#her ambition and politicking

[lady-corrine]

The way grrm combined so many themes of queenship, motherhood, tragedy, reputation, controversy and ambition from so many historical queens in creating Rhaenyra is honestly iconic 💅

#i'll make a more detailed post on this eventually HOWEVER #I don't agree with the idea that Rhaenyra is an Empress Matilda rip off #the idea of her being declared heir and her right usurped it's obviously taken from there #but she has many traits from other different queens #her execution for example - matilda was not executed #that's obviously an anne boleyn mary queen of scots katherine howard jane grey etc. factor #her motherhood and one of her sons being considered dead until he miraculously reappears #it has elements borrowed from the rumours surrounding the princes in the tower and the pretenders that claimed to be them #her secret marriage for love #her first husband being murdered which cleared the path for her second marriage #the rumours of bastardy surrounding her children #her ambition and politicking #and so many other things #are a combination of various things that george clearly took from multiple queens from history #rhaenyra targaryen #asoiaf #hotd

[captainofthetidesbreath]

One of the wildest things about Colin's title as skald of the Beef Clan is that, technically, politically, publicly, Colin wasn't Deli's skald?

Lou: And I think I try my best to use as much of my mother's influence to suggest, like, he's not my skald, he is her skald. She has seen fit to bless him with this title, though I doubt I've ever asked for her approval to do it but I'm just like, he's skald of Chieftess Katzon's clan. — Episode 2

Deli claims Colin as his right-hand man, but for the optics, he defines and publicizes Colin position as Cleva's advisor because it is more politically advantageous for Deli. He maneuvers Colin into this precarious position between himself and his mother, pushing Colin into an uncomfortable spotlight and going behind his mother's back.

It works out because Colin does not resist it, in the interest of asylum and shelter, and Cleva lets it happen, in the interest of supporting Deli's ambitions, but it's such a tangled dynamic being created.

Deli grants Colin a title that he then frames as a position relative to his mother, and that is how it is to be publicly understood, but he sees Colin in service to him. It's an interesting mess where Colin publicly works for Cleva but is expected to be loyal to Deli and serve Deli's interests.

Colin is very much working alongside Deli, and the position is one given by Deli and is one where Colin counsels Deli—there is no doubt nor lack of clarity who Colin is expected to and does serve while he has that title—but for the purposes of politicking, Deli tells everyone that Colin does these things for Cleva instead. It's a wild aspect to this entire mess and an incredibly interesting position for Colin to have been standing in.

#I just think about this little bit a lot. #Delissandro Katzon #Colin Provolone #Cleva Katson #The Ravening War #Dimension 20 #d20 things #trw meta #trw things

[mrsjadecurtiss]

Otto saying he saw the office of being hand as nothing but a duty vs alicent being married to viserys and forced to sleep with him out of duty... alicent nervously picking her fingers vs otto nervously flexing his hands while talking heavy topics with viserys... both of their stiff and formal poses/behavior being locked into the confines of their social expectations as a woman (alicent pressured by her father, she has no power by herself) and a second son (otto pressured by his older brother, he stands to inherit nothing he cant grab for himself)...

(Because that is the order of things)

Contrasted with rhaenyra who is a woman but keeps rebelling against her father and postponing her expected duties, prefers to go her own path, rides her dragon and skips out on formal events and chooses to sleep with criston... and daemon who is also a second son but doesnt care about his marriage duties, rebels against his brother, is set on carving out his own path, enjoys himself where he can...

(Like their dragons, the Targaryens answered to neither gods nor men)

I adore how the two pairs are being crafted as foils in the show, the hightowers having to embrace playing by their society's rules (politicking, marriage bargains) as this is the only way they can achieve and wield power, being only of noble rank and of a lower branch of the house... meanwhile the targaryens own dragons and are the highest ranking people in the kingdom, giving them the freedom and power to rebel against the trappings of society with little consequence (daemon always getting away with a slap on the wrist for his exploits where otto gets fired for thinking about his own ambitions; rhaenyra still being in the kings graces despite all while alicent "destroys herself" under the immense pressure given to her knowing she cant afford to slip up...)

Entering book spoiler territory, even rhaenyra's marriages are unconventional arrangements, having bastards by a lover but it doesn't impact her marriage (laenor and harwin both are said to have been present at the bedside of luke's birth), and later she chooses her next husband in secret... Meanwhile Alicent lives the classic life of a noble lady, wed to a man she wouldn't have chosen for herself, forced to bear his children (bastards and adultery would be high treason)...

Even their sigils contrast, resembling classic fairytale imagery - the high tower, prison for its inhabitants (as they are imprisoned by their roles), locked to the earth (having to play by the rules); meanwhile the Targaryen dragon has the freedom to move, take to the skies, but also great power and danger...

Considering the hightower's story of ambition (trying to get aegon on the throne) and following downfall (none of alicent's descendants keep the throne, house appears to be less relevant in following history), the sigil also appears like a subtle biblical reference to the tower of babel, which tried to reach the sky and got struck down by god for hubris (as hightowers tried to reach into the targaryen's place).

#hotd #house of the dragon #hotd meta #asoiaf meta #fire and blood #rhaenyra targaryen #alicent hightower #otto hightower #daemon targaryen #my posts

[writerswhy]

On Otto, briefly

TL;DR: What’s most tragic about Otto is that this is a man who loves his daughter but is separated from her by societal mores.

He cannot speak the language of girls. 

He cannot meet the person he loves the most. 

                 ——————————————

Before I get into it, I want to make it clear that Otto is one of my favorite HOTD characters, mainly because both sides of the fandom hate him but also, he’s interesting! He’s one of the few political players we get (unless the writers need him to flip character scene by scene). So yes, I’m going to be biased but I don’t want any of this to come off as apologia.

One of my biggest gripes with the show is how it refuses to engage with the politics of its society and in doing so, I think we miss out on the external forces influencing these characters.

My reading of Otto is that he’s a product of his society - a second son who has nothing to inherit but has a deep interest in politics. His ambition aside, I do believe he cares for the realm. 

However, he has no outlet for meaningfully accomplishing his aspirations. He has to work twice as hard as a second son to ensure the safety and prosperity of his family, his children. 

So do I think Otto brought Alicent to court with the intention of having her seduce Viserys? Nope.

We don’t know the exact reason why Otto brought Alicent to court, but we do know that she was a lady-in-waiting (and not just a glorified friend). Meaning, she was educated alongside the princess, mingled with the court (aka politicking), and it was expected that by coming to court, she would build connections to hopefully advance her position.

If Aemma hadn’t died, maybe Otto would’ve married Alicent to some other lord of equal standing. He didn’t bring his daughter to seduce the king while the queen was alive. No way would he put Alicent at risk over a “what-if”.

Unfortunately, Aemma does die and because he does not understand his daughter (because he’s the patriarch, he knows what’s best for his daughter, his family - as a man) he sees an opportunity to not just make his daughter the most powerful woman in the Seven Kingdoms but to marry her to a “good man” - one who doesn’t belittle his wife in public (but because Viserys is the worst, he did just that!), who doesn’t beat her, who doesn’t hold her down and violently rape her (but don’t get it twisted, Viserys does rape Alicent).

“I made you queen of the Seven Kingdoms.” 

Not for power, but for security, for protection. For a lord-father in Westeros - for a second son who made his way up to Hand of the King, he’s giving her the best education, presenting her with the best crop of men who will provide for her and protect her and her future children like husbands are expected to. He’s doing his duty to her. 

He’s making sure his wife’s daughter is taken care of. 

