aemond, seasoned by the intricate dance of courtly politics, sensed the undercurrent of manipulation beneath the veneer of familial sentiment.

Aemond, perceptive to the nuances of his mother's carefully chosen words, found himself at a crossroads. He bit his tongue, a silent acknowledgment of the delicate balance he must maintain in the presence of the queen. The air in the chamber thickened with unspoken tension, and Aemond held his response with careful consideration.

Queen Alicent's eyes, sharp and perceptive, locked onto Aemond's as she broached a topic that seemed to hang in the air with unspoken weight.

"You and the Stark girl," Alicent began, her words like a delicate dance of inquiry, "You've grown accustomed to her?"

Aemond felt the weight of his mother's scrutiny, a subtle tension that lingered in the chamber. A moment of decision hung in the air, and he grappled with the choice between truth or the diplomatic answer.

"She is sincere. I appreciate her." Aemond replied carefully, his words a measured response that sought to navigate the delicate terrain of his mother's inquiry.

"Sincere..." Alicent repeated, the word hanging in the air like a thread of uncertainty. Her gaze, a multitude of emotions carefully veiled, betrayed the complexity of her thoughts. Aemond, uncertain of the undercurrents at play, awaited his mother's next words with a sense of nervousness.

"And does she appreciate you all the same?" the queen asked, her second question a subtle probe into the intricacies of Aemond's relationship with the Stark girl. Queen Alicent, a shrewd player in the political games of the court, was fishing for more than mere courtly pleasantries. She sought the raw threads that wove through the fabric of Aemond's connection with the little wolf.

The chamber, enveloped in the soft glow of candlelight, bore witness to the unspoken tension between mother and son. Aemond, ever aware of the subtleties that marked courtly interactions, recognized his mother's maneuvering. However, she faced a formidable challenge in prying open the vault of his guarded emotions. Aemond was a master of diplomacy, a trait that Queen Alicent both admired and found frustrating, particularly in moments when a more candid revelation was desired.

He chose his words with the precision of a courtier navigating the intricate dance of politics.

"I had hope she enjoys my company, mother." Aemond replied, his tone a carefully measured blend of deference and restraint. The words, a calculated response that revealed nothing of the deeper sentiments at play, hung in the air like a veil.

"Hope is not enough, my son." Queen Alicent countered, her tone cutting through the air with a no-nonsense edge.

Aemond, caught in the crossfire of his mother's expectations, nodded in acknowledgment.

"We will grow fond of each other," Aemond replied, the bitterness lacing his words more heard this time. Despite the undercurrent of resentment, he maintained a veneer of respect, acknowledging the fragile balance between a queen mother and her second-born son, "But we will do so in time."

The words carrying a note of inevitability. Aemond, the reluctant participant in the courtly dance orchestrated by his mother, recognized the weight of their shared destiny. The chamber, silent witness to the tenuous exchange.

Queen Alicent, undeterred by the bitterness in her son's words, met his gaze with a regal composure.

"Has she spoken to you about her allegiance and the North's?" the queen asked her third question. Her persistence revealing the weight of her concerns.

And by the third question, Aemond's patience wore thin, and the sharpness in his voice cut through the air.

"Is it why you summoned me, Mother? To make me play at your schemes?" he demanded, a note of frustration coloring his words.

"Do not act like a fool, Aemond. It does not suit you," Alicent replied in haste, her tone carrying the weight of maternal authority. "You are intelligent enough to know the reason why the crown thought it best to wed the Stark girl to you."

"Must we speak about this now?" Aemond countered, the tension in the chamber palpable.

"We must turn the north's allegiance away from Princess Rhaenyra," Alicent declared, her voice now stern. The maternal guise had faded, replaced by the unwavering authority of the queen.

Aemond struggled with his responsibilities and personal wishes, confronting the truth about his place in the larger Targaryen plans. Aemond acknowledged his lack of influence over his mother's decisions. While he had genuine interes in the Stark girl, being instructed to feign affection for his betrothed felt like a draining charade. The question lingered – must he suppress his true feelings to appease his mother's wishes?

"Princess Rhaenyra cannot sit on the Iron Throne," Alicent asserted, her voice carrying the weight of tradition and the harsh realities of Westerosi politics. "The realm will not accept a woman as a ruler. Aegon will be king, and you must ensure the North's allegiance."

Aemond, tired of the same conversation repeating, stood up suddenly before his mother could finish scolding him. This swift action revealed the frustration brewing within him. Alicent, surprised by the interruption, felt a twinge of irritation.

"I understand." Aemond declared, his tone resolute. "I will do my duty, Mother. Woe Lady Sansa to make the North pledge for Aegon when the time comes." Before Alicent could say another word, Aemond cut her off. "I'm tired of hearing the same things over and over again. If there's nothing else, I wish to retire to my chambers."

For a moment, Alicent was quiet, taken aback by her son's confident stance. She observed as Aemond departed without uttering another word. The lingering tension in the room spoke volumes, capturing the delicate interplay of duty, personal wishes, loyalty, and the weight of tradition. As the door closed behind him, Aemond, embodying the spirit of a rebel prince, melted into the shadows of the Red Keep. Left alone, Alicent pondered if her actions had caused more harm than good.

In Sansa's chambers, the atmosphere had shifted. The air was charged with anticipation, and the room buzzed with the presence of three maids, ready to attend to her every need. Sansa, no longer a mere Northern guest but now a betrothed to Prince Aemond, found herself at the center of newfound attention.

Queen Alicent's instructions resounded in the chamber, marking Lady Sansa's newfound status as a member of the family. The declaration hung in the air, blending elevated honor with the on-going politics. Sansa maintained her composure, concealing the myriad thoughts swirling in her mind.

Sansa, standing in the center of the room, felt a mixture of anticipation and curiosity as the maids, dressed in pristine white garments, bustled about with a sense of purpose. The grandeur of the occasion was underscored by the plush towels neatly arranged on an intricately carved wooden stand and the steaming bathwater that awaited her.

The lead maid, approached Sansa with a grace that bespoke years of courtly service. "My lady, if you would be so kind as to allow us to prepare the bath for you."

Sansa, with a gracious nod, consented, her gaze momentarily meeting the maid's before they set to work. The room buzzed with a quiet efficiency as the maids filled the air with the gentle sound of water pouring into the ornate copper tub.

The delicate clinking of accessories filled the room as the maids selected fragrant oils and bath salts, each vial chosen with meticulous care. The oils were poured into the water, creating an enticing blend that promised relaxation and indulgence.

As the maids moved about, arranging the bath and selecting garments fit for a future princess, Sansa couldn't help but wonder about the motives behind this sudden display of favor. Was it a ploy orchestrated by Queen Alicent herself, or did the Hand of the King have a hand in this elaborate dance of courtesy? The Dragon's Court, she knew, had a penchant for entwining its guests in threads of obligation and gratitude.

Contemplating the potential motives, Sansa pondered whether these acts of kindness were genuine or part of a larger strategy. Was she being forced to bound by threads of allegiance, woven skillfully by the queen's directives? The maids, dutifully executing their tasks, moved with precision, their actions laden with unspoken implications that further fueled Sansa's intrigue.

As the bath was being readied, the maids turned their attention to Sansa's gown. With practiced hands, they encircled her, their movements choreographed like a courtly dance. Mabel, ever attentive, spoke softly, "My lady, may we assist you in disrobing?"

Sansa nodded with a polite smile. The maids, their touch as gentle as the whisper of silk, began the delicate task of unfastening the intricate clasps of her gown. The fabric, adorned with subtle embroideries, cascaded down, revealing layers of fine undergarments beneath.

In the midst of preparations, the bathwater rippled, and the gentle rustle of fabric filled Sansa's chambers as the maids worked diligently, preparing for the evening. As the gown pooled at her feet, Sansa stood in the glow of candlelight, a vision of elegance and vulnerability. The maids, respectful and discreet, maintained a sense of decorum as they offered her a plush robe. Wrapped in the luxurious fabric, Sansa felt a sense of both indulgence and humility, a paradox inherent in the ritual of preparation within the opulent confines of the Red Keep.

"Thank you for your assistance. The bathwater is just the right temperature," Sansa remarked, her tone carrying a warmth that transcended the formalities.

The lead maid, a seasoned woman named Mabel, curtsied gracefully. "It is our pleasure, My Lady. We are here to ensure your comfort."

Sansa smiled appreciatively, her eyes reflecting a genuine kindness that seemed to soften the edges of the room. "I must say, the Red Keep has a pool of dedicated staffs. I feel truly blessed."

The maids, unused to such gentle expressions, exchanged subtle glances. Helaena, catching the unspoken curiosity, discreetly nudged Mabel, urging her to respond.

"We aim to serve the royal family to the best of our abilities, My Lady," Mabel replied, her words a delicate dance around the unspoken complexities of their roles.

"I can only imagine the challenges you face in your duties. The Red Keep is a vast place." The maids, momentarily caught off guard by Sansa's empathetic acknowledgment, nodded in silent agreement. Sansa continued, "Each of you contributes to the smooth running of this castle."

A quiet pause settled in the room as the maids absorbed Sansa's words. The air, usually thick with unspoken tension, now carried a different quality – a subtle shift in the dynamics between the lady of Winterfell and the loyal servants of the crown.

As the maids tenderly washed Sansa's back and hair, she found herself appreciating their diligent efforts. A sense of gratitude welled up within her, but along with it came a realization. Despite the intimate nature of their current task, Sansa knew nothing about the individuals behind the skilled hands that attended to her.

"I realized we've been conversing, and I don't even know your names," Sansa said with a warm smile, her eyes filled with genuine interest.

The lead maid, washing her back, curtsied once again. "I am Mabel, my lady. Head of the household staff."

Sansa nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, Mabel, for overseeing everything so efficiently."

The other maids, slightly taken aback by Sansa's graciousness, introduced themselves in turn.

"I'm Elara, my lady," said a young maid with freckles, her eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

"Jocelyn, my lady," spoke another with a shy smile, her hands clasped in front of her.

"And I'm Gwendolyn, my lady," added a third, her voice carrying a lilt of uncertainty.

Sansa, ever polite, acknowledged each introduction with a nod and a warm word. "It's a pleasure to meet each of you."

The maids, finding themselves in the unexpected spotlight of Sansa's attention, exchanged glances, a silent acknowledgment of the unusual kindness they were receiving. The walls of formality seemed to crumble, replaced by a sense of camaraderie that bridged the gaps between their respective stations.

"Where are each of you from?" Sansa inquired, her tone friendly and curiosity shining in her eyes.

Mabel smiled as she began to answer, "We're all from the North, my lady. It's where we hail from."

"The North?" A genuine smile brightened Sansa's face. "How wonderful! Where in the North are each of you from?"

The maids, encouraged by Sansa's warmth, nodded in unison. The connection forged by a shared origin began to weave a canvas of familiarity in the room.

"I hail from White Harbor, my lady." Mabel said.

"A lovely place." Sansa's smile grew wider at the mention of White Harbor. She turned to Elara, "And you?"

"I'm from the outskirts of Barrowton, my lady." Elara answered.

Sansa's eyes lit up with recognition. "Barrowton! It's been years since I visited." She turned to the maid next to Elara, "And what about you?"

"I'm from Deepwood Motte, my lady." Jocelyn said.

"Deepwood Motte. I've heard stories of its towering trees." Sansa commented and then turned to the last maid, "And you?"

"I'm from a small village near Last Hearth, my lady." Gwendolyn answered.

Sansa's heart swelled with joy at the thought of this unexpected connection. She felt a surge of warmth, realizing that these maids were not just attendants; they were fellow Northerners.

"It warms my heart to know there's a bit of the North here with me." Sansa confessed.

"I must admit," Jocelyn confessed, looking towards the other maids with a slight smile before facing Sansa once more, "We were overjoyed to hear of your betrothal, my lady. It brought a piece of home to the heart of King's Landing."

Sansa's eyes softened with gratitude.

"There's a sense of pride knowing the Lady of Winterfell is to be wed to the Prince of the Crown." Continued Elara.

The conversation naturally transitioned to tales of the North—its rugged landscapes, the crisp Northern air, and the unique sense of community that permeated the region. Sansa, momentarily transported back to the familiar sights and sounds of her homeland, listened with a heart full of nostalgia.

The maids, their voices carrying the lilt of their Northern upbringing, spoke fondly of the open fields, the smell of pine forests, and the comforting warmth of hearth and home. In those moments, within the chambers of the Red Keep, the boundaries of status blurred, and the Lady of Winterfell found solace in the shared yearning for the North.

As the conversation unfolded, Sansa, now surrounded by more than just attendants but kindred spirits from her homeland, felt a sense of connection that transcended the confines of courtly duties. The maids, in turn, discovered a unique bond with the lady they served—a bond rooted in the shared love for the North and the comfort it brought, even within the stone walls of the Red Keep.

The maids attended to Sansa's needs, as the warm water enveloping her in a soothing embrace, her curiosity bubbled to the surface. Sansa, ever the inquisitive soul, couldn't resist delving into the enigmatic lives of the Targaryen princes and princess. With practiced subtlety, she ventured into the realm of inquiries, a gentle probing into the personalities behind the royal titles.

"Tell me," Sansa began, her voice carrying a casual curiosity, "what are the princes and princesses like when they're not in the public eye? I'm sure there's more to them than what the court sees."

Jocelyn, the perceptive maid, caught the nuance in Sansa's inquiry. She exchanged a brief glance with the others before deciding to offer some insights.

"Prince Aemond is,” Jocelyn began, choosing her words carefully, "often found in the training yards. He's a skilled swordsman, and his dedication to honing his skills is quite commendable."

Sansa nodded, absorbing the information. "And what of his interests, the things he enjoys when not engaged in knightly pursuits?"

Jocelyn hesitated for a moment, mindful of the boundaries between servant and lady. "He enjoys the company of dragons, my lady. Spending time with Vhagar seems to bring him a sense of peace."

Sansa smiled at the image that formed in her mind. "I'm sure it does."

Amidst the gentle exchange of information, Elara seemingly unable to contain the sincerity in her heart, spoke freely but with a careful measure of respect.

"He is fond of you, my Lady," began Elara, her eyes reflecting a genuine warmth, "Prince Aemond would be a lucky prince to be wed to someone as kind and gracious as yourself."

The words hung in the air, a rare and unfiltered sentiment within the hallowed halls of King's Landing. Sansa, touched by the authenticity of the compliment, couldn't help but smile. It was a sentiment that resonated more genuinely than the polished words of courtly praise.