(Maybe one day I’ll write about how marriage isn’t just a chain for women. Is it ideal? Most often, no, but it’s not a lasso of misery either. In Westeros where women have to put up with a lot of bullshit, protection comes from men. Their fathers should ensure that their daughters aren’t disrespected (at least publicly). To do so is an affront to their family house and name in front of the entire realm. And that’s if their daughters are not loved. Some will wage war for their daughters in the name of love.

In exchange, the very least women can expect is for their children to inherit. In a society where women are mother’s first (extensions, social roles), their children must be prioritized because otherwise, they’re just glorified concubines. Their sacrifices have been in vain.)

And the thing is, Otto wants to work with Alicent! His bet with Alicent in episode 9 was silly but Otto honored his side of the deal. It looks like he’s involved in grooming Aegon for kingship, right there with his daughter. He councils her. Alicent knows he’d choose her just as she chooses her children.

                 ——————————————

I mean, imagine Otto, a man who worked his way up as Hand, who loves his daughter dearly (but is such a man) and so he gives her everything and more a second son could ever dream of offering. 

But Viserys, his friend, a man he thought he knew, betrays him, his daughter and the realm. Then he’s forced to leave her in the dragons den just as he realizes that they’re headed towards war. 

So he turns to his daughter and realizes how young she is, how naive, and how vulnerable she is. 

How it’s all his fault. 

The only thing he can do is try to connect with her as a parent who loves their children. Who has to work twice as hard to get half of the liberties their companions take. For them, a mistake means death and he’s trying so hard to keep them alive.

But he still cannot say he’s sorry for what happened to her.

Look. 

“What could you possible kill that you love so much, it would make the sun rise again?”*

L o o k.

#otto hightower #alicent hightower #*from succession #this was originally 3000+ words but it’s 1am so I cut it #hotd

[horizon-verizon]

Alicent’s Politicking

There is a current argument (or rather "emphasis") that Book!Rhaenyra did a very stupid thing to have illegitimate children and make it easier for her enemies (in general) to use it as pretext for attacking her or usurping her.

Aside from how her extramarital sex and birthing her sons is actually not that much a political worry as we think by historical precedents, I refuse to leave Alicent behind in "politically or logically stupid moves" argument. Because that's the other thing: no one green considers how deeply Book!Alicent fucked up and was both politically stupid as well as morally.

She antagonizes Rhaenyra since the latter was 10. There was public notice of their enmity many times, even enough for Essosi travelers to take notice of it in one of the tourneys. If Alicent was smarter, she would not have made her hatred of Rhaenyra so obvious.

Her teaching her kids to see Rhaenyra as lesser or just a enemies was also dumb since Alicent doesn't really know what she or her husband (before and after Laenor, if Daemon hadn't been available) would have done to her or her kids before Viserys died to secure Rhaenyra's claim. Or afterwards when Rhaenyra took King's Landing. He/they could have been a lot crueler to Alicent than Rhaenyra was (Quote below).

Alicent seriously miscalculated how many supporters Rhaenyra would have.

Why? Alicent is going against the word of a King/the monarch and she acts as if the oaths that these people took have 0 value or were not enough for the to support Rhaenyra. Not only is this self contradictory (oath-taking is a matter of ideological, chivalric honor and are supposed to be about the privilege of nobles and men....make it make sense), it seems she hadn't expected them to believe the blend of feudalxabsolute monarchy and a King's word to matter...then why should her own son, Aegon's words matter? Of course Daeron (Hugh and Ulf), Jaehaera (Unwin Peake), and Aegon (his poisoning and the Shepherd) were all killed/not taken seriously. All the Greens' supporters were either already in line with them for their own self-serving ambitions or were forced to (Maidenpool).

Rhaenyra had the Velayrons at her side, so she had way more dragons than the greens did, and Helaena wasn't thought as a serious fighter. I don't think that Alicent really thought that Aegon would even have to ride his dragon or be willing to, to defeat Rhaenyra and put himself in harm's way. Therefore, she also puts her kids in harm's way through her ignorance and miscalculations.

Fearing for her sons, Queen Alicent went to the Iron Throne upon her knees, to plead for peace. This time the Queen in Chains put forth the notion that the realm might be divided; Rhaenyra would keep King’s Landing and the crownlands, the North, the Vale of Arryn, all the lands watered by the Trident, and the isles. To Aegon II would go the stormlands, the westerlands, and the Reach, to be ruled from Oldtown.

Rhaenyra rejected her stepmother’s proposal with scorn. “Your sons might have had places of honor at my court if they had kept faith,” Her Grace declared, “but they sought to rob me of my birthright, and the blood of my sweet sons is on their hands.”

"Bastard blood, shed at war,” Alicent replied. “My son’s sons were innocent boys, cruelly murdered. How many more must die to slake your thirst for vengeance?”

The Dowager Queen’s words only fanned the fire of Rhaenyra’s wroth. “I will hear no more lies,” she warned. “Speak again of bastardy, and I will have your tongue out.” Or so the tale is told by Septon Eustace. Munkun says the same in his True Telling.

(Fire and Blood; Rhaenyra Triumphant)

As if Alicent wasn't the one who began all this conflict by teaching her kids to hate Rhaenyra/her sons AND was not the one to want Lucerys' eye for Aemond's, to which Rhaenyra was responding with accusation of treason.

Rhaenyra's dismissal of Alicent makes it very clear the great and stupid risk Alicent took based on her pride, miscalculations, and zealotry. It got her screaming into the night, alone, and isolated, hating the color green forevermore and all her kids dead through terrible means, all her boys dead with ideas of their own privilege and grandeur.

EDIT #1: 

Refer to @the-king-andthe-lionheart‘s reblogs below for expansion.

EDIT #2:

I wrote a post back in Dec '22 about how Alicent and Otto and all green stans are wrong about Alicent being "right" about the lords, how they came to that conclusion, and Alicent's characterization/prejudice HERE.

EDIT #3:

Why....why, why would a person looking to negotiate terms  to save their children (Alicent) call their target's (Rhaenyra) sons "bastards" right to their very face?!!! 

When in the past this is the very thing that proved a huge point of contention, the weapon they rubbed and used against their target back then, that they are trying to make deals with now?!!

EDIT #4 (HotD’s Alicent specifically):

F&B Quote (and if we take at HoD!alicent at face value):

In canon, we don’t hear anything about how Alicent (specifically and clearly) viewed cradle-bonding as related to the Velaryon boys, whether she hoped they wouldn’t be able to hatch any dragons in their childhood. It is implied, though, by her character of courtliness and Andal-Seven upbringing/teachings that really concerns itself with bastards vs trueborns, etc, that she would have believed this, though.

However, since book!Alicent is still smarter than show!Alicent, I assume that while she believed and held out hope so that the court speculation would turn towards her and her kids’ favor, she also wouldn’t come out and say that Rhaenyra’s kids were made obviously illegitimate through this event where they didn’t hatch any eggs. Her own daughter, Helaena, had to claim a dragon way before Aemond claimed Vhagar. Dreamfyre was Rhaena Targaryen (the Queen Dowager)’s dragon two generations ago. Viserys, Alicent’s own husband, also had to claim a dragon, and he did it in his 20s--Balerion the Black Dread and Aegon the Conqueror’s dragon, who died not long after Viserys first rode him. These same facts are the same in HotD’s “universe”. 