Sansa's smile, a genuine expression of appreciation, graced her features. It was a rare moment in King's Landing, where compliments often carried the weight of hidden agendas and ulterior motives. The simplicity and honesty of the maid's words resonated with Sansa, creating a moment of connection that transcended the rigid structures of courtly etiquette.

"Thank you," Sansa replied, her voice carrying a sincerity that mirrored the maid's own. "Your words mean a great deal to me. It's not often one hears such genuine compliments in the heart of King's Landing."

The other maids, though bound by the constraints of courtly etiquette, subtly nodded in agreement, acknowledging the unspoken sentiment that had been voiced. In that fleeting moment, Sansa felt a connection beyond the confines of titles and positions. The genuine compliment, freely given yet respectfully expressed, had woven a thread of camaraderie within the confines of the Red Keep.

The maids, though mindful of their place, couldn't help but share a collective chuckle, their camaraderie strengthened by this exchange. In the delicate dance of words, Sansa found a moment of authenticity, a rare treasure in the gilded halls of the Red Keep.

Once they are done, the maids adept in their duties, carefully adorned Sansa in a gown of sapphire blue – a hue she had never worn before. The fabric cascaded in gentle folds, accentuating the grace of her form. The gown's richness complemented Sansa's auburn hair and fair complexion, casting her in a regal light.

As the gown enveloped her, Sansa's thoughts meandered toward the significance of the color. Sapphire blue – a hue that held both mystery and depth. Her mind wandered to Prince Aemond, his striking left eye embedded with the brilliance of a sapphire. A subtle smile tugged at the corners of Sansa's lips as she contemplated the unique connection between the color of her gown and the captivating gaze of the prince.

Unable to contain her curiosity, Sansa turned to the nearest maid, her eyes reflecting the intrigue that danced within her.

"Is it true... that Prince Aemond held a sapphire in exchange for his eye?" Sansa asked.

Mabel, the lead maid, met Sansa's inquisitive gaze with a knowing smile, her hands deftly working to adjust the final details of the intricate gown.

"Aye, my lady." Mabel answered, "Prince Aemond's left eye holds a sapphire, a gem of extraordinary brilliance. Some say the sapphire was picked by the prince for a power beyond mortal understanding."

"What powers?" Sansa asked for clearance.

Mabel paused for a moment, her hands momentarily stilling as she chose her words carefully.

"Rumors whisper that the sapphire grants him insights beyond the realm of ordinary men. Visions of the past, glimpses into the future. A gift, or perhaps a burden, depending on how you see it."

Sansa's mind whirred with the implications of such a sacrifice. The intricate tapestry of Targaryen legends seemed to weave itself around Prince Aemond, casting an aura of mystique that both intrigued and daunted.

"And what do you believe, Mabel?" Sansa's question hung in the air. "Is it a gift or a burden?"

A thoughtful silence lingered, the room steeped in the quietude of contemplation. Mabel, her gaze meeting Sansa's, finally spoke with a touch of solemnity. Mabel's eyes held a hint of thoughtful contemplation as she responded.

"He lost an eye, My Lady." Began the maid, "I doubt many would call that a gift."

The words resonated with a stark truth that pierced through the mystique surrounding Prince Aemond's sapphire eye. In that moment, the weight of sacrifice, whether willingly made or not, cast a shadow over the fantastical notions of gifts and burdens. The room, adorned with the opulence of royalty, held a poignant reminder of the human cost that often accompanied the extraordinary in the realm of the Targaryens. Sansa, draped in her sapphire-blue gown, contemplated the complexities of the prince she was destined to wed, realizing that beneath the regal façade lay a narrative of sacrifice and the indomitable spirit of House Targaryen.

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vitusxaydin · 10 months

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The Many Masks of Vitus Aydin

Recently, a friend and I got to talking about gender—the ways we sit with it, express it, perform it, and stifle ourselves with it. They used the concept of masks to define their own relationship to it, describing a set from the "masculine box" and another set from the "feminine box." How they had tried all these different masks on, over the years, and discovered which ones fit and didn't fit.

Vitus's relationship to gender and self-expression is... complicated, to say the least. And I found myself wondering, in the wake of this conversation, what masks he'd tried on over the course of his life. Which he kept, which he rejected, and which he'd been forced into by circumstance along the way.

So, I started thinking up a list for him. Grabbed a shovel and dug until I figured it out.

Here it is.

(P.S. Nobody asked for this; I just had a brain blast and wanted to put all the thoughts somewhere. Feel free to take this half-baked prompt and make your own version of it, if you find it clicks with the way you develop your kiddos!!)

Feminine Masks That Fit

Nurturing Caregiver

Vitus's tendency to look after people developed young. He's always had a craving to soothe people, even when it comes at the expense of himself. He has the unconditional love and support of a parent around most people he meets. But the way he expresses it—with compassion and gentleness and peace—inherently leans into this feminine archetype, to the point where I associate him more with the label mother than father.

Hopeless Romantic

The bright-eyed, bushy-tailed young girl who watches Hallmark movies and has a Pinterest board for her future wedding and dreams of the day she finds her forever love? Yep, that's him. He loves this one.

Divine Feminine

When I think of the divine feminine, I think intuition, compassion, and love, most of all. These things have always come pretty naturally to him, including when he was younger and trying to stifle them. Even when he has trouble reading body language or the minutia of what a person says, he can sense feelings very well. He also experiences an intense interconnectedness with everything around himself—every being and source of life. If you've seen him cry over small animals, this mask is the reason why.

Empathetic Conformist

AFAB folks are often socialized to perceive their needs as secondary to others', in order to caretake better. Vitus was raised and socialized as a man, but throughout his late teens and early twenties, when he was in the most pain he's ever experienced, he curled in on himself. He learned how to adapt, to become what people needed, to let others lean on him even when he didn't have the space for it. This mask, usually assigned to the eldest daughters of traditional families, fits him well.

Spacial Survivalist

Like the previous mask, this one comes with a price. Since power and violence are so gendered in our society, AFAB folks conduct themselves differently than AMAB folks do (at least, in my experience). AFAB folks are, on average, far more conscious of how they move through spaces, how others perceive them, and most of all, whether they are safe or in danger where they are. Vitus donned this mask during his time as a sex worker, and it fits so well sometimes that it frightens him.

Intentional Dresser

This one's pretty self-explanatory. It tends to be viewed as more feminine than masculine, to put careful consideration and fine detail into one's wardrobe, grooming, and aesthetic preferences. Vitus is very intentional about how he presents himself, so this mask fits.

Sensual Conduit

Consider, for a moment, those scenes in movies where a woman enters and the energy of the room changes in response. Or where a female character, confident in her skin, draws attention without even realizing it. While I don't think Vitus's energy is quite as pervasive or noticeable, I have found that people tend to be drawn into him. There's a certain, inherently feminine sensuality to his energy, to the way he carries himself, a quiet, confident gentleness that pulls people into his space. And the word "conduit" rang true here because of the way he channels people, and lets them channel him in return—giving them the comfort and safety to step into his energy, to find and explore their own, to exist as their most authentic selves. Vitus first put on this mask when he started escorting, and he loves the way it's settled on him ever since.

Feminine Masks That Don't Fit

Head Bitch in Charge

This mask almost read "girlboss." If you tried to take the term "girlboss" and turn it into a mask and strap it to Vitus's head, he'd cry. Fold, instantly.

Happy Homemaker

AKA the person who cooks and cleans and keeps a tidy home and loves every second of it. Vitus has tried this mask on for size, and he certainly fits in the cooking and cleaning departments. But while these tasks make him happy, he’s not content to stay at home and devote himself to them. Vitus prefers to be on the move, always trying new things and meeting new people. The mask of a housewife, though comforting, would stifle him if he wore it all the time.

Manic Pixie Dream Girl

Vitus may be in *perpetual* distress, but that's because I've strapped him onto a bus headed straight for hell, not because he's a helpless damsel. That quirky, eccentric, childlike female character... he's never tried this one on, and I don't think he has any interest in doing so.

Siren

It’s no great secret that physical intimacy is important to Vitus. But the idea of using his sexuality in that stereotypically manipulative way—like the sirens in The Odyssey, luring men to their deaths—doesn't sit well with him. Even while he was an escort, even when he's at his flirtiest, his version of seduction is tender, not designed with any need for power in mind.

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Masculine Masks That Fit

Breadwinner

This one’s pretty straightforward. Vitus had this mask laid out for him by his father at a young age, and it’s one of the few he’s inherited that suits him. When he’s with a partner, he enjoys being the one to put his name on the mortgage, pay for fancy dinner dates, buy gifts, etc. There was a time in his life where he didn’t have the money to do these things, so he doesn’t take it for granted now.

Selfless Devotee

When I think of Vitus, I think of a man on his knees in worship. He approaches the world, especially the people in it, with a reverence that borders on religious significance. Indeed, when he lost his religion in his early twenties, intense human connection is what spread to fill the void left in its wake. He’s every bit as devout as his father. But what they pray to is entirely different.

Loverboy

As I recently discovered, loverboy can mean two things: a player, or a lover who’s soft and sweet. He more comfortably fits into the latter—when he’s with someone in the capacity of a partner, he tends to be playful, charming, and boyish. As for the player aspect of this… well. He does play the field, but in his own way, that hinges upon his offering himself rather than taking from others.

Self-Assured Charmer

This mask is for the man who holds himself with confidence and can rely on his mouth to carry him through any room he enters. On the flipside of Vitus’s feminine sensuality, you’ll find this: that inherently masculine, sturdy confidence to move through new spaces, talk to anyone, and charm or flirt the pants right off them. If Vitus were a D&D character, charisma would be his highest score.

Black Sheep

The black sheep of the family is usually depicted as the brother who wears too much leather and smokes too many cigarettes, or the son who made too many wrong choices and has become that thing no one mentions during family dinners. Between choosing to not go to college, having unsteady jobs, and being queer, Vitus is very much the black sheep of his own family. He wishes he could get rid of this mask.

Big Brother

Caretaking, but in a masculine, platonic way. He’s the big brother to most of his friends—there when you need him, ready to hold your secrets, constantly looking out for you even when you don’t realize it. This mask is most often noticeable on him when he’s around a younger crowd, as these are the folks he tends to be most protective of.

Architect

Vitus became good at building in his twenties. He’s learned how to erect his own spaces, everything from settling into a hotel during a weekend trip or designing the interior of a new home. Intention, sentiment, and security drive every aesthetic choice he’s ever made as an adult, moving somewhere new.

Masculine Masks That Don't Fit

Born Fighter

You’ve heard the old saying, he’s a lover, not a fighter. When Vitus was younger, he tried on the mask of fighter. Tried meeting the world with a harder version of masculinity because it made things easier on him at home. But he didn’t like it, and these days, it doesn’t come as an instinct. He rarely yells, he doesn’t like picking arguments, and please, for the love of god, do not ever put him in a situation that’s physically violent. He tends to freeze up in fights.

Assertive Guardian

While he’s protective in a big brother way, he’ll never be protective to the point of overstepping someone else’s boundary. Certainly not the type to show up unannounced and tell you what for. And he’s most definitely not going to be unwavering in his convictions, always ready to stick to his guns. It doesn’t take much to make this man doubt himself, so this mask doesn’t fit well.

Entrepreneur

Vitus might be self-made in many ways, but the mask of entrepreneur doesn’t sit right on his face. He isn’t interested in success in a professional way, just wants enough financial stability to keep food on the table and live a fulfilling life. His inclination toward charm is designed for fun and building relationships, not schmoozing. If you put him in a business meeting, he could run the show, but he’d hate it the whole time.

American Dreamer

A nice house in the suburbs? A white picket fence? A man who pulled himself up, impossibly, by his bootstraps? Don’t make him put this one on. It’s a standard he feels he was never destined to achieve.

Immigrant Son

Whew. This one. Vitus tried to make this mask fit in his childhood and teens. As the son of an immigrant, he was expected to get perfect grades in school, make something of himself, and comfortably exist in two different lives at once: his American one, and his Turkish one. While Vitus loves his ethnicity and the culture of his father—everything from the language to the food to the folk dances—he’s found he’s not so good at meeting most of the expectations that came with his father’s decision to carve out a life for himself in a new country. As the only child, the only son—if Vitus didn’t succeed, reap the “benefits” of his father’s choice, who would? It was too much pressure for his little shoulders to bear.

Aggressive Conqueror

This is for that guy who doesn’t take no for an answer, or views the life around himself as opportunities to win. Vitus doesn’t do these things. He’s never tried, and he has no interest in it. He’s left this mask to other men, who use their hunger and drive in more upfront ways. And I think he admires the way it looks on other men; this mask just never fit himself.

It goes without saying, but these masks are all part of the way Vitus performs his gender, and that performance ebbs and flows with him.

If he’s around a more traditionally masculine person, one he wants to impress, he may feel more comfortable donning the masc ones to match their energy. If he’s around a masc person who makes him feel safe to be himself, he tends to fall back on his feminine masks.

Likewise, around feminine people, he may relax into his more feminine qualities if there’s space, or he may adopt more of the masc ones to try to balance the other person out. With his ex-girlfriend, his most prominent masks were breadwinner, selfless devotee, and nurturing caregiver. Around masculine strangers, he naturally falls back on self-assured charmer and spacial survivalist. The list goes on.

All of this to say: Vitus is a cis man, but he contains multitudes :)

#cd

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acgmena · 10 hours

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Event Agency in Saudi Arabia: Crafting Unforgettable Experiences

When it comes to hosting memorable events that leave a lasting impression, partnering with the right event agency is essential. In Saudi Arabia, event agencies play a pivotal role in bringing visions to life, whether it's a corporate conference, a lavish wedding, or a cultural extravaganza. With their expertise, creativity, and attention to detail, these agencies orchestrate seamless and unforgettable experiences for clients and guests alike.

Event Agency in Saudi Arabia, Dammam to Medina, event agencies in Saudi Arabia offer a wide range of services to cater to diverse needs and preferences. Whether you're planning a large-scale corporate event, a private celebration, or a cultural festival, these agencies have the skills, resources, and local knowledge to make it a success.

With their extensive network of vendors, venues, and industry contacts, event agencies in Saudi Arabia can handle every aspect of event planning and execution. From venue selection and decor to catering, entertainment, and logistics, they take care of all the details, allowing clients to relax and enjoy their event without worrying about the minutiae.

Moreover, event agencies in Saudi Arabia understand the cultural nuances and sensitivities of the region, ensuring that events are executed with respect and adherence to local customs and traditions. Whether it's ensuring gender-segregated spaces, providing halal catering options, or respecting prayer times, these agencies are attuned to the cultural sensitivities of their clients and guests.

In addition to their event planning expertise, event agencies in Saudi Arabia often offer innovative event technologies and solutions to enhance the attendee experience. From virtual event platforms and hybrid event setups to interactive event apps and digital engagement tools, these agencies leverage the latest technologies to create immersive and engaging experiences for guests, whether they're attending in person or virtually.

Overall, partnering with an event agency in Saudi Arabia ensures that your event is executed with professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. Whether you're hosting a corporate gathering, a social soirée, or a cultural celebration, these agencies have the expertise and resources to turn your vision into reality and create unforgettable moments for you and your guests.

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theruhblog · 3 days

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Where Can I Find the Faultless Bridal Makeup Artist in Bangalore?

A vital step in receiving ready for your big day in Bangalore is selecting the perfect bridal makeup artist. You can find the faultless match to realise your wedding vision amid the many gifted artists that are existing. Bangalore provides a extensive variety of decisions to fit every bride's style and preferences, from well-known salons to autonomous makeup studios. Finding the bridal makeup artist in Bangalore who understands your vision and your artistic will help you look and feel lovely on your wedding day.

Looking into Bangalore's Wedding Makeup Services Makeup is one of the most critical aspects of preparing for your engagement or wedding day, among the many minutiae involved. Bangalore is a blessed place for brides-to-be, offering an general array of bridal makeup services and skilled artists who can satisfy their visions. Let us travel the realm of bridal makeup in Bangalore and find out what makes it sole.

Bangalore Engagement Makeup: A Lead Up to Greatness

Looking your best on this special day is crucial because it's the start of a beautiful journey marked by your engagement. Bengaluru makeup artists for engagements are experts at crafting sophisticated, radiant looks that perfectly capture happiness and celebration. These artists make sure that you look radiant on your engagement day because of their skill in highlighting features and enhancing natural beauty. Bangalore Bridal Makeup Artist: Your Beauty Resource When it comes to creation your dream wedding come true, a bridal makeup artist in Bangalore is your dependable ally. From definitive to modern, these stylists can make a extensive variety of bridal looks to fit the preferences and styles of apiece bride. They cooperate closely with you, paying close care to details and having a good sense of present bridal fashions.

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Bangalore is a cultural loving pot, and the variety of the city's bridal makeup is obvious. In order to make every bride feel spectacular and socially true on her wedding day, bridal makeup artists in Bangalore are accomplished at creating looks that respect a diversity of traditions and customs. Bridal makeup in Bangalore honors the varied fabric of Indian weddings, even if it be through the use of contemporary or traditional themes.

Wedding Makeup Artist in Bangalore: Creating Treasured Memories

An vital part of creating special moments for brides is the exertion of a wedding makeup artist in Bangalore. From the original kiss to the last dance, these makeup artists pledge that you look attractive thanks to their skill in fashioning makeup looks that last and are photogenic.

Final Thought: Bangalore's Bridal Beauty

Finally, brides-to-be have a extensive range of options to improve their beauty on their special day thanks to the flourishing and lively bridal makeup industry in Bangalore. Bangalore's wedding makeup artists specialize in creating tradition looks that highlight each bride's different style and behavior, from engagement makeup to wedding day glam.

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a2zeventssolution · 2 months

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Bespoke Nuptials: How A2Z Events Solutions is Redefining Weddings in Pakistan

In the rich embroidery of Pakistani culture, where weddings are stupendous festivals that wind virtually together strings of custom, family, and unrestrained euphoria, A2Z Occasions Arrangements remains as a guide of minutiae and customized administration. This throne occasion arranging firm has cut a specialty for itself by reclassifying the quintessence of matrimonial services the nation over, offering tailor made arrangements that take superintendency of the fantasies and wants of present day couples while respecting the well established surcharge that are the sign of Pakistani weddings.

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#walima wedding events planners in Pakistan #weddings planners

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pratibha191 · 10 months

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Best Bridal Lehenga And Choli

Beginning

The bridal lehenga continues to be the pinnacle of grace and beauty because to its excellent craftsmanship and alluring charm. Finding the ideal outfit in the world of bridal fashion can be difficult. The ageless appeal of the jarkan lehenga choli is highlighted in this article's exploration of the world of bridal lehengas. We delve into the minutiae of these ethereal creations, assisting you in choosing the ideal bridal lehenga for your special day, from complex designs to impeccable craftsmanship.

Bridal Lehengas: Unveiling Their Beauty

Wedding lehengas are expertly made to highlight a bride's elegance and beauty with their lavish designs and lush fabrics. The lehenga (skirt), choli (blouse), and dupatta (scarf) are the three pieces that make up these exquisite costumes. Bridal lehengas are a mark of tradition and opulence because of the exquisite embroidery, delicate embellishments, and vivid colours that showcase India's rich cultural past.

The Search for the Best Bridal Lehengas

Numerous things need to be carefully taken into account in order to find the perfect bridal lehenga. To start, look into a variety of shapes and styles to see which you prefer, whether it's a classic silhouette or a cutting-edge fusion style.

Pay notice to the elaborate needlework and embellishments as well. The lehenga's richness and elegance are enhanced by zari work, resham embroidery, sequins, and stone details. A basic choice for the color scheme is traditional red, although pastels, deep jewel tones, and even unusual hues like champagne or blush have grown in popularity.

Embracing the Jarkan Lehenga Choli's Timeless Splendour

The kundan lehenga choli, also known as the jarkan lehenga choli, is a stunning twist on bridal attire. Intricately placed precious or semi-precious gemstones in gold or silver foil are referred to as jarkan, or kundan. This process gives the lehenga a regal air and an ethereal shine.

With careful handiwork, artists create intricate patterns and motifs in cloth by encrusting it with gems like diamonds, emeralds, rubies, or pearls. For brides seeking a hint of classic elegance, Jarkan lehengas are a tempting option because of their rich workmanship and stunning designs.

For Your Special Day, How to Choose the Best Bridal Lehenga

Think about your personal style, body type, and wedding theme when choosing a bridal lehenga. Even though jarkan lehenga cholis are renowned for their grandeur, it's important to find a balance that enhances your uniqueness. Choose a style that highlights your greatest features and gives you self-assurance and comfort on your special day.

Additionally, make sure you get your bridal lehenga from a

Conclusion

The search for the ideal bridal lehenga entails a study of workmanship, artistry, and personal taste, with the goal of finding a stunning outfit that will ooze grace and elegance on your wedding day.

#lehenga choli for women #bridal lehenga choli

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quotidiansacred · 1 year

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“Peace” and the Organization Kid | Who Do We Think We Are? | Issues | The Hedgehog Review

The quotidian sacred as a revolutionary stance against the tides of the times

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The minutiae of our inner lives—our desires, insecurities, daily moments of anxiety—once offered the human race husks of transcendence. They led one to admire great art, or perhaps even inspired one to create it, or, as in the case of Augustine and his restless heart, directed one toward a spiritual conversion. Yet to the Organization Kids, the ups and downs of our quotidian experience were so many untapped veins of ore. Things really haven’t changed for my generation in the years since we were buzzing around our high school hallways. My peers still look for ways to profit from the artistic, athletic, and cultural fabric of their communities—the only difference is that now they are doing it from the most powerful cultural perches in the world, via the most effective delivery device in human history, the smartphone.

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But what kinds of selves are we chasing? To begin to answer this, we must consider how the Organization Kids have molded our attention. Following the Christian contemplative tradition, Simone Weil likened attention to prayer, and when properly offered, attention should wed us to the natural contours of things—the way they really are, not as we wish them to be. To pay attention is to be drawn out of the desires of the self into a deeper connection with the world, and, ultimately, into a peace that, in Paul’s words, “passeth all understanding.” Yet my generation, as I can attest, in considering natural limits as obstacles to desire, started from the opposite premise. Whatever we were clamoring for, it certainly was not peace.

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In a 2016 article for New York magazine, “I Used to Be a Human Being,” Sullivan explained his journey, and offered a counterpoint—dissonant though it may have been—to the tune hummed by Silicon Valley. In the article, he argued that if we are ever to escape the most deleterious personal and societal effects of our addiction to the cloud, we need some cultural fixture to draw us out of our own myopia, something like meditation or Mass that leads us into a disciplined cultivation of the sacred, “a space that lets your life breathe,” where we find “a silence that was previously regarded as integral to the health of the human imagination.”2 What we need, in other words, is art. By its very nature, art draws us out of ourselves, as “Peace” called to me from a Boston radio tower two decades ago, reminding me that I was not an island, but part of a continent. Yet in the kingdom of the Organization Kids, we must remain islands, if the kingdom is to turn a profit. And what profit comes of art? What of peace?

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wedding-videograpner · 1 year

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How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost. Find Wedding photography vendors

How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost? Wedding photography.

The cost of a wedding photographer is going to depend on several factors. What kind of coverage you want, how many photos you want, and how they plan to shoot your wedding are all factors that influence the final price.

What’s Included in the Wedding Photographer Cost?

The cost of a wedding photographer is the total of their photographic services, which will include not just photographing your ceremony and reception, but also time spent with you planning your day. The cost of a wedding photographer will also include their equipment and other necessary expenses such as travel and lodging costs for out-of-town photographers if needed. In general terms, you can expect to pay between $1,000 – $4,000 for an experienced professional photographer based on where you live in the United States (prices tend to be higher in major cities).

How Much Do NY Wedding Photographers Charge for Wedding Day?

The average cost for a wedding photographer in New York City is around $2,000 to $3,000. As with any other city, you will find photographers who charge more than this and others who charge less. The average package includes many of the things you need as a couple: a photo booth for your reception, an engagement session, and an online gallery where you can view all of your pictures once they have been edited by the photographer. The most popular packages are between 50-70 images per hour that are taken on the day of your event. If you want to save money on your wedding photography and wedding videography expenses but still get high-quality images from professional photographers then book one ahead of time! Be sure to save your wedding date and do some research beforehand. You'll have no surprises when it comes time for payment day - especially when dealing with someone unfamiliar with local customs like tipping etiquette or standard practice regarding gratuities between attendants.

Finding a Wedding Photographer?

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer, it’s important to find one who fits the style of your wedding. A great way to do this is by looking at their work. Find out if they specialize in weddings and look at their portfolio website or Instagram page, where they post pictures of recent weddings. You can also ask them how many weddings they take each year and how many weddings they photograph per day. You should also consider other factors when hiring a photographer: experience, personality, and communication skills are just as important as price in determining which one is right for you.

Destination wedding photographer.

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Wedding Vendors: Photography and Videography.

Finding a great photographer can be overwhelming and stressful. When you’re planning a wedding, it's easy to get caught up in all of the minutiae of the day and forget about picking the right people for your big day. However, choosing your photography vendor is one of the most important decisions you'll make while planning your wedding because they are an integral part of creating memories that will last forever! You must choose someone who has a style that suits you and makes sense for your wedding (whether it be traditional or more modern). You also want someone who has personality traits similar to yours so that they can make everyone feel comfortable on their big day. Finally, make sure they're great at communicating with their clients; especially if it's been a while since they've shot weddings before so there may be some questions about lighting or other technical details

“Why is professional wedding photography so expensive?”

For many, the first question they ask when looking at the price of professional wedding photography is: “Why is it so expensive?” The answer is simple. Wedding photography is a very competitive business and photographers need to pay for their equipment, insurance, marketing, and other expenses. Perfect Wedding photographers come in many different shapes and sizes. Some specialize only in weddings or portraits while others can do both. Some shoot only for a few select clients per year (usually high-end brides) while others do little else than shoot weddings full-time throughout their careers.

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You want to choose wisely when selecting a photographer.

When researching photographers, you want to select someone willing to work with you and understand your vision for your wedding day. Make sure that the photographer is experienced, has good references, and knows how to handle different scenarios on your celebration . The last thing you want is for them to miss an important moment because they don't know what they're doing! If possible, try out a few photographers in person before making a decision. This will give you an idea of their personality and skill level so that when the time comes up they won't disappoint!

We want our photographer to not only meet but exceed your expectations. What matters most to you? A love story?

When you’re trying to find wedding photographer, it’s important to find one whose style matches your taste. The best way to do that is by taking a look at their portfolio and asking them questions about their process. You need your photographer or videographer to be able to communicate with you in person or over the phone. If yours doesn't respond well when asked questions, then this isn't someone who will deliver quality service on your special day. A good way to test how well they communicate is by talking about things other than the wedding itself (like making sure everyone knows where they're supposed to show up).

Conclusion.

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morganaspendragonss · 3 years

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dancing on the edge of something new

huge thanks to alice ( @reyeslonestar ) for letting me talk this through with her at midnight when it was causing me huge trouble 🥰

five dances in tk and carlos’s life

ao3 | 2.3k | @911fluffweek day 3: getting together // dancing

TK looks over when Carlos slides off the hood of the Camaro, his hand trailing after him until he’s forced to let go. Carlos is smiling almost shyly, shifting from one foot to the other, and TK can’t help but smile back, propping himself up on his elbows.

“Carlos?” he prompts, confusion growing as no explanation is forthcoming. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, of course. I just, uh…” He bites his lip, then takes a decisive step forward and holds out a hand, cocking a brow suggestively. “Wanna dance?”

TK laughs. “Seriously?” he asks, but he’s already sitting up and placing his hand in Carlos’s, allowing him to pull him off the car and to his feet.

“Well”—Carlos shrugs, yanking TK close and smiling at the oof he makes when their chests collide—“it’s how we began, isn’t it? I figured, if we’re starting again, then it feels only right, no?”

TK stares, stuck dumb, unable to do anything but follow Carlos’s lead as his arms slip around his waist, guiding them into a gentle sway. He rests his own hands on Carlos’s chest, the realisation that he gets to do this now—gets to touch Carlos and be with him like this—hitting him all over again. To think he almost threw it all away… Well, none of that matters anymore. What matters is that they’re here, dancing in a field with no music save for the shuffle of their feet in the grass and the occasional bird or cricket, like a pair of lovesick idiots in a romcom.

And he’s never been happier.

He slides his hands up until his arms are resting loosely around Carlos’s shoulders, fingers playing with the stray curls at the nape of his neck. He stares into those familiar brown eyes, so full of warmth and light, Carlos cast in the beautiful glow of the Northern Lights above them, and TK feels an intense feeling take root in his chest. It’s not love—not yet—but it will be.

He can’t imagine not falling in love with Carlos Reyes.

ii.