If Alicent from the canon and book still believe in legitimacy being "proven" through cradle bonding even after being married to Viserys AND having at least 2 of her 4 kids having had to claim a dragon, then she'd be dumb for still thinking that. However, she'd still be smarter than show!Alicent for not expressing it aloud where her husband could hear her.

So show!Alicent was very stupid for vocally and confidently saying how she couldn’t understand how Rhaenyra’s sons’ eggs hatched to imply their bastardry. Aside from Targaryens/Targ-descents mostly claiming dragons since Valyria was a thing, it wasn’t politically smart. Why would you call your husband’s grandchildren bastards in front of his face, and so cavalierly?! 

It’s rather a sign of Viserys’ stupidity and allowance if her getting away with a lot for no particularly good reason. Or terrible writing and character development. Why would Viserys be so adamant in keeping Rhaenyra’s kids safe and the heris for the throne and then not snap at Alicent for being so brazen and direct? For even the implication, for allowing her to go one for years about their parentage without harsher reprimands? And it goes back to how we weren’t allowed the scenes between the two parts of the family throught the ajor jump cut, because after Alicent first implied such a thing, we should have seen Viserys be as harsh and direct as he was towards Aemond in episode 7 and towards Otto in episode 4. And then, in the events of epsiode 6, Alicent would have been much more careful bringing up this bastard claim, creating so much more tension!

#alicent's characterization #alicent hightower #green stan nonsense #green stans #fire and blood comment #fandom commentary #hotd fandom #asoiaf fandom #fire and blood characters #alicent's children #the greens #the greens' characterizations #rhaenyra's children #rhaenyra and alicent #rhaenyra vs alicent #alicent doesnt have any points #hotd #asoiaf #fire and blood #flopicent #flopicent highmess

[melrosing]

YES to your Joanna and Cersei relationship!! How do you think she’d be to jaime and Tyrion? Also how much influence would she get at Kingslanding? Like what could she atucsoly get done

on joanna's relationship with Jaime and Tyrion, mostly answered in a prev ask today!

and to be honest I think it's kind of unclear how much Joanna likes politicking... like I can imagine her making the occasional soft-spoken suggestion to Tywin, and that she's more adept at it than people realise, but also she'd never make a show of being such. I think she's conscious of Tywin's desire to maintain his authority in the household, and is cautious of exactly where his lines sit. she likes pushing them occasionally and he likes her to as well, but the lines are there and maintaining them is how you keep equilibrium in marriage to a guy like Tywin.

I think her key influence in KL would be through Cersei - trying to mentor her and making suggestions with more assertion than she would to Tywin. I think she'd probably make similar soft-spoken suggestions to various other powers within KL as well, but extremely delicately so that said powers hardly know she's doing it. I think her only political interest though would be the preservation of House Lann, and I don't think she'd have the same ambitions for it as Tywin does.

#ask #joanna lannister

[navree]

Rhaenys is my favourite conqueror too - maybe even favourite Targaryen - and I’m so glad you like her! I feel like she’s so unappreciated, people always assume that she’s just a soft-power pink Barbie girl just because she didn’t carry a sword and didn’t hold herself as a warrior. And so few can see what an interesting, complex character she actually is.

Yeah Rhaenys might honestly be my favorite Targ, I love her to bits. There's a tendency to try and make the Conquerors incredibly one dimensional (Visenya's the Bad Girl, Rhaenys is a spoiled child, Aegon is the resident man) that frustrates me because what we have already suggests very layered characters, and with the amount of blank spaces, you can just do so many fun things rather than defaulting to caricatures.

Rhaenys in particular is fascinating to me because, yes, she wasn't a "true warrior" and martially minded the way that Visenya and Aegon were, but she was still in possession of the second most powerful dragon in the world (Balerion is the most powerful, and Vhagar was described as the smallest and youngest of the three dragons during the Conquest, so process of elimination gives Meraxes the silver medal spot) and she was competent enough and fierce enough to be given battle command during the Conquest and to lead armies, not to mention she had just as much a vested interest in the wars, if not more (especially after Aenys was born, as this was now a dynasty she was forging for her son and her future bloodline, not just herself and her siblings). And she wielded a lot of soft power, yes, but in a way that makes her a very capable administrator and politician. Arranging the kinds of marriages she did and creating the propaganda machine that she did required a deft hand and very good political calculus, and all that points to her as an effective leader and someone who was absolutely right to be trusted with the running of the realm the way that she was. And her initiatives like the Rule of Six point to her as almost a proto-Alysanne, and likely someone who would have had similar decisions made if she'd lived long enough. All hail Good Queen Rhaenys.

And none of that, not her expert politicking or her prowess as a dragonrider or her dynastic ambitions, none of that precludes her from the softer parts of her personality, her love for her siblings and for Aegon, her devotion as a mother, her appreciation for singing and dancing, her connection with Meraxes and adoration of flying, her adventuring spirit. There are so many fascinating layers to Rhaenys Targaryen based solely on what we know about her and what was observable, and once you start to add in your own extrapolations, she's just got so much to her and is such a multifaceted individual, and I will stay until my dying breath reminding everyone of that fact.

#personal #answered #anonymous #rhaenys targaryen #rhaenys the conqueror #me about rhaenys: beautiful ethereal stupendous amazing genius incredible showstopping never been done before one of a kind superb

[wondereads]

Weekly Reading Update (07/03/23)

Reviews and thoughts under the cut

Woven By Gold by Elizabeth Helen (8/10)

I immediately picked up the sequel to Bonded By Thorns since it was such a fun read. As with the first one, the romance is very strong and probably my favorite part of the book. Also, we get to know more about the princes (including the evil one) and their complicated pasts with their actions and one another. I felt like Rosalina was adapting a little quickly, but then I remember that she's spent months in the fae world at this point and it seems less unrealistic. As fantasy romances are wont to do, the plot is a little thin and drawn out, but I really only have two major gripes. One, the problem introduced at the end of book one is resolved almost immediately, which was a little unsatisfying, but it did introduce some characters and plot points. Two, the 'big mystery' concerning specifically Rosalina and her family is so obvious. Like, I get that they are not aware of the tropes of the genre they're in, but come on. Surely someone can at least suspect it?

The Wicked King by Holly Black (10/10)

The Wicked King is absolutely my favorite book of Folk of the Air. I just love magical politicking, and Jude does it so well. This sounds weird, but her time in the Undersea is a part that has always stuck with me. She's obviously miserable, but I think it's when I realized just how far Jude would go for her ambitions (and just how far Cardan would go for her) and I love it. Speaking of Cardan, the build in their relationship is so well done; a true enemies-to-lovers arc if there ever was one. As much as I know what's really going on with the twist at the end, it still hurt to read. I enjoyed this reread so much that I ended up changing my rating from a 9 to a 10 because I really can't think of anything to criticize about this book.

Everblaze by Shannon Messenger (9/10)

I think Everblaze marks a significant turning point in the Keeper books. This is the first time we start really interacting with species outside elves, specifically politically, and it's the first time doubt in the council comes front and center. The books are starting to explore what the worldbuilding actually means, and it means a lot of dubious things when it comes to control and privacy. The development at the very end (and I mean very, literally last page) disrupts the pattern that has been set in these books so far, and it definitely makes you want to keep reading. Fitz and Biana sufficiently redeem themselves in this one, but Dex is going to have to step it the fuck up before I even consider giving him another chance, especially since I already don't like his pushy romantic feelings for Sophie. As always, my favorite relationships lie in Sophie and Keefe and Sophie and Grady and Edaline, the latter of which really stood out this book.

The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black (9/10)

There are 308 pages in this book. I highlighted something 228 times. I remember when I read this book the first time I was a little disappointed that there wasn't much of the intense scheming that came with The Wicked King, and I take that back. Maybe Jude's plans are a little more straightforward this time around, but even knowing what was going to happen there was still an insane amount of suspense. The relationships in this book are so strong, and not just romantically. Jude and Madoc's fraught parent-child relationship in particular has me riveted; it's incredibly complicated and so good. But also romantically, Jude and Cardan are at the top of their game this book, and it's amazing to see Cardan so unashamedly in love. They deserve their happy ending and to take off their armor, one piece at a time.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (10/10)

I've been interested in this book for a while, but I was finally prompted to read it by the TV show announcement. And I can definitely say I wasn't disappointed. If you watch any sort of procedural show, this will be right up your alley. I loved how the actual investigation was laid out with Pip's notes and diagrams in the book. It made me feel like I was solving the mystery right alongside her. The focus is definitely on the murder, but I still got a good sense of Pip's personal life and how her obsession with the case was affecting her and her relationships. I won't lie, one of the most anxiety-inducing parts was her college applications, but maybe that's just me. I managed to predict who the killer was, but the actual story behind the whole thing made my jaw drop. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see the show!

Guardians of Dawn: Zhara by S. Jae-Jones (5/10)

This book is not irredeemable. The plot is unoriginal but not nonsensical or boring, the magic is super interesting, and Zhara has a lot of potential as a character. However, most of the characters are one-dimensional and uncompelling and the writing is...not good. The unending focus on the romance when there were so many other interesting things going on was so frustrating. And then there was the unashamed insertion of what is clearly meant to be BTS (yes, worldwide kpop sensation BTS) that completely destroyed my immersion. Also, the disability rep is pretty dubious. I was pretty disappointed by this read, which sucks because I think it had a lot of potential.

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater (10/10)

This book is like if Pride & Prejudice and Howl's Moving Castle had a baby, and I ate it up. This book perfectly blended a historical romance with engaging fantasy elements. Dora is a wonderful main character; she's lovable and engaging while still have a completely unique personality that really makes her stand out amongst a lot of fantasy romance protagonists. The love interest is suitably snarky while still being respectful and kind, especially to Dora. Their interactions are fun while still being incredibly romantic. The plot works well with the romance and characters, culminating in a very satisfying ending. Finally, I really appreciate the ending for Dora's issue in particular; it works well for her character and is, in my opinion, in good taste. I highly recommend this book, especially if you're looking for a light, quick read!

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas (CR, 57%)

I'm kind of just reading this one to get through it. The stories are fairly interesting, but I was told it provides valuable context for Queen of Shadows, which is really the only reason I'm reading it. I'm not a huge fan of prequels; I don't like reading stories that I already know the ending of. So far, while some things have been interesting, like Celaena's training in the desert, it's very obvious that everything is building up to what I already know is going to happen. As such, I have really no interest in letting myself get attached to any of the characters, which is kind of affecting the quality of my reading.

#books #reading update #bonded by thorns #woven by gold #the wicked king #the queen of nothing #fota #everblaze #kotlc #a good girls guide to murder #agggtm #guardians of dawn Zhara #half a soul #the assassins blade #tog

[denimbex1986]

'There are elements within Macbeth that can feel rather hokey to contemporary audiences. From the three witches to Banquo’s ghost, what would have thrilled Elizabethan audiences can have the opposite effect today. The genius of director Max Webster‘s production at the Donmar Warehouse is to subvert the supernatural into the psychological, with visual representations dispensed with in favour of auditory equivalents.

The trigger point to Macbeth’s vaulting ambition, the “weird sisters” (stylised in the historically more misogynistic “wayward sisters”) are robbed of their corporeality. This formlessness allows their haunting prophecies to become more darkly persuasive. Here, the mere suggestion whispered into Macbeth’s ear (and indeed ours) takes root and compels his blood-soaked journey to become King hereafter. Never has a production made real so clearly that foul whisperings are abroad.

With audience members required to wear headphones throughout the performance, the production’s much-debated decision to use binaural sound gives laser focus the the inner workings and ever-darkening psyche of the titular character.

Gareth Fry‘s exceptional layered and dimensional soundscape offers a formidable intimacy that goes beyond the label of “immersive”. That the performers are afforded a full range of vocal expression, uncoupled from the need to project, gifts this take on Macbeth a rare closeness to the heart of the drama...

Given that David Tennant is known for his talent of bringing comedy to his roles (his first RSC role as Touchstone in As You Like It in 1996 was described as “unusually funny”), his Macbeth follows a very different path. Any humour is delivered with a mordent cynicism, any charm revealed to be a mask. From the moment he clocks the witches’ prophecy about Banquo and his heirs, his Macbeth is marked as much as a politician as he is a soldier. The predictions of elevation from Thanes of Glamis to Cawdor to King are received with a willingness that suggests the ambition was always there.

Tennant’s Macbeth has the steely ruthlessness of a modern politician with their eye on the prize. Webster’s production heavily hints that the Macbeths’ own lost child has left a void in which personal ambition has been allowed to grow. Their relationship, compared to the fecund joy of the Macduffs, feels transactional.

Tennant’s triumph in the role is to drain Macbeth of his humanity step by step until there is no point of return. He moves swiftly from temptation to slippery politicking to murder and onwards as he willingly strips any goodness away from the character. He is extraordinarily commanding in the role. Tennant understands the measure of the man and plunges in full tilt. This is a brave, memorable and genuinely chilling Macbeth from a very much loved actor.

While Tennant’s inspired and compelling performance dominates, the supporting cast buoy up his achievement. The Macduffs are exceptional. In contrast to the Macbeths’ fractured sense of family, their natural state is one of loving and contentment. It’s hard to remember a more affectionate portrait of mother and her “poor monkey” son than the one created by Rona Morison and Casper Knopf. It’s their easy warmth that gets extinguished so violently that fuels Noof Ousellam‘s nuanced, heart-ripping scene where Macduff learns his family have been murdered. It’s horribly dark...

Ultimately while David Tennant dominates proceedings, in this case, it’s not because he’s famed for high-profile TV and film roles. It’s because he offers an irresistible, uncompromising Macbeth. It’s nothing short of masterful how incrementally he becomes in blood / stepped in so far. It’s chillingly effective how the ambitions of his Macbeth hollow out what is left of any tenderness.

The bleakness and the yearning void placed at the heart of this production of Macbeth will linger in the minds of all who get to see it. It’s a fittingly thrilling end to the Donmar’s 30th-anniversary season.'

#Donmar Warehouse #David Tennant #Macbeth #Noof Ousellam #Rona Morison #Casper Knopf #Max Webster #Gareth Fry

[izolyn]

Streaming Waves of Steel at 9pm EST!

We've made it onto battleships and also surfboards. In other news, Weaver has expanded her ambitions to taking over the entire world, and is politicking with Jormungander leader-types to that end.

It's probably still going well enough for her, all things considered, even though we did blow up the big volcano-gun at Vesuvius and also the flying train. And Arbuthnot when he showed up again.

These bosses have been kind of chumps, honestly, but that's how it goes when you challenge something with 20+ 28cm guns.

#izo streams

[captainswanapproved]

The Queen's Gambit- Chapter 1

A03

Daemon x Rhaenyra Multi Chapter AU: Rhaenyra is now 18 and eager to prove herself. Having never been forced to marry Rhea Royce, Daemon has matured and given up his gallivanting through the Street of Silk. Queen Aemma survives her final birth but the baby does not.