The club lights strobe around them, bathing the room alternately in lurid colours and strange shadows. The place is packed, the doors practically straining on their hinges, but the only thing TK is aware of is Carlos’s body moving against his own, their movements perfectly in sync with each other.

It’s been a while since they were last about to do this, to come out and just let loose for the night. In fact, TK thinks the last time might have been when they were out with Paul what seems like a lifetime ago; so much has changed since, and TK feels like a completely different person to who he was back then.

He and Carlos have officially been together for a few months now, but it’s like the universe has been working to stop them from actually being able to enjoy it. They’ve managed to squeeze in some dates here and there, but between the shooting, the solar storm, TK’s medical leave, and weeks of opposing shifts, getting a moment to themselves has been difficult.

But now, finally, they have one. And TK is going to milk it for all it’s worth.

He turns slightly in Carlos’s grasp, his head tilting up to catch his lips in a searing kiss. Carlos grips TK’s hips tighter, pulling them flush against his own as he deepens the kiss, and TK gasps, a sharp thrill shooting down his spine.

The night stretches out blissfully in front of them, the knowledge that this isn’t just a fling that will end with the cold light of dawn making it all the sweeter. It’s still a little surreal, even now, but it also feels so damn right.

TK’s heart hammers in time with the music and he sinks into Carlos’s hold, losing himself in his heat.

iii.

It’s not that TK never felt at home at the condo. The opposite in fact; Carlos��s place had been home even before he could officially call it his, and he feels the loss of it keenly. The thing is, though, even after he’d fully moved in, it had been a struggle to think of it as theirs.

It had been home, sure, but it had also been Carlos’s place.

Carlos had found it a little funny, and it had taken several slip-ups on TK’s part and just as many gentle corrections on his for TK to get used to our dining room, and our bedroom, and our house.

And then—well. Just as he’d started to get used to it, it was all gone. Ashes. It hurt, deeply, but TK knew that it was his turn to be the one to lean on, to let Carlos be the one to set the pace. Carlos had lived there for years, after all, and what was TK’s month compared to that?

Really, anywhere that Carlos is would be home, but this—holding the keys to a house they’d picked out together, a house they’d signed the lease for together, a house they’d picked the furnishings for together—feels like coming home.

He hates that it was the condo burning down that got them to this stage, but TK can’t stop a grin from emerging on his face as he slips his key into the lock.

He finds Carlos in the kitchen, humming and shimmying to a song playing from the speakers. To his credit, TK really does try to bite back his laughter, but he can’t quite manage it, letting out a loud snort which has Carlos stopping in his tracks, flushing a deep red.

“I see the unpacking’s going well,” he says, walking over to the kitchen counter and leaning a hip against it.

“It was, actually,” Carlos defends, still blushing. “I didn’t realise you’d be back this soon.”

TK shakes his head; as adorable as Carlos’s embarrassment is, he needs to let him know he’s not making fun. “You can relax, babe. You know I always love seeing you move those hips.”

“Mmm, don’t I know it.” Carlos leans in and kisses him, lingering a moment before pulling back, a wide smirk on his face. “How about you help me finish unpacking here and we’ll see about showing you more of that hip action later?”

TK grumbles, but does as he’s told, the two of them falling into a comfortable rhythm as they work to getting their house in order. It’s ended up being the perfect blend of their different styles, which probably shouldn’t work together, but somehow do, and TK loves it here. They both do, he knows—nothing will ever replace what they lost in the fire, but being able to build a home together is beyond special.

He keeps sneaking glances at Carlos as the afternoon goes on—sue him, his boyfriend is built like a Greek god—and TK smiles when he realises Carlos has started dancing again. He probably doesn’t even realise he’s doing it, which makes the whole thing so much better.

TK watches for a while, then walks up to Carlos and taps him on the shoulder. “Mind if I cut in?” he asks, gesturing to the wooden spoons he was twirling around.

There’s a brief moment of confusion, before Carlos’s eyes light up with realisation. He barely wastes a second in tossing the spoons aside (though, it’s more like a careful placement in the correct drawer) and grabs TK by the hand, sending him into a literal spin.

TK laughs, taking a moment to right himself after the sudden movement caused him to stumble inelegantly. Neither of them are in time with the music as they dance around the kitchen, carefully avoiding the boxes still scattered around, but it’s not important.

For the first time in his life, TK feels fully, completely at home. It’s not a feeling he wants to let go of.

iv.

“I think they were expecting something slower,” TK murmurs, burying a laugh in Carlos’s neck. Their guests are all wearing expressions with varying degrees of shock, and he can’t really blame them—he’s pretty sure the last thing anyone expects to hear during a first dance at a wedding is a country song. “I still can’t believe you even remember it.”

Carlos shrugs. “I still can’t believe you don’t. It is our song, after all.”

TK rolls his eyes, remembering their first conversation on this topic months ago, back when they were still sorting out all the wedding minutiae.

“‘Our’ song, babe?” he’d said, raising a skeptical eyebrow. “Why, because we danced to it for five minutes before leaving to get off in the bathroom?”

“Exactly,” Carlos had replied, his tone so serious that TK wasn’t sure whether he was joking or not. He’d rolled his eyes and lightly shoved at TK’s shoulder. “No, babe. Because it was the first time we danced together on the night that we met. That’s special, right, even if it did only last five minutes?”

TK hadn’t exactly been able to argue that one, and he has to admit now that it was a pretty good choice. If only to see the way Judd almost choked on his champagne in surprise when the song started.

It’s a little untraditional and, if he’s being honest, TK had never thought that one day he would be getting married in Texas on his new husband’s family ranch, with their first dance being to a ‘cowboy song’, as he’d once called it, much to Carlos’s horror. But he and Carlos have never been ones for tradition, and TK wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s perfect,” he admits, his eyes never leaving Carlos’s. He stops the dance, not caring that the song is still playing, and steps closer, pressing their bodies together. Everything else fades into the background as he leans up and kisses Carlos, barely moving when they break apart. “I love you, Husband.”

Carlos’s face lights up in a grin that could rival the sun in its brightness. “I love you too, Husband.”

Music is floating through the door when TK gets home, and it’s enough to alleviate the weight he’s been carrying all day. It’s not that it had been a bad shift per se (though, when your standards for a good day are ‘nobody dies’, your view tends to get a bit skewed) but it had been long and tiring, and he’d missed his family desperately.

Sometimes, he still can’t believe this is really his life. But Ana, now three, has been living with them for a year already, and TK can’t imagine their home without her anymore. She’d been a blessing, coming into their lives after years of fighting to get on adoption registers, right when they were beginning to despair of ever managing it.

They did, though, and now TK gets to come home to scenes like this.

Scenes like Ana standing on Carlos’s toes as he guides her slowly around the room in a basic dance. TK watches for a moment before getting his phone out and hitting record; he’ll be damned if he misses the opportunity to get this on film.

Carlos, having heard him enter, rolls his eyes when he sees what TK’s doing, but flashes him a quick smile before returning his focus to Ana. She hasn’t noticed TK’s entrance, her face scrunched up in deep concentration as she grips onto Carlos’s hands as tight as she possibly can.

When the music ends, Ana claps her hands and giggles. TK takes the moment to make his presence known, dropping to his knees and holding his arms out. She barrels into him, almost knocking him over, and presses her face into his chest, her tiny hands creating creases in his uniform shirt.

“Hi, sweetheart,” TK murmurs, dropping a kiss in her hair. He gently detaches her from him and manoeuvers them until she’s sitting in his lap. “Looks like you guys were having fun while I was at work.”

She nods enthusiastically. “Papa was teaching me to dance! Abuela showed me photos when I was with her and Abuelo and I wanted to be just like her!”

“Abuela got out the photo albums again, huh?”

Ana nods again. “Of her… Her…” She frowns and looks up at Carlos.

“Her china poblana dresses,” Carlos says softly, smiling as Ana grins and points at him.

TK laughs and draws his daughter into a hug, rocking them gently, his gaze going up to Carlos. “Well, from what I saw, you were dancing even better than Papa,” he says, smirking as Carlos gasps in mock offence. He looks back down at Ana, tapping on the back of her hand. “You know,” he starts, smiling, “I think I might need some dancing lessons too. Think you can teach me?”

Ana lights up and immediately gets to her feet, as if she’d been waiting for him to ask. She grabs TK’s hand and pulls him up, leading him to where Carlos must have cleared a space for them earlier. The music begins to play again and TK lets his daughter take charge, playfully sticking his tongue out at Carlos when he laughs at TK getting firmly told off for putting his foot in the wrong place.

At some point, Carlos joins the dance, the three of them stepping and bouncing around the front room. Ana’s laughter fills the house, shrieking with delight when Carlos sweeps her from the floor and wraps both her and TK in his arms. TK leans his head on his husband’s shoulder, a hand placed on their daughter’s back, and breathes out slowly, all the exhaustion from earlier forgotten.

At last, he’s home.

#911fluffweek #911 lone star #911 lone star fic #tarlos #tarlos fic #tk strand #carlos reyes #lone star #911ls #fanfiction #my fanfiction #writing #my writing #userjillian #tuserjamie #userkimmy #tuserpaige #reyeslonestartag #tuserjenny

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dangermousie · 3 years

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Heelo mousie! Love your blog! Do you mind recommending some of your favourite Chinese BL novels or shows?

I've seen the untamed and read it. I'm currently reading heaven's official blessing and I saw the donghua. Anything other than these two?

Awww, thank you!

Novels: I am gonna be lazy and literally copy/paste the entire danmei section of my top 10 web novels post (except MXTX’s stuff since you are already reading it.) Let me know if you need help finding any of these.

Lord Seventh - I am only partway through this so far, but it’s already on the list because it’s smart and somehow intense AND laid-back (not sure how this works, but it does) and is honestly just a really really solid and smart period novel, with the OTP a cherry on top of a narrative sundae. Plus, I love the concept of MC deciding he is not going for his supposedly fated love - he’s tried for six lifetimes, always with disaster, and he’s just plain done and tired. When he opens his life in his seventh reincarnation and sees the person he would have given up the world for, he genuinely feels nothing at all. (Spoiler - his OTP is actually a barbarian shaman this time around, thank you Lord!)

Golden Stage - my perfect comfort novel. Probably the least angsty of any danmei novel on this list (which still means plenty angsty :P) It also has a dedicated, smart OTP that is an OTP for the bulk of the book - I think you will notice that in most of the novels in this list, I go for “OTP against the world” trope - I can’t stand love triangles and the same. Anyway, Fu Shen, is a famous general whose fame is making the emperor antsy. When he gets injured and can’t walk any more, the emperor gladly recalls him and marries him off to his most faithful court lackey, the head of sort of secret police, Yan Xiaohan. The emperor intends it both as a check on the general and a general spite move since the two men always clash in court whenever they meet. But not all is at is seems. They used to be friends a long time ago, had a falling out, and one of the loveliest parts of the novel is them finding their way to each other, but there is also finding the middle path between their two very different philosophies and ways of being, not to mention solving a conspiracy or dozen, and putting a new dynasty on the throne, among other things. It always makes me think, a little, of “if Mei Changsu x Jingyan were canon.”

Sha Po Lang - if you like a lot of fantasy politics and world-building and steampunk with your novels, this one is for you. This one is VERY plot-heavy with smart, dedicated characters and a deconstruction of many traditional virtues - our protagonist Chang Geng, a long-lost son of the Emperor, is someone who wants to modernize the country but also take down the current emperor his brother for progress’ sake and the person he’s in love with is the general who saved him when he was a kid who is nominally his foster father. Anyway, the romance is mainly a garnish in this one, not even a big side dish, but the relationship between two smart, dedicated, deadly individuals with very different concepts of duty is fascinating long before it turns romantic. And if you like angst, while overall it’s not as angsty as e.g., Meatbun stuff, Chang Geng’s childhood is the stuff of nightmares and probably freaks me out more than anything else in any novel on this list, 2ha included.

To Rule In a Turbulent World (LSWW) - gay Minglan. No seriously. This is how I think of it. it’s a slice of life period novel with fascinating characters and setting that happens to have a gay OTP, not a romance in a period setting per se and I always prefer stories where the romance is not the only thing that is going on. It’s meticulously written and smart and deals with character development and somehow makes daily minutia fascinating. Our protagonist, You Miao, is the son of a fabulously wealthy merchant, sent to the capital to make connections and study. As the story starts, he sees his friend’s servants beating someone to death, feels bad, and buys him because, as we discover gradually and organically, You Miao may be wealthy and occasionally immature but he is a genuinely good person. The person he buys is a barbarian from beyond the wall, named Li Zhifeng. It’s touch and go if the man will survive but eventually he does and You Miao, who by then has to return home, gives him his papers and lets him go. However, LZF decides to stick with You Miao instead, both out of sense of debt for YM saving his life and because he genuinely likes him (and yet, there is no instalove on either of their parts, their bodies have fun a lot quicker than their souls.) Anyway, the two take up farming, get involved in the imperial exams and it’s the life of prosperity and peace, until an invasion happens and things go rapidly to hell. This is so nuanced, so smart (smart people in this actually ARE!) and has secondary characters who are just as complex as the mains (for example, I ended up adoring YM’s friend, the one who starts the plot by almost beating LZF to death for no reason) because the novel never forgets that few people are all villain. There is a lovely character arc or two - watching YM grow up and LZF thaw - there is the fact that You Miao is a unicorn in web novels being laid back and calm. This whole thing is a masterpiece.

Stains of Filth (Yuwu) - want the emotional hit of 2ha but want to read something half its length? Well, the author of 2ha is here to eviscerate you in a shorter amount of time. This has the beautiful world-building, plot twists that all make sense and, at the center of it all, an intense and all-consuming and gloriously painful relationship between two generals - one aristocratic loner Mo Xi, and the other gregarious former slave general Gu Mang. Once they were best friends and lovers, but when the novel starts, Gu Mang has long turned traitor and went to serve the enemy kingdom and has now been returned and Mo Xi, who now commands the remnants of his slave army, has to cope with the fact that he has never been able to get over the man who stabbed him through the heart. Literally. This novel has a gorgeously looping structure, with flashbacks interwoven into present storyline. There is so much love and longing and sacrifice in this that I am tearing up a bit just thinking of it. If you don’t love Mo Xi and Gu Mang, separately and together, by the end of it, you have no soul.