Queen Aemma knows of Daemon's devotion to Rhaenyra. She also knows that this devotion is not unrequited. Aemma goes to Viserys with a proposition: one that will ensure the future and legacy of House Targaryen.

Chapter 1

“Your grace, you must choose. The babe or the mother?”

Viserys winced as his beloved Aemma screamed again.

“Save them both,” Viserys said, “By the order of your king, save them both.”

“Your Grace—”

But Viserys did not remain to argue the point. Instead, he went to the weirwood tree to pray.

***

By the grace of the gods, Queen Aemma Targaryen survived her labors. Alas the gods gave and took away. Prince Baelon Targaryen was stillborn and burned on a pyre the following day.

Aemma watched as her son’s pyre was burned by Syrax. Rhaenyra had barely been able to utter the command. She watched as Rhaenyra, now a woman grown at one and eight, clung to her uncle Daemon as she wept. Daemon held her tightly, running one hand through her hair and idly kissing her brow. It did not seem to matter to him that his actions had an audience.

Aemma knew she would be unable to carry another child. Her body had been irreparably torn and scarred by this final birth. Daemon was the heir, but Aemma suspected that he wanted something else. She would confirm her suspicions in the godswood the next day.

Aemma sent a summons to Daemon’s apartments the following morning. She paced the peaceful godswood as she waited for her brother by law.

When he arrived, he bowed deeply. “I am at your service, my queen.” Aemma was tempted to smile. His formalities always had an heir of mockery with herself and Viserys. Daemon loved them both, she knew, but the games and politicking of court seemed to have little appeal.

“What do you want, Daemon, truly.”

“Your Grace summoned me. I expect you wanted something of me.”

Aemma nodded. “I want your honesty, Brother. Do you want to sit the iron throne, or does your heart and ambition lay elsewhere.”

Daemon did not immediately speak. He appeared wary as he formed his next words. “Viserys would never allow me to have what I truly want. I suppose I must settle for the throne, but I hope it may be many years before I take that mantel.”

It was the answer Aemma wanted to hear. “Does the title King Consort have more appeal? And before you deny it, remember that I, unlike my husband, have yet to deny you anything.”

Daemon swallowed thickly. “Your lord husband would never permit it.”

“That is not an answer to my question. Do you want Rhaenyra? Would you treat her as she deserves? Would you do everything in your power to protect her?”

“Yes,” Daemon said, at last without hesitation.

Aemma smiled and moved to embrace her brother. Daemon seemed tempted to withdraw, wary still. But eventually his forehead was on her shoulder, and arms were around her waist. “I will make my husband see sense, Daemon.”

***

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen had spent the night weeping for her brother, for her parents. For eighteen years, and very likely more, they had been trying to conceive an heir to the throne, and all the gods had granted them was her.

Rhaenyra knew her father loved her, but she would never be a son. She would never be able to sit the iron throne. Uncle Daemon would be the next in line for that dubious honor. Yet, Rhaenyra wondered if she could ever convince her father to allow her to follow her heart.

Rhaenyra had kept her desire for Daemon locked away in the deepest chambers of her heart, knowing that her father was unlikely to approve the match. He would expect her to wed the son of some other highborn lord. Perhaps a Lannister or a Tyrell.

But in the last three years, Rhaenyra had begun to imagine what it would be to wed her uncle, to bind their blood in the tradition of Old Valyria.

Rhaenyra was startled from her reveries when her mother entered her chambers. “Mother, you should be resting.”

Aemma smiled. “Perhaps I should, sweetling, but there is much work to be done. Tell me true, my love, do you wish to become your father’s heir.”

Rhaenyra’s heart leapt, but she schooled her features. “I am only a girl.”

Aemma sighed. “You are as stubborn as Daemon, child. I have been unable to provide a male heir for two decades. Your father must learn to accept that he already has a capable heir. Would you take up the responsibility?”

“I would not wish to supplant my uncle,” Rhaenyra said truthfully.

Apparently this was what her mother wished to hear. She kissed Rhaenyra’s forehead. “Supplanting your uncle is not precisely what I had in mind, my dear. Would you be opposed to him taking a different title one day, that of King Consort?”

Rhaenyra’s heart skipped a beat. Surely her mother was not serious. “Father would never allow it.”

“All I want for you is happiness, my dear. The crown is a heavy burden. To bear it, you must have the right person at your side. Do you wish to wed Daemon?”

“Yes,” Rhaenyra said, still not believing it would ever come to pass.

***

The council meeting was supposed to end an hour ago. Yet her husband had not returned from the council chambers.

Aemma decided that this was not only a matter of the heart, but a matter of state. So she climbed the stairs that led to the small council chamber. When she entered, she found her husband alone with his Hand, Otto Hightower. “Prince Daemon is not a worthy heir, Your Grace. If he ever sits the iron throne, he would be another Maegor the Cruel. He would ruin the peace you have worked your whole reign to maintain.”

Her lip curled. Already, Otto Hightower was trying to supplant his old rival. The man was a snake, and her husband refused to see it. She cleared her throat, and both men looked up.

Hightower had the good sense to appear embarrassed. “My Queen, you should be resting,” he said. “Allow me to express my sincere condolences for your loss.”

“Thank you, my lord. I need to speak to the king in private. Leave us now.”

Hightower bowed low and left the room.

Viserys watched her with concern. “My love, truly you should be resting. You endured a great ordeal.” He withdrew a chair for her and she sat beside him.

“I am well, husband. But we must think of the future. The gods have denied us a male heir. We have both been guilty of overlooking the greatest hope for the realm. My King, you must make Rhaenyra your heir. She will uphold your legacy and the Targaryen dynasty. She is wise and capable beyond her years. Name her the heir.”

“You would have me supplant Daemon?” Viserys asked.

“As would your Hand, my lord husband, but my motivations are different. I have spoken with Daemon. He has no wish to sit the throne himself. But he would gladly take a different title. Wed Rhaenyra to Daemon, and they will secure our family legacy and rule the realm with grace and honor.”

To her great surprise, Viserys laughed. “My love, that is nonsense. I do not doubt that Rhaenyra would be a capable heir. My Hand has even encouraged me to name her heir, but to wed Rhaenyra to Daemon? That is ridiculous.”

“Why? There is nothing Daemon loves more than our family and its legacy. He would treat Rhaenyra as she deserves, and defend her claim with his last breath.”

“He lusts for my throne, not for our daughter, Aemma. I will name Rhaenyra my heir, but she will marry someone more deserving of her. I love my brother, but he has proven time and time again that he is unworthy of a high position.”

Aemma frowned. “Is this your belief, or that of your Hand?”

“It is the undisputed truth. He is careless, reckless, and brash. In regards to a possible match with Rhaenyra, Daemon is incapable of being a faithful husband. I know of his reputation with the small folk. He has fucked his way up and down the Street of Silk for years.”

“People change, Viserys. Give him a chance. Give him a place on your small council. I believe you have no current Master of Coin.”

Viserys kissed her cheek. “My Queen, your faith in Daemon is admirable, if not questionable. Out of respect for you, I will ponder your advice. But in no uncertain terms will I wed my daughter to my brother. Please, let us speak of this no longer.”

Aemma wanted to argue, but she heard the finality in her husband’s tone. It was enough for now that he had agreed to name Rhaenyra the heir. What was somewhat disturbing though was that Hightower had suggested the very same. Aemma was certain that Hightower’s suggestion was self-serving, but she did not know the details of what the Hand may be planning.

What Aemma did know was that she would have to find a way to convince her husband to see reason. Daemon was the only man in the realm who would serve Rhaenyra with unfailing devotion.

#daemon x rhaenyra #daemyra #I'm actually writing a multi chapter fic #this chapter is a lot of set up #I may post it on a03 as well #Only a tiny bit of mentioned daemyra interaction #but plenty of daemyra vibes #All hail Queen Aemma #captain of the Daemyra ship

[the-rogue-mockingjay]

Marielle de Dzemael

"Blood must only be shed for a worthy purpose. Killing just for the sake of killing, causing needless suffering, wanton destruction—such things cannot be borne. That is why I do this. I put men and beasts like that down to keep them from preying on those who don't stand a chance at defending themselves."

The trueborn daughter of a “trueborn" (actually a bastard) son of House Dzemael, trained as a Reaper by Drusilla. She left Ishgard when she was 19, angry at the pointlessness of the war and frustrated with the strict rules and petty politicking of the High Houses. She wandered Eorzea aimlessly, ultimately falling in with Drusilla and the Lemures in Ul'dah, and the life of crime and voidsent hunting suited her. In time, she also became a spy, selling useful information to the highest bidder (and passing anything important on to the Scions free of charge).

She returned to Ishgard when Nidhogg resumed his crusade, acting alone against the Horde and joining the freelancers on the Steps of Faith. Her voidsent pact would almost certainly get her executed for heresy, but she deems it worth the risk—she still has people she loves in the Holy See. She fought alongside the Warriors of Light at Azys Lla and helped them put an end to Thordan's ambitions.

When Aymeric comes into power, she decides to remain in Ishgard and aid the rebuilding effort how she can, safe in the knowledge that she’s not likely to be executed now. Though she holds no official authority or position even in House Dzemael, she's respected (if also somewhat feared by the average person) and has proven herself a stalwart ally to not just Aymeric, Lucia, and Hilda, but the people of Ishgard as a whole. Whatever you need, whether it be information or protection from the wild beasts of Coerthas or simply someone who can clear out those damn ogres, Marielle is at your service—for a modest fee, of course.

#she's a bona fide lovable asshole lol #even more of a goth than merethe #aurelien and merethe might be misfits but marielle is a wild card #not surprising tho lol. house dzemael seems to have a number of wild cards. they themselves are a wild card! #i gotta do more reaper quests so i can flesh out her relationship with drusilla #marielle de dzemael #ffxiv #gpose #rogue's ffxiv companion ocs

[reignof-fyre]

I have so many thoughts and feelings about season 1 of HotD so I'm gonna share my unwanted opinion right now.

Overall, i did like the season. The first few episodes were brilliant and they introduced the characters well, giving them well-rounded personalities and arcs and ambitions. I, however, didn't like how they made Rhaenyra and Alicent besties. In the books, Rhaenyra is only 9 when Alicent marries Viserys and Alicent rarely tries to befriend or get closer to Rhaenyra because of her (and her fathers) ambition to see Aegon II on the throne one day, even if Rhaenyra was named heir.

Because of the direction they took Alicent, she loses some, if not most, of her agency. In Fire & Blood Alicent's ambitions are her own. She wants her son on the throne, she wants to be known as the First Lady of the Realm, as a Queen in her own right. She isn't an anxiety riddled teen dancing to her fathers tune the whole way through. Show!Alicent just seems...bland and pretty unsympathetic tbh. I do understand why they went with Rhaenyra and Alicent being friends, and tried to make her a "victim" of the patriarchy (otto) that becomes a patriarchal enforcer herself later in life (wanting aegon on the throne etc) but it kind of fell flat.

Rhaenyra also lost some of her agency to me after the second or third episode. She's named heir and given this position of power but still treated like a little girl by the men around her. She doesn't take her newfound power by the horns and demand the respect a male heir would get, and I understand that's a major part of the story, the patriarchy continuing their belief that women are inferior despite their position in the world, but to me Rhaenyra seems like the type of woman to demand respect, but she just...doesn't. She had every opportunity to shore up her succession and place as heir, but it never happened. (This also occurs in the books, and its frustrating). I also get pissed off how everyone is like "omg her sons are bastards" like so WHAT? Laenor accepted Jace, Luke, and Joffrey as his sons. Corlys and Rhaenys accepted those boys as their grandson's. Viserys accepted them as his grandson's. Their claim to the throne passes from RHAENYRA not their father. I get that "bastardry" is considered this huge tabboo, but honestly it's not that big of a deal? They've proven their Valyrian heritage by claiming dragons. Rhaenys in the books has black hair, she's related to the Baratheons, hell Rhaenyra's maternal grandfather is an Arryn, who had brown hair. I know it's Westeros and recessive genes aren't a thing but...honestly. what choice did Rhaenyra honestly have when it came to having children? She couldn't force Laenor into having sex with her if he wasn't interested. She isn't that type of person. She was honestly stuck between a rock and a hard place. Even if she slept with some Lysenne male whore with the valyrian look or Daemon to get "valyrian" children they wouldn't look like Laenor, who's black in the show, and it'd be the same thing. So why shouldn't she have fucked Harwin, a man she actually liked?

Viserys was pretty on brand the whole season, and I did end up loving him beyond reason even though he's a shit king and even worse father.

Daemon swiftly became my favourite character for a plethora of reasons. It became clear that Daemon doesn't truly want the throne or the title of King, as he's bored to tears with politicking and he'd resort to cutting off heads, and it seems that Daemon is self-aware enough to realise this, and his one true ambition is to protect his brother, his king, and his family. Evident in how he defends himself in the throne room before he's exiled. He wants nothing more than to protect his brother, and he sees Otto's ambitions and schemes for what they are, and how Viserys is taken advantage of by the council. I liken Daemon to a rebellious kid who acts out for attention, because it's the only time he'll get attention, even if it's not necessarily good attention. He's desperate for approval, desperate for his family's love, and he will do anything - even monstrous things - to ensure he succeeds in defending his kin. He's not a good person, not by a long shot, but he's fundamentally the type of man whose a born protector and defender. He will bear the negative connotations and vitriol against his name if it means those he loves (and is unable to show it because he thinks showing emotions makes one weak, e.g Viserys) are safe and protected. He doesn't chase Rhaenyra for the power she'd bring him by being her king Consort, but because he genuinely likes her. If all he wanted was power, he'd have gone through with his plan in the brothel (his true plan was revenge against Viserys for his exile, as stated by the showrunners and writers, not to force a marrage), but he couldn't. He refused to debase her, even if word reached Otto and Viserys and he was once more exiled. He wouldn't have raised an army to support Viserys' claim at the council, nor would he have defended Rhaenyra and her sons by killing Vaemond. He wouldnt have looked so utterly devastated by Laena's death. The showrunners have really tried to make us hate daemon by cutting scenes where he shows his softer side (hugging Baela and Rhaena, mourning Viserys and Visenya on the beach) but Matt Smith is so brilliant that we see his softer side in subtle moments: when he comforts Rhaenyra at Aemma's pyre, when he refuses to cut Laena open to save his son, when he stammers upon seeing viserys' condition, how he snaps at Alicent about Viserys' health, when he strokes baby Viserys' head, how he strokes Rhaenyra's belly, when he helps Viserys onto the throne and places his crown back on his head, his expression when rhaenys tells he and rhaenyra that viserys is dead. When he's the first to kneel to rhaenyra and proclaim her his queen. I just love this nuanced, emotionally repressed, angry little bean so much.

Otto, a second son like Daemon, however, is Daemon's antitheses. He doesn't grasp for power for anyone but himself. He wants his daughter to be queen no matter how she feels about it because it brings him power and prestige. He wants his grandson to be king not to protect the realm, but because it will bring him power. He doesn't care that show!aegon is a drunken rapist. To Otto, Aegon's the perfect puppet king to further his own power. He knows war will follow no matter who is crowned, but war is okay if it's to keep aegon on the throne, and not rhaenyra. He suggested her as heir to get rid of Daemon because he knows Daemon is a terrible advisary to have. He never intended to let Rhaenyra be queen; she was his place holder to get rid of Daemon. He knows Rhaenyra and Daemon are uncontrollable as puppet rulers, and that's what Otto desires. Jaehaerys was too ill to be a king when Otto was named Hand, Viserys was a weak king and easy to manipulate, and so will Aegon be...for a time.

Otto and Daemon are two sides of the same coin to me, personally. Otto wants power for himself by any means necessary, and Daemon wants to protect his family's power by any means necessary.

All in all, the show is fine and entertaining. The characters are magnificent, the actors do a brilliant job bringing them to life, but it lacks the air of personal ambition that game of thrones does. In GOT, everyone wants something and is willing to kill for it. In HotD everyone is puppet-like and going through the motions of what's laid out before them. Like, yeah, Otto is ambitious but it doesn't really scream "game of thrones" ambition that we saw in agot. I know the moral of hotd is how men a stupid and the patriarchy is an insidious thing that, in medieval time, will treat women like shit...but in agot we have female characters like catelyn, cersei, brienne, daenerys, yara, olenna tyrell, and maegaery who have this sort of viciousness to them and ambition to actually force the men of the patriarchy to listen to them.

I love the women of hotd - except alicent - and I hope to see that vicious ambition and strength from them in season 2, because it was lacking in s1. I reckon we will, because the war will be all-out in s2. I'm looking forward to it.

#hotd review #hotd #house of the dragon #daemon targaryen #rhaenyra targaryen #rhaenys targaryen velaryon #matt smith #emma d'arcy #alicent hightower #olivia cooke #asoiaf #meta #game of thrones #agot #otto hightower #viserys i targaryen #daenerys targaryen #got #me

[onewomancitadel]

The Dune series is actually an interesting question of misogynistic writing because... I think it's a whole lot more complicated at first glance than it seems (its homophobia is probably more cut-and-dry, even with the lesbianism Leto II accepts amongst his Fish Speakers - Duncan Idaho objects to it, and presumably this is the more 'moral' position). I actually think the writing of a lot of his female characters, even his tragic ones, is very humanistic, even when there are some weirder and stranger ideas he's exploring - actually because of that. His artistic ideas clearly take priority to the point that I think it overcomes even some of the finer regressive points or intimations of such. Further, there really is very little sexual violence in the books. Duncan Idaho is a womaniser, but women desire him. The 2021 adaptation of the first half of Dune actually made a sexual threat to Jessica more explicit. The rape of an enslaved boy by the Baron, who looks like Feyd Rautha, happens offscreen and is implied. It's monstrous, of course, and decidedly homophobic in its implications - for the bare fact of making it more prominent when the sexual violence against women isn't, I think. But that aside, we do have examples of lovemaking offscreen in Dune (which is easier to achieve in writing than film) and the contrast of that to, say, Irulan wanting an heir.

So often it is said that sexual violence is 'realistic', but healthy sexual relationships are, by virtue, apparently not - the inclusion of them doesn't enter the conversation. I think that I would rather take a series largely absent of sexual violence than I would something which comes with graphic sex scenes. At the very least, I would prefer that sexual violence is balanced by positive depictions of sex - people can critique a gore-a-thon, I think it's fair to critique the overuse of sexual violence. (E.g. if we had a scene of Jessica and Leto making love, I would have been more alright with the book change otherwise made - which actually also minimises Jessica trying to use sexuality as control, which was not ideal in the book but definitely different in activity/tone. Why is it okay to insert the threat of sexual violence against women when I think it's evident they're trying to 'fix' gender/sexuality/race problems with Dune?)

I know this isn't a popular camp for the 'old sci-fi is universally regressive' crowd, and I think having been an avid sci-fi reader in general means I've read some reaaaaally bad stuff, but I think that Dune is a great example of where his actual ideas are not necessarily held back in realisation of his female characters. Jessica's ambition (later retconned to love, for thematic reasons in relation to Leto II, methinks) and her interference in creating the kwisatz haderach is an enormous choice which has enormous impact on the world of Dune, and similarly her carrying Alia is a major narrative event. It's not something she's shuffled off to the side for - but she's also not just the womb-bearer, she's actually more than that, and it's related to, and transgressive of, the Bene Gesserit politicking. She's probably my second favourite character in the books. Mother, yes, but leagues more than that. Even Alia's tragedy is not something that happens to her because she's female, it's because she's an Abomination; her monstrousness is not something that is just the hysteria of being female.

Let alone the fact that both Paul and Leto II actually transcend gender in some way, in ways which are honestly really interesting and if not better than a lot of male characters now lol.

So when I think about ideas which transcend misogyny, or good writing which can transcend misogyny even with issues in the work, Dune is an example in my head.

#duneposting #stirring the pot

[danwhobrowses]

House of the Dragon Eps 3&4 - Review

So last week I was swamped by videos, and poor internet, so I had decided since I did the first two in one so I might as well follow suit

so here I am...swamped by videos, and poor internet. Fate is cruel but so is House of the Dragon, so let's see how these next two episodes fared

Spoilers for Eps 3 and 4

So, I liked the third episode, fourth not so much.

Understandable to carry the plot along for conflict of course but it doesn't make the character action and reaction any less frustrating.

I'll start with Rhaenyra, because our main lady and heir to the throne is a confusing one. I like her character, and I understand how she feels burdened because when she feels unburdened she feels more joyous and vibrant. But in most of eps 3 and 4 she feels like she's being petty and stubborn for the sake of being petty and stubborn; pouting under the weirwood and forcing Allicent to pull rank, saying 'no-one's here for me' when at her brother's second birthday as if attention is meant to be on her, sulking on a bench when Daemon doesn't talk to her, it all felt counteractive to the last episode. Granted, she did have fears that she would be replaced by Aegon, and she called out her father about Laena, but she also in ep.2 understood the responsibility and duty of marrying to a highborn house, so while she certainly shouldn't have wed Jason Lannister and his smarmy creeper ass, she still acts like it's being thrown on her despite the fact that she had blanked her father for years. I liked the White Hart analogy - although I did hate that Viserys killed the non-white one, as thematic as it was - but it does at least show support for her rightful place as heir. Episode 4 was an uncomfortable one for both parties, for Rhaenyra it's not exactly been a secret that the princess' standards in men are Daemon-oriented, if Ser Criston lost the joust I doubt she would have shown any interest in him. Viserys is right though, Rhaenyra is not as innocent as Allicent hopes she would be, what is unsettling is that she would have had he not stopped.

The time jump did not work in episode 3's favour there either, I find it hard to believe that Viserys and Rhaenyra didn't discuss succession for 2 whole years, meaning this tension does feel unbelievable. The gaps do feel like a missed opportunity too, especially for episode 4 where Allicent and Rhaenyra have somehow settled their tension.