The Dumb Husky and His White Cat Shizun (2ha/erha) - if you’ve been following my tumblr for more than a hot second, you know my obsession with this novel. Honestly, even if I were to make a list of my top 10 novels of any kind, not just webnovels, this would be on the list. It has everything I want - a complicated, intricate plot with an insane amount of plot twists, all of which are both unexpected and make total sense, a rich and large cast of characters, a truly epic OTP that makes me bawl, emotional intensity that sometimes maxes even me out and so much character nuance and growth. Also, Moran is my favorite web novel character ever, hands down.

Anyway, the plot (or at least the way it first appears) is that the evil emperor of the cultivation world, Taxian Jun, kills himself at 32 and wakes up in the body of his 16 year old self, birth name Moran. Excited to get a redo, Moran wants to save his supposed true love Shimei, whose death the last go-around pushed him towards evil. He also wants to avoid entanglement with Chu Wanning, his shizun and sworn enemy in past life. And that’s all you are best off knowing, trust me. The only hint I am going to give is oooh boy the mother of all unreliable narrators has arrived!

The novel starts light and funny on boil the frog principle - if someone told me I would be full bawling multiple times with this novel, I’d have thought they were insane, but i swear my eyes hurt by the end of it. I started out being amused and/or disliking the mains and by the end I would die for either of them.

The Wife is First - OK, this one did not make my top 10 web novels but it’s a sweet, fun gay cottagecore fest. Our ML, a royal prince, and his spouse, a smart if delicate aristocrat, keep house, eat noodles, play with their pet tiger, make out and spoil each other rotten, while occasionally fighting battles and outwitting their court enemies. It’s so very mellow. That couple redefines low drama - they are both nice and functional and use their brains. It’s as if a nice jock and a nice nerd got together and then proceeded to be wholesome all over the place.

I mean, the set up could be dramatic - our ML the prince, lost his fight for the throne and is about to be killed. The only person who stayed loyal to him is his arranged husband the aristocrat guy who ML never treated nicely since he resented marrying him (marrying a man in that world is done to remove someone from the ability to inherit the throne.) And yet the husband stood by him not out of love but beliefs in loyalty blah blah. Anyway, he transmigrates back into the past right after their wedding night and is all “I got a second chance OMG! I don’t want the throne what is even the point? I want to live a good long life and treat the only person who stood by me really well!” And he proceeds to do so to the shock of the aristocrat who had a very unpleasant wedding night and generally can tell the man he just married would rather eat nails than be married to him. But soon enough (no seriously, it’s not many chapters at all) he believes the prince is sincere blah blah and then they get together and they pretty much become cottagecore goals.

In terms of dramas, I only do period dramas (or novels) so I am not the person to be able to recommend any modern BLs. There is a flood of upcoming (hopefully) period BL dramas but it’s relatively thin on the ground now. The two I will recommend is Word of Honor (which is AMAZING) and Winter Begonia (which I just started watching but which owns me already.) I have a tag for both - the one for the former is huge and I cannot recommend either strongly enough. I’ve heard good things about The Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty, but I am not big on mysteries so haven’t watched it for myself.

In terms of the upcoming BLs, the ones I am most looking forward to are Immortality and Winner Is King, but The Society of the Four Leaves also looks promising.

#asks #cdrama #cnovel

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andrea-lyn · 4 years

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It starts with family obligation, because of course it does. “You’re my favorite brother,” Greg says, “I want you to be one of my groomsmen.” It’s a lot to process. Alex knows Clay and Flint haven’t been asked to do this, but then, it’s not like they’re close. Alex hadn’t thought he was, either, with Greg up at the reservation. He hasn’t even met the woman he’s marrying, only knows that she and Greg met when she’d driven up to learn more about her family. “How am I supposed to say no?” Alex replies, balancing the phone. “Just tell me what I need to do, Greg, I’m happy to be in your wedding and make it an amazing day for you.” “Great,” Greg says brightly. “Um, there’s just the one thing and I hope you’re cool with it.” One thing. Alex doesn’t know that he likes the sound of that. It’s still Greg’s big day. “Hit me.” “My fiancée sort of did this whole plan where she paired off my groomsmen and her bridesmaids for our joint events. We’re doing the bachelor and bachelorette together, then the rehearsal dinner, and obviously the ceremony itself. It’ll be someone you’ve never met before and you’ll kind of be glued to their side.” Alex had been expecting a lot worse than that. “It’s an open bar, right?” Greg lets out a huff of laughter over the line. “Priorities are still in the right places, huh?” “I can handle some wedding wildness,” he vows. “It might get awkward if the bridesmaid tries to sleep with me, though.” “I’ll make sure Isobel has a talk with her people.” “Thanks, man,” says Alex. “And congratulations again.” “It’s gonna be amazing, Alex, just wait. You’ll see.”

---

For a few months, Alex doesn’t have to think about Greg’s impending nuptials or any of the responsibilities, but invitations swiftly follow Save the Dates and then the emails come in a flurry with plans, suits to buy, and wedding party people to meet. They’ve whisked away to a spa in Arizona for the bachelor and bachelorette, which means that for the next week, this is Alex’s life. Wedding minutia and schmoozing with people he barely knows. It’s all for his brother, though, which is why he can do this.

“Alex,” Greg says, rushing over to him in the hotel lobby of the spa they’re staying at. “Awesome, you’re here. Look, I need to warn you…” Alex gives Greg a warning look. “Please tell me the bridesmaid you’re putting me with isn’t some kind of psycho,” he hisses. “I don’t think so? I don’t know, it’s just…” “There you are!” Alex turns to see Isobel approaching in a romper, looking breezy and gorgeous as always. She lovingly cups Greg’s face as she leans in to kiss him. Out of politeness, Alex looks away, which is when he sees the man standing just behind Isobel and holding onto her bag. “I can take that,” Alex offers, gesturing for it. “I’m pretty sure they’re gonna be a while,” he says, gesturing to Isobel and Greg, who’ve gone from polite kisses to making out. “Nah,” says the guy. He’s wearing a pair of linen white shorts and a loud Hawaiian print shirt that’s unbuttoned three down, and on top of his golden-brown curls is a cowboy hat that definitely doesn’t belong. It’s pretty much the worst fashion disaster he’s seen in a while (and he’s seen the bridesmaid outfits). “No, really,” he says, a little more insistently. “I can tip you.” “Oh, well, if you’re offering me the tip,” the guy drawls. “Michael!” Isobel snaps, pulling away from her kiss. “Sorry,” she tells Greg. “Alex, I want you to meet my bridesmaid that you’re gonna be paired with over the next week. This is my adopted brother, Michael Guerin.” “Bridesmaid,” Alex echoes, gaping at the man. “Isobel’s non-traditional like that,” Michael drawls, winking at Alex. “So,” he says. “You still wanna offer me a tip now that you know you’re gonna be walking me down the aisle in less than a week?” Flushed, Alex turns to Greg and gives him a pleading look that asks him to help him out. Greg, unfortunately, knows Alex’s type exactly and probably had a hand in making sure this happened, so he claps Alex on the shoulder, leans in, and whispers, “Play nice. This is my groomsman gift to you.” He eases back with the smug smile of an almost-married man and it’s the only reason he’s getting away with this. “So,” Michael says brightly. “I think we’re rooming together. Wanna go see what we’re putting up with?” Alex is already in over his head, but Greg and Isobel have clearly manufactured this set-up on purpose, which means that not only is this for Alex, but it’s also for Michael somehow. “Sure,” he says, getting his wits back about them as he tries for something confident and, dare he say it, sexy. “I’m pretty curious about what you look like in the bridesmaid dress.” “In it?” Michael quips, as Alex leaves behind his brother and the glowing almost-bride, “Or do you wanna see what it looks like pooled on the hotel floor.” It’s gonna be one hell of a week, Alex can tell, and he can’t wait.

#malex #belmanes #roswell new mexico #ficlet #au #meet-ugly #ish

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digitalmarketingagencysworld · 3 years

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CHOOSING A GOOD WEDDING PLANNER

Once the rings are exchanged, the dates set and therefore the elation that engulfed you upon finally being told that the marriage would happen on so then date began to ebb, ever slowly, and your feet retraced their painful journey back to the bottom , that's when the magnitude of the task of arranging and organizing a marriage finally struck you. Of course, there's no denying the very fact that you simply have already got your wedding completely organized and planned to a T in your head, but you're also aware that such an onerous undertaking is, well and truly, beyond your scope and time. Executing a marriage , one that has been imagined in your head to the littlest detail possible, is, because the cliché goes, easier said than done. From drawing up a budget to picking the perfect venue for what is going to remain the foremost important day in your life, knowledgeable wedding planner clears the road to make sure that the marriage pops with none hassles and worries. it's their ability to plan out of the box solutions and to think on their feet that divides good wedding planners from the simplest . Listed below are a number of the parameters which could aid you in choosing the best:

The Whole deal or Half Way in?

Depending on the scope and scale of the marriage , you'll choose either a full-time wedding planner or each day coordinator. Before going into the apparent advantages of hiring the previous , lets us first re-evaluate the roles and responsibilities of each day coordinator. they are available into the image a month approximately before the marriage and are deals mostly with day to day arrangements of the marriage like seating arrangements, lighting ad floral arrangements, etc. However, with a fanatical wedding planner, it's virtually an act of delivering the reins of your wedding and sitting back to enjoy the ride. knowledgeable wedding planning organization, with teams exclusively dedicated to conceptualization, photography, budget planning and execution plan and actualize a marriage literally from scratch. From choosing a marriage venue to packaging those countless memories in albums specifically designed for you, knowledgeable wedding planner takes care of everything.

Budgets! Budgets! Budgets!

Contrary to popular, and if one may add highly inaccurate, urban lore, a marriage planner doesn't cost a limb and an arm. All one must find a marriage planner who fits into your budget may be a wee little bit of patience. While one school of thought, which many incorrectly call 'common sense' might claim that hiring knowledgeable wedding planner might stretch your finances and leave you dry, the opposing notion is probably going to contest that the thrill of a stress-free wedding are priceless. Moreover, there's tons of cash which will be saved by entrusting all the responsibilities to one organisation which automatically precludes the necessity to haggle with an entire host of characters and dealers.

Compatibility Mode on?

A wedding being an intimate and a highly personal function, the importance of sharing an honest rapport together with your wedding planner can't be stressed enough. While it's indeed gratifying to possess the responsibility of a marriage began your shoulders, it's equally important to not be haunted by a way of regret within the aftermath. Thus, it becomes invaluable for you begin off on the proper page together with your wedding planner. What does compatibility together with your wedding planner exactly mean? In your interactions, you would like to feel that the planner is hospitable accepting your ideas and shall willingly execute an equivalent without compromising on your dreams and visions. Did he or she appear as excited as you probably did about the upcoming wedding? When the marriage planner differed together with your ideas and substituted those with a number of his or her own, what were your thoughts and reflections on the same? How open did you discover your prospective wedding planner appear to your ideas and thoughts on the wedding? Once you've got cross referenced of these categories and find the planner satisfactory, dispel all doubts and hire the planner, wasting not a second on the topic .

Tracking eleventh hour challenges

No matter how adept and efficient a marriage planner might appear, it's practically impossible for him or her to ensure that there'll be no eleventh hour glitches which may spell disaster. However, one can carefully assess whether or not a planner has the constitution to affect problems that crop up without a moment's notice. Faulty lighting arrangements, caterer struck in traffic, is that the band late? knowledgeable wedding planner must be able handle such eleventh hour hitches must be addressed with poise and with the smallest amount little bit of trouble and put everything back on target . about the absence or stubbornness of the bride and groom, the marriage planner must be equipped to handle.

That Eye for Detail and Strength of organization

Caught up within the swirl and confusion of the marriage , there's always a little detail that you simply may have missed, one which come and switch the whole event into a fiasco. Attention to minutiae is perhaps the foremost important reason for you hire a marriage planner. While hiring a marriage planner, confirm he or she is observant to a fault. it's a planner's ability to scour through piles of knowledge and yet miss nothing that indicates hi caliber. Ensuring that each one wedding arrangements are in accordance together with your customs and traditions, ensuring that there's not one thread out of place with the floral arrangements, or the lights, these are the hallmarks of a real professional. A more enterprising wedding planner also goes that extra yard or two in making all guests feel reception and relaxed by arising with ingenious welcome gifts like engraved chocolates, among other things.

Having to constantly check abreast of the progress of your wedding preparations and having to make sure that each one the arrangements are in situ , once you have already handed over the responsibility to a marriage planner defeats the aim of hiring one. An organised wedding planner is one who doesn't bother you with petty details and takes care to stay you within the loop about the preparations. within the least, confirm that your wedding planner features a calendar with all the important dates marked off in order that everything happens during a time-bound manner.

Third Party Management

A wedding often turns into a nightmare due to your having to return into contact with many intractable 'Third Parties'. Haggling and bargaining with these third parties, who include photographers, light man, flower decorators, etc., could leave you with an enduring headache. an honest wedding planner is one who completely removes the prospect of you having to return into contact with the so-called third parties. All you would like to try to to is to convey your thoughts on the topic and in accordance together with your wishes, the marriage planner sets about hiring the right cook, photographer, etc., unto whom he relays what you've got confided in him and gets it done.

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sdeiiyo · 4 years

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Vassal to Vladimir; Chapter 1

As great or as awful a time as it might be, Highschool eventually ends. It’s a very hard feeling to understand if you haven’t experienced it, but the easiest way to think about it is as a “Fading Summer”. You have fun for a while, then you wake up one morning in August and find out that people start to call you an “Adult” and have every responsibility slowly weave its way into your life. Many people I knew already had plans by that point. A few people just tried to find a job, while myself and everyone else was getting ready to go to college.

My score, however, wasn’t high enough.

It wasn’t as if I was a bad student though. I did the homework on time, became friends with my favorite teachers and enough of my friends told me that I’d helped them get into college themselves. It was common sense that someone like me would get into college.

Deep down though, I somehow knew that I was never going to make the cut, so I just fell back to sleep in my room.

My Mother made quite a fuss. She blamed my friends, my PC, and my Silicon Valley Father for bringing those American games over. My Father chuckled at her every notion when he left the room, but his help was misguided at best. Their love always had felt as empty as that scrap of paper my score had been written on.

I rolled my covers over and over again as if it was my entire world, searching for some sense of place in the patterns I had slept in since middle school. I curled away as they became louder and louder until I was rolling through the covers of every minute of every day.

Then my sister moved out to a military base and everything went silent.

They resumed their normal lives after a few months as if nothing had happened. I didn’t want to look at them though, knowing that even the slightest glance would ensure another argument. Every angle in my house became a sniper’s nest from which they could attack me at any moment.

Their arguments about minutia always existed, but day by day I grew sick of them.

Eventually I took the train to the city to get away from this life in Japanese suburbia. I introduced myself as someone who could do statistics and found a job at a small firm. I emailed my Mother asking to help out with rent while I managed to get the money coming in, to which she replied:

“I’m so thankful that you finally managed to make your way out of the house! :smile:”

Years passed quietly in my apartment while I worked and played my PC games, but I was running out of RTS games and team matchmaking was exhausting to deal with 90% of the time. Everyday I felt like change was encroaching on all fronts.

Everyday the world felt like it was slipping away once again.

Then, a few days after my lonely twenty-third birthday, the day arrived when I needed to go back home.

It was another summer’s day waiting at the train station.

My sister, someone who I’d only known over the phone, was getting married. I honestly hadn’t looked at photos since I was already busy enough working, gaming, drinking and learning to code.

Would it be weird to think she might be in a homosexual relationship? I’ve never known anyone so I have no idea how that would work, or even if my parents would accept it. Hell, I don’t think I even have friends anymore, rather just distant acquaintances that I drink and text with on forums. My phone is only useful as a convenient way to look like I need to be elsewhere, so it’s not like I can really talk about some of the new gacha games that everyone is interested in nowadays.

And if I were to actually follow that thought I’d end up catastrophizing pretty bad. Shouldn’t do it in public at the least.

The intercom chimed out my hometown and anxiety hushed my breath. It was finally time.

It wasn’t technically time, since the train would be arriving in a few minutes and even then I wasn’t even heading directly to my house. The invite was to a small out of town garden where I think they were planning on doing a traditional Japanese marriage. Mom had texted me about how she and the groom’s parents disliked the arrangement, but apparently our aging neighbors liked the idea quite a bit due to how many western ones took place in the area already.

I was ambivalent about the matter.

I had no idea if I even wanted to skip out on the whole thing, walk out of the station and just sit back in my room and get back to training my coding skills. I’d gotten the day off from my manager so I definitely could and just nod and bullshit my way out of their inquiries about how I had not gone to my sister’s wedding, the only sibling who I got on with. I knew nothing of what she thought of me and whether this would piss or worry or if she just not even notice or even care. I didn’t even want to check if I had ever sent her a text message.

I felt an urge to itch my middle finger. A small minute spot was forming, a tiny bubble under the skin that no one would notice unless you were actually looking for it. I usually got this sort of thing when I get stressed out so this was definitely not out of the ordinary considering the circumstances. I scratched it slightly.

Ow. I think it just popped. I guess that’s unexpected though…

A liquid- no, some ecto-plasmic miasma seeped out from the spot.

Then it ignited.

The eldritch flame roared its way up through my finger and into my veins, passing through my wrist and underneath my suit. I panicked, trying to pat the flame off with my other sleeve in an attempt to put it out, but the viscous mix only spread there too, quickly setting it ablaze as my entire body burned from the inside out.

I felt eyes on me, but at this point my mind was screaming from the pain. If someone had tried to help me I didn’t notice it. Can they even see this absurd prank that’s happening?

Is this how people are Isekai’d?

It hurts. It hurts. It hurts. It hurts! It Hurts! It HURTS IT HURTSITHURTSITHUR-

I felt my footing slip, my body briefly airborne, then the steel tracks in front of an incoming train.

#isekai #writing #light novel #vampires #skaven #Vassal2Vlad

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themostrandomfandom · 5 years

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Hi! I was wondering if you could share your thoughts on Brittana and their MBTI types? I think Brittany could be a ENFP, but I have no idea what Santana's type could be (other than her last letter, which I think is J)

Hey @silver-greystorms!

First off, sorry it has taken me so terribly long to reply to you.I don’t get a lot of internet time these days.

Second, in response to your question, Iknow very little about MBTI types, so forgive me if anything I say here is off.I took this test,answering for Brittany and Santana—the ways I think they are, as opposed to theways in which I think they might (mis)represent themselves, were they takingthe test—and here are the results I came up with:

Brittany is, as you suggested, an ENFP.

Santana is an ESFJ.

I then read up on both of thesepersonality types on this site and this one.

More discussion of how I see Brittany and Santana fitting thesetypes under the cut.

_______

Because I know so little about the MBTI system, I read through thedescriptions for Brittany and Santana’s types on the sites I linked above. Ithen made lists of all of the descriptions that seemed to really fit the girls,as I understand them in canon.

Here are those lists with some commentary:

Brittany the ENFP

ENFPs are often popular.

For all of her quirks, Brittany is one of the most popular girlsat WMHS for many years running. While both Quinn and Santana occasionallysuffer sharp downturns in their popularity (e.g., when Quinn is pregnant and whenSantana is outed), Brittany is depicted as being fairly consistently well-liked. Notonly does she become senior class president, but also never once is sheslushied. People may not always understand her, but they do seem to enjoy hercompany. Her energy attracts people. She’s the life of the party.

ENFPs, for all of their socialsuccesses, may, however, also face certain difficulties, such as beingunfocused and becoming easily distracted, overthinking personal issues, beingbetter at “the theory” than “the practice,” not handling stress well, and beingindependent to a fault.

Brittany’sacademic difficulties may stem from an inability to focus and/or to put intopractice the ideas and theoretical concepts that she learns.

Overthinking is likewise an issue for Brittany, not only throughout S4 (when she gets so worked up over personal problems forwhich she sees no fixes that she experiences two total meltdowns, one in episode4x02 and one in episode 4x22) but also in S6as she is prepping for her wedding.She gets so in her head that she panics until Santana talks her down.

When faced with stress (particularly ofthe interpersonal variety), Brittany tends to resort to making jokes, playingdumb, and downplaying the situation rather than taking ownership for what’shappening. Though she becomes better able to handle stress as the series goeson, particularly as she finds grounding in her relationship with Santana,early on, she is highly avoidant in stressful situations (see, for example, herreaction when the glee club confronts her for spying in episode 1x13).

Being independent to a fault islikewise a big thing with her. As I say elsewhere: “Having difficulty asking for help is a characterflaw she comes by naturally. That a girl who’s been told ‘no’ her whole lifewould be scared to ask anyone to take a chance on her and say ‘yes’ makessense”—though, of course, it certainly doesn’t make her life any easier. Asmentioned above, Brittany will often meltdown when her problems overwhelm her,acting out (and acting outrageously) rather than asking for help. She will alsosometimes simply suffer in silence, keeping her troubles to herself until it’stoo late for anyone to do anything to help her (such as when she fails tograduate in episode 3x22).

ENFPs are bothidea- and people-driven. They see everyone and everything as part of a cogent,cosmic whole.

While Santana is (generally) moreplan-reliant than Brittany, Brittany is actually (typically) abetter planner than Santana because she comes up with innovative, long-gameideas and doesn’t get too caught up in logistics.

See, for example, her Project Unicorn campaign for the seniorclass presidency in episode 3x02.

Brittany is also a people-person, insofar as she is a skilledreader of people, and she sees how individuals fit into the collective. Thoughshe doesn’t always get along with everyone in the glee club, she does know howall of the various players function to make the collective work.

See, for example, her Heart Locker speech in episode 2x22, inwhich she advocates for Santana to forgive Rachel, not only for the good of thegroup but because she understands how much Santana craves friends, even thoughshe personally does not like Rachel much at all.

Brittany’s big, beautiful math brain affords her a uniqueperspective on the world. Brittany is a nonnormative thinker who forms connections that maynot be apparent to other people.

See, for example, her “infinity” speech to Santana in episode6x03, which lays out her whole understanding of the universe not only in termsof numbers but in terms of love.

ENFPs learn globally. They don’t mindapproximations (whereas other types may want exactitude).

As I talk about elsewhere: “Brittany’s is a unique mind. It is unclear towhat extent book-learning and traditional education work for her. She has atendency to metaphorize concepts, suggesting that she is an abstract thinker.Her flair for malapropisms also intimates that her mind is organized in ‘webs,’with various like-words grouped together by loose strings of associations.Though she is mathematically intelligent, she is also emotionally intelligentand physically intelligent, as well. Early on, her genius seems highly intuitive,as she is able to pull numbers out of the air, though she is not always equallyable to explain how or by what means she has done so. In time, her methods seemto become more examined and deliberate, with theory underlining what was once amore reflexive capability. She is perhaps something of an autodidact, able, forinstance, to teach herself Spanish, though she apparently doesn’t fare well inthe class in high school.”

While these thinking patterns are all apart of Brittany’s nonnormative genius, they can also get her into trouble inthe public school system, which expects conformity. Her “close is good enough”attitude may contribute in part to her failing her senior year.

ENFPs are outgoing and warm, possessinga “zany charm” which can endear them to more stodgy types in spite of theirunconventionality.

I mean, could there be a more fitting description of Brittana’srelationship dynamic?

Though stodgy Santana manages to build walls to keep out virtuallyevery other human being on the face of the planet, she’s helpless to resistBrittany’s outgoing personality, warmth, and zany charms. Santana’s lowtolerance for social aberration, sentimentality, and even silliness flies outthe window when Brittany’s involved. Brittany gets her to embrace theunconventional and open herself like she never has before.

ENFPs possess strong values andviewpoints, which those around them may find surprising. They attempt to gentlybut enthusiasticallypersuade others of the rightness of these views,using all of the social skills at their disposals.

First example of this trait in Brittany: Brittany’s earnest,enthusiastic attempts to persuade Kurt to adopt her anti-bullying platformduring his senior class presidency campaign in episode 3x02.

Note that Kurt finds both Brittany’s strategy and her enthusiasmfor the platform itself surprising. At first, he has no idea that there’s a“method to her madness.” He is truly taken aback when he realizes that not onlyis Brittany’s platform about more than just pink paper and glitter glue butalso that Brittany has a personal stake in the fight she wants him to join, asshe’s a member of the LGBTQ community herself.

Second example of this trait in Brittany: Brittany’s earnest,enthusiastic attempts to reconcile Alma and Santana before the wedding in S6.

Brittany attempts to persuade Alma to reconsider her relationshipwith Santana at first through gentle insinuation and a soupçon of deception.Only after Alma rejects these initial (more passive) overtures does Brittanybreak out her hardline stance, making her fierce speech about generationalturnover in episode 06x06.

ENFPs make affectionate, demonstrative,and spontaneous mates who light up the lives of their partners. However, anENFP’s romantic partner must be willing to manage the practical and financialaspects of the relationship, accounting for the ENFP’s spontaneity, dreaminess,and wanderlust.

I think Santana would agree thatBrittany possesses all of the positive traits listed here.

Not only is Brittany physicallyaffectionate toward Santana (see all of their S1 touches on the back row of thechoir room), but she is also verbally affectionate, constantly praisingSantana’s “awesomeness” and reminding her of her exemplary qualities. Brittanydemonstrates her feelings for Santana in numerous ways, such as by giving hergifts (see episode 3x12) and making speeches to her and about her love for her(see episodes 2x18, 2x22, 5x12, and 6x06).

Brittany is constantly surprisingSantana in the best ways possible, by putting herself out there for the sake oftheir relationship and always knowing the right—if unexpected—thing to say(see, for example, the Heart Locker speech in episode 2x22 or what Brittanysays to Santana at the end of episode 4x13).

Santana herself tells us that Brittanyis the light of her life (see her marriage proposal in episode 6x03).

That said, Santana would probably also agree that at timesBrittany can lose sight of the minutiae of everyday life, such as when Brittany fails to graduate high school—and neglectsto mention her failure until it’s too late to do anything about it (see episode3x22).

Luckily, ESFJs like Santana are great with money and practicaldecisions. Santana’s strengths naturally balance out Brittany’s weaknesses. Thegirls complement each other nicely.

See, for example, in episode 5x13, when Brittany wants to move toLesbos with Santana to escape their social pressures and responsibilities.Santana reins Brittany in, convincing her to simply take a vacation rather thanto permanently abandon her whole life.

ENFPs can go from serious to silly in atrice. When they need to, they can get down to business. However, if given halfthe chance, they’ll gladly break out the hijinks and jokes.

Brittany can be serious when she needs to be, but she is also agrade-A, professional goofball who makes odd quips whenever she can. Shecan quickly switch between gravitas and jocularity—such as, for instance, inepisode 2x15, when she intersperses her very heartfelt entreaty to Santana toseek advice regarding their romantic relationship with pithy one-linersregarding breakfast foods.

ENFPs thrive on human connections,which can make them great friends. However, their willingness to uphold theirend of a relationship no matter what can also lead them to be victimized bypersons who would take advantage of them. They have difficulty being alone, andfor this reason they may opt to keep “bad company” rather than go with nocompany at all.

InS1 and early S2, Brittany submerges her own needs in order to placate Santana. Her desires take a backseat to Santana’s fears.Because she is so desperate to maintain a relationship with Santana (even ifthat relationship is not on her terms), sheis willing to play by Santana’s rules, however convoluted or unbearable theymay be. Only later in her development doesshe learn to advocate for herself, even if doing so isdifficult, such as during the Shirt Locker scene in episode 2x18.

ENFPs are empathetic and social. They believethat feelings (and the recognition and expression of feelings) is important.

“With feelings, it’s better,” anyone?

Brittany understands long before Santana does that denying howthey feel for each other is detrimental not only to their relationship but tothem as individuals. She spends much of the Back Six of S2 encouraging Santanato first recognize and then embrace her feelings (see, for example, her promnight speech in episode 2x20).

ENFPs are highly devoted to the peopleto whom they commit their hearts.

While Brittany has a reputation for promiscuity—and by her ownadmission has made out with everyone at her school—she is emotionallymonogamous with Santana from start to finish on the show. When she tellsSantana “I’m yours, proudly so” in episode 2x15, that statement isn’tconditional or limited in its scope. Brittany means forever, which is something she proves by her willingness to waitfor Santana time and time again throughout the course of the series. While shewill occasionally date other people, like Artie and Sam, and even love these othe people in a way, it’s clear that herheart has only ever truly and fully belonged to one person. Santana is her first and lastchoice, always. Brittany says so herself in her infinity speech (see episode6x06).

Fun Fact: Some of the MBTI sites Ilooked at mentioned that ENFPs may be attracted to journalism, and that, inspite of their more whimsical qualities, ENFPs can also excel in mathematics.Sounds a bit like our favorite Muckraker contributor, FF2 host, andcertified math genius, no?

Anyway.

In general, ENFPsare known to be free-spirited “campaigners” who form deep emotional connectionswith the people closest to them. They are charming, intuitive, and full ofsurprises. As romantic partners, they are deeply, deeply devoted.Professionally, they are interested in everything—sometimes to the point ofdistraction. Though their practical skills may be lacking, they are good “bigpicture” thinkers able to see the grander view. They are often the life of theparty and can be found at the center of the dancefloor.