On the matter of the Hightowers, Allicent sadly did take a back seat, but she at least maintained her role as being a person with the realm's best intentions, even in episode 4 when the rumor flows she opts to believe and protect Rhaenyra - which could lead to their rift even more - meanwhile her father suffered from poetic irony. His ambitions to put his grandson on the throne by suggesting that Rhaenyra wed Aegon were sickly, but in the end it was a somewhat true rumor that he rightfully reports that causes him to finally be kicked out. Perhaps this could lead to house Strong getting some love, since we've seen Harwin twice now and the lame one whose name escapes me once, Lyonel as well seems to be the only one giving Viserys good advice too.

Before we get to the main man, I wanna talk about Viserys. Because I thought he was fantastic in episode 3, Paddy Condisine expertly played Viserys in his sense of doubt, you could literally see how much he was physically and mentally drowning under the weight of the crown and its 'ceaseless politicking', and yet reluctant to waver on removing Rhaenyra as heir. His speech by the bonfire was particularly great, but in ep.4 he did somewhat regress, part of which could be by the influence of his brother turning him into a teenage frat boy again, up until the rumor where the burdens come back. Around the end when laying down the law I'm kinda on his side, he has been more than fair to her given the systems and traditions set in this universe, he also proves himself more perceptive than we gave him credit for in episode 4, noting how more aware he was of Hightower's machinations.

So let's talk Daemon. In episode 3 he was great, albeit at the expense of the Crabfeeder - who we could've seen more of had we not been time jumping, you could write essays of his body language when he receives Viserys' message; frustration, humiliation, but in some ways a twinge of relief that his family still cares about him, culminating in his leeroy jenkins moment - which I doubt was part of Laenor's plan (on Laenor quickly, why wasn't he an option in episode 2?) but worked that way - which wins the war. In episode 4 things go downhill for Daemon though, often he dances the line of hero and villain but here he was much more villain, having matched the same stubborn and petty energy that Rhaenyra has. It's possible that his intent was simply to show his niece that there's more to living than solitude, but like Rhaenyra he does take it too far and he literally has to force himself to stop. He could've easily refuted the accusation though, but stubborn and petty, he'd sooner get under his brother's skin than simply set his mind at ease. I don't like the haircut either; reminds me too much of his time in the Doctor Who but he's doing gross thing, I dunno if the showrunners were planning on making him look like a 'pathetic little meow meow' to soften the whole 'congratulations you almost tried to fuck your niece' angle but it didn't work for me. In terms of hero/villain balance, Daemon was hero in 3 and villain in 4.

Our ending is interesting though, because when the rumor came about my first thought was 'even back then they did kinda have ways to check', right now Viserys has laid a conundrum on Rhaenyra: if she drinks the morning after tea then she quietly confesses that her maidenhead was taken, regardless of whether it was Daemon or not, and this will dismantle Allicent's and Viserys' trust in her, if she doesn't though she risks falling pregnant which'll also expose her, so it is a cunning cliffhanger to leave on. Four episodes in though and the tension has only been mounting to a small bubble, soon the pot is bound to overflow.

#house of the dragon season 1 #house of the dragon spoilers #house of the dragon #house targaryen #hotd #hotd spoilers #fire and blood #the dance of the dragons #rhaenyra targaryen #daemon targaryen #king viserys targaryen #allicent hightower #otto hightower #criston cole #house hightower #matt smith #milly alcock #emily carey #paddy considine #rhys ifans

[darthmarrsgf]

3, 10, 24, 27, 30, 33 for any OC you'd like :) if this is too many questions feel free to pick your favorites!

omg omg ok. ok. we've got this. we've been training for this. (cracking my knuckles and whipping open my laptop bc this is too much to type on mobile...) i think i'll probably rotate through a couple blorbos for this one!

3. What is something they really like about themselves and what is something you really like about them?

Unayah (my Inquisitor/Darth Imperius/babygirl/perfect angel, etc. etc.) - I think something that Naya really likes about herself is the lengths she's willing to push herself to get what she wants. I think she genuinely thinks (knows?) that she really is Built Different—while others are short-sighted and let themselves get bogged down in Sith grandstanding and politicking, she sees that getting too comfortable is a mistake and a limitation. I think that's what I like about her, too. Her ambition stretches beyond complacency; she'll do whatever she has to in order to attain true freedom, even if it's uncomfortable, painful, or contradictory to what the Sith have taught her. I have kind of a version of a conversation I think she had with her mother before they were separated that I toy with in my head—she told her daughter that even if she became a Sith, she didn't have to let herself lose her most important and human characteristics. She's never forgotten who she is and where she came from, and she uses that to her advantage.

Sohlara (Consular) - I think Sohl would speak positively of her own candor, and, kind of like Unayah, the deep reserve of grit and mental toughness that she keeps kind of intentionally concealed from others. I just always think of the mental load that the Consular's mission would have required of them, and I think she accepts that duty so readily because she knows it's right, but she also knows that she can. I think I've kind of funneled a lot of little bits and pieces of my own likes/dislikes into her but I really admire how unflappable she is, which is not a trait that I share, lol. I think her attunement with the Force makes her very confident that things will simply work out the way they're supposed to if she moves through them with the best of herself. I also really love her relationships and friendships with others, like the deep and genuine respect she and Qyzen have for each other and how tolerant and eager she is to learn from others' perspectives.

24. How do they relax? Is that a solitary activity, a group activity, or both?

Unayah has never relaxed a day in her life so jot that down (jk jk). This is a good question... I think she would really take advantage of her newfound freedom to get completely lost in reading/researching whenever she had the free time. I think she would also get a kick out of skulking around seedy bars with her surly pirate husband, just for old times' sake.

Sohl is definitely that kid who was like sitting crosslegged or walking aimlessly in circles around the outfield watching clouds and/or picking grass during recess (me). I think she would relax by doing some kind of active meditation outside, especially on Odessen once all the evil Force ghosties have vacated the premises.

27. What is their romance’s theme song?

When I tell you I have PLAYLISTS...

I think for Unayah/Andronikos it would be Sunlight by Hozier from my perspective, and For Your Love by Maneskin from his lol, both for pretty self-explanatory reasons. For Sohl/Theron, I associate them both so deeply with Who's Gonna Love Me Now by Cold War Kids, because it's generally a song about your life not turning out the way you were told it's supposed to and wondering... who's gonna love me now? And in their case, it's the person who's had sort of the eerily opposite life trajectory that fate keeps throwing you together with to run absolutely batshit missions <3

30. What is their love language?

Ooh this is also such a good one. I think for Naya it'd be physical touch, because feeling grounded and in control of her body is extra important after all the shit she's been through. For Sohl, I think either acts of service or quality time. She loved and valued her Jedi upbringing and how communal it was, but because of that, she secretly really likes feeling like someone is spending a little extra effort just for her.

33. What is their favourite color? And which colors do they like to wear the most?

Okay SO I made so many slay outfits for Sohl and then I randomly got the remnant underworld consular chest piece and put it on her. It is lichrally so boring and brown but something about it just feels so perfect for her. My girl is utilitarian. She loves the poncho vibes it's giving and so do I. Idk. I love it so much. In general I think she's def a neutrals girl and prefers not to draw attention to herself or her status through her clothes. (UNLESS... it's Relics of the Gree and then it's blue scalene armor all day every day.) I think her fave colors are definitely very earthy greens and aquatic blues.

Naya is a purple girl which is def me projecting but I LOVE a purple lightsaber and purple lightning. She mostly wears black with occasional, subtle, slightly threatening pops of gold, purple, and red.

HEHE THANK YOU FOR ASKING!!!!!! this was so fun! <3

#swtor #my ocs #blorbo posting #oc: sohlara #oc: unayah