Brittany’sBrittanyisms, enthusiastic political activities, and loyalty to Santana are allhallmarks of her ENFPness, as are her nonnormative thinking and attraction toand participation in a wide variety of extracurricular activities (e.g.,cheerleading, glee club, dance, student newspaper, senior class presidency,quiz bowl, motocross racing, astronomy club, superhero club, etc.). Theacademic troubles she experiences during high school may link to a lack offocus and/or an inability to put into practice the theoretical concepts thatshe learns, which are classic ENFP foibles. Her series-long devotion to hertrue love Santana and her high emotional intelligence likewise mark her asENFP.

Santana the ESFJ

First off, anacknowledgment:

Santana makes for atricky ESFJ because she not only tends to suppress many of her natural ESFJtraits—and particularly the more positive ones—but she also often straight updoes the opposite of what comes naturally to her.

Baby Girl is a study incontradictions, a born sensitive sweetheart who so deeply fears beingvulnerable (and having her vulnerability used against her) that she forcesherself to become recalcitrant, combative, and mean. Early on in herdevelopment, she pretends not to care about anyone or anything for the veryreason that she actually cares so much,but she doesn’t want to get hurt. Instead of using her ESFJ micromanagement skillsto care for the people she loves, she weaponizes them, plotting out detailedplans in order to derail others’ romantic relationships, wreck team bonds, andgenerally make others miserable. Rather than forming loyal bonds with those shecares about, she often goes out of her way to prove that she doesn’t want or needanyone, even though she is actually desperately lonely inside.

Just on a surfacelevel, she might appear to be something she very much isn’t, seeming like adifferent MBTI type altogether—such as, for instance, an ESTJ. Only in lookingat what lies beneath with her (and how she comes to be in later seasons of theshow, when she starts to lean into her natural tendencies) do we see her trueESFJness at play.

So:

ESFJswear their hearts on their sleeves.

THIS!!!TRAIT!!! IS!!! SO!!! SANTANA!!!

AsI’ve written about elsewhere, Santana is ather core an extremely reactive person, which means that, by nature, she wears her heart on her sleeve. When she’s happy, she’s really, really happy and smilingher huge, gorgeous smile. When she’s sad, she’s really, really sad and weepingin the hallway because Rachel fucking Berry said she would grow up to be astripper and her heart is so deeply hurt.

One site I looked at mentioned that ESFJs can have explosive tempers and unload onothers when they are angry, which is certainly true of Santana, particularlyearly on. (See, for instances, all of the times when she lashes out at Rachel—to thepoint where she must be physically restrained by other members of the gleeclub—in S2, such as in episodes 2x07 and 2x22.)

Thoughearly on Santana pretends to be heartless and “too cool for school,” the truth isthat her emotions run both very strong and very close to the surface—andnowhere is this trait more readily apparent than in her relationship withBrittany.

For asmuch as Santana tries during S1 and early S2 to suppress and tamp down how shefeels around Brittany, she ultimately cannot help but light up when somethingto do with Brittany makes her happy or to appear crushed when something to dowith Brittany makes her sad. As she tells Brittany herself in episode 4x04, atthe very times when she was trying hardest to rein in her emotions, she wasactually counting the number of times that Brittany smiled at her and “dying”on days when she didn’t. For as unaffected as Santana attempts to be, the truthis that everything Brittany does—and really everything that happens in her lifein general—deeply affects her.

AfterSantana finally acknowledges this truth about herself (see her Hurt Lockerspeech in episode 2x15), she starts to give into her feelings more and more—notonly regarding Brittany but regarding everything in her life, including herlove for performance, her friendships with various glee club members, her hopesand dreams, etc. By the conclusion of the show in S6, she’s behaving in a waythat is much more natural to her, openly showing her emotions, crying at thedrop of a hat, smiling so widely her dimples show, being demonstrative in herlove for both friends and family, etc., etc.

ESFJsvalue security and stability. They tend to preserve the status quo.

There’sa reason why Santana chooses to sing “Landslide” in her first real act ofself-expression on the show: “I’ve been afraid of changing” could be the mottoof her life.

BabyGirl fears the unknown. She’s constantly building things up in her head,worrying about what might happen, fretting about contingencies and unexpectedturns of events. Even in situations where the status quo isn’t ideal, Santanawould rather stick to her routines than to assume the risks inherent indeviating from them in order to forge new paths. She spends early S2 miserable,languishing as Brittany dates Artie and her and Brittany’s sexual/romanticrelationship is relegated to “side dish” status. However, she remains reluctantto seek a change, even after she reaches her lowest emotional point, becauseshe fears what could happen if she rocks the proverbial boat (“I’m angry because I have all of these feelings—feelings for you—that I’m afraid of dealing with, because I’m afraid of dealing with the consequences. And, Brittany, I can’t go to an Indigo Girls concert. I just can’t”). It takes Brittany pleading with her to consider a change to finally prompt her to take those first steps toward doing things a new way.

Theinteresting thing about Santana is that she spends most of her tenure on theshow outside of her comfort zone, lacking stability and being forced to changeand adapt in spite of herself. Sometimes she reacts poorly to the discomfortshe feels as she’s pushed from her norms—such as in S4 and early S5, when shecontinually flails as she lacks a clear career path, suffers through shakysocial relationships, is without the grounding influence of her and Brittany’sromantic relationship in her life, etc.—but she ultimately ends up poweringthrough, enduring these sea changes and coming out generally better for them onthe other side.

Ofcourse, just because Santana eventually learns to deal with uncertainty becauseshe has to doesn’t mean that she disvalues security and stability when she has them.Look no further than S6 to see just how much Santana thrives when she feels anchored. Having Brittany by her side andfeeling secure in their relationship does wonders for her confidence. Becauseshe knows she has an advocate in her corner, she can deal with other, moreminor stresses in her life with ease.

ESFJsare excellent micromanagers who enjoy seeing to the care of those around them.As caretakers, they tend to be wary of dangers to their loved ones. Theirdistrust of the world causes them to be hypervigilant of potential hazards.

Onesalient example of this behavior: In episode 3x11, Santana sits Kurt down tostrategize about what to do about Warbler bully Sebastian Smythe, who hasrecently scratched Blaine’s cornea with rock salt. Santana then tapes a voicerecorder to her underboob, infiltrates Dalton, challenges Smythe to a rapbattle Michael Jackson sing-off, catches him admitting to maiming Blaine ontape, and uses this evidence to blackmail Smythe. Her actions go way beyondwhat Kurt is comfortable with and probably also way beyond what is reasonable—asting operation? underboob?—but, boy howdy, do they show what Santana’saffections look like in action.

If you’re one of the select people she caresabout, she will insert herself into your life, push convoluted schemes, dressin a fedora, take a slushie to the face, and risk life and limb to make sureyour needs are met. For as much time and energy as she expends plotting todestroy her enemies in S1-S2, she will expend just as much or more time andenergy plotting to support her friends in S3-S6.

Particularlyearly on in her development, Santana often mentions her distrust of people (andthe world in general). She maintains a pessimistic attitude regarding people’sintentions and has a hard time believing that good things will come to her. Wesee her sometimes try to protect Brittany, who possesses a more optimisticworldview, from the nastiness she perceives around them (see, for example,episode 3x04). Only over time, and with encouragement from Brittany, does Santana learn to drop her guard a bit and give others a chance to prove themselves.

ESFJsmake excellent team members. Situations where everyone benefits bring them joy.

Atfirst glance, the above statement may seem like it doesn’t hold true forSantana. After all, her relationship with the New Directions remains strainedat best all the way up until episode 6x06. And Santana happy when everyonebenefits? Sounds fake.

Here’sthe thing, though: While Santana does certainly make more than a couplemissteps as a member of the glee club team (e.g., spying on them for Sue,helping to leak their set lists, waging biological warfare against many of herteam members, breaking up various couples within the glee club, going on wildlyoffensive and demoralizing rants regarding her teammates, defecting from theNew Directions to start the Troubletones, etc., etc.), she tends to resort tothis negative behavior either because she is under duress from Sue or becauseshe’s acting on hurt feelings, lashing out because she perceives that the grouphas rejected her.

That’snot to justify her shitty behavior—just to say that she’s acting in response tostimuli. She’s not just pulling these stunts out of nowhere.

Thetruth is that when left to her own devices, without Sue commanding her tosabotage anyone and when she feels safe and secure to be herself without fearof rejection, Santana is actually a pretty standup teammate who takes great joyin the group’s achievements.

Gleeclub is the best part of her day, okay?

That’swhy when Sue poses her with an ultimatum, she chooses glee club over Cheerios(see episode 2x11). That’s why she goes out of her way to bring Kurt back toWMHS from Dalton (see episode 2x18). That’s why she neutralizes Karofsky’sthreat on Kurt’s behalf (see episode 2x20). That’s why she tries to get Quinnto rejoin glee club after she drops out at the start of S3 (see episode 3x01).That’s why she eventually rejoins the New Directions in time to prepare forNationals (see episode 3x08). That’s why she goes after Sebastian Warbler toavenge Blaine (see episode 3x11). That’s why time and time again, she gives herall to supporting her teammates, singing and dancing her heart out, and doingwhatever it takes to make sure that the New Directions come out on top. That’s whyshe returns so often even after she graduates to participate in interventionsand alumni events. That’s why she seldom looks happier than she does when she’ssurrounded by her glee club family, basking in a shared triumph, feeling like apart of the collective.

So,yeah, Santana can be a shitty teammate sometimes. But when given even half achance, she can also be an excellent teammate—the kind of person that everyonebe lucky to have in their corner (as Mercedes points out in episode 5x18).

ESFJscare about other people’s feelings and try not to offend or cause damage toanyone.

Atfirst glance, the above statements may also seem like they do not hold true forSantana. After all, this is a girl who seemingly delights in verballydestroying people and spouting off ultra-offensive rants, whose own soulmateopenly acknowledges her penchant for “vicious, vicious words.” Santana hasnever been shy about saying whatever pops into her head, no matter how uncouthor outright hurtful the thought may be, right? So what kind of ESFJ does thatmake her?

Well,here’s where the acknowledgment I made at the top of her section comes in: Thistrait is one that Santana actively works against in herself, particularly earlyon.

Mytheory has always been that Santana is a born sweetheart—that the kindhearted,bashful, soft soul she is around Brittany reflects who she really is inside andperhaps who she could have been at all times had her life experiences not promptedher to develop her “bitch persona.” Snixx is a façade, an act, and a means ofusing offense as defense to keep Santana (and Brittany) from being eaten alivein their unforgiving social environment. The insults Santana fires off, thebullying she engages in, and her whole aggressive “Lima Heights Adjacent” energy areall defense mechanisms, and practiced ones at that. They come about fromSantana, who is herself incredibly sensitive and easily wounded, knowing how tohit people where it really hurts so as to avoid herself being hit.

Makeno mistake: The consequences of Santana’s meanness are real, and I am not atall trying to absolve her of her cruelties.

However,what I am saying is that deep down, Santana doesn’t actually enjoy being mean.In fact, I’d care to wager that if she felt safe enough to drop her defenses,she’d prefer not to offend or cause relational damage. She’d like to be softer,if possible. Santana herself essentially admits that such is the case inepisode 3x08, when she tells her grandmother that pretending to be someoneshe’s not and constantly having “to fight all the time” exhausts her.

It’snotable that in later seasons, when Santana feels more comfortable beingherself and is more enmeshed with the group, she becomes noticeably kinder, andher rants become both less frequent and (for the most part) more toothless.

Of course,that’s not to say that she never flies off the handle in later seasons, asshe’ll still go for the jugular when provoked (such as when she verballyeviscerates Kurt after he disparages her and Brittany’s engagement in episode6x03), and she always maintains her hallmark snark even in situations whereshe’s relaxed. Old habits die hard, after all.

ESFJswhose attentions have been rejected tend to falter. They don’t fare well insituations where their caring attitudes and heartfelt reactions prove to be aliability.

Thetrait very much relates to two previous traits discussed.

Santanawants so much to give and receive love. She craves approval and acceptance. However,particularly early on, she seldom gets those things.

To befair, in the early seasons of the show, she certainly doesn’t do much to makeherself likeable to her glee club teammates, and she downplays and evenstraight up denies that she desires to be part of the group, to the point wherethey have every reason to consider her an outsider and even potential threat.

She sofears being rejected for reasons beyond her control that she opts to make herself unlikable for reasons she can control, so that when she is inevitably rejected, it will be on her terms (which, she subconsciously rationalizes, is somehow a more livable alternative).

Still.Even after she drops her façade and starts to openly show howmuch she cares about her teammates, they remain wary of her, not accepting thatshe is a changed person. Time and timeagain, the New Directions (both as a group and in individual instances) rejecther genuine and heartfelt gestures of love and friendship, misunderstanding theintentions behind them by expecting that her niceness comes with stringsattached or else is bait for some kind of trap. Whenever these occurrences takeplace, Santana is crushed.

Nowhereis this trait more apparent than during the Pezberry feud of S5. When Santanamoves into the Loft, she tries so hard to prove to Rachel that she has changedsince high school and goes out of her way to earn Rachel’s trust andfriendship. She offers Rachel a crying shoulder during her pregnancy scare; she takes action to extricate Rachel from her toxic relationship with Brody, resortingto the “micromanaging and getting overly involved in her friends’ lives”behavior described above; she bonds with Rachel over their personal andprofessional troubles as young twentysomethings trying to make it big in NewYork; she supports Rachel’s Broadway aspirations; she is there for Rachel after Finn’sdeath; she gets Rachel a job at the diner; she confides in Rachel about her fears anddreams; etc., etc., etc.

But Rachel never seems to fully accept Santana’s efforts atfriendship as genuine, as is proven in episode 5x09, when Rachel accuses Santanaof trying to steal her role in Funny Girlout from under her, failing to recognize that Santana is trying to emulate herrather than usurp her success.

Trueto ESFJ form, Santana is so deeply hurt by Rachel’s rejection of her friendshipthat she falls into a tailspin. Within a few weeks’ time, Santana’s retaliatorybehavior has resulted in Kurt and Dani kicking her out of their band, Dantana’s relationship deteriorating to the point of beingunsalvageable, and Santana sabotagingany and all chances that exist for reconciliation between herself and Rachel,the last of which occurs in episode 5x18, when, once again, Santana comes to Rachel’s aid, only to haveRachel second-guess her reasons for doing so (“Is that the kind of friend thatyou think that I am?”).

ThoughPezberry eventually (by S6) get back to a place where they can be civil to eachother, Santana never dares to attempt close/intimate friendship with Rachelagain. Her feelings have been too deeply hurt, and she durst not put herself ina position to get burned again.

ESFJshave a tendency to become preoccupied with social status and influence, a traitwhich heavily influences their decision-making. They can become rigid and avoidcreativity and individual expression for fear of “rocking the boat.” ESFJs mayalso fixate on what is socially acceptable (and what is not). They are cautiousconcerning the rules and critical of anything or anyone that breaks from thenorm. ESFJs are often unwilling to experiment or step out of their individualcomfort zones. They fear of appearing—let alone being—different.

Thesetraits are more straightforwardly recognizable as “Santana,” particularly in S1and S2.

BabyGirl is obsessed with social statusand climbing the proverbial ladder of popularity. She calculates how every moveshe makes at WMHS will affect her image and refuses to take any action that shedeems too risky. She is all about accruing social capital, even at the expenseof others. Everything about her, from how she dresses to what she says to howshe interacts with her peers, is meant to keep her riding high as an HBIC.

Shealso isn’t above pointing out how uncool others are to make herself look coolerby comparison.

ThroughoutS1 and early S2, she is constantly dragging others down in order to pullherself up. She is especially hard on anyone who deviates from social norms, whichis why she bullies Kurt for being gay and mocks Finn for dating tragically unhip Rachel.

Soreluctant is she to jeopardize her status that she actively suppresses many ofher natural inclinations and hides her true interests—hence why though she’lladmit to her teammates that glee club is the best part of her day with onebreath, she’ll threaten with another to deny that she’s made such an admissionshould that information leak to anyone outside of the New Directions.

Ofcourse, Santana’s fear of making herself stand out or appear “different”greatly influences her early interactions with Brittany, as she remains trappedso far inside the iron closet in her mind that she can scarcely even admit toherself—let alone to anyone else, including Brittany—what her true feelingsreally are.

Eventually,thanks in large part to Brittany’s influence, Santana does largely overcome herfear of going against the grain, learning that it’s more important to be likedfor who she truly is than to be feared for who she pretends to be. Though shenever fully loses her edge, as the seasons wear on, she becomes increasinglytolerant of persons who deviate from social norms and increasingly comfortable withdeviating from social norms herself.

ESFJsmay find it challenging to change their tendencies toward rigidity andconformity because they are sensitive to what they perceive as attacks on theirconcepts of self. If someone close to them criticizes any aspect of theirself-identity (from their character to their beliefs to their habits), ESFJsoften become defensive. Their feelings are easily hurt.

Asstated above, Santana does eventually overcome some of her rigid and conformistbehaviors—but doing so is no easy task.

Santana’smost deep-seated fear is that she is unlovable, and any time someone criticizesor attacks an aspect of her intrinsic self-identity, she feels that her fearhas been justified. While she can “live with” people hating her for beingbitchy or looking down on her for being shallow (though even those slightshurt, in their own ways), she would rather die a thousand deaths than havesomeone reject her because of her true personality or due to her sexualorientation—and especially if that someone is a person who matters to her.

WhenSebastian Smythe snipes at her for being brassy (see episode 3x11), she candeal. But when Rachel Berry, who should be her friend, misjudges her character(see episode 5x09), she’s heartbroken.

Santanathen reacts to this heartbreak by going on the defensive, which is what we seefrom her in episode 5x12, when she calls Rachel out in front of the whole gleeclub, telling her she is a terrible person. That’s very much Santana’s woundedsense of self talking—which is not to justify her behavior but simply to say,once again, that, contrary to what Rachel and other characters on the showerroneously believe, Santana’s meanness doesn’t just come out of nowhere.

ESFJs thriveon appreciation and praise. Without it, they feel insecure and will fish forreassurances.

Ofcourse, the flipside to Santana being criticism-avoidant is that she is eagerfor praise.

Overthe seasons, she says numerous times that she lives for applause—but the truthis that her need for validation runs even deeper than what she lets on. It’snot just empty clapping from strangers that she’s after. She needs words ofaffirmation from people who matter to her, including genuine and heartfeltstatements that build her up and reassure her.

For asmuch bravada as she puts on, Santana is one insecure kid. As stated above, shesecretly fears that she is unlovable. Unfortunately, a lot of what shehears—from her peers, from her teachers, from the world—reinforces that beliefin her. She’s constantly being told that she, individually, is a bad person.She’s also constantly being told that she, as a member of the LGBTQ community,is generally bad and/or immoral. It’s little wonder that her self-esteem isn’tgreat, especially to start out with. Though she seldom lets on that such is thecase, she’s dying for someone to tell her that despite what everyone thinksshe’s actually a decent human being, worthy of love and capable of achievingthe dreams that matter to her.

Honestly,throughout the show, there are only two characters who really fulfill Santana’sneeds, in this regard.

Thefirst is, of course, Brittany, who is basically an endless fountain ofSantana-validation. She constantly reminds Santana to “embrace all theawesomeness that [she is]” and on many occasions enumerates Santana’s goodtraits to her. While others tell Santana how horrible she is at every possibleopportunity, Brittany is adamant that Santana is the best person she knows, whois capable of achieving anything she sets her mind to. That’s what Brittanytells Santana in a dark room at their junior prom (see episode 2x20). That’swhat she tells her as she sends her off to New York to chase her dreams (seeepisode 4x13). That’s what she tells her again when they reunite before jettingoff to Lesbos (see episode 5x13). It’s something that she says the night beforethey get engaged (see episode 6x03), and it’s undoubtedly something that she’llkeep saying again and again for the rest of their married lives.

Theonly other person on the show who offers Santana similar encouragements (thatshe doesn’t then later rescind or cover with disparagements) is Mercedes, whoparticularly in S5 goes hard on reminding Santana that she is not only atalented performer with a lot of potential but a great friend with manypositive qualities.

ESFJslike to shower people with the attention and reassurance that they themselvescrave. However, they may go overboard in involving themselves in the lives oftheir friends and loved ones, taking actions that are ultimately unwelcome. Intending to the needs of others, ESFJs may forget to tend to their own needs.

Santanaisn’t just a cheerleader for the football team. She’s actually a huge supporterof her friends.

Admittedly,much of her “cheerleading” comes mixed in with a hefty helping of snark. Still,there’s no denying that the praise is in fact there. She sings to cheer Quinnup after her accident (see episode 3x17). She spends much of S4 and S5reassuring Kurt and especially Rachel of how talented and poised for successthey are. When Mercedes gets her record contract, she’s all over telling herhow deserving she is and how she’s destined to go far (see episode 5x18). And,oh yeah, remind me of her catchphrase when it comes to any and all thingsBrittany? That’s right: “You’re a genius.”

Hersupport for her friends and loved ones goes beyond mere words, though. She’salso—as discussed above—quick to offer direct action in order to keep herpeople safe and cared for. Sometimes what she does is welcome, such as when shesings “Valerie” to Brittany is episode 5x12 in order to remind her of hercreativity and love for dance. Other times, she takes things a step or fiftytoo far, such as when, after making several unsuccessful attempts to get Rachelto break up with the untrustworthy Brody, she goes behind Rachel’s back tosummon Finn to New York City for the purpose of kicking Brody’s ass (see episode 4x16). Santana,of course, views this action as “tough love” for Rachel—a necessary override,as it were. Rachel, naturally, sees things differently, at least initially, failing to appreciatethe intentions behind Santana’s meddling.

Learningto respect boundaries is another long process in Santana’s development. Part ofit involves becoming more mindful of what other people are comfortable with.Another part of it involves becoming more mindful of her own needs and notsacrificing her own well-being for the sake of others.

ThroughoutS4 and S5, Santana nearly kills herself trying to win Hummelberry’s approval.While both Kurt and Rachel are more than happy to have Santana rush to theirrescue when they’re in fixes, they’re also quick to kick her to the curb thesecond she steps out of line or does something to upset them (such as, for instance, in episode 4x16 after she confronts Brody at NYADA). In times ofconflict, they evict her from the Loft, form ranks against her, and eventriangulate with her girlfriend to disenfranchise her from the group. ThoughSantana certainly is no angel, she also certainly isn’t the coldhearted villainthey—and particularly Rachel—make her out to be, either. Hummelberry constantlydangling their friendship and love over her head does a number on her heart.They’re like Lucy, their acceptance is the football, and Santana is CharlieBrown, winding up to take the kick again and again and again, despiteexperiencing the same result every single time. By the time the Pezberry feudfinally comes to a head between episodes 5x09 and 5x12, Santana is an emotionalmess who doesn’t know which end is up anymore.

Ittakes resident Santana Lopez-ologist Brittany to undo the damage thatHummelberry have done to Santana’s self-esteem and to encourage Santana to justwalk away from the whole enmeshed situation because it’s detrimental to her(see episode 5x13). Santana very much takes her words to heart, deciding thenand there that while she can be civil to Hummelberry, particularly from afar,she’ll no longer keep giving them her heart to stomp on. She’ll maintain heremotional distance, keeping their “friendship” at a surface level withouttrying to achieve any sort of real social intimacy. She’ll also tend to her ownemotional needs before she tries to tend to the emotional needs of others sothat she doesn’t get burnt out again.

ESFJsmake for loyal, trustworthy romantic partners who view romantic relationshipsas sacred. They require partners whoare likewise both devoted and supportive, who provide them with senses ofsecurity and stability. No other kind of relationship is as important to anESFJ as a loving, committed, romantic bond.

Backwhen Santana is still in the habit of dating boys, infidelity is her hallmark,as she frequently cheats on her male partners and will swap one boy out foranother on a whim so long as doing so suits her social purposes. She and Puck arenowhere near monogamous. Finn is a pit stop for her, at best. She cheats on Samwith Brittany and then starts dating Karofsky before she and Sam even properlybreak up. Ask any of her ex-boyfriends if they would consider her either “trustworthy”or “loyal,” and they’d probably laugh right in your face.

Butnot so with Brittany. Though Santana does break up with Brittany in S4, have aone-night stand with Quinn shortly thereafter, and eventually date DaniWaitress for a time during S5, Santana remains emotionally monogamous with Brittanythroughout the duration of the show, and at times when she and Brittany aredating she is entirely faithful to her. Though in early seasons of the show,Santana and Brittany cheat on other partners with each other, once they becomea committed couple they never cheat on each other with anyone else—a rare featfor a Glee couple.

In fact, the second that Santana realizes that she is even mildly attracted to another girl while dating Brittany, she immediately breaks up with Brittany, for fear that her attraction could potentially lead to unfaithfulness (see episode 4x04).

Still,Santana’s loyalty and trustworthiness as a romantic partner for Brittany runseven deeper than just emotional monogamy and fidelity. She’s also loyal andtrustworthy in the sense that Brittany can rely on her as a stalwart support—assomeone who’ll be there for her no matter what.

ThatSantana views her and Brittany’s relationship as sacred is clear from both herwords and her deeds. She frequently describes Brittany’s goodness and theedifying effect that Brittany’s love has on her life (see, for example, herspeech about Brittany to Rory in episode 3x04 or her proposal in episode 6x03).She also treats Brittany with tenderness and appreciation, being kind to, patient with, and compassionate towards her in a way she is to no one else.

Asdiscussed above, Brittany is the biggest source of support and stability inSantana’s life. Santana falters at times when they’re apart and thrives attimes when they’re together. Just watch the choir room scene in episode 5x13 orthe bedroom scene in episode 6x03, and you can see how much Santana physicallyrelaxes in Brittany’s presence. It’s clear that Santana never feels safer thanshe does in Brittany’s arms. It’s also clear that as long as Santana hasBrittany by her side, she’ll be okay, no matter what obstacles and challengescome her way.

ESFJsmate for life, with a strong desire for marriage and family.

Earlyon, before she is at a place in her life where she can believe that her dreamswill come true, Santana talks a big game about not needing anyone and muses thatshe’ll marry an NFL player someday, not for love but for “reliability.” Butonce Santana realizes that Brittany reciprocates her love and that theyactually stand a chance to be together for the long run, she gives in to hertrue romantic nature and starts seeing things in terms of always and forever.

Itmeans so much to Santana when she and Brittany can finally be married—you canjust see it written all over her face, in that big, effulgent smile she wearson their wedding day (see episode 6x08). Her eyes actually sparkle. Brittany is her dream girl,her North Star, her family, and she is so happy to take Brittany as her wife.It’s something she’s wanted since long before she ever allowed herself to fullyprocess the desire. It’s her perfect happy ending, an absolute dream come true.

FunFact: Some of the MBTI type sites I visited mentioned that ESFJs make greatcheerleaders and can be talented stage performers. Sounds like a certain formerCheerios captain and frequent high school musical show-stealer we know of, no?

ESFJsare known as the “consul” type, meaning that they are comfortable in leadershippositions, possess excellent planning skills, and highly value loyalty. Theyoften take on the concerns of others as if they were their own. They don’t shyaway from sharing their evaluations—especially regarding the behavior ofothers—with the world. However, while they can dish criticisms out, theysometimes can’t take them, particularly if those criticisms challenge theirsenses of self. ESFJs are not only deeply emotional but also highly expressiveof their emotions. Everyone knows what they feel and how. Socialization plays a big role in their lives, and they canfrequently be found filling “host” positions at gatherings, organizing thepeople around them.

WhileSantana does (particularly initially) suppress and act against some of hernatural ESFJ tendencies, the truth is that she fits the type pretty well. She’sa born planner and schemer who is heavy into social politics and big on lookingafter the people she cares about, and she thrives on validation, especiallyfrom those she is closest to. She never hesitates to give her opinion on thepeople around her, whether she’s snarking about their wardrobe choices or,later on, extolling their positive qualities to boost their self-esteems.Though her feelings are easily hurt and she can sometimes be a conformist, sheis also capable of being an awesome friend, both supportive and protective ofthe people who matter to her. Her leadership skills are apparent when shecaptains the Cheerios. Her care for others is likewise apparent in the ways shetries to help her friends, especially in S4 and S5, as well as in her andBrittany’s relationship.

Ididn’t spend a lot of time looking into it, but a cursory glance around the ol’interwebs would suggest that ENFPs and ESFJs tend to complement each other wellin romantic relationships, possessing a good balance of commonalities anddifferences.

Anyhow,I’ve gone on long enough now.

Thanksfor the question!

#Crazy Brittanalyst Answers #Brittanalyzing #silver-greystorms #I just want queue

